Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Kids and Running


Hey there.  I have 3 kids - 5, 3, and 1.  I would like to start doing some fun runs with my 5-year old and even possibly my 3 year-old.  I was wondering at what ages some other moms have started "running" with their kids?  And at what distances would you expect a 5 year-old to run?  A 3 year-old, if at all?  Any advice and/or tips would be appreciated.  Thanks so much.

p.s.  I love reading all the race reports - keeps me motivated to run.  Thanks.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

My 3 1/2 yr old started running in children's fun-runs when she was 2 1/2. She would run/walk 1/2-1mile. Now she thinks it's just normal to go for a jog and wants to run around the block with me constantly. I don't know if the length of the run matters as much as instilling her with an innate desire to do so at an early age.

Giggles said...

My dad started running with me (in a stroller) when I was a baby. I ran my first official race at age 3. It was the Brigham Street Mile in Salt Lake City, Utah, and he and I ran the whole thing hand-in-hand while my mom ran the whole thing along the side-lines cheering for me.

As long as they enjoy running, go for it. But don't make it something they have to do at that age.

renae said...

I have a now 9 year old and 6 year old. Both of them, when they were 5 and 8, ran-walked several fun runs (typically a mile) with my husband while I ran the longer distance of whatever that happened to be. They both enjoyed it although neither are able to run the full mile. They love getting the shirts and medals too!

Ang said...

Last Thanksgiving my 3 year old ran a 400 meter race, and my 5 year old ran an 800 meter race. I was nervous about the distance, but they both did great and keep asking when they get to race again. It's such a great thing for building confidence in children.

Shelah said...

I ran a 3K with my 6yo this fall. It took us 40 minutes, alternating walking and running.

My brother regularly pushes his kids in a stroller for 5Ks and 10Ks. He jokes that his girls are often the first women to cross the finish line, LOL!

Jamie said...

First of all, if they see you running, I think they will have a desire to run. I think a lot of the time it depends on each individual child as far as what distance they can run. We have 4 boys and live in a tiny house with a tiny yard, so we will frequently take the boys to the local high school track to "get the wiggles out". We just let them run as much or as little as they want to. If they want to run 'one more lap', they can. If they say they are tired, then we go home. My oldest has been running 5ks since he was 4. (Honestly, we don't know where he came from.) I completely agree with Giggles....as long as they enjoy it, go for it!

Megan said...

My 7 year old and 5 year old have been doing fun runs and 1K's since they were about 3 and 5. They recently did their first 5K, the 7 year old ran/walked the whole way and the 5 year old walked/jogged/rode in the stroller.
As long as they enjoy it, keep it up. My girls love it, my 7 year old is going to try a family/kid tri. this fall.

Robyn said...

I was inspired by Jamie (sorry to embarass you Jamie!) when she told me her son ran a 5K a few years ago. I realized that my kids are capable of MUCH more than I think. Since then my son (now 8) has done four 5K races. He runs almost the whole time. My 5 yo has done two 5Ks. My 3yo rides in the stroller, so far. I just try to encourage them and don't care how fast or slow they go. It's all about having fun. Such a great family activity.

BTW, at the SL half last weekend there were a few 10-11 year olds who ran- I was amazed.

erinmalia said...

thanks for asking this question, sis. i think i'll hold off on the fun run for rhett until next year, given all the comments. i can't wait!

sian said...

Hi there! (sorry I couldn't find an email address)

I’m Sian, from GirlGetStrong.com and I just wanted to drop by and say hi.

Girl, Get Strong! is a new blog where three of us girls – just regular moms - mix it up about fitness, health, diet, weight-loss – spiced with a shot of humor and a twist of the zany.

We admire your blog – you seem to have a similar dash of fun and excitement - and we’ve included you in our 'link love'.

Please feel free to stop by when you get a minute and give us any feedback you may have.

Interested in writing for us? Want to cross promote? Just want to chew the fat? Let us know.

RunMom said...

Just found this blog...love it. I'm following you now.

My 3 year old has been running since about the time she could walk. She loves it! But I can tell you one thing, she let's me know when she's finished for sure. Her first big race was just a month or so back 1.2 miles. If your 3 year old is anything like mine, he'll let you know when he doesn't want to run anymore!

mylittlegems said...

My 3 year old ran his first race last year- about 1/4 a mile. He refuses to ride in the jogger, so I push the other one and he runs with me- around the block a few times :) It is a good start and we both get some exercise.

Relentless Forward Commotion said...

my 2.5 half year old already has 4 races under his belt! My local running community often does "tot trots" along with 5 & 10k's, to make it a family day. The tot trot is literally 50 yards, if that, so it's perfect for the little ones! i can not wait until he's old enough to do a 1 mile race. He already LOVES to run! (i guess most two year olds do! )

Anonymous said...

I started running with my kids when they were 5. There are several great fun runs for kids where I live and they are very popular. My kids are now 10 and 12, run cross country and are faster than me.