My Running Moment: After Sports

Note: This fall, the Ready, Set, Run! blog has featured a series of guest posts called “My Running Moment: _______.” This series of personal submissions has allowed guest writers to share their personal running stories, with the hope that their running stories will be a source of great encouragement to those who read this blog. If you are interested in contributing, please email Jeanne (jnielson@nays.org). 

My Running Moment: After Sports

I liked basketball. OK, I loved basketball. And, I still do. But, unfortunately, I’m now “on the other side” of the peak of my basketball career…if you can even call it that. I played through high school and, while I wasn’t a Division I talent, was fortunate enough to play college basketball at the Division III level. I loved every minute of it, and tried my best to get the most out of my talent. They were great years!
 

Then, after 4 years of college basketball, all of a sudden it was over. Just like that…no more games, no more fans cheering, and no more grueling practices with teammates. While I still like to play hoops now and then, it will never be like it was back then. So, basketball became something in my life – a place of exercise, physical exertion, and fun – that needed to be replaced with something else.
 

As a basketball player, I never thought of myself as a “runner,” or even a person who thought much about personal health and fitness. Even though I ran countless sprints in practice, I never really thought of basketball as “running.” When I stopped playing, though, I began to realize how much I liked just being active. How good it made me feel to run – to exercise in a regular way. And so, I did something I never thought I’d do: I started running. Not a lot, and not necessarily every day. But…running. Just for fun.
 

Running has now, more and more, become a normal part of my life – something that I do for exercise, health, and pure enjoyment. I try to run 2-3 times a week, often pushing my little girl in her jogging stroller. I’ve even run a marathon with my (more serious runner!) wife! While I probably won’t ever play basketball again in front of thousands of fans, I’m thankful that regular exercise and healthy living haven’t disappeared from my life. I can always run. And I hope I’ll be running for many years to come.


-Jon

My Running Moment: Began as a Child

Note: This fall, the Ready, Set, Run! blog is featuring a series of guest posts called “My Running Moment: _______.” This series of personal submissions will allow guest writers to share their personal running stories, with the hope that their running stories will be a source of great encouragement to those who read this blog. If you are interested in contributing, please email Jeanne (jnielson@nays.org). 

My Running Moment: Began as a Child

My running moment began as a child. Growing up, being active and exercising was part of my daily routine. My dad is a high school football coach and athletic director, so going to sporting events every night was my life. Being active was really not an option. My first memories of "running" were with my mom - as a rider first, in a jogger, and later on as a runner. We spent endless hours as a family running and walking around the track while Dad finished up with practice.
 

My mom devoted the majority of her life to raising her children. I am the second of four kids and I am so thankful for the example my parents gave of what a family should look like. Some of my greatest memories as a kid were in my mom’s jogging stroller for hours as she ran. As I got older, those runs turned into bike rides, and eventually running next to her. Over the years, these runs/walks have been filled with conversations that I am forever grateful for now as an adult.
 

However, I will say I never have considered myself a runner. Thanks to my sister-in-law, my runs have become a lot more regular as we recently ran a marathon together. But, if I had to sum up one single running moment it would be very hard. I would have to say it has, more or less, been a life spent thankful for the example set for me at an early age that exercise is important and can be enjoyed as a gift.
 

Currently, running is my release. Working full time and being a wife feels like enough responsibility for now. Running is a reason to put everything aside and just get away to think, chat with a friend, or just go.
 

Not a day goes by that I am not grateful for the blessing it is for me to be able to run and enjoy being outside!  Running has always been part of my life and I hope will continue to be something I can enjoy for many years to come.

Lyndee Biles Nielson

nyc marathon & Sandy

I have been blessed to enjoy (or mostly enjoy) running several different marathons so far in my life. Let me tell you, those marathons were a BIG deal to me. I trained for them faithfully and consistently. I had the marathon date circled on my calendar - months before it actually came. Friends trained with me and came to support me during the races. The marathon - both the training for it and the actual race - occupied a lot of "space" in my life. And that was a good thing!

Still, there are days when we all need to remember that running is not just about...running. It's about life. There's a danger in anything we love - a danger that it will become an obsession, and not just a wonderful part of life that we enjoy and cherish with friends. The marathons I have run have played a big part in my life, but they do not DEFINE my life. My life is not defined by running any more than it is defined by food, entertainment, or a nice pair of shoes! Running and other forms of exercise are meant to ENRICH our lives, not become an obsession that takes away from living life with people we love.

Last weekend, the city of New York made a statement along these same lines. They did something that would have been unthinkable, even a month ago: they cancelled the New York City Marathon. In light of the damage, destruction, and suffering caused by Hurricane Sandy, they decided to prioritize in a different direction than a race. People, money, other resources - these should, at least on this week, be directed primarily to help those who have lost so much in the past few days. New York City, as much at is loves its marathon, made a statement that it cares about people even more. It's not just about running. Running isn't just about running. It's about life.

My Running Moment: My First Run, Again

Note: This fall, the Ready, Set, Run! blog is featuring a series of guest posts called “My Running Moment: _______.” This series of personal submissions will allow guest writers to share their personal running stories, with the hope that their running stories will be a source of great encouragement to those who read this blog. If you are interested in contributing, please email Jeanne (jnielson@nays.org). 

 

My Running Moment: My First Run, Again

I started running consistently in 2008, when my husband and I got the completely wild notion that we were going to run the Chicago Marathon. I should point out that before that time, I had never been much of an athlete. In fact, I had pretty much failed at every sport I ever tried. Back to 2008. It was a truly crazy time in our lives. We were both working full time and in the middle of adopting our daughter. Our training was going fairly well, until I sprained my ankle on Christmas morning, which is a whole other story. With a bum ankle and winter, training came to a screeching halt. We never ran that marathon, but that was really the starting point for my love of running.

A year later, our adoption process was complete and my ankle was healed, but the training never picked up. I realized that I had to do something. So, I SLOWLY started running again, as well as adding in other workouts. This time, I had to balance that with being a mom. During the months that followed, I quickly learned that I loved the feeling that came after running (or working out) much more than not running.  I loved the “runner’s high” so much, that I started training and competing in triathlons. I wasn’t fast or winning any races, but I loved running and racing. I loved the challenge of running and adding up the miles. I loved finishing what I never thought I could.

In the fall of 2011, I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. With his birth, I looked forward being able to run again. However, I had significant complications with his birth, and wasn’t sure if I would ever be able to run again.

After months of physical therapy, weight lifting and patience, the day arrived when I felt like I could try running. I climbed on the treadmill, set my pace and started running. I was running! And, it felt amazing! That day, my first run after over a year of not running, felt magical. I only ran a mile, but I was running.

In the months that have followed that first run, I have been able to continue running, as well as train for triathlons again.  That run has also taught me to:

 

-                      Set goals. Whether they are big or small, having something to work towards gives such a sense of accomplishment when I reach it. I love being able to raise the bar higher and higher on what I hope to accomplish.

-                      Believe in yourself. Running is as much physical as it is mental. Believe that you can accomplish your goals and complete what you set out to do. If you tell yourself that you cannot do something, you won’t do it.

 

Happy Running!

Charity Cunningham

My Running Moment: Philadelphia 2011

Note: This fall, the Ready, Set, Run! blog  is featuring a series of guest posts called “My Running Moment: _______.” This series of personal submissions will allow guest writers to share their personal running stories, with the hope that their running stories will be a source of great encouragement to those who read this blog. If you are interested in contributing, please email Jeanne (jnielson@nays.org). 

My Running Moment: Philadelphia 2011

I love to run because for me running is an adventure!  Whether I’m running a new route around my neighborhood, in another state or in another country, I love the thrill and excitement that running brings when I can experience new things.  Traveling by plane, car or bike is great, but I feel like I really soak in the place when I’m on my own two feet running around – plus it’s a chance to feel like a kid again!

 

In training for a fall marathon I was able to experience the shifting of the seasons from a hot summer to the changing leaves and the cooler fall.  Some rain and snow mixed in along the way all helped to add to the adventure.  There’s nothing better than running along a tree lined path with that fall smell in the air and the crunch of leaves beneath my feet.  But most of all the Philadelphia Marathon highlighted the three biggest reasons why I love to run:

 

1. To go new places: as I mentioned, I like adventures and going to a brand new city to run a race is one of my favorites.  It’s so fun to run in a new city and take in the scenery and Philadelphia did not disappoint.  From running by the Art Institute where Rocky famously ran the steps, to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Zoo, along the Schuylkill River and more, the race course was full of things to see and cheering people along the way.  Plus, being fueled by some of Philly’s delicious fresh, homemade pasta from the market the night before, it was bound to be a great run!

2. To push myself: this marathon was the fastest time I have ran to date, but it was by far the most painful run as well.  My training was great and I was ready to go but it was an uncharacteristically warm and sunny day in late November and I was really starting to feel it already by mile 16.  However, having trained so hard and being on a good pace to finish, I pushed through mile by mile straining for the next water stop and finally the finish line.  I learned that day that the body is an amazing thing and can go much farther than I thought. I had run 4 marathons before this one, but on this day I was elated to know I truly gave it my best effort and had nothing left in the tank. 

3. To inspire others:  I love meeting new people at races; everyone has a great story of how they ended up there.  Best of all, at this race I got to stay with a friend who lives in the city and she came with me to see the race and cheer me on.  It was the first race she had ever been to and she was hooked – she loved cheering for all of the runners and the camaraderie of thousands of people pushing themselves and encouraging each other at the same time.  It’s pretty overwhelming to have 35,000 people running through the streets of Philadelphia at 7 am with smiles on their faces and nervous excitement in the air.  Since then she has been inspired to run herself…6 days a week for 3-4 miles at a time.  And she even likes it; amazing for someone who had never run regularly before.  Most people don’t think they can do it so they never try because they don’t want to fail.  But having someone they know taking a chance encourages them to step out of their comfort zone and try it as well.  As I found out, this was so rewarding for both her and me!  

There are so many reasons I run and too many memorable races to relive here.  I urge you to set a goal, find a race you want to sign up for and go for it; I guarantee you’ll have a great story to tell at the end of it all.  You will find out more about yourself than you ever thought and maybe even inspire some friends to come with you on the journey along the way.  Best of luck and happy running!

 

Nicole Calvin

healthy & active...together!

A lot of our blogs are about personal fitness – the importance of having a commitment as an individual to a life that is active, healthy, and balanced. And that'’s good! We all need to challenge ourselves toward greater levels of commitment, personally, in these areas. Health and active living won'’t just “happen.” We need to be going after it.

But, we want to remember, too, that one of the best ways to get into the good and healthy habits that make up an active lifestyle is to get there as a family. We don'’t do this alone; we shouldn'’t have to! A family can together make a decision to “set the tone” for what their family life will look like – either unhealthy and inactive, or something quite the opposite. Here are just a few suggestion to get you thinking about how your family can take some simple steps toward going after a healthy and active lifestyle together:

1. Watch less television.
It'’s great to have a few T.V. shows or sports teams that you watch together. But don'’t make family life all about the television. Limit it. Set parameters (on yourselves, too, parents!) for how often the television will be on during the day. Chances are, with the television turned off, you’re not going to spend all of your time sitting on the couch, with nothing to watch! Treat the TV. as a “special” treat, not as a constant presence.

2. Sit down and eat together – for as many meals as possible!
You'’ve all heard that the statistics point clearly to the healthy benefit of eating a few solid meals in a day, rather than unhealthy snacking all the time. One easy way to move in that direction is to sit down, gather around the table, and eat meals together.  Eat at the table, not “on the run,” or standing around in the kitchen. Make meal time family time, and limit the unhealthy snacking tendency.

3. Make your own fun.
Parents (and kids!): get creative. Make a decision to do something together that you haven'’t tried before. Go to the gym all together, and play basketball. Take a jog/walk as a family in the park. Go on a bike ride. Explore a forest preserve, or walk around a lake together. A key part of making new habits as a family will be breaking the old ones (especially if they include sitting around watching T.V. every evening). Make a drastic change, and do something fun and active – together.

4. Start habits early.
If you'’re a parent of young children, you have a major advantage! You can start now, so that your kids grow up being used to a family that eats healthy, stays active, and does both exercise and fun activities together. When the weather is warm, make a family tradition out of an after-dinner walk. In the winter, head to your local gym every Saturday morning together, or go for a hike in the woods. It'’s easier to set the course now, then change it later!

Doing this together as a family is only going to strengthen your individual resolve to eat healthy, stay active, and live well. So, next time you find yourselves standing around and snacking before an evening of several hours planted in front of the television… -reconsider! Sit down as a family. Look each other in the eye and talk. And then head out to do something active and fun together.

My Running Moment: Disneyland 2011

Note: This fall, the Ready, Set, Run! blog will feature a series of guest posts called “My Running Moment: _______.” This series of personal submissions will attempt to allow guest writers to share their personal running stories, with the hope that their running stories will be a source of great encouragement to those who read this blog. If you are interested in contributing, please email Jeanne (jnielson@nays.org). 

My Running Moment:  Disneyland 2011

Last September I ran my first ever half-marathon. I had never really thought about running for fun until I made the decision that in order to stay healthy I needed to start moving! As a former collegiate athlete I always ran because I had to stay in playing shape. When college ended I felt that I had done enough running for a lifetime. After a few years I realized that I had made an unhealthy decision. I was lethargic and unhappy.

While talking with some of my friends I found that they felt the same way. We decided that together we were going to change our habits. Our goal was to train together and hold each other accountable for healthy living. With that, our goal of running in a half-marathon was born and in September we traveled to the happiest place on earth and completed our first half-marathon. Since then, I have continued in my healthy choices and have been able to run in another half-marathon and even went so far as to run a full marathon!

How I Did It:

1. Partner Up – Find support from friends and family. Having training partners is wonderful. They keep you accountable to stick to a schedule. On days when you can’t run together call a friend/family member to say when you will start, when you want to finish, and what pace you want to run at; at the end of the run check back in to share your progress.

2. Set Realistic Goals – As I trained, I set many goals. I made sure that they were attainable and would motivate me on my journey. It is really easy to just think of an end result, but you have to plan on how to get there. Each time I met a goal I made a new one. You will be surprised at how much you can accomplish in a short amount of time.

3. Make It Fun – Yes, I ran with friends at Disneyland, but that is not the only fun that I had. I ran in my neighborhood, at the gym, and also found new places to run around my community. I would also play games while I ran. Not every run is easy so you have to make it fun! I would challenge myself to run through three songs or I would set distance challenges.

I started running to challenge myself to make better choices and to live a healthier lifestyle. I found out that I really enjoy it. It challenges me and makes me stronger physically and mentally. Like most things that are hard, they have lasting impacts. I didn’t only change part of my life I changed all of it. I have been able to apply the above three steps to other parts of my life with great success. When faced with a challenge at work or home I find a support group, set goals, and make it fun. Who knew that when I started this journey I would be rewarded with so much! My “running moment” has become a running lifestyle.

Kristie Birkenstock

lessons learned lately

Last Sunday, I ran the Chicago Half-Marathon, just a couple of months after having our second little girl.  For me, running 13.1 miles is no small challenge!  And, if I'm honest, I have to admit that I was a little bit nervous.  I wasn't sure how my body would respond to that distance.  I wasn't sure that I'd be ready for that kind of challenge.

As soon as my doctor cleared me to run after having the baby, I went after preparations for the race.  I stuck with it - running on days when I felt like running...and on days when I didn't feel like running.  I committed to eating healthy food, to support my recovery from pregnancy and my training for the race.  I slowly built up the mileage, in order to get ready for the full 13.1 miles.

On race day, an amazing thing happened: everything was GREAT.  The run went according to plan!  A dear friend ran with me, and we enjoyed a beautiful run along Lake Michigan on a cool, crisp, and clear Chicago morning.  I was so excited about how well it went!  But then I began to think...
I shouldn't be so amazed that the run went so well.  Now, of course, there are sometimes surprising injuries, cramps, and other things you can't prepare for during a race.  But, I trained diligently - and accomplished what I intended to.  I shouldn't have  been shocked; the race went well because I had put in the hours to get ready for it.  It went the way it was supposed to go...and that made it a lot of fun!

This experience in the past week has gotten me thinking, so I want to offer you a few lessons that I've been learning through running lately:

*CONSISTENCY IS KEY
Lets be honest--there are days when we don't feel like running.  The key for me was running on the "good" days...and the "bad" days.  Sticking with it.  Whether it's running, eating healthier, or making other positive lifestyle choices, the ultimate key is consistency.  Running, specifically, is about so much more than speed, strength, or natural ability.  More than anything else, running rewards those who just go out and do it - with consistent commitment.  I wasn't the fastest person in the Half-Marathon last week.  But the consistency of my preparation meant that I didn't have a "freak out" moment.  I enjoyed a run that was the result of consistent preparation.

*PATTERNS CREATE HABITS
Starting a new commitment is always hard.  Some days, it will feel like you're fighting every impulse in your body to get out for a run, or to say no to an unhealthy snack that isn't a part of your commitment to healthy eating.  This "battle" can go on for a while!  But, a commitment to new patterns in life starts to do something.  Over time, those patterns begin to solidify...and become regular parts of your life.  They turn into HABITS.  Running becomes just something that you do.  It's less of a battle, and more of a "normal" thing.  It takes time to get there, but that's the fruit of changing your patterns.  It does get easier!

*HABITS LEAD TO GROWTH
We've got to remember, too, that consistently setting patterns that turn into habits eventually leads to growth.  That's when things get really fun.  You run a race at a distance that you never thought possible.  You live with healthy choices like you never have before.  GROWTH happens.  And it's not a mystery!  Consistent commitment in the same direction will eventually lead to lasting habits, which will bring growth and accomplishment.  As you start the process of change, remember your end goal.  Go after it, and don't forget that your efforts are going somewhere!
Today, go after it!  Start being consistent about something you've been wanting to pursue - going for a run, changing eating habits, or pursuing a more active lifestyle.  Set some patterns, and enjoy watching those solidify into habits.  Then, get ready for growth.  That's the fun part!

My Running Moment: Chicago 2011

Note: This fall, the Ready, Set, Run! blog will feature a series of guest posts called “My Running Moment: _______.” This series of personal submissions will attempt to allow guest writers to share their personal running stories, with the hope that their running stories will be a source of great encouragement to those who read this blog.  If you are interested in contributing, please email Jeanne (jnielson@nays.org). 

 

My Running Moment: Chicago 2011

In October 2011, on a beautiful, warm, sunny day, I ran the Chicago Marathon.  It wasn’t my fastest marathon ever, and it certainly wasn’t my easiest one, but in some ways, it was the best one yet.  I ran that marathon as a mom of a beautiful 11-month-old, as a wife, and as an employee.  So, if this wasn’t my fastest or easiest marathon, what was so good about it?

1.      I ran because I love running.

 I obviously tried to do the best that I could, but as a 28-year-old mom, my finish time was not my first priority.  I ran for the fun of it.  I ran because I love using my body in a healthy way.  I ran because running is a great time for conversation with friends.  I ran because I enjoy getting up on Saturday mornings and going on long runs on the path by my house.  I ran because I love running with 45,000 other people through the streets of Chicago.  I ran, more than anything else, for the fun of it. 

2.      I set a goal and accomplished it.

Some goals in life are not as concrete as completing a marathon.  But a goal that includes completing a 26.2 mile race doesn’t leave much room for confusion: you either make it to the finish line, or you don’t.  Such a clear and focused goal is really very helpful- through the training, the discipline, and sometimes the fatigue.  But the bottom line is this:  the goal of the race (for me) was to finish.  And, while thousands of people finished ahead of me, and thousands more behind me, I felt the satisfaction of accomplishing that very specific goal. 

3.      The marathon was not an obsession, but a part of an already full life.

In the weeks leading up to the marathon, the race was certainly on my mind!  But, it wasn’t the only thing I was thinking about.  Raising a daughter, working a job, making dinner, being involved in our community… there are a lot of good things going on in my life.  Running is a joy, a breath of fresh air, and a gift; it is not an obsession.  I enjoy it most as it fits in to an already rich life. 

As you run, remember that – most of all – running is fun.  Set goals, do your best, and enjoy it!  That’s what I learned in my “running moment.”  I hope it’s helpful to you!

 

 

some thoughts on setting goals

Even if you never play an organized sport or compete for a championship, it’s important for every single one of us to aim for something as we pursue active lives of health, wellness, and fitness.  In fact, sometimes the biggest reason that people don’t get involved with running, for example, is that they don’t have a clear motivating factor in mind.  There’s no trophy.  No screaming crowd.  No screaming coach, pushing us forward.  Yet, there’s something that we can all use as motivation to become people who walk, run, and live lives of physical activity and health: goals.  Setting goals for yourself can be, in some ways, the best kind of motivation!  You’re holding yourself accountable to go after something – because it’s worth it.  With that in mind, here are just a few tips for you as you consider making some personal goals this school year in the area of running and physical fitness:

1.       Set REALISTIC goals.  You’re not going to get anywhere if you set yourself up for failure.  If you’ve never run a mile before, don’t set a goal of running 3 miles in 18 minutes!  That kind of goal will only create disappointment and frustration.  Set goals that you believe, after careful thought, are realistically achievable given your body, your time, and your situation.

2.       Set CHALLENGING goals.  There’s no point setting goals that will be a breeze to achieve!  To reach a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, you’ll need to set goals that will require some serious sweat and hard work to attain.  Challenge yourself.  Push yourself.  You’ll be glad you did!

3.       Find someone to HOLD YOU ACCOUNTABLE to work toward your goals.  Don’t keep your goals a secret!  You should set them on your own in a realistic way, but it will be very important to “let someone in” on your commitment.  If you’re committing to running a mile every day, then ask your friend to text you every morning to remind you to follow through on your commitment.  If your goal is to complete a 5K race, then sign a buddy up with you, and ask them to talk to you all the time about the race you’re going to run together.  Don’t try to do it all alone!

4.       CELEBRATE the completion of your goals.  Running a race – or just running every day for a week – may not be a big deal to some people.  But, if you completed your goal, it’s a big deal to you!  Celebrate a little bit.  Take satisfaction in meeting a goal that you set, especially if it took a lot of hard work and sweat to get there.

5.       Set NEW goals.  Don’t stop after you complete one set of goals.  Make it a practice!  It’s good to always be working toward something – whether in running, health, or life in general.  Be a person that is constantly setting realistic and challenging goals, meeting them, and then moving on to new ones.  Before you know it, you’ll be further along than you ever thought you would be!

I hope these have been helpful.  Remember, you can start by making some goals TODAY.  Don’t wait until tomorrow.  Set realistic goals.  Set challenging goals.  Find a friend, and tell him or her about your goals.  Then…go after them with everything you’ve got!

5 things: Olympics style.

"The Olympics are a wonderful metaphor for world cooperation, the kind of international competition that's wholesome and healthy, an interplay between countries that represents the best in all of us.”
- John Williams

As athletes from country after country file into the arena, dressed in colorful garb (as unique as the countries they represent), the diversity of the total picture continues to grow.  Different countries.  Different colors.  Different languages.  Brought together for two fabulous weeks.  I’m talking of course about the Olympic games.  You’ve probably been as glued to your television set as our family has!  So, what is it about this amazing gathering that captures our eyes...and grabs our hearts?  What is it about sport that has the capacity to bring so many drastically different peoples and cultures together like this?

First, sport speaks a common language.  It doesn’t take the same vocal vocabulary to appreciate and celebrate a powerful volleyball spike, to marvel at a perfect bullseye, or to revel in a long-awaited victory for a teenage gymnast.  Athletes and fans all over the world speak the language of sport; it’s a vocabulary that we all share, know, and love.

Second, sport exposes the range of human emotion.  Unlike almost any other area of life, the realm of athletics gives human beings exposure to the joy of victory, the struggle of competition, and, sometimes, the agony of defeat.  Everyone in the world understands the elation of a goal achieved...and the bitter pain of failure and loss.  In one game – one competition – sport exposes us to these dynamic and powerful emotions.

Third, sport – and especially the Olympics – comes to us inseparably tied to human stories.  I’m sure you’ve been as fascinated as I have by the stories of adversity, pain, setback, struggle, and growth of so many of the Olympic athletes.  Everyone has their own story...and they each bring them along to the great arena that is the Olympic games.  These stories go with the athletes as they run, shoot, lift, hit, and swim.  They motivate them, make them stronger, and bring meaning to their achievements.

Fourth, sport implies cooperation.  Competition, as fierce as it may be, takes place between people and countries who have gathered together and agreed to compete!  They compete according to a set of rules, and they do so for the sake of the beauty of sport.  The Olympic competitions give us a great picture of peace – even in the midst of struggle.

Fifth, and finally, sport brings health and fun to life.  Sports are not life in themselves.  There is much more to life than a big dive, a made basket, or a fast sprint.  And yet, sports contribute vitality and health to life.  They encourage us, inspire us, and enrich our understanding of life and humanity.

As you watch the Olympics conclude...enjoy the wonder of sport.  And I hope you make some room for exercise in your schedule, too, this week!

share!!

As some of you know, Ready, Set, Run! is a character-building running program that trains kids ages 8-13 to participate in a 5k run. This curriculum-based program equips kids with the physical training and goal-setting mentality needed to accomplish their running goals. Issues like enhancing confidence and self-esteem, respecting authority, dealing with peer pressure and fueling their bodies through proper nutrition are covered during a 12-week session.

As we at Ready, Set, Run! look toward the Fall, we would like to ask for your participation with a special project.  In the fall, the Ready, Set, Run! blog will begin to feature a series of guest posts called “My Running Moment: _______.”  This series of personal submissions will attempt to allow you to share your personal running stories, with the hope that these running stories will be a source of great encouragement to those who read this blog.

If you participated in RSR, do you have a special RSR story or memory from your time in the program that you would like to share?  Perhaps your running moment has to do with setting a goal and meeting it.  Maybe RSR taught you some valuable lessons about decision making and healthy living.  Perhaps the first time you ever ran a 5k was with RSR!  Whatever your story is, we want to hear it!
If you haven’t participated in a RSR program, we want to hear your running moment!  This series of guest submissions is open to all---please consider sharing your story!

If you are willing to contribute a personal submission to our blog, here are some guidelines and directions:

• Please include your name as you would like it to appear next to your contribution, the best email address to contact you (this will remain private), and a link to your personal blog (if applicable and if you would like it included). 

• Your title should fill in the blank.  For example:  “My Running Moment: Accomplishing My Goal.”

• Tell us your story! What is “your running moment?”  We can’t wait to read all about it! 

• Please keep from over-emphasizing the following:  competitive running, running to “look good”, using running simply as a weight loss mechanism, etc.  As Ready, Set, Run! is a running program for kids, we want to steer clear of any messaging that may have a negative impact on them.  At RSR, we try to stay focused on encouraging kids to set goals and to make healthy life decisions. 

Once you have completed your submission, please email to Jeanne at <jnielson(at)nays.org> by August 15th. When we know when your submission will be featured, we will email you in advance to let you know!

Thanks so much for being willing to consider this opportunity!  If you have any questions or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to email.  We look forward to hearing from you!

good stuff

hard-working, passionate, goal-oriented. 3 words we would all probably like said about us. 3 words that describe our new ready, set, run team member: jeanne. jeanne loves to run. jeanne loves to work towards a goal. and jeanne loves kids. could we ask for anything better?

i'm so proud to introduce you all to this gal. would you help me welcome her? <jnielson(at)nays.org> her plethora of experience includes:
soccer coach
girls running coach
teacher
director in fundraising
work in the non-profit world
and (probably most importantly) mother of 2 


i, for one, am so excited to work with jeanne. i'm even more excited to train for our next marathon together. this is an amazing step for ready, set, run and i speak for the both of us when i say, WE hope to work with you soon.

greenville, nc!

great story about one of our sites out of greenville, nc...

Ready, Set, Run! makes running fun at Greenville (N.C.) Rec and Parks

View All News Stories Youngsters in Greenville (N.C.) played games with some new friends on the track last spring. They may not have realized it, but they were preparing to run a 5k. Ready, Set, Run! is a unique youth running program that prepares children ages 8-13 to complete a 5k in 12 weeks. While they build endurance and stamina through play-based activities, the children also go through character development curriculum that equips them with the goal-setting mentality that will stay with them throughout life. Other topics covered include enhancing confidence and self-esteem, respecting authority, dealing with peer pressure and fueling their bodies with proper nutrition. “Children need to have fun and be active,” said Sophie Duncan, recreation assistant at the Greenville Recreation and Parks Department. “By adding the games approach to the program, the children are able to do so without concentrating strictly on agility and endurance training.” For example, one of the games they played was Line Runs where the children jog in a line and the last runner in line has to run to the front of the line, passing alongside the group. One of the Greenville parents said, “My daughter liked all the games that were played. They made the program enjoyable, versus just running.” “The games and activities add an extreme value to the children’s experience with running in that they run around and don’t realize they are running,” said Duncan. “They just think they are playing.” Ready, Set, Run! didn’t only get the youngsters active –parents were inspired to get moving too. “One of the biggest things for me was seeing the children excited to come to the program every week and while they were participating in the program their parents weren’t sitting and watching, they were walking or running around the track,” Duncan said. “Ready, Set, Run! truly affects everyone involved and has a tremendous positive impact.” The culmination of the youngsters’ work was when they ran an entire 5k at the department’s annual Greenville Rec Run and Kids Dash. “As the Ready, Set, Run! program progressed we constantly reminded the parents and children of the goals of the program, especially completing a 5k,” explained Duncan. “We highly encouraged the parents to sign their children up for the race.” Eighteen children from the program signed up for the 5k and of those four of the children placed in their age groups on race day. Thirty-eight boys and girls signed up and completed the program from start to finish. According to Duncan the department will offer Ready, Set, Run! each fall and spring. “After hearing the positive feedback from the parents and instructors, and seeing all the children being active and having fun while running, we instantly knew we would offer Ready, Set, Run! again,” she said.

a site, an idea

i had the privilege to visit with one of our sites this morning. eric is bringing the recreation in his town to a new level and it's so neat to see. finding coaches was one of eric's challenges as a site, so he thought outside of the box and partnered with his local running store. the running store pays an employee (an AWESOME college student) to coach the kids. they also exchanged advertising efforts and eric puts their logo in their guide and the store advertises in the store.

how did i get so lucky to do what i do ;)

@ the nays blog...

over contributing at the nays blog today. be sure to check it out and leave some comments!

Youth running: Come as you are

View All Blogs Share on bloggerShare on facebookShare on emailShare on twitterMore Sharing Services By: Kacey Lake, Director, Ready, Set, Run! National Alliance for Youth Sports My runner’s heart is smiling. Full-toothed. You see, youth sports are featured in news stories all of the time. For better or worse. But running? And youth running, at that? Not a lot of ink. Last week, however, two different stories caught my eye. And they weren’t even just youth running stories; they were inspirational youth running stories. Enter Meghan Vogel from West Liberty, Ohio. Meghan had just won the 1600 meter run and up next was the 3200 meter. At the state track meet, mind you. As she came into her final stretch, a competitor, yes COMPETITOR, fell down in front of her. Without hesitation, Meghan helped the other runner up and supported her to finish the race and cross the finish line together. Actually, the result was that Meghan came in after her competitor.(article here) Like I said, my runner’s heart is smiling. Seen as an “individual sport” many don’t understand the full camaraderie that occurs between runners. In my humble opinion, knowing someone else is as insane as you for loving the sport, builds a bond just as strong as any “team” sport. The chatter, encouragement and can-do attitude that occurs amongst runners in any given race is truly special to the sport and sure makes me proud to be a runner. Enter Franklin Park Borough in Pennsylvania. A recent article featured their community and their involvement in Ready, Set, Run! The focus of the article? The teamwork that has been such a key element in the success of their running program and the entire community that they have effected. (article here) As the director of a character-building, goal-setting youth running program, the fire in my heart is burning even hotter than usual. Running encourages kids to come as they are, no special skills required. But it also challenges them to set goals and push themselves and, in doing that, encouraging other runners seems to come naturally. Not always, of course. But when done correctly, it’s a beautiful thing and quite unique to the sport. In the words of Meghan Vogel, "I knew any girl on that field would do that for me so I was going to do that for Arden." She just knew. Yes, it’s been a good week to be a runner.

national running day!

happy national running day! did you know that? yup, the first wednesday in june.

"a day when runners everywhere declare their passion for running. It is a coast-to-coast celebration of a sport and activity that’s simple, inexpensive, and fun. It’s the perfect way for longtime runners
to reaffirm their love of running and for beginners to kick off a lifetime and life-changing
commitment. National Running Day is a collaborative effort of the foremost running
organizations in the U.S. including Atlanta Track Club, Boston Athletic Association, Chevron
Houston Marathon, Chicago Area Runners Association, Competitor Group, Inc., Little Rock
Marathon, Marine Corps Marathon, New York Road Runners, Oregon Track Club,
Running USA, Twin Cities In Motion, and USA Trac."

me? i ignored my alarm for the early morning run. i shoo-ed away thoughts of going to run some really cool path in a new place with different terrain, interesting scenery. i went without my pacer and expectations. today was about me and my loyal friend, lunch-run-around-my-own-neighborhood. and it was glorious. finding a happy running place is a gift and today we honor that gift! 

i would love to hear about your happy running place... comment or email: klake (at) nays.org. #runningday

greenville

one of our sites in greenville nc just wrapped up their season. received an awesome email yesterday with a few highlights:

As far as success stories…I wish you could actually hear things parents say about the program.

-          One Dad said his 11 year old son told me he was sad the program ended. His son was very active when he was younger and as time went on he decided he didn’t want to play sports anymore and this was the first sport/organized physical activity he had done in 3 years.

-          One the last day the program met before the 5K a mother told me how her 9 year old daughter had been experiencing problems with lashing out and not getting along. After seeing a behavioral therapist and them recommending daily physical activity they enrolled her in Ready, Set, Run! Once starting the program is gave her an outlet for her frustration and throughout the time of the program she did not experience any problems with lashing out.

-          In a program satisfaction survey sent to parents at the end of the program parents said:

·         “My daughter now has a greater understanding of goal-setting.”

·         “My daughter liked all the games that were played. They made the program enjoyable to her versus just running.”

·         “This program got my child excited about running.”

·         “I liked that the activities and games offered were not about running but also build endurance.”

·         “I liked the fact that my son ran, he didn’t have to remember any plays or anything else, he just ran.”

certainly the best part of the job for me :) they are excited to offer the program again this fall! thanks greenville! any other sites out there want to bring this dynamic to their program selection come fall? let's chat! klake (at) nays.org

thousand

we are closing in on 1000 kids in year 1. with several sites starting this june, we should exceed the number. and it's way past our original goal.  numbers aren't everything, but they sure get me excited. this mix of 1000 kids includes some running enthusiasts who set out to beat their past running goals. it also includes kids who were disenchanted to other sports, for whatever reason, and found a home within the running program... just as they are. it also includes some special needs kids, a kid with a hurt collar bone who was unable to play other sports, and so many more unique individuals and circumstances. this mix of 1000 kids accomplished their running goals this year.

as we begin planning for next year, i'm hungry. i'm hungry for more kids to get involved. more WHOLE communities touched by observing the determination, dedication, and FUN had by the kids. one of my favorite all time stories is a site in franklin park borough, pa. they held a special run just for the kids. not only were kids involved, but parents joined in on the run. not only were families involved, but a high school football team practicing nearby, stopped to clap & cheer on the runners. not only were numerous people encouraged & active, but when the last kid was finishing, the rest of the team ran out to him and completed the last couple hundred yards with him. unprompted. gives me chills.

are you a coordinator or a parent interested in making this happen in your community? let's talk, please. i'd love to get to know you and see if we could work something out.

press on

Great perspective from our VP of communications at NAYS. Great example of a mom sticking up for her son and for others who may come across similar obstacles.

Youth league drops ball with absurd decision

View All Blogs Share on bloggerShare on facebookShare on emailShare on twitterMore Sharing Services0 By: Greg Bach, VP, Communications, National Alliance for Youth Sports Gas prices got you ticked off? Idiots thinking they can text and drive at the same time have you spewing obscenities? Well, here’s something else sure to shove your blood pressure into the triple digits. Get this: In Pennsylvania a 7-year-old boy wanted to play in his local youth football program. Now, the child has ocular albinism, a rare condition – it affects 1 in 60,000 males – that renders him blind in direct sunlight and requires the use of tinted eye protection whenever he steps outside. His parents informed the league that he just needed to use a tinted visor on his helmet to shield his eyes from all sides. A simple solution, right? Well, believe it or not, the league slammed the door on that, saying they weren’t going to allow him to use a visor. Really. Now, I’m pretty sure that tinted visors don’t provide unfair advantages and enable players – 7-year-olds – to run faster or hit harder. The league said they would permit sunglasses or goggles – because that’s what the rules they were following allowed – though the boy’s parents were rightly concerned those could be knocked off, putting their son in danger. Apparently the league didn’t have specific rules in place regarding protective eyewear, so in those instances it uses the rules of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletics Association. The PIAA uses that rule because when a player at the middle school, junior high or high school level suffers a concussion medical responders need to be able to see a player’s eyes without removing the helmet. And that makes a lot of sense at those levels, but not so much at age 7. Plus, think about this: on the rare chance this youngster did suffer a concussion medical people would not be allowed to remove his sunglasses or goggles on the field anyway to examine him because his eyes can’t be exposed to sunlight. So why didn’t the visor get the league’s stamp of approval from the beginning? Thankfully, the child’s mom didn’t give up and went in search of others with a few more working brain cells than this league’s hierarchy. She found them at the Justice Department, which ruled that the league violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by failing to make a reasonable modification of its policies, practices and procedures to permit the boy to use a tinted visor. I’m happy this youngster is taking the field and also thrilled that part of the settlement requires the league to develop and implement a disability rights policy, but it’s so far beyond ridiculous that it ever reached this point. And it’s unthinkable how no one overseeing this program had a shred of common sense to recognize that this 7-year-old boy wasn’t in search of an unfair advantage. He was simply asking for a chance to play. Isn’t that what every child deserves?

Posted:4/12/2012