This is a documentary
of a 10 week "Learn to Run" program done at Victoria
School (kindergarten to grade twelve) in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Through the ten week program, the students learned a variety of topics
to learn more about running. The program ended with a final "Fun
Run." Highlights included: the runners and supporters contributing
to the Edmonton Foodbank, Mayor Bill Smith coming out to address the
runners and start the race, and about 200 young runners recieving a
medal for their great achievements. It was an extremely successful
program that has started some youngsters onto life long running. You
can view pictures of the "Final Fun Run" at the Kids
Learn to Run in our picture site. If you need any information on
how to start this at your school, please email us at run@completerunning.com. Also, my article and program is featured on kidsrunning.com at this site: http://www.kidsrunning.com/school/learntorun.html....enjoy!! Below is the program I used and a "sum up" of all the fun!!
10 WEEK LTR PROGRAM:
1-K and 5-K Schedule of Topics
For the 1-K, complete only half of the sets.
Week 1: Introduction: Building the House
(run 1 min, walk 2 min - 6 sets)
Week 2: How to Buy the Right Shoes/Apparel
(run 1 min, walk 1 min - 10 sets)
Week 3: Proper Stretching Techniques
(run 2 min, walk 1 min - 6 sets)
Week 4: Hot/Cold Weather Running
(run 3 min, walk 1 min - 5 sets)
Week 5: Breathing
(run 4 min, walk 1 min - 5 sets)
Week 6: Nutrition
(run 5 min, walk 1 min - 3 sets)
Week 7: Form & Posture
(run 6 min, walk 1 min - 3 sets)
Week 8: Keeping it FUN
(run 8 min, walk 1 min, run 4 min - 2 sets)
Week 9: Life Long Running
(run 10 min, walk 1 min - 2 sets)
Week 10: RUN Day Preparation
(run 10 min, walk 1 min - 2 sets)
Week 11: 1-K and 5-K START TO FINISH RUN - with medals awarded to all finishers
I have been teaching for 12 years, and during that time I have been running for the love of the sport as well as for health and less stress benefits. During my later years of teaching, I had also been teaching the Running Room's Learn-to-Run, half marathon and marathon clinics. The Running Room has phenomenal running programs that have done so much for so many people. It was extremely rewarding to teach those clinics because I got to share my love for running with so many people and hopefully make a difference in their lives.
Last summer it occurred to me that the students could benefit from a learn-to-run program as well. I thought it would be a great opportunity for those students who would like to run, but who were intimidated by running or just didn't know where to start. So I met with the Running Room's John Stanton and Edmonton Public Schools' physical education consultant, Don Zabloski, and they were extremely supportive and offered to help where they could. I then approached the principal of our school, Ingrid Neitsch, and she was also behind the clinic 100%. The next thing was to get started.
We designed a program and recruited students. By the end of it we had 110 students, along with many parents and teachers signed up from our kindergarten to grade 12 school. Our youngest runner was four years old, and our oldest I never asked, because a few of the many parents and teachers who volunteered their countless hours may have been offended.
Today, after 10 weeks of training, we just finished the clinic by having a 1/2.5/5-km final Fun Run at a great venue, Foote Field. The mayor of Edmonton, Bill Smith, kicked off the event by addressing the enormous dedication the young runners had demonstrated to complete the 10 weeks of training. As an extra bonus, runners and supporters contributed to the Edmonton Food Bank; the mayor was collecting for the food bank for his annual "Fill the Ford" campaign.
It was a beautiful sunny day, and the Fun Run was an amazing success. A little over 200 people were out running on a beautiful sunny Saturday morning, some of whom may have never imagined doing such a thing 10 weeks ago. My hope is that some lifelong runners may have been born, and they too will experience the many great benefits of running.
I want to thank the Running Room for the medals, the speakers who gave excellent presentations throughout the clinic and all of the equipment, supplies, prizes and Marlene on FUN RUN day! Thank you to all the teachers, parents, friends and family who donated so much of their time to this clinic and final event. My goal is to have many schools across Edmonton and Canada having this or a similar program at their school to encourage healthy and active kids. I know our school is going to make it an annual event.
