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

Step 1

Start with a walk. You can intersperse running with walking.
Step 2

Make it informal. Most children, in particular, will respond better if they don't see running as "training."
Step 3

Make it fun. Set challenges and obstacles, such as short races between markers such as trees or telephone poles.
Step 4

Run a race together. Many events have both adult and children's divisions.
Step 5

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