How to Run With a Kid at a Track

Running around a track may seem like a boring chore from a child's perspective. So if you're trying to introduce your child to running, make a good impression by giving them an exciting workout that will have them wanting more. Before you begin, make sure that your child has all of the tools necessary: comfortable running shoes, water, and moisture wicking running clothing that is weather appropriate will make their experience a good one.

Things You'll Need

  • Running shoes
  • Weather appropriate running clothing
  • Stopwatch
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check to make sure that your child is dressed in running shoes that are the correct size for their feet. Having shoes that are either too big or too small will make running around the track uncomfortable.

    • 2

      Go to a nearby running track.

    • 3

      Start the stopwatch. Run at a slow pace for five to seven minutes to warm up your muscles.

    • 4

      Stop and guide your child through legs, arms, and back stretches. Let them know that stretching is not a competition; over-stretching can cause serious injury to their muscles and tendons.

    • 5

      Start your stopwatch again. Begin to run, and wait for your child to catch up. Let your child set the pace. Running quickly and leaving them to run on their own can be demoralizing to your child, and cause them to loose confidence in their running ability.

    • 6

      Mix up the workout. Keep your kid interested by setting rules that will change the effort level of the run. For example, designate the track's straightaways for sprinting, and the curves for slow running. Add in coordination drills such as high jumps, karaoke, and grapevine to prevent the track from becoming boring or monotonous.