60	To be an example to my children

Children tend to learn from observing adults and often follow parents’ behavior patterns. Yes, they “do as we do” more than they “do as we say.” Kids are observing us constantly and embedding in their subconscious brains the behaviors they see. These early childhood behavior patterns become hardwired to our reflex brain that initiates most of our actions.

While this information is somewhat scary, there is a positive side. While we need to be aware of avoiding negative behaviors, we can influence kids to engage in positive ones by doing them. Studies show that parents who regularly exercise tend to have children who exercise.

But the kids are learning by your actions. If you complain about having to do your run or whine about how tough the run is, they will learn that running hurts and is something you have to take like medicine.

But if you talk about and demonstrate a good attitude after running, they are likely to do the same. If you explain how running enhances your thinking, attitude, and life, they are more likely to follow in your running steps. Even when children are young, you can still talk positively about exercise and make a big impression.

In my book Fit Kids — Smarter Kids, there is more information about the benefits kids receive from exercise at all ages and how to exercise together. But if you travel a lot and can’t run in person, send emails, text messages, or explain how you are getting in your runs on a busy trip and how good you feel because you’re doing this. Also encourage them to tell you about their exercise as they tell you about their day.

Thousands of adults have told me that because their Mom ran from the time they could remember, they assumed that running is what adults do. When they reached a certain age, they ran, too.

 

61	To exercise with my children/grandchildren

One of the great joys for parents is to exercise with their kids. There is a special bonding that occurs when this happens. Even when children don’t look forward to the workout, follow the guidelines below and get out there with them. It’s possible to have some fun in every run. It’s also OK to offer rewards afterward.

Fit kids are smarter kids. As I researched the book with that title, I discovered hundreds of studies that document the proof. Children who regularly exercise do better in school and better in life. The earlier children start to enjoy uplifting run-walks, the more likely they will become life-long exercisers.

Experts believe that when kids (and adults) exercise aerobically, the frontal lobe is stimulated. This is the executive brain that designs strategy, makes decisions, and gains control over the situation. Aerobic endurance activity has been shown to stimulate new brain cell growth.

By arranging the amount of walking and running, you can share a run with your family members. If you hear any huffing and puffing, back off the pace and insert more walking.

Set aside a time each week for “family fitness.” Make it a point to get everyone out there for this fun exercise. If kids are too tied to their TV/texting/computer, let them earn time by exercising.

You will treasure the time you spend running and walking with your kids. If you make it fun, they will too.

 

62	To help a friend get into running

One of the very best ways to consolidate the items you’ve learned from exercise is to help someone get started. Not only will you realize how much you have learned, but you’ll see the “big picture” better as you explain the benefits of exercise to a novice. Almost certainly, you’ll enjoy running even more.

The best part of this experience is the inner satisfaction. You’re not only helping someone, you’re also introducing him to an activity that can improve the quality of his life – for the rest of his life.

Running with a friend can improve motivation for both of you. There is a special chemistry in the relationship between someone who is trying to improve health and the quality of life and the person who wants to make the change. Many lifelong friendships are forged during this experience.

Mentors experience a revival in motivation as they stay in touch with the student. As problems are solved, the teacher will often reconnect with the life-enhancing benefits of running, realizing that she had been taking them for granted. On the low motivation day, the more experienced runner will realize during the pep talk that she’s receiving as much from the talk as the novice.

As you explain the benefits of running and the reasons behind the various training elements, you’ll probably learn (or remind yourself of) a number of new things that enrich your own experience. One of the best rewards is to see new runners thrive as they progress.

Running on the more scenic trails gives you an excuse to enjoy running areas you don’t normally visit. These runs are “special treats” that we all need but often don’t do. Mentoring gives you a chance to attend events you like and run with fun groups you haven’t run with for a while.

So call up a friend and help yourself to more enjoyable runs.

 

63	Run for a cause

When you’re helping others who need help, you tap into an enhanced motivational boost. Our Galloway training program provides the training support for several charities that raise funds through events. Most runners have a special connection with the charity.

Most charities ask for a certain amount as a donation for that season. Those who complete the fundraising are rewarded with a trip to a marathon. In many cases, the marathon enrollment has been filled so the runner gets into a prized event.

Making the pledge gets you committed to the goal. You believe in the cause, they need your help, and you must follow through with the promise. Some charities will match you up with a patient. As you get to know that person, you have a direct connection to the cause and become part of the community.

Helping others. There is a boost to the immune system when you help others. When you really believe that you are helping others, there’s an additional boost. If you were just running for yourself, there are a number of days when you will roll over in bed. As you think about the people that are counting on you to achieve your goal, you receive an extra boost.

Teamwork in fundraising. Charity support means raising funds as your training increases. You quickly meet others on your team who will give you help and support. Most charities will connect you with two energetic teams – your running team and your fund raising team — to increase motivation further.

The event weekend brings it all together. Sharing experiences with team members and then running together is often a peak experience. Crossing the finish line symbolizes bringing together the physical improvements, the fundraising and the helping of others at the same time.

 

64	Run to end breast cancer
	www.breastcancermarathon.com

Usually held in mid February, the 26.2 with Donna contains a half and a full marathon. Put the date of this race on your calendar and you’re certain to get an extra series of motivation boosts. When you see women who are currently going through chemo and/or radiation running a half marathon, it’s hard to say you aren’t going to run because it’s raining outside, etc. The Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer (26.2 with Donna) is uplifting, fun, and motivating, in addition to including run-walk-run pace groups.

There are a lot of big events that try to help charities. I don’t know of any large event that has given virtually penny of the entry fee to breast cancer research and care for women with the disease except for this event.

Donna Deegan is an on-air news personality in the Jacksonville area who has fought off breast cancer three times. She believes that the only way to rid the planet of this disease is to raise funds for quality research. Millions have been raised for productive research done by the Mayo Clinic, where the race starts and finishes.

The course runs parallel to Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, and Neptune Beach, with frequent vistas of the ocean and the intercoastal waterway. One segment is on the hard-packed beach itself. Each beach community turns out to cheer you with their own version of “cheer parties.”

You feel so good. You not only finish a marathon or half, but so many of the spectators turn out because of their connection with breast cancer and thank you. Some are running in honor of a mom or sister. It’s hard not to get emotional when a little girl holds up a sign saying “You’re running this for my mom.”

Our Galloway Training Program leaders organize the pace groups. That means that each group uses the appropriate run-walk-run strategy based upon the pace per mile. You are supported throughout.

I hope to see you there!