Youth Running

I had an exciting experience today as I am part of the 21st Century grant-funded summer program at my school.  One of the things we must do as part of the grant is to get the kids 5-6th graders involved in athletic/social programs.  There's also academic, music, art, etc involved.  So, along with a couple other of the teachers, we started a small track group within the context of the program.

One of the most disappointing facts about my school district is that there is no track team nor is there a cross country team.  I've always felt as though there should be a program.  If not for the athletic and health benefits of such a program, especially for kids who are not involved in any other sports, but such a program would benefit the other sports teams in the off-season.  Either of these options would be incredibly beneficial to a number of students, especially those who struggle to focus in the classroom, but, who I have seen, can run.  There is interest among many students in the high school, but for whatever reason they have been rejected when seeking to start the program.

Please understand, I'm not criticizing the district, but stating facts.  I understand such a program can be quite expensive, and could potentially conflict with other, established sports.  I have decided, however, that as I am an elementary teacher, I can use my influence to get students interested in a track or cross country program as early as possible.  The earlier they are interested, the better.  If there are enough students who demand such a program, and their parents get involved, we might be able to get something started.

Today was the first day of the 21st Century program.  It was, and is, very loosely organized- by design.  The program itself has many aspects to it, for example, we had a master gardener there today, and I will be teaching some guitar lessons.

We had students run on the high school track for 2 timed laps, then, with one of the groups we had a series of 100 meter races.  There is some interest in 100 meter, 200 meter, 400 meter, and 800 meter races, but I'm learning that the kids don't get that 400 meters (1 lap) demands good pacing.  No matter what I tried to convey to them about starting slow and pacing yourself, a number of them shot off for the 400 meter lap like lightning only to, predictably, start walking after about 150 meters into the run.  Some did continue the pace and finished well.

I tried teaching them by running with them on the first lap and making the rule that they could not pass me on the first lap... that's hard to do, because they kept pushing the pace, by the time I let them sprint, I had lost over half the group, though a few stayed close.

This will be an interesting experience as I'm not a coach, but in these few short weeks, I am hoping that the other teachers involved in this part of the program and I will be able to make even a small impact on the students' desire to run, race, and be healthy.  There is much joy to be had in this sport, and I believe it is the duty of those of us who have experienced this joy to share it with others.

Any advice is always accepted and appreciated.  Thanks for reading!