How to Get Your Family to Run

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

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Feeling lonely as a long-distance runner? Forget it! For maximum fun and fitness, you can do it with your family.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Start with a walk. You can intersperse running with walking.
Step2
Make it informal. Most children, in particular, will respond better if they don't see running as "training."
Step3
Make it fun. Set challenges and obstacles, such as short races between markers such as trees or telephone poles.
Step4
Run a race together. Many events have both adult and children's divisions.
Step5
Cultivate an outdoor life. Biking, hiking and just being outdoors will set the tone for running and general fitness.
Step6
Avoid pushing. If any family member chooses not to run or cannot keep up with the group, give that person another job, such as holding a stopwatch at a track.
Step7
Be a role model. Research shows that the No. 1 influence on children's fitness habits are those of their parents.

Tips & Warnings

  • Start at the doctor's office. Make sure all family members are fit and ready to run.
  • Run appropriate distances. If children become more serious, they should run distances of 1/2 to 1 mile. They should not run beyond 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) until age 15 or 16.
  • Have children focus on well-rounded training (a variety of fitness activities) before specializing in running.
  • If you have any condition that would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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eHow Article:  How to Get Your Family to Run

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