Meet the Teachers Using Fitness Finders to Build Stronger Students

Teachers across the country are doing incredible work and many of them are using Fitness Finders tools to help students stay motivated, active, and focused. These teachers have one thing in common:, they believe movement is essential to academic and personal growth and are making movement a daily part of their classroom culture - and they’re seeing results. Here’s how three educators are using Fitness Finders to build more engaged, active students:

Betty Kern (4th-6th Grade, Ohio)

"Fitness Finders Awards are used in our Running Clubs throughout the year. Students earn a Sneaker for every 50 points they earn and every 5 miles they run during a running club season. Each week,, students look forward to receiving their awards! Many students ask to run extra laps to earn extra points so ultimately they can earn extra Sneaker Awards!

Continue Reading Betty Kern Customer Profile >>>

Tina Slater (4th-5th Grade, Michigan)

“Rewarding tokens has brought a bit more fun and provided a visual that represents student success. I love it when I hear a student say, “I can’t believe I have read this much,” as they are putting on their necklace before class.

Continue Reading Tina Slater Customer Profile >>>

Shelley Territ (2nd Grade, Pennsylvania)

“I use Fitness Finders in my classroom and with my school running club. In my classroom, it is used as a positive reward. When my students earn enough chips to fill their bucket, they can choose a Fitness Finder token for their backpack chain.”

Continue Reading Shelly Territ Customer Profile >>>

Terri Pardee (Parent)

“Running has made the boys physically healthier, provided them an outlet for stress, and has taught them fitness skills that they will be able to use throughout their entire lives.”

Continue Reading Terri Pardee experience with Mileage Club >>>

Common Themes:

• Improved classroom behavior

• More inclusive participation

• Increased excitement around movement

Their secret? Movement is a positive motivator, not a punishment.

Want results like these? Explore what tools teachers are using.

How Atlanta Track Club Maximizes Their Community Reach

Run clubs are advantageous for everyone involved—parents, teachers, kids, etc. 

There are so many benefits:

• Goal setting
• Habit formation 
• Increased physical activity 
• Fun

And these are just a few of them! Starting a run club because of these benefits is a no-brainer, but if you find yourself without the right tools, it can get a bit tricky – especially if you’re organizing run clubs for a whole community of people.

One way to organize your run club that makes all this much simpler is to use technology to manage, report, and track the data from your club. Our EZ Scan® app is the best tool that makes this easier at any given site or even across a whole community. EZ Scan helps you step back and see the bigger picture.

The EZ Scan “Community” feature provides a place for community leaders to track progress across any number of run club sites (be that schools, Y’s, clubs, or community events). Tracking progress helps ensure that all those parents, teachers, and kids involved are successful with their goals.

One example of a successful EZ Scan community using this feature is the Atlanta Track Club. Originally, Atlanta Track Club started with just 7 locations in the greater Atlanta area, but in a few short years, that number has worked up to 56! Keeping track of mileage for that many locations could be difficult, but with the EZ Scan app, tracking the entire Atlanta Track Club’s community miles is as simple as clicking a button. During the 2021-2022 school year, Atlanta Track Club recorded over 20,000 miles, averaging a whopping 20 miles per child across each of their locations.

As mentioned before, EZ Scan also provides progress reports for individual schools or locations. One such example is Kilometer Kids, the free running program for K-8 kids. Though Kilometer Kids is a part of the Atlanta Track Club community, each Kilometer Kids location individually tracks participants’ laps and helps them set their own goals. They were able to see if each child in their program ran 26.2 miles—the length of a marathon—over their 10-week season.

“Using Fitness Finders’ EZ Scan mileage tracking technology has been a great asset,” said Madison Hafitz, the program manager for Atlanta Track Club’s Kilometer Kids. “EZ Scan allows our coaches to easily track mileage so they can be sure to hand out mileage-based incentives to the kids when they reach their 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and full-marathon goals.”
 

How Educators Make a Lasting Difference: Creating Opportunities That Inspire Students to Succeed

Inspiring Stories of Teachers, Coaches, and Students Who Change Lives

We all want to make a difference for our community and our children. That’s why we teach, lead, and coach—be that in the classroom, on the stage, or on the field.

As educators, we create opportunities for our kids to explore their creativity, challenge themselves, and discover new passions. 

We encourage them with “Yes, you can!” and “Keep going, you’re doing great!” as they learn to self-regulate, break through their glass ceilings, and gain confidence.

And it is in those moments- you make a difference. Let's emphasize that point:  

You DO make a difference!

Creating Opportunities is Making a Difference

When you open new doors for students, you help them find confidence, curiosity, and courage.

“The average child in our nation spends about 6.64 hours at school, every day for 180 days a year.” 

That means children spend nearly half of each calendar year with educators. This time gives teachers and coaches countless opportunities to create meaningful moments - ones that help kids discover their strengths, interests, and goals.

For this reason, you are one of the people who have the opportunity to open new doors for our kids. 

To create new environments, help them experience new territories, and encourage growth, where they are, they can succeed and overcome challenges.

🏃‍♂️ A Real-Life Story: How Opportunity Changed Nathan Martin’s Life

Meet Nathan Martin, a local hero from Jackson, Michigan. You may not know that Nathan has some remarkable achievements.

In 2020, Nathan finished the Marathon Project in Chandler, Arizona, with a time of 2:11:05. Not only did he improve on his 2:14:34 personal best at the COVID-adjusted race, but he was also named the fastest U.S.-born African American marathoner in history. 

He later placed eighth in the New York City Marathon, proving his dedication and perseverance. But Nathan's story isn't just about records. It's about opportunity.

"The outreach of people congratulating me or saying how awesome they thought it was that I broke the record, I'm like, WOW, maybe I'm not thinking about things correctly. Maybe I need to really figure out what this record means to me," Martin told Runner's World. 

"Being able to use the record to impact kids or give somebody someone to look at and say, 'Hey, he's achieved that. I can too, was really awesome. Hopefully, I can continue to be someone who can inspire people.' Martin told Runner's World."

🏫 How a Coach’s Encouragement Changed Everything

Nathan's journey started in middle school when a teacher noticed his potential. After a required timed mile run, a coach suggested that Nathan join the cross-country team - and that single moment changed the trajectory of Nathan's life. 

Every teacher and coach has this same power. A small encouragement, a simple "You'd be great at this!" can open a lifelong passion. 

This is the kind of thing coaches do every day at school. Teachers of all stripes encourage children to pursue or try something they show some interest and aptitude for. That simple comment made a difference in the trajectory of Nathan’s life.

Blessed by the opportunities running has provided for him. Nathan now uses that same influence as a coach and substitute teacher in Jackson District Schools.  You might think that winning the Olympics would be his biggest goal, but his greatest desire is to help the kids he coaches at the local high school become better runners and better people. 

His compassion, leadership, and humility inspire his students to not only run faster but also believe in themselves. 

💡 The Ripple Effect: How One Educator Inspires Many

Nathan's story is a reminder of the ripple effect educators have. His influence as a teacher and mentor is shaping future leaders, runners, and dreamers in his community. 

His students - and the parents and administrators watching - see his impact daily. Even if we can't measure the full extent of his influence, we can feel it.

His knowledge and skills make him an inspiration to his team and a great resource.  His attitude, compassion, and empathy make him a leader that kids want to follow.  

Each time you encourage a child to take a chance or try something new, you can change their world - sometimes in ways you'll never fully see.

You Make a Difference Every Day

Nathan’s story reminds us of the power of connection, care, and opportunity. As an educator or coach, you give kids more than lessons - you give them belief, belonging, and confidence. 

Each time you create a new opportunity, whether it's through a reading program, a running club like Mileage Club, or a classroom goal, you're empowering kids to grow stronger and dream bigger.

So keep inspiring. Keep encouraging. Keep opening those doors. Because you are making a difference.

Who can measure the value of creating a new friend, finding a special interest, or overcoming fear by trying something that seems difficult?  The opportunity to grow is presented daily.

How a Special Education Teacher Uses Fitness Finders® Tokens to Motivate Students to Read More

See how reward tokens help students develop reading confidence and pride in this inspiring classroom success story from Onsted Elementary.

An Interview with Tina Slater, a Special Education Teacher

Name: Tina Slater

Position Title: Special Education Teacher

Grades: Fourth and Fifth Grades

School Name: Onsted Elementary School

Years Teaching: 27 years

Current Subjects: Reading, Math and Writing

How do you use tokens from Fitness Finders in your reading classroom?

In my reading resource classroom, students are awarded tokens after reading a leveled chapter book. Students are reading their chapter book for 10-15 minutes each day so it can take 8-12 days to complete a book. During reading, the student and I talk about the text and I listen to them read. When the book is complete, we meet to talk about the book and their reading success. During this time I present a token to commemorate their accomplishment. 

 

How do you choose which tokens to use?

When selecting the token to award, I try to match the token with the book the student has just completed. I have a variety of animals and objects to choose from. 

When students completed a book about Knights, I awarded them a key and a compass — which were two important objects from the Knights' Quest. They were thrilled! Sometimes it can be more difficult to make a match - in those cases, I may use the question mark token and make a connection with the predictions students made during reading or their use of expression when reading aloud. 

 

How do you distribute tokens?

Tokens are presented by me to students in a private ceremony. I actually make a big deal when presenting the token and make a mini-speech calling out the achievements the students made while reading the book and making connections between their reading success and the token. 

I am conferencing (video) with the student, but I am aware that others (family members) are listening. I try to call out as many positive reading behaviors as possible.

 

How do students display their tokens?

Students wear their tokens on lanyards during reading class (the laces from Fitness Finders). Each student selected their lanyard and the links (Lacelink) from the variety of colors and patterns Fitness Finders offers. 

When students aren’t wearing their necklaces they are displayed on hooks near our bookshelves. 

 

 

 Do you have a favorite token? 

I love all of the Animals! Our school mascot is the wildcat — so all of the cats and paws are a hit with my students. 

 

 How has this changed your classroom environment or impacted student motivation? 

Rewarding tokens has brought a bit more fun and provided a visual that represents student success.  I love it when I hear a student say, 

“I can’t believe I have read this much,” as they are putting on their necklace before class.

 

Can you share any stories or quotes from students while using tokens in your class?   

5th grader Emma said, 

“When we get rewarded with tokens, it just makes us want to read more and work harder. It makes everything more fun!”

 

Do you have any plans specifically for reading month?

During Reading Month, students will be earning double tokens and we will be celebrating Wildcats Read with drawings for extra tokens. I’ll also be taking pictures of students reading while wearing their token necklaces to send home with their progress reports in mid-March.

 

❄️Treat Your Students To Their Own Run Through the Snow! ❄️

In honor of our  "Race With The Sled Dogs Program", we asked Coach White from Orion Elementary in Anchorage, what it’s like to operate a run club for students in Alaska. Here is what she said...

Do students run outside in the snow or inside the school?

We run outside in the snow. Getting fresh air is important, especially during the long, cold, dark winter months. On Dec 21st, Winter Solstice, which is the shortest day of the year, we typically only have 6 hours of daylight here in Anchorage. The sun doesn't rise until about 10am and sets by 4pm. Further north in the Arctic Circle, they have several weeks where the sun doesn't rise above the horizon at all!

How cold does it get? 

I've seen it as cold as -20 here in Anchorage. Further north in Fairbanks it is common for it to reach -40 in the winter. Our typical winter temp is about 20 degrees for a high and in the teens or single digits overnight.

Do you use EZ Scan to scan laps? Does the tablet work when it is really cold outside? 

Yes, we use EZ Scan to keep track of our mileage during the running season. We keep our iPads inside the entryway in the window sill facing out so that kids can scan through the window after each lap and the iPads stay nice and warm!"

Interview Date: 2019

 

2020 Mileage Club hits 250,000 miles!

Listen to Amy Nieuwenhuis (Teacher and Mileage Club Leader) tell us about her Mileage Club reaching a huge Milestone.

Developing a Reward System for Her Dyslexia Treatment Plan - Fitness Finders Charms

An Interview with a Dyslexia Therapist

How a Visual Reminder of Their Accomplishments Keeps Her Students Motivated

An Interview with a Second Grade Teacher and Run Club Leader

Motivating Students to Do Their Very Best Every Day - Mileage Club

An Interview with PE Instructors from Shady Hill Elementary in Florida 

Mileage Club: Kilometre Club Spotlight

Mileage Club® is the #1 Run Club for kids in North America. But have you ever wondered how our Canadian neighbors, who use the metric system, run a Mileage Club? We talked to Claudine Lukawesky in Toronto, Ontario who was happy to share information about her school’s Kilometer Club (KC)!




"Kilometer Club was started at our school, Northlea EMS, approximately 10 years ago! It started as a pre-practice to help students prepare for Track & Field tryouts but quickly became a Club for any child. Our school has approximately 800 students from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 8. It is French Immersion, English, and Developmentally Delayed tracked."




"KC is run solely with parent and student volunteers, although we have staff members present for liability reasons. We only purchase our goods through Fitness Finders® due to safety reasons – we like that you make your products with no lead in the chains or plastic charms and that you now offer the safe LaceLink™ Lanyards."




"We always start KC on a Wednesday so we can make reminder announcements on Monday and Tuesday. (Many people would forget if we started on a Monday. 😊) KC “runs” for 13 mornings from 8-8:30, always ending on a Friday."




"Students are encouraged to run, walk, hop – we’ve even had kids in wheelchairs being pushed – around our 200-meter track. Every time they go around the track, they receive a popsicle stick. When I ring my cowbell at 8:30, students finish the lap they’re on and head to the “Attendance Table” where we record their number of sticks under their classroom teacher’s name. We do this for two reasons: to track the number of kilometers and to track KC attendance. At the end of the 13 days, the class with the most attendance wins a pizza lunch!"




"After the Attendance Table, students head over to the “Charm Table,” and pick out one charm for their bracelet. It doesn’t matter how many laps they’ve completed, all the children receive one charm per day of participation. This is done because we want ALL kids to participate and feel equal. Not everyone is an elite athlete, but at Kilometer Club you are treated like an athlete! We are just so proud of the effort from all the kids and want to focus on that instead of making it all about competition. Although, we do still encourage competition within yourself – and to get your class to participate to win the pizza lunch!"




"I have had so many parents thank me because of how our program has made their child feel included. Knowing that one charm is given out per day of participation, and not by number of laps, makes children feel so special that they are happy to come out for exercise. We have had kids with anxiety issues, and doing Kilometer Club before school helps them feel more relaxed. Children with ADD/ADHD burn off some extra energy so they can focus better in class."




"I'm going into my 10th year of Kilometer Club, and each year it is an honor to have kids in the neighborhood see me and come thank me for doing this program that they look forward to every year! The benefits of KC are that children are encouraging one another to participate; they are completing laps with friends; and, the older grades get to do a lot of the organizing and help out with the younger grades. Thanks to Fitness Finders for making safe products that encourage children to be active and do something!!"

Customer Profile - Betty Kern: Physical Education Teacher

Fitness Finders® Customer Profile: 

- Betty Kern, MS, CSCS

Ohio Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year, 2017

"I teach Physical Education to 4th - 6th graders at 

Schrop Intermediate School in the Springfield Local School District just south of Akron, Ohio." 

What's Been a Highlight of Your Teaching Career?

"A highlight of my teaching career came just recently after being awarded the Ohio Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year.  My school had a surprise assembly for me. They decorated the gym with running shoes that the students had colored and written messages on.  In addition, our custodian made me a larger-than-life running woman for the gym.  Every student in the school also wrote me a letter...all 570 of them! These letters are so touching and demonstrate to me that the students learn and absorb so much more than I'd ever imagined.  At the assembly, 28 students read aloud their letters to me in front of the whole school. It was an amazing, moving moment and one that I will never forget!"

What's Your Favorite Teaching Tip?

"My favorite teaching tip is to remember that what you are teaching your students today could be brand new to them! It might be the first time they have ever experienced that topic, skill, activity, etc. Remember how hard it is to learn something new. Teach it to them as if they have never seen it before. Be patient and be willing to slow down and make sure everyone understands. The extra time will pay huge dividends!"

How Do You Use Fitness Finders® Products?

"Fitness Finders® Awards are used in our Running Clubs throughout the year. Students earn a Sneaker for every 50 points they earn and every 5 miles they run during a running club season. Each week students look forward to receiving their awards! Many students ask to run extra laps to earn extra points so ultimately they can earn extra Sneaker Awards!

The 1st, 2nd, & 3rd charms are also used for grade awards at the club races. Fitness Finders® Awards are also used at our "all school" races held during the school day. If a student improves his/her mile time, then an award is given. 

For example, Turkey Awards are used for the Turkey Trot, Snowflake Awards for the Winter Fun Run, etc. One child last year said that was the first award he'd ever earned in school! He was so excited!  

Fitness Finders® Walker Awards are used in Morning Walking Club when students reach various mile levels.  

Lastly, we use the EZ Scan® App for our walking club and for our upcoming Mile Tracker Challenge."

Fitness Finders® appreciates Betty Kern's support and commitment to excellence.

How Mileage Club® Helped Two Brothers Overcome Physical Challenges and Discover a Love for Running

Spencer and Eli Pardee, two adopted brothers from Guatemala, now living in Michigan, have an inspiring story of resilience, growth, and movement. Both boys were adopted at 8 months old and faced significant physical challenges early in life - but through encouragement, structured physical activity, and Mileage Club, they discovered their strength and confidence.

From Early Challenges to Early Intervention

Spencer (now 20) and Eli's (now 18) mother, Dr. Terri Pardee, a Professor of Psychology at Spring Arbor University, has long studied childhood development, including topics such as high-function autism, trauma effects on children, and physiological psychology. 

She explains that the brain stem develops from the bottom up, and when children lack progressive physical activity, their gross motor skills - and even cognitive and emotional growth - can be delayed. Many adopted children face these challenges due to limited early physical development opportunities, such as being swaddled for extended periods. Swaddling babies, which is a common practice in third-world countries because of environmental health concerns, can limit opportunities to strengthen core muscles.

Recognizing these risks, Terri enrolled her sons in the Jackson County ISD Lyle A. Torrant Center's Early Childhood Program, where they received speech, occupational, and physical therapy. This provided essential early support - but the breakthrough came later, through physical education and Mileage Club.  

The Role of Physical Education and Mileage Club

As a first grader, Spencer struggled with weak core muscles and was unable to lie on his back and roll to his stomach. He also dealt with twisted tibias, which resulted in him being extremely pigeon-toed. He wore leg braces as a young child and often tripped when he walked.

When Spencer met Debbie Drake, a long-time Physical Education teacher at Jackson Christian Elementary School for 17 years, and a core member of the Fitness Finders team since 1977. Debbie helped develop the Mileage Club program alongside company founders Dr. Charles and Beth Kuntzleman.

Terri recalls telling Debbie:

"My son has pretty significant gross motor delays. Spencer may not be able to run."

Debbie responded without hesitation:

"We can work with him."

Through consistent encouragement and Mileage Club participation, Terri noticed Spencer began building strength and coordination. What once seemed impossible - rolling over, running, even balancing - became achievable milestones. By fifth grade, Spencer was thriving; he was running comfortably, earned awards in his PE class for push-ups, and placed in the top 10 for physical fitness in his class. 

Finding Joy and Confidence in Running

The Pardees offered Spencer a variety of opportunities to be active. They enrolled him in traditional sports like baseball and soccer, but they weren't the right fit for him due to sensory challenges and a reserved personality. Mileage Club provided an inclusive and motivating environment where he could move at his own pace and experience success. He could practice running to improve his performance, meet goals, and have fun!

“The kids had a ball with Mileage Club®,” Terri told us in our interview.

In middle school, Spencer was part of his school's cross-country team - a milestone that once seemed unimaginable. When his mom nervously asked if he was ready for his first meet, he confidently replied:

“Oh, yeah. We ran that far at lunch every day for Mileage Club®.”

A Family Journey of Growth

Spencer’s younger brother Eli faced many of the same physical challenges, compounded by medications that can affect metabolism. He, too, found joy and purpose in running. Eli has completed two 5K races and is proud of his accomplishments - proof that perseverance and support can go a long way.

Dr. Pardee credits Mileage Club and a quality PE program for her sons' long-term physical and emotional growth.

“Running has made the boys physically healthier, provided them an outlet for stress, and has taught them fitness skills that they will be able to use throughout their entire lives.” 

- Terri Pardee

The Power of Movement with Mileage Club

Stories like Spencer and Eli's highlight the deep connection between physical activity, brain development, and lifelong well-being. Mileage Club helps children of all abilities experience success, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of movement.

If you're ready to help your students discover their own potential, visit Fitnessfinders.net or call 800-789-9255 to learn how Mileage Club can transform your school's fitness program.

How Mileage Club® Supports Students with Autism: Colin’s Story of Confidence and Community

How Mileage Club Helped One Student Discover Confidence, Joy, and Belonging Through Running

At Hanover-Horton Elementary in Hanover, Michigan, one student's journey with Mileage Club has inspired an entire school community.

Meet Colin.

Colin loves to run. When he participated in Mileage Club in first grade, Colin completed 30 miles. The next year, as a second grader, he more than doubled his mileage, racking up a total of 70 miles. 

At the end of the season, when the school announced that Colin had logged nearly twice as many miles as the next-highest runner for the year, the entire student body erupted in cheers.

And that moment mattered.

Running Became a Place Where Colin Could Shine

Colin has autism, and school hasn't always been an easy place for him. His mom, Carrie, shared that some of his classmates had seen him struggle and “have seen Colin at his worst.” This made coming in first place - and his peers celebrating him - even more meaningful. 

Carrie Nichols shared that Colin showed signs of athleticism from a very young age, but was easily overwhelmed by the chaos and activity of PE class and organized sports. Running offered something different than PE class or organized sports. Instead of navigating a loud environment, quick transitions, or complex team dynamics, running gave Colin:

• A physical release for extra energy
• A sense of independence
• A sense of pride
• A clear, repeatable structure
• A way to feel successful on his own terms

His teacher noticed differences too: after Mileage Club, Colin returned to the classroom calmer, focused, and ready to learn.

Why Running Works for Many Students with Autism

Experts have observed similar benefits in other runners on the autism spectrum. 

Within two years of road racing, Tommy Des Brisay was near the front of the pack. He was confused about where everyone else was the first time he won a race, so he went back up the course to run with each subsequent finisher and cheer for them as they crossed the line.”

Des Brisay, now 25, has personal bests of 15:17 for 5K, 1:10:34 for a half-marathon, and 2:38:50 for a full marathon. It’s not unusual for him to blow by his competition while reciting lines or singing songs from his favorite movies.

Alison Wade wrote for Runner's World, that running doesn't require complex social interaction, yet still allows students to feel part of a supportive community.

“In running, social interaction is common, but it’s not required for success. Running does not require mastery of complex techniques, intricate rules, or the principles of teamwork—but it does offer the opportunity to be a part of a team.”

Russell Lang, Ph.D., the executive director of the Clinic for Autism Research, Evaluation and Support at Texas State University in San Marcos, said that 

“Running, in general, is a community sport and lifetime activity that de-emphasizes social communication and emphasizes repetitive behavior. That lends itself well to alignment with the characteristics of autism.”

 

The repeatable rhythm and self-paced structure of running can create comfort, joy, and confidence.

A Story That Reaches Far Beyond One Track

Colin isn't alone. Athletes like Tommy Des Brisay - a long-distance runner with autism from Ontario - have shown that the characteristics of autism can be strengths in endurance sports. He began running when he turned 14 and dreamed of making the 2020 Paralympic Team. People marvel at what Tommy Des Brisay has been able to accomplish despite his autism

Tommy's mother puts it beautifully:

"What if it's because of his autism that he's this successful? You can choose to look at autism as a disability or as a collection of abilities to be celebrated. 

There's no doubt that for Tommy, part of his success as a runner has always been his unfailing willingness and joy in training. He's the kind of guy who doesn't see it as a tedium of any kind to go forward and do the same workout. There's a comfort for him in that. 

So I think for Tommy, his autistic tendencies are an advantage in a lot of things. One of those is his running."

For Tommy, consistency, joy in routine, and deep focus became advantages, not obstacles.

Back to Colin - and Why Mileage Club Matters

When asked what he liked most about Mileage Club, Colin didn't mention awards, tokens, or applause.

He simply said:

"Running."

Mileage Club didn't just help Colin improve his fitness. It helped him:

• Feel successful
• Build confidence
• Connect with his classmates
• Discover something he loves

This is what Mileage Club is all about.

Should Kids Run Marathons?

In 2016, Charlie Westrip set the 6-year-old male record with his half marathon time of 2:06:51. In 2014, Heather Welsch set the 11-year-old female half marathon record with a time of 1:31:23.

These outlier feats of speed and endurance are impressive, unusual, and extreme. We do not want to dissuade children from running far and fast if that brings them joy. But we do want to emphasize the importance of moderation and personal enjoyment in the activity.

Moderation

Many children love to climb trees. Climbing trees is not a dangerous activity in and of itself, but it has the potential to be harmful if children climb high beyond the bounds of common sense.

The same is true for children running great distances. If a child loves to run that is wonderful! However, miles accrued must be sensible as they can affect growing bodies.

Running marathons at 6 will not necessarily prepare a child to compete in an Olympic Marathon at 20. In most cases, Fitness Finders® recommends accruing marathon distances over multiple running sessions, thereby achieving the accomplishment without the same physical toll.

Greg Meyer, a sub-four-minute miler who went on to win the Detroit, Boston, and Chicago Marathons in the 1980’s, says “Success does not have to be some big success that takes weeks to accomplish, but little successes every day; those that will give children a sense of accomplishment, satisfaction and confidence.”

Personal Enjoyment

Douglas Finley, Editor, for the Center for Children’s Running, wrote, “Success will be different for each child. For some, it will be simply finishing a run. For others, it may be running farther or faster than last time or mastering some new skill like passing off a relay baton. For yet others, it is as simple as being recognized for their effort, for showing great determination, for just doing their best. If the child sets too lofty a goal, it is the responsibility of the parent/coach to suggest taking little steps to reach that goal, each step offering the child an opportunity to experience a level of personal accomplishment.”

Running should facilitate a love of physical activity in children, a love of movement. By encouraging youth to run for enjoyment and health, you set the stage for their life-long approach to exercise. And by setting attainable, individual, and appropriate goals, you can enable each young runner to shine.

So, should kids run marathons? Some will. Set attainable, sensible goals that all your students can work for and celebrate. Create those everyday successes that build accomplishment, satisfaction, and confidence.