Tips for the Big Race!
| YOUR CHILD'S FIRST FUN RUN Walk at one. Talk at two. Fun run at three, four, or five. It's a defining moment. Time to sign your child up for that first fun run! |
YOUR CHILD'S FIRST FUN RUN
You know that it's not important to "win" in the traditional sense and that all that matters is a "finish" in a fun run. So why are you fretting and sweating on a cool day? Here are a few tips to help you relax during your child's first fun run. 
Eat an early breakfast to make sure that food is digested before the fun run.
Get to the fun run early. Most events are by the clock. If the event says 9:00 a.m., that means the kids will run at 9 sharp.
When you arrive, look for your age group and find out where to gather.
Get ready. Make sure you have your t-shirt on.
If you didn't bring water, find some. Have your child sip a bit.
Make an after-event meeting plan. Some events have specific parent pick-up areas. Make sure that everyone knows the plan.
Time to line up. Keep your child in view. Smile. Wave. Then step back.
Blow bubbles!
Every now and then a little one may get the jitters at the start. If your very young one starts to cry, scoot into the crowd and give a little TLC. If the event starts and the crying continues, accompany your child. 
When the starting gun goes off, yell, scream, cheer, and jump up and down. Keep your camera flashing.
Enjoy the finish with more photos and positive accolades.
Happy Feet, Healthy Food
Check out this Book!!!!!!!!
Happy Feet, Healthy Food
Your Child's First Journal
of Exercise and Healthy Eating
A handbook and fitness tracker combined to encourage kids to set goals and reflect on their healthy habits. Used in schools, clubs, and homes around the world.
KEY CONCEPTS: physical activity, running, healthy eating, journal writing, tracking fitness
I bought three books written by this author - and I am so excited about them! They are absolutely perfect for children. The titles of her other two books are:
1. Kids running : Have fun, Get Faster & Go Farther
2. Treasure of Health and Happiness
I am going to buy "Happy Feet, Healthy Food" for each of my children so that this summer our family can start our very own "it's fun to be fit program" What is that you ask? Just something I am making up as I go - but it is starting with this book! Have I said how fantastic this book is yet? I love it, love it, love it!! It is truly amazing. I love that it teaches children about healthy food, and exercise - and trying new things - and how good it feels to be strong and healthy and fit!!
Check out this author's website
I have talked to the library here in Cardston, and they are going to get all three of her books into the library system so that you can borrow them from the library - Nice!
I have also talked to Mr. Prete at the Cardston Book Shop and if you request the book - he will get them in to the bookstore for you to purchase! Yeah!
Summer is coming!!
Turn off the tube
Healthy & Fit Families
Limit screen time
DID YOU KNOW?
One out of 3 children watch more than 4 hours of TV a day. Watching more than 2 hours of TV a day….
• Decreases the time spent reading, doing homework and has a negative effect on school performance.
• Decreases the amount time spent moving and being active
• Increases the likelihood of unhealthy snacking, exposure to advertising for unhealthy foods and gaining too much weight.
• Increases aggression and behavior problems.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
• Keep TVs out of your child’s bedroom.
• Set a viewing limit for each child and let them plan their TV viewing for the week.
• Make a list of favorite things to do instead of watching TV or playing video games.
• Some ideas – reading books, arts and crafts, outdoor activities, listening to music.
• Make meal time family time – turn off the TV and talk to each other.
• Don’t let your child have the TV on while doing homework.
• Treat TV as a reward not a right – viewing should only be done after homework and chores.
Take the CHALLENGE – Move away from the screen
Mark (X) the actions you will do so you and your children can sit less and move more this month.
• Keep track of how much screen time you get in a week – then set a goal to get less.
• Plan your TV viewing for quality programs. Limit to 2 hours a day.
• Go for a walk or play a game instead of turning on the TV.
• Make a list of all the things you can do instead of watch TV and do a different one each day.
Be Active Everyday
Being active everyday helps everyone in your family have strong and healthy hearts, bones and muscles and maintain a healthy weight. Kids need at least 60 minutes of physical activity everyday and adults need at least 30 minutes. Being active together sets a good example for your kids, helps establish lifelong healthy habits and is a good way to spend time with your children.
Healthy & Fit Families
Are active everyday!
Get Moving!
Here are some simple and fun physical activities your family can do together any day of the week. Try to do one of these for at least 10 minutes a day.
Go for a walk
Put on some music and dance
Shoot some hoops
Play catch
Toss a Frisbee
Play a fun outdoor game
Visit a playground
Wash the car
Ride bikes
Jump rope
Hula hoop
Play hopscotch
Build Support
Walk to school with your child. Start a “walking school bus” – one or more adults walk with a small group of children to school – it’s safe and social.
Encourage your child to sign up for after-school programs that involve physical activity like dance, cheerleading, running or sports.
Start a walking club and train together to walk in a charity event.
Take the CHALLENGE – Be active everyday
Mark (X) the actions you will do so you and your children can do to sit less and move more this month.
Visit a park and spend time playing outdoors.
Find a walking route in your neighborhood and set a goal to walk it 3 times a week.
Dance during all TV commercials.
Try a new activity – look for classes or videos on yoga, martial arts or salsa dancing,
TheBestLife.com
Do you ever think that sticking to a workout plan would be easy if it weren't for your spouse or kids? I hear different versions of the same problem all the time: I have to pick up my children at school and drop them off at practice so I don't have time to hit the gym. Or I'm a new mom and just can't balance my new baby with my workout needs. But there are ways to have a family and be healthy! Check out these tips on how you can make your fitness routine work with your busy life.
Level with yourself. It's possible that if your spouse or kids didn't give you a reason to skip the gym, someone or something else would—the holidays, your schedule, or your job, for example. Figure out what's standing in your way by asking yourself a few questions, like are there other reasons (stress or emotions) that cause you to miss workouts? Do you have a need to please other people at your own expense? Sometimes the answers can tell you if you really want to do what is necessary to permanently lose the weight.
Get an early start. Exercise first thing in the morning to avoid problems, like your daughter missing the school bus, that would cause you to bail on your workouts.
Choose family-friendly workouts. If you have young children, choose an activity that allows you to watch them while working out. For example, walk or jog with your child in a stroller or baby jogger or pop in a fitness DVD at home. Have older kids? Try combining exercise with some family bonding: Choose a time on the weekend, and plan a family outing, such as a bike ride or even a simple game of tag in the yard.
Don’t make excuses. Make regular exercise non-negotiable. Not only will this help you stay on track, but it also sets a good example for your children. They'll learn that taking care of their health is a priority.
For more weight-loss advice, join Bob Greene's TheBestLife.com. You'll get access to loads of articles, meal plans, delicious recipes and more.
Snow Day!
Wow!
On the positive side . . . . it is the end of April - and it can’t last - so go out and enjoy it, build a snowman, or check out a couple of cool websites while you stay warm!
COACH ED'S PAGE
Advice on Children's Running and More
Coach Ed is an experienced youth coach and children's fitness specialist. Get your questions about training and much more answered here.
Here is another site from the running room that has some fantastic articles on raising healthy kids!
Learn to be Healthy
The first one is http://www.learntobehealthy.org
This has sections for kids, teens, parents, teachers and community members.. Check it out..
The next site is probably more for the adult - but I really shouldn’t underestimate the kids and their computer skills - they would probably be able to navigate this site better that me! It will help you to figure out miles right here around town, and you won’t even need to drive (no gasoline needed - yeah!) So on second thought - this may be a great teaching moment for your kids to teach you a little something! Have fun mapping!
http://www.mapmywalk.com
Well, lets keep walking and running - and don’t forget to tell your friends and family to sign up soon -
the deadline of MAY 8 is only 3 weeks away!
Spread the word!
Pedometer Numbers
Mom B (5ft 5” tall) 1/4 mile = 575 steps
Dad B (5ft 11” tall) 1/4 mile = 540 steps (dad has short legs/long body)
12 year old girl 1/4 mile = 400 steps (the girl has a loooong stride!)
9 year old boy 1/4 mile = 527 steps ( I think these results are fishy . . . want to retest him - he is about as tall as the 9 year old girl below - hmm)
7 year old girl 1/4 mile = 687 steps
4 year old girl 1/4 mile = 1395 steps
Mom V(5ft 3” tall) 1/4 mile = 550 steps
9 year old girl 1/4 mile = 800 steps