Recently I have started an afternoon running group for the middle school kids. It has quickly grown many ways and I am fortunate to be there to see it. I love the spirit of kids - always up for an adventure! I guess that will always be a part of me too! They want the rolling hills, the deep snow, the path not traveled. They have a bit of a "no fear" attitude, a free and in the moment attitude...we should all have some of that. The energy running with kids in the woods is wonderful! They adapt quickly to it.
What I have seen with this group of kids is some of the same qualities I see with my Whole Running girls - they are creating a healthy bond. Pushing themselves yet helping to push the others too. Knowing that yes, I am taking them out of their comfort...yet doing it with a smile (or grimace? haven't looked too close!). Some of the runs have been through very deep snow - and we are forced to run in lines, switching the lead to pave the path...gets exhausting to be in the front the whole time! But what a work out!
"The most effective kind of education, is that a child should play among lovely things" Plato
I have seen them all grow in such a short amount of time. And I am sure to tell them. It amazes me how shocked they are when I tell them what I see - positive, constructive guidance always produces wonderful results. Tell a kid they are doing wonderful and watch their pace and bounce pick up. Give them a little adjustment on form, and watch them learn. Tell them to smile and watch the attitude change. Bribe them with a Slurpee and watch them earn it (only a couple of times...and they sure earned it!).
I have been running all of my life - and I hope to continue to do so....and working with the younger generation....hopefully can preserve my youth a bit longer! We all have a bit of our childhood left in us...we just need the child to bring it out!
If you are truly passionate about something, sharing it can only accelerate not only your fire, but puts the fire in others too...yes, even kids...and even your own kids!
For the Parents that I work with who have given me the honor to work with their kids...Thank you!!! I hope they will join you on your runs! It sure is a treat....
"The pursuit of truth and beauty is a sphere of activity in which we are permitted to remain children all our lives" Albert Einstein
I love this! My 7th grade daughter Katie would like to join you in the summer, so I hope this continues into the warmer weather!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Love what you are doing.
ReplyDeleteLoved this post Jill -- and loved seeing you with the kids in Green Lakes -- I got a kick out of the one in shorts!
ReplyDeleteYou are doing a great thing -- It made me think of a book I read called "Last Child in the Woods" -- it is a book written by an Audubon Medal winner and chairman of the Children & Nature Network -- that focuses on the changes in our culture and society that are depriving kids of a real connection to the natural world -- and all the negative impacts of that -- He calls his movement "leave no child inside".
Not only do you have these kids running, but you have them running in the woods -- It will be good for them in so many ways....
You never fail to inspire.