When the Whole Family is Running
The Stepson
“I’ll give you $1000 if you run a 10K in 59:59 or less before you are fourteen”
This is a challenge that my 13 year old stepson is eager to conquer. So far, he has made two attempts at capturing the prize; and while he’s missed it each time, he barely missed it…
…and still walked away with an age group trophy.
Saturday, he will try again at the flat and fast Possum Trot 10K at the Chattahoochee Nature Preserve and I really want him to make it. …well, kinda - $1000.00 is a big hit to the ol’ wallet.
The Wife
“If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em”
That’s how my wife responds when friends and family ask about her new found love for running. Although there is no monetary goal for my wife, she has also been bitin’ by the running bug.
She started first with a 5K, finishing somewhere around 33 minutes. Next, she moved to the 10K distance, her seemingly favorite distance, and has continued to improve her times with each race.
Like my stepson, she has been walking away with age/sex division trophies as well - I am very, very proud of my family and their new accomplishments.
The Stepfather and Husband
We all know I am way to self-centered to skip myself in all of this.
While I typically train for, and run, ultramarathons, it has been a blast running with my family. In fact, running the shorter distances with them during the week has helped me to improve my own 10K speed and as a result, score a 10K personal best of 47:17.
This should get me a great starting block spot for the Peachtree Road Race in 2009.
What Has Running Together Done for the Family?
Everything.
- Family togetherness, instead of individual interests
- Stronger personal connections
- Healthy competition
- Weight control
- Increased energy
- Improved fitness
- Improved athleticism - especially for my stepson who plays soccer.
- Bragging rights (we all love’em)
If you have the means, I strongly suggest you give family running a try in your household. Start out with walking like my family did …then, increase to running short distances …then longer distances…
Support the family and they will embrace the activity and develop their own sense of accomplishment and goal achievement.
Next thing you know, your busting your hump to keep up with them!
Cheers!
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Comments
Ah, the monetary incentive trick! Back in 1981, when I was 7, my dad made me a similar offer- “Finish a 10K next year & I’ll give you $100.” That was a lot of Atari games. I finished in 1:04 at age 8, ran an 8 miler & broke an hour the next year, and it’s been all downhill ever since.
I enjoy the blog!
great post Christian
Sharing weather with families or friends (hopefully they’re one and the same!) is one of the greatest things about running. The friends I’ve made from my running are the most cherished thing in my life.
Good luck and many happy miles to both you and your family
John in VB