Kids spend an average of seven hours a day in front of a TV or computer screen.
Less than 10 percent of elementary schools offer a daily physical education class or program.
Two out of every three children fail to get some form of physical activity each and every day.
And one out of every three children and teens (ages 2-18) are considered overweight or obese.
The 500 Festival mini-mini may not change a child’s life, but it offers a chance – and a rare opportunity – to get kids excited about running.
How does it do that? By letting kids run on the largest track on planet Earth; the Indianapolis Motor Speedway! Rather than being active and running for running’s sake, the 500 Festival and IMS give kids an experience that could help them get excited about running for the future.
For kids, flipping that switch and getting excited about running is completely different than it is for adults. Adults tend to take longer to get back in shape and readjust their lifestyle before they begin to see results. Kids just need to get moving, and they need to get moving now!
Here are three ways to get your kids more active leading up to the mini-mini:
- Play With Them – Runner’s World explains the change in exercise habits for kids playing alone vs. playing with someone. Think about it – are you more likely to enjoy running with friends or by yourself? What about playing a sport and focusing on a challenge?
- Earn Screen Time – Hide that remote until your mini couch potato can earn it back. Then treat the TV or computer like a reward. Play first. Watch later.
- Watch What They’re Eating – Your kids are going to snack their faces off as they grow. Being the bad guy – although difficult – and making sure they’re eating the right things can keep them from overeating, eating poorly, and ultimately losing the energy that makes kids oh so fun.
After signing them up for the 500 Festival mini-mini on September 17, consider the 500 Festival KidsFit Program – an elementary-level curriculum that encourages Indiana youth to pursue active and healthy lifestyles – and find out how you can introduce it to your child’s school to spread the fitness!
It’s great that the Indy Mini is trying to engage kids in running. I did the Indy Mini the first time when I was 11, my first half. It was truly a memorable experience and fun! Running through the streets I grew up on with all the other runners and fantastic community support that the Indy Mini has helped to instill a lifelong enjoyment of organize running events. I think running distances sounds daunting to a lot of people until they do it and realize they can finish it. Just get out there and enjoy being out.