Children & Running
Is it OK for children to take up running?
Running is a great form of physical activity for children. It helps to develop cardiovascular fitness (heart and lungs) and muscle strength, and because running is a weight-bearing activity, it can improve bone strength too.
Running really is one of the most accessible forms of exercise around. No special equipment is required (beyond appropriate footwear), and children and their families can participate at any level. It is important that everyone realises it is possible to run, jog or walk, and to get round a course using a mix of these paces.
Because there are no technical skills to master or complicated rules to learn, children of all ages and abilities can run. Running can provide instant success and a sense of achievement. As with any exercise, running can boost a child's self-esteem, improve body image and enhance mood.
How Often?
There are no hard and fast rules about how often a child should run. Running, and sport in general, should be geared to meet the child's level of development, physically and mentally. Children mature and develop at different rates, and some may be comfortable (and happy) running two or three times a week. If your child is new to running, they should probably start with one session a week, and build up slowly from there.
How Far?
Children need to experience success in order to feel good about themselves, so they should be running achievable distances. Young children's bodies are designed to do short bursts of activity followed by recovery periods, so they can sprint short distances and then they need a rest. This doesn't exclude young children from completing longer distances, but they shouldn't be expected to run all the way, running and walking is better for them.
What should they wear on their feet?
A pair of comfortable trainers will be fine for most children if they are only running now and again. Make sure they fit properly and your child can tie the laces. For a child who runs regularly, maybe at school or a local club, a pair of running shoes is recommended. Running shoes are designed to meet the demands of running, and as a result can help to reduce the risk of injury.
How can children with physical difficulties be involved in the Tesco Great School Run?
There may be a child in your school who uses a wheelchair, walks with a frame, crutches or sticks, or otherwise needs help to complete the 2k course. It's really important to include all children in the Tesco Great School Run and the sessions building up to the event, but you may have to adapt what you do.
It may be that children can propel themselves around the course in their wheelchair, which will probably be an equally good work out as running. Maybe they could do a shorter version of the route, or walk some of the way, and have a buddy to help them. Creating teams can include less able children and provide them with support on the day.
Always be guided by the child and their parents and take advice from their physiotherapist. Physical exercise is often just as important for children with disabilities, and they will get the same buzz and sense of achievement from completing the Tesco Great School Run as will any other child.