getting kids running

[Thetallestsunflower]

Hi again:
I would like to get my kids (age 7 and 8) running so that it becomes something we can all do together.
Any tips?

Take it at their pace. Do a run walk run walk thing to start

Look at park run, they do junior 2k ones I think.

When I run with my DC, I keep them going with races to the next lamp post / tree / whatever.

when I started running last year my DD came with me - she was 8.5 - and we followed the couch 2 5k programme. she loved listening to the instructions telling us when to walk and when to run

My DD is a bit older at 11 and has started.

She will go out for 1 mile about 3 times a week. Has a good pace and will do it in about 8:30. Faster than me! But she prefers fast short distance. She did a x country last week. Hated it as it was too long!

With younger ones id do a C25K.

My two are nearly 8 and have recently started the junior parkruns. By the challenge of beating their personal best means they want to go out and run more in the week. I'm amazed how keen they are, so we've had some family runs out in the evening recently which is great for us all.

DS has done the 5k parkrun with me but informed me yesterday he will not be doing it with me again until he's old enough to run by himself as it's embarrassing to be so near the back .

I've done c25k and think that would be great at the age yours are at to build them up.

Brilliant-sounds like a good plan now the evenings are getting lighter. Do you think I would be best getting them proper running trainers or are they ok in their normal ones xx

We started off with their normal trainers and got some running trainers more recently when it was obvious they were keen.

I have found out a local 1k for kids each sunday so we are going to start out with -we won't be able to go every week but I think the kids will enjoy running with other children. I'll take them out with me when I run too.
How does the C25K work? Is it an app? Would the kids need MP3 players too? xx

My 8yo and 5yo have recently started junior parkrun. They like trying to get a pb and really want to get to 11 runs as they get a wristband.

I used the Get Running c25k app. DC came out with me occasionally when I used it and I used to keep one earphone in and tell them when to start and stop. That works quite well but I think you could use the run outline without as long as someone has a watch. The first week is 5 minute walk, 8 x 1 minute running with walk between (I forget how long) and fives minute walk. I guess there must be MP3 versions but never looked.

The 1k sounds great, I'm sure they'll love it. The atmosphere is great at our junior parkrun, very positive and inclusive.