Pilot Sites selected...

What a tough decision. What an exciting decision! We just finalized the selection for our Pilot Sites to implement Ready, Set, Run this Spring/Summer. Like I said, TOUGH decision. We had so many great organizations express interest in being Pilot Sites, and oh I wish we could have done it everywhere! Some of the criterion we used to pick the spots included: established relationship with our organization, proven success with our other youth development programs (Start Smart) and the amount of follow-up that was provided along the decision-making process.

It was kind of like picking the best slice of pizza on a freshly baked pie- all really amazing options.

If you were not selected, please know how much we WISH that you could be implementing the program right now. However, we are going to present an even better program to you come Fall! So stay tuned and I will certainly be in touch. And for our test sites, CONGRATULATIONS, I am so excited to work with you and receive your feedback on this incredibly spirited program!

legs as springs

In creating the curriculum for the program, I’ve been more in-tune than ever with my own running style and techniques. Last night as I pushed through a couple of miles on the treadmill, I was reminded of one of my sillier techniques during a tough run: envisioning my legs as springs. I literally picture 2 springs coming out of my body bouncing me through each step...and I know that it helps!

I love the things that make each runner unique. There is a set of tools within each runner that enables them to stick with a training regimen or make it through the toughest of runs. With the kids, it’s such a great opportunity to encourage them to find a formula that works for them. When we set our goals and do whatever we can (silly or not…) to achieve that goal, we are given a confidence boost. When we set a goal but do not have the opportunities and techniques granted to achieve that goal, there is a greater chance of failure and a negative mark to the ole self-esteem.

Let’s encourage and equip our kids to push themselves, to think for themselves, and to achieve great things!

Other ideas of things to visualize:

• In a tough spin class, I often picture every muscle in my body working to “climb the hill” or “sprint to the finish.” I’m talking picturing the actual quad or hamstring flexing and working.
• During pace runs, I often step in cadence with my music. If I stay to the beat, I think less about running hard and more about the feeling of the music.
• I know people who use the chasing technique- either you are chasing after someone or someone is chasing after you.
• I also have heard of people imagining fans cheering for you while you are running an incredible race.

Politics & Running

There is no shortage of politicians (and media sources and parents and water-coolers) talking about childhood obesity and the importance of physical fitness for kids. The awareness is great, but unless we are doing something about it, it's kind of pointless. I don't think we should be harping on our kids to be more active and not sedentary- but if we provide and encourage opportunities for kids to be active, they WILL be active. Last night I was reading a great statement paper on Guidelines for Physical Fitness for Kids; it talked about recent evidence that shows chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes begins in childhood. There are so many reasons to live an active lifestyle.

And it's encouraging to see law-makers stepping up to help our kids. Way to go Kentucky...

BizBriefs Representative Addia Wuchner pre-files bills dealing with education, childhood obesity for 2011 session Bills part of Wuchner’s “Kentucky Kids First” initiative submitted by Michael.Goins December 28, 2010 | 11:22 AM Representative Addia Wuchner, R-Florence (66th District). (click for larger version) FRANKFORT, Ky. (December 28, 2010) – Representative Addia Wuchner, R-Florence (66th District), today announced the pre-filing of several pieces of legislation as part of her 2011 "Kentucky Kids First" initiative. The bills deal with improvements in education, health and pediatric abuse for the commonwealth's children. "Our children are not only the future leaders of our state, but also our nation and our world," said Rep. Wuchner. "When it comes to our children, Kentucky's statistics are frightening. In 2007 Kentucky ranked number one for infant death due to abuse and neglect; fifteen percent of our children struggle and fail in school due to learning disabilities and unaddressed differences like dyslexia; and over one in four of Kentucky children are overweight or obese." "In addition, one-third of Kentucky's children will develop type two diabetes in their lives, and many others will face chronic obesity related health problems like cardiac disease, high blood pressure, and stroke," Wuchner added. "These tragic statistics reflect not only their futures, but are taking their toll on Kentucky's economy. It is imperative that we as Kentucky's leaders of today do everything we can to assure tomorrow's leaders the best educational opportunities and health initiatives we can offer them." Wuchner's "Kentucky Kids First" initiative for the 2011 Legislative Session includes the following pre-filed bills and resolutions: • HB 159-Establish the goal of increasing physical activity to 30 minutes per day or 150 minutes a week for all K-5 schools in Kentucky by November 2013. This bill is called the 'Health Kids Act 2011. • HB 160-Initiates a change to current school health and physical examination entrance forms for kindergarten and sixth grade; physicians and practitioners would include Body Mass Index (BMI) measurements with height and weight. It would keep the information and health related discussions at the clinical level, with the data only available in aggregate form for statistical data. • BR 310-A concurrent resolution establishing the Legislative Task Force on Childhood Obesity, with the goal studying issues relating to the increasing epidemic of childhood obesity in Kentucky and presenting findings and recommendations to the LRC and the IJC on Health and Welfare by November 2011. • BR 311-Directs the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to establish nutritional and physical activity guidelines and standards for licensed child care centers in Kentucky. • BR 312-Encourage all birthing centers in Kentucky hospitals, to provide parents and caregivers prevention and awareness education on pediatric head trauma prior to baby's discharge from the hospital following their birth in an effort to combat pediatric abusive head trauma, also known as Shake Baby Syndrome or Death. • BR 197-Establishes district-wide use of a response-to-intervention system for students in kindergarten through grade three (3), that includes early identification of various learning differences including dyslexia, dysgraphia etc., and provide a tiered continuum of scientifically based research interventions matched to individual student strengths and needs to improve learning outcomes. • BR 263-Directs the Department of Education to develop the pathway for an alternative diploma for high school students with special needs who can't meet all the requirements of a traditional high school diploma, but who demonstrate abilities and skills that the current certificate of completion does not fully recognize. The alternate diploma pathway would allow them to continue their skills training and education enter the workforce and live productive lives. "It is my sincere hope that my colleagues in the House and Senate will support the 'Kentucky Kids First' initiative in the 2011 session," Wuchner added. "As a parent, grandparent, and a lawmaker I don't believe government can ever replace responsible parenting. Our children are the future, and I believe we can assist in shaping their futures and the future of Kentucky with sound education and healthcare policies."

active? during winter break?!

my husband and i have been talking about having a different holiday season- an active (gasp!) holiday season! instead of getting into the routine of eating too much and sitting around all day, we've been making the effort to go to the gym when we don't feel like it and eat healthy meals leading up to the big feast with the extended family. it has been quite nice and i have to say, i'm feeling better about indulging in a couple of days!

some tips on keeping everyone active during winter break:

• sledding! what a great cardio- climbing up the hill, trudging along in the snow, all while having fun and making memories!
• shoveling the driveway. puts a much better perspective on the task as well.
• run outside. cold where you live? dress warm and it feels FANTASTIC once you're done.
• create a christmas fun run with the fam. encourage everyone who is going to be feasting on christmas eve or christmas day to participate in a mile or 2 (or 3 or 4!) fun run together.
• get outside. no matter the weather, we are far more active when we plan an outdoor activity as opposed to staying in the nice warm house. i love a nice warm house, but earn the opportunity to veg!
• go to the gym. no membership? many gyms offer short-term memberships for the holiday season for college kids and other travelers.

any other ideas? how do you keep your family and friends active during the holiday season?

runner's high

I know there is scientific evidence that points to an increase of endorphins and that is what classifies as a “runner’s high.” I would like to present the notion that there is another sort of “runner’s high” that comes more from our attitudes and mental toughness. Personally, some of my most gratifying runs have been those that started out the hardest- I was tired that day, had a big breakfast that was sitting heavy, didn’t drink enough water leading up to, you name it. I’m convinced that convincing myself that I was feeling a high is what got me through to the end, and usually had a spring in my step to boot.

I think getting this idea in kids’ heads could help them get excited about running. Based on the science of when (and IF) the endorphins kick in for a runner’s high, I don’t know that kids' exertion at the distances for Ready, Set, Run! would actually produce this high. Maybe, but hear me out. If we get them turning into their selves to look for that high, how satisfying would that be? Kids would learn the power of pushing through the hard stuff and accomplishing what they set out to do. Really the whole basis behind the program. Showing kids that they already have the bodies, they already have the minds, all they need to do is physically train for a bit and they can achieve their goal.

I’m fully convinced that running positively affects lives. Let’s go get some kids excited about running!

Finding inspiration

In creating the curriculum for Ready, Set, Run! there are moments where I need inspiration. I have such a passion burning inside of me that wants to change kids' lives through running, but every once in awhile I need to fan the flame. This morning was one such morning. Now it is 2:30 and I am AMPED up once again. I'm so thankful for my sources of inspiration:

• Going for a run. Nothing gets the creativity and passion flowing better than this.
• Reading articles like this: http://www.runnersworld.com/article/1,7124,s6-243-297--9987-0,00.html
• Chatting with friends and colleagues, like my friend today, who coached middle school cross country for years and is FULL of stories of changed lives and excited runners.
• Running by a schoolyard where kids are playing outside for recess. Today's activity: kickball. Excitement level: HIGH!
• Watching my daughter play. Sure, she's far too young to be running, but her curiosity and endless supply of energy provide priceless motivation.

Map My Run

One of the big goals of the program is to have kids participating in a 5k run at the end of it. Each season they can set a different goal: maybe the first year is to run for half and walk for half, the next year is to run it all, the next year is lower their time, etc. Ideally, they would be participating in some sort of community run. (On a side note: what a great way for communities to create BUZZ around their run!)

Sometimes this is not possible, that's where MapMyRun.com comes in. Actually, MapMyRun.com can be used for pretty much anything I'm convinced. One of my personal favorite tools! I use the free app on my iPhone to track my mileage and pace during runs- for those runners out there. Anyway, the site allows you to create running routes and measure the mileage. It is something we recommend for those programs who will be creating their own "Final Run" for the kids. Pick a starting point, create a route, determine your finish line, and there's your 5k (3.1 miles) Run! Check it out:

http://www.mapmyrun.com/