Pfun Run/ Benefits of Running

After doing a continuing education on exercise for children, I am convinced that most children do not get enough of cardio exercise. I know my children are very active but not all the time. So for homeschool p.e. class, we decided to train for the upcoming Pflugerville Fun Run in May. They may opt not to run this race, but all my boys are in training for it. Currently we have been running 2 1/2 miles to 3 miles for 4 days out of the week and will gradually add 1/4 mile every two weeks. I have been running or walking almost daily since my highschool days and cannot stop because of the habits developed early on. What do I like about it? It has taught me discipline, to work hard at whatever is given me even though it might be hard. Running is like that - hard and not enjoyable at times, but you push yourself. I enjoy the fact that I get so much cardio exercise in a very short amount of time. Running has given me incredibly strong legs and bones- no wonder my brother when young use to call my legs, "thunder thighs". That comment hurt me then but I take it as a compliment now. I would encourage parents to give children plenty of opportunity for running, jumping, hopping, skipping especially before puberty starts because bone mass is greatly and mostly influenced around that age by high impact exercise. Recently, I saw pictures of runners' and swimmers' bones. Bone mass is significantly different from a swimmer and a runner. Studies are also clear that high intensity cardio also helps students do better in school. I am sure that being extremely physically active has helped me with the grades when I was in school. Putting children on an organized team does not guarantee that our children will grow up to be physically active. I have wondered that these kids may become team dependent and not exercise unless there is a team available. I know a good number of people like this. Running can take place almost any where at any temperature. My parents never put me on an organized team- though I was in the gymnastic team in 9th grade (self taught) and in the track team 11th and 12th grade. I thank God that I am physically active today and hope to pass these habits to my children.