Running with your children?

Givemewings

My 9 year old wants to run with me. Anyone have any experience of running with theor children and how did it go? Advice?

chrishgt4

I don't have experience of that specifically, but I don't think there is much to know in terms of - running is so easy to do - put some trainers, a t-shirt and some shorts on and head out.

I would let them run slightly ahead of you, that way they set the pace, and maybe if you want to make it fun for them put in some mini challenges along the way like "ok when we get to that sign there, we're going to race to the next sign and the winner gets a......" then let them win some/most of the time.

momof3and3

I run at times with my 12 year old (she is really petite)....I just keep in mind that she is working 2x as hard as I am, her legs are little! I modify my pace to accomodate hers...Sometimes she is faster than me so I let her go ahead as long as I can see her, and if she is getting tired I might go ahead a bit and keep returning back to her.

We both really enjoy it! She has done 5ks with me and my 20 year old....I have heard that they shouldn't do really long distances 6 miles or more , until they are 14 because they don't have the lung capacity and glycogen storage capacity that an adult has, so it taxes their bodies too much

If she wants to come with me on a long run, she rides her bicycle...

It is a really nice one and one time with her...we both enjoy it

Usbornegal

I did a 5k with my younger son a year ago. But he slowed down to walk with his gf since she hadnt trained and had to be careful for breathing issues. Oh, he's 27.

I see tons of people at events running with their children. I would say it is great as long as you match their pace if it is slower and not push them past their endurance level. What a wonderful, healthy way to share life with your child!

samhelen

Most people in my neighborhood that have kids with them when they're running have the kids ride their bikes -- I however have a 5 y/o so he still goes into the jogging stroller -- I look forward to the day when he can come with me.

Swissmiss

What a wonderful way to spend time with our children !!! I have tried to get my youngest daughter involved in exercise classes with me. She doesn't want to participate.:brokenheart:

timjai

I don't have experience of that specifically, but I don't think there is much to know in terms of - running is so easy to do - put some trainers, a t-shirt and some shorts on and head out.

I would let them run slightly ahead of you, that way they set the pace, and maybe if you want to make it fun for them put in some mini challenges along the way like "ok when we get to that sign there, we're going to race to the next sign and the winner gets a......" then let them win some/most of the time.

Perfect advice, that's what I do with my 7 year old when we go for a walk or jog somewhere, also, she sleeps better :P

alise_lmx

I ran a few 5ks last summer, and my son, who had just turned 5, REALLY wanted to run one with me. I didn't do much to "train" with him, we ran around the block every once in a while, but I figured during the race we would mostly walk. Well, I was wrong. He loved it! I had to keep him paced, he wanted to sprint, lol, but I kept telling him that we could walk at any time. The first race we walked for about 30 seconds total, getting water. Next race he didn't walk the whole time, and I actually had a hard time keeping up with him at the end!

He LOVED the experience, and he's asked me multiple times when we could race again. Also it was cool bc since he was so little, people cheered him on a TON, which made me so proud of him and it made him feel awesome! Also, it was pretty funny to see the reactions of people when they got passed by a 5 year old, lol.

Overall, I think it is a great idea and will be a great thing to do with your kids!

Eta: I also spoke with his pediatrician to make sure it was ok for my son to be running like this, and he said that it was fine, just obviously don't push him to do more than he wants to do.

TonyL68

I tried it once with my teen daughter before I started getting in shape again. She kicked my *kitten* and I held her back. Soon I'm going to give her a run for her money. For now, I'll be happy to slowly pedal my bike alongside her if she wants company. But I probably won't log it.

sondra216379

What a wonderful way to spend time with the kiddos! Occasionally my almost 8 year old will do a video workout with me, but other than that I can't get her to exercise with me.

Oh, and my 18 year old will have nothing to do with exercising. She always says she's smaller than me and doesn't need to. She may weigh less, but she wears bigger clothes than I do. I think we just carry the weight differently.

rob_v

My daughter started running with my wife and I last year (7 at the time) and did her first 5k that same year. She ended up winning her age group which was great! She signed up for a few races this year and is doing a triathlon relay team w her sisters in June..
We just let her go at her own pace and we adjust accordingly.