ParentPoints : Share Some Time Through Running

ParentPoints

This blog is for all parents; those in the traditional workforce, those who work from home, and those who work at home. Join our conversations about balancing the needs of family with the demands of work, discovering resources and activities around Alaska, and opening a dialogue about the perks and challenges of parenthood. One of our three contributors emphasizes teen and family issues. We welcome your comments but please keep them on point and civil. Avoid personal attacks and the use of profanity.

Contributors

Erin Kirkland

Erin Kirkland writes freelance and lives in Anchorage with her husband and two boys, 14 and 3. She has covered family-related topics for newspapers, parenting magazines and the Web. Erin and her family moved to Anchorage in 2005. She'll post on Wednesdays about great activities the entire family can participate in, and enjoy, together.

Gina Romero

Gina Romero is a lifelong Alaskan who is passionate about parenting. She left Alaska for a short time to earn a degree in journalism and returned for a job at Channel 2 News. Gina produced the Channel 2 Newshour for the better part of a decade and more recently served as communications specialist at the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce. Career perspectives changed when her daughter was born in 2007, and Gina is now a mother by day and freelance writer by night. Her Monday blog posts will focus on striking a healthy balance between work and family.

Heather Lende

Writer Heather Lende has 5 children, biological and adopted, aged 17-25 and has been married to their dad for 26 years. She also coaches high school runners. She'll try to help you with teenage, young adult, and family matters. Expect her posts on Fridays.

Share Some Time Through Running

Posted by Erin Kirkland

Posted: April 23, 2009 - 10:43 am

Comments (0) |

If your kids are some of the hundreds that will be converging upon the American Heart Association's Heart Run 2009 this Saturday, why don't you join in the fun?

We are fortunate here in Anchorage to have Running Clubs established in many of our elementary schools, giving kids the opportunity to check out the sport of running, culminating in the Heart Run, our first "big run" of the season.

The nice thing about running is that not much is required as far as equipment; shoes, socks, pants or shorts, and a shirt. Most of us can do that. Not much skill is required either; kids who can walk can run, even if it is slow.

My older son and I used to go jogging every once in a while. At that 'tween age when moms are nothing if not an embarrassment, running gave us some common ground. I found he talked more willingly if we were side-by-side and not facing each other as we trotted around the neighborhood in all sorts of weather. It is one activity we both could do, even with his lack of coordination due to the Asperger Syndrome he deals with every day.

Our youngest, now four, loves to run. In fact, we need to reign him in every once in a while from trying to race in every fun run Anchorage has to offer. But we love that he loves it, and as he grows, so will his enjoyment. We hope.

It's a good opportunity to talk with your kids while you both are sucking air and watching out for moose. That kind of time you can't get back...

login or register to post comments

By submitting your comment, you are agreeing to adn.com's user agreement.

UPDATE ON COMMENTS POLICY: Read before posting

Edit your profile and avatar »