We all know good habits are formed early. Teaching your kids to eat healthy and be active are some obvious Parenting 101 lessons, but you can make some of those habits stick by encouraging a love for running.
As adults, getting up out of the desk chair and finding your way back into running can be an uphill climb. For kids, it’s a much shorter hill. They can push you to get moving while you can help them develop a passion for running.
Here are five reasons to start running with your kids and start bonding over a goal for healthier lives.
- Running is Affordable
A pair of shoes, some shorts, and a t-shirt are all that’s needed to get started! The equipment needs for a young runner are minimal compared to sports like football, golf, or lacrosse. Much like tossing a ball or playing a game, running can be just as fun at a fraction of the cost.
2. Running is Easy
Okay, so it’s not always easy. In fact, the point of running is to push yourself. We’ve all heard the phrase “it’s like a walk in the park.” Start there! Go for a walk in the park. Then a jog. Then a run. Next thing you know, you and your children are signing up for races and challenging each other to faster times, medals, shirts, and competition.
3. Running is Fun
Don’t think running is all that fun for adults? Add an energetic sidekick and watch that mindset change. In addition, they’ll be sure to fall asleep quicker that night. BONUS!
4. Running is Everywhere
Running has no boundaries. It’s not confined to lines on a field or a court. No need for nets, hoops, or field goal posts. Find a new trail, road, or park and watch your kids use running to explore the world.
5. Running Partners Keep Each Other Accountable
Have fun running and watch your little runner become your accountability partner. You’ll want to see them succeed, and on the days you don’t feel like running, they’ll motivate you to get moving, too.
Get your running sidekick started on a running kick this summer with the 500 Festival mini-mini on August 26, or learn more about all of the 500 Festival’s running events for kids, here.