finding your pace

one thing we want to teach our youngsters in the rsr program is to find the pace that works for them. the ability to identify "what works for you" is challenging even for adults. there are a couple of running exercises in the program that help kids learn the difference between pushing and pacing. often with the 8-13 yr old age group, kids start off pushing as hard as they can and then get tired before they complete their distance goal. when we teach kids to listen to their bodies and find "what works for them," we are giving them tools for running and for life.

whether their goal is to run the 5k, walk the 5k, or any combination of the two, we encourage them to set the goal and achieve it... pacing themselves throughout the training and on their final 5k run.

i had my own challenge with pace today. i had a 6-mile recovery run after my 18-mile distance run over the weekend. i found that i kept speeding up to my regular pace, when with a recovery run you are supposed to run 1-2 min slower than your regular pace. recovery is so important in training. i slowed down, i enjoyed, i recovered. then, i felt the parallel in my day as well: parenting, working, embracing, enjoying.

on a personal note:

today's marathon training called for a 16-miler. as i pushed during the harder miles, i felt motivated by the overwhelming response we've had from communities to bring Ready, Set, Run to their kids. the burst of energy that comes in envisioning girls & boys feeling more confident and better about themselves because of what they're able to achieve through this training and this curriculum is like instant adrenaline. our pilot sites shared amazing stories about kids running with other kids to help them cross the 5k finish line, applause breaking out from the football team who was practicing near them, individual kids commenting on how much their confidence has grown and how they can't wait to do it again (and faster!) next season. i cannot wait to continue getting communities signed up and get more kids running!

today i celebrated you guys:

Versailles-Woodford Co Parks & Rec

Performance! Youth Sports in Riverside CA

Cheney Recreation Commission

Quantico MCCS Youth Sports

Oconee County Recreation

JB Charleston Youth Programs

City of Tamarac

Kadena Youth Sports and Fitness (Japan)

MacDill Air Force Base Youth Center

Dept of Defense Dependents Schools (Germany)

City of Old Town Recreation Commission

Washington County Recreation Dept

Tule River Tribal Council

Iowa City Recreation Division

Fort Sill Youth Sports

FUSION in Royston GA

Richfield City Parks and Rec

Charlotte County Parks and Rec

Lajes AFB (Portugal)

KidSports

West Valley City Family Fitness Center

CYSS Red Cloud (Korea)

SO COOL!

one of our pilot sites out of redwood city, ca has been nominated for a 2011 Spotlight Award by the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports!! this is a huge compliment to ready, set, run and the awesome community in redwood city. erin brought the program to her community with enthusiasm, organization, and efficiency. kudos!

vote for erin and ready, set, run here!