How To

How to Get Your Family to Run

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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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.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  1. Step 1

    Start with a walk. You can intersperse running with walking.

  2. Step 2

    Make it informal. Most children, in particular, will respond better if they don't see running as "training."

  3. Step 3

    Make it fun. Set challenges and obstacles, such as short races between markers such as trees or telephone poles.

  4. Step 4

    Run a race together. Many events have both adult and children's divisions.

  5. Step 5

    Cultivate an outdoor life. Biking, hiking and just being outdoors will set the tone for running and general fitness.

  6. Step 6

    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.

  7. Step 7

    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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