Running with kids: Benefits and getting started
Wondering how to get your kids into running? CityMom Melissa and our friends at the 500 Festival are here to help! We’ve got benefits, tips, and local runs to check out…
When introduced correctly, running is one surefire way to instill a love for exercise that kids can carry with them long into adulthood.
Read on to learn some hows and whys of sharing fitness with your kids, including where to look for opportunities to connect with others locally.
CityMom Melissa preparing to run with her kids.
Research is sadly lacking regarding how much is too much when introducing kids to running. Experts do agree that as long as your child is excited about it and not dealing with pain or injury, running can be a great way for kids to engage in the recommended 60 minutes of daily activity.
This should look different based on your child's development, of course. A game of tag can be great through the early years of elementary school, but hold off on any sort of intensive training until they are a little older.
Even the littlest of runners can participate in the 500 Festival’s Rookie Run!
Great news: Running offers many benefits outside of meeting the 60-minute exercise threshold, both physical and mental:
improved cardiovascular health
reduced cholesterol levels
decreased risk for type 2 diabetes
decreased risk for the development of osteoporosis
improved sleep
heightened self-esteem and overall improved mood
improved concentration
benefits to school performance
Though the running mama community has strong opinions about kids and running, everyone can agree on these benefits.
A love for running can be fostered anytime, and fun should be the main motivator for all types of physical activity. And running doesn’t have to be a solo sport, so kids can develop the same camaraderie associated with team sports by joining an informal running group or connecting with an organization that promotes the sport:
This is just a sample of the many opportunities to get connected. Your kids might also be motivated by a little friendly competition! Consider looking into local fun run options (like the Rookie Run by the 500 Festival*), sign up to do a walk/run as a family, or even volunteer to experience the atmosphere of a race.
*As part of the 500 Festival celebrating the Indianapolis 500, Indiana’s youngest runners can sign up to participate in the Rookie Run this May 14 in downtown Indianapolis.
