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Activities from the 8 week Crim Youth Program |
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The Crim Youth Program is a superb program for youth running that was developed for and used by the Crim Race Organization in Flint, Michigan. The Bobby Crim 10 mile race has long been one of the most famous running races in the United States. It is held each Summer in late August and the Crim Youth program is designed to cover an 8 week period in order to train youth to run youth races the same day as the Crim 10 mile race.
We are privileged that the Crim has allowed us to use parts of their program to help with JUST RUN. This section provides the "weekly activity plans" for the 8 week program. Other referenced material in these plans can be found in other parts of the JUST RUN leader section and the download forms section.
There are many activities and references that can be useful to your JUST RUN program that are included here.
WEEK 1
Goals:
1. To understand the importance of regular physical activity
2. Introduce Fitness Journal
Attendance: Participants... MORE>>
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Adaptive P.E. advice and website |
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A great website for all sorts of information on Adaptive P.E. is http://www.pecentral.com/adapted/adaptedmenu.html
If you want to learn more about how to provide activities for children with special needs then take a look.
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Advice on Running Properly & Training For Goal Races |
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If you are training chiildren to run in the JUST RUN! Just Kids 3K goal races in November and April, other races for children, or goal races in your locale, this advice will help your young runners.
POINTERS FOR WARM UP AND TRAINING:
1. Always stretch and walk or jog a bit
2. Start slowly and then pick up the pace.
3. To gain endurance while training for the race you should be gradually increasing your distance run in the weeks leading up to the race.
4. It is OK to walk a little in your training and in your 5K.
5. Always stretch and walk or jog a bit after running.
... MORE>>
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Advice from a successful program - Porter Youth Center |
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Megan Okui, one of our CSUMB student assistants, reports that the Porter Youth Center had access to a regulation track. They used the track one day a week.
When the kids first get to the track they do a series of stretches and hold them to a count of 10. After stretching they ran laps and used a hand stamp to record laps for each child.
As each child finished a designated number of laps - increasing each session from 2 to 3 to 4 to 5, etc. then the child would go to one of several exercise station areas.
There were exercise stations designated for jumping jacks, push ups, and sit ups. After the exercises a warm down lap or two was run.
The children also enjoyed competition like 100 meter sprints against each other, with the winners advancing from each group to race against each other. They also liked to run one lap to beat a designated time - like everyone run faster than 2 minutes.
One special workout most kids enjoyed was a backwards challenge. To mix up the... MORE>>
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Advice from a successful program - Junipero Serra |
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Brittany Davis, a CSUMB student helping with the Junipero Serra program and Shannon Dunne-Gamble, the Just Run leader developed a relay program that the children enjoyed and "asked for more". Its based on the Coach Sevene drill package and keeps things fun while emphasizing agility, balance, and several movements.
First put 5 or 6 cones evenly spaced over a certain distance. (They used about 100 yards)
Break the children up evenly into teams depending on how many cones you are using. The children on a team should be same as the number of cones used. Have multiple teams.
Then place one child from each team at each cone.
You can invent different movements between each cone but we used the following:
From the first cone to the second cone they did high knees.
From the second cone to the third, the child at the second cone was lying on their back and when tagged they get up and will run backwards to cone three.
From cone three to cone four, the child at cone 3 will be... MORE>>
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Advice from a Successful Program - La Mesa School |
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Getting Started: A great example of how to start the JUST RUN program is La Mesa Elementary School in Monterey. Two dedicated and enthusiastic moms, Julie Lemmon and Jefanna Tipton decided to take the idea to the school administration and met with a very supportive principal. They then sent a flyer out to all grades and the one flyer plus word of mouth resulted in 50 children participating in their after school program.
Meetings: They decided to start by meeting one day a week on Mondays at 3:15 for an hour. They hope to increase the days later.
The Course: The moms measured and layed out a 1 mile course around a park near La Mesa Elementary school and put out cones to mark every 10th of a mile.
Separating into Groups: There are children from Kindergarten up through 6th grade and at the first session, based on ability, there were 4 running groups formed. They are mostly based on age but there are some younger kids that run with and keep up with faster groups.
Stretching... MORE>>
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Advice from a Successful Program - Marina Vista |
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Brandon Currie, a CSUMB Service Learner and scholarship Baseball player, helping with the Marina Vista elementary school after school program provides the following advice:
The kids really seem to enjoy any type of running we do. We try to keep them moving the entire time and don't want them idle too long. With that in mind, there are some activities they enjoy more than others.
1. For a warm up - we set out soccer balls about 30 feet away from the kids. We have them get into lines of about 4-5 behind one of the soccer balls; there are about 10 soccer balls. If the teams are bigger then they are idle too long between running. Make your teams as small as possible. Each kid, in turn, then runs to the soccer ball and runs around the soccer twice to the right and comes back. They repeat this twice and then go to the left twice.
2. We have the kids line up in a horizontal line in any random order and again have the soccer balls about 30 feet away. We yell out a grade level and... MORE>>
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Advice from a successful program - Roosevelt Elementary |
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Coach Shawna Gunwall of Roosevelt Elementary School in Salinas gives the following advice.
The kids really enjoyed running and the running program and usually kept their enthusiasm up by themselves. I only did a few things that seemed to keep them motivated and a bit surprised. Once every couple of weeks I would mix things up on the track by making them go the opposite direction than usual.
To keep track of their laps I would use a washable marker and "dot" the top of their hands until they completed all the laps required for that day. They seemed to like markers that had letters or numbers on them.
We also had the children and parents sign a "contract" stating that they could only miss so many practices or they would be dropped from the team. We had our own team shirt made and I didn't actually drop any child for missed practices, but I did not give them a team shirt if they missed too many practices.
On days that were particularly hot one of the moms brought a couple of... MORE>>
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Advice from Coach Fay - Attitudes are Contagious |
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Fay Wenger is coach of the Salinas Valley Track Club and has many years of experience coaching competitive junior track athletes.
Fay says its not always what you do but how you do it. “Attitudes are Contagious” has been the motto of the Salinas Valley Track Club since its beginning decades ago.
Coach Dick Casper formed the club to inspire young people with his love for Track & Field. Athletes from ages five to eighteen train in running and field events, while adhering to the policy of “show me your report card” and mentoring other athletes.
High School and college athletes often return to the club at the end of their school seasons to help others. It is important to have a positive attitude with everyone rooting for each others success. They all cheer each other on.
Salinas Valley Track Club has a proven history – athletes which are now attending excellent educational institutions –with the work ethic which we helped inspire them with.
Keep your kids working... MORE>>
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Advice on JUST RUN Indoor Training |
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Training is difficult when weather is an issue. If possible try to continue with outdoor training. Bundle the children up - after about five minutes of running the body acclimates pretty well even if it is about 28 degrees or less. Gloves, stocking caps and sweats are a must.
There are indoor training alternatives. You can measure the distance around your gym and have the kids run a number of times to reach 1/4 mile at each session; one mile can be recorded every four sessions. Combined with the drills and relays, the kids would get a great workout each time.
There are also indoor activities like running in place and old fashioned jumping jacks. Running relays on a basketball court or inside a multi-purpose room are great. If your school has corridors and steps (and you can ensure that doors aren't opening and closing) an interesting "indoor obstacle course" is always something kids love. |
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Asthma advice - tools for asthma management |
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Signs and symptoms of asthma vary from person to person. It is very important to identify each person’s signs and symptoms, which can include:
· Wheezing
· Shortness of breath
· Tightness in the chest
· Persistent dry cough
· Coughing or shortness of breath with physical activity
· Itchy, tingly throat or chin
A trigger is any factor that can irritate the lungs and lead to an asthma episode. Not all triggers affect people in the same way. Some common triggers include:
· Animal dander from skin hair or feathers
· Pests - house dust mites found in bedding, blankets and stuffed animals, cockroaches
· Pollens - from plants, grass or trees
· Molds
· Air quality - cigarette or wood smoke, air pollution
· Chemical irritants - perfumes, cleaning solvents, paint
· Seasonal changes: weather change, cold air, upper respiratory infections
· Strong emotional reactions
· Exercise
Asthma episodes can be mild to life threatening. An attack... MORE>>
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Balloon Relay |
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Several Schools have found that the children in their programs really enjoy balloon relays. The JUST RUN program has colorful JUST RUN balloons available for your school program. These can be helium filled for fun Balloon Relays.
Have a balloon for each relay team and your runners have to pass the balloon to the next relay member.
Watch the fun as they make sure the balloons don't fly off.
Relays can be various distances of your choice. You can have any number of teams and children involved.
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Cat and Mouse/ Fox and Hound/Teacher and Student |
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One game that several schools use is a variation of cat and mouse. Sometimes also called Fox and Hounds. Kamann School in Salinas uses a variation called Teacher and student.
At Kamann a teacher, who is usually a regular runner, lets the children start and then chases. The teacher should run at a comfortable pace to encourage all the children to run ahead of them. When they catch up to a student - the students naturally speed up to stay ahead. They tend to run longer this way.
One of the faster students can also be designated as the Fox and everyone else the hounds. The Fox starts behind and catches up. They can run moderately and make sure other runners ahead of them stay running or they can pursue and anyone they catch has to stop running. They try to catch and pass as many other students as they can. This is particularly good for competitive minded children.
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CA Nutrition and Physical Activity Expectations by Grade - 2008 |
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CA Health Content Standards
for Nutrition and Physical Activity, Grades k-12
Adopted March 12, 2008 (Publish date TBA)
Nutrition and Physical Activity
Kindergarten
[these standards hold for grade 1 as well]
As a result of health instruction in kindergarten, all students will demonstrate the ability to:
Standard 1:Essential Concepts
K.1.N.1 -Name a variety of healthy foods and explain why they are necessary for good health.
K.1.N.2 -Identify a variety of healthy snacks.
K.1.N.3 -Describe the benefits of being physically active.
K.1.N.4 -Recognize the importance of a healthy breakfast.
Standard 2:Analyzing Influences
K.2.N.5 -Recognize that not all products advertised or sold are good for them.
Standard 3:Accessing Valid Information
No standard statement for this grade and content area.
Standard 4: Interpersonal Communication
K.4.N.6 - Explain how to ask family members for healthy food options.
Standard 5: Decision Making
K.5.N.7- Describe ways to participate regularly in active play and enjoyable physical activity.
Standard 6: Goal Setting
No standard statement for this grade and content area
Standard 7: Practicing Health-Enhancing Behaviors
K.7.N.8 -Select nutritious snacks.
K.7.N.9 -Plan a nutritious breakfast.
K.7.N.10 -Choose healthy foods in a variety of settings
Standard 8: Health Promotion
No standard statement for this grade and content area. MORE>>
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Classroom curriculum for nutrition and fitness |
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For excellent classroom curriculum for nutrition and fitness go to Dr. David Katz's website davidkatzmd.com
For Nutrition click on Nutrition Detectives and you can download superb material that teaches kids to make healthy food choices.
For physical activity in the classroom click on ABC for Fitness and you can download unique and excellent material that shows how to provide "activity bursts in the classroom". An excellent way of accumulating 30 to 60 minutes per day of activity by short bursts of activity in every classroom.
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Counting Laps - more ideas |
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Many schools use different methods for counting laps around the field or the track. Here are a few.
1. Use rubber stamps of various designs or animals or numbers and each time a child comes around they get a rubber stamp on their hand or arm.
2. Different color popsicle sticks. The kids have to hold them but they enjoy this. Provide a different color stick each time around.
3. Beans and Bags. The students run with little bags and each time around are given a small bean or penny that goes into their bags. At the end they count their laps this way.
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Drill packages using stuffed animals |
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One great idea for doing the Drill packages and relay races that are described in this website and can be downloaded in the download forms section is to use Stuffed Animals rather than soccer balls.
The children really enjoy this one. Instead of using soccer balls or cones to run over and around, use stuffed animals instead. Teddy Bears, the Bigger Beanie Babies, or other types of unique items are great for running around and through while doing relays and agility type exercises.
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Evaluation/Survey of your JUST RUN program |
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We recommend that each group leader do an evaluation of their program. In the Download Forms section is a JUST RUN evaluation/survey form that you can use in order to assess your program. We suggest giving the survey to your participants before AND after your JUST RUN program year.
Children should fill out the form with you or with a parent or guardian. There are some questions that need your or parental answers.
When you do your evaluation we would appreciate receiving copies of your forms and any analysis you do on the results. Also any suggestions for program improvement. THis will help us make the JUST RUN program better.
Forms should be mailed to the Big Sur Marathon office - PO Box 222620 Carmel, Ca. 93922 Attn: JUST RUN PROGRAM
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Excuses kids will use and how to deal with them |
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Brandon Currie, CSUMB Service Learner, and volunteer at Marina Vista School offers the following observations.
It would be great if every child immediately loved to run but realistically some kids will do whatever they can to get out of running. The most common excuses are the following:
1. Some simply say that they have to go to the bathroom.
You’re obviously not going to tell a child that they can’t go, so you let and two minutes later you notice them playing on the play ground somewhere else. Best bet is to deal with this directly and get the child and bring them back to the running area. If you can't leave then send another child running over to get them
2. Some kids will fake injuries.
Kids tend to fake injuries. They will come up to you and say they twisted their ankle and can’t run anymore. School policy is to send them to the school nurse. They do an academy award limping act over to the nurse's office but five minutes later they run out of the nurse’s... MORE>>
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FITNESS EQUIPMENT FOR KIDS WEBSITES |
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There are a few companies now that expressly make fitness equipment geared to children of various ages. If you are interested in this type of equipment for your school or youth organization take a look at the following websites:
www.leapsandbounds.com This company has several fitness equipment items made especially for kids. Type in the key word "exercise" when at the website. Some examples are an air walker, kids first dumbbell weight sets, exercise bikes, balance balls, etc.
www.kickstartfintess4kids.com This company has several fitness equipment items made especially for kids. You can outfit your school gym from this site. Some examples are a circuit trainer, weights, and other fitness center equipment. |
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FUNDRAISER FORM - Healthy Fundraising |
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JUST RUN is a great program to use for a healthy fundraiser for your school or youth organization. In the DOWNLOAD FORMS section of the JUST RUN website are fundraising forms in both English and Spanish that can be used for this purpose.
This healthy fundraiser is approved by the STEPS for a Healthier Salinas Organization and the Monterey County Health Department.
The forms can be modified for your school or organizations use. Students then take the forms to family, friends, and businesses and receive pledges for miles run by each student.
We also suggest trying to get businesses to sponsor your school or organization by "matching" donations that are collected.
Your students RUN and have healthy activity AND your school or youth organization earns money.
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Go Girl Go national program support |
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JUST RUN supports and can be done in conjunction with the National Program of the Women's Sports Foundation called Go Girl Go. We have program material that you can use to start the program. Also go to the website www.gogirlgo.com for more information.
GO GIRL GO is a unique education program that uses four Go Girl characters and champion athletes to educate girls about being physically active and avoiding health-risk behaviors. It is designed to be presented by adult leaders in a sport environment. The program features true-life stories and life lessons from champion female athletes like Mia Hamm.
All program material is free and comes with a Guide to Life, a Scrapbook, and comprehensive instruction guides for group leaders and parents. There are two programs - one for third to eighth grade girls, and one for high school girls.
The more active a girl is now, the more active she will be as an adult. That means a healthier heart, stronger bones, less chance of cancer and... MORE>>
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Goal Races and Recommended Races in Monterey County |
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RENOVATION RUN
September (see website for exact date)
1 Mile Fun Run (ages 13 and younger) or 5K Run/Walk. Benefits teh Soledad Pool locker room renovation.
www.soledadrec.com |
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JUST RUN! Just Kids 3K
November & April (see website for exact date)
The 3Ks begin and end at near Bubba Gump on Cannery Row in Monterey. This is a family fun run with lots of pre-and post-race activities focused on health and fitness to follow.
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TOGETHER WITH LOVE 1K & 5K
February (usually the Sunday before Valentine's Day)
Race begins and ends at Lover's Point in Pacific Grove. Proceeds benefit the Monterey Rape Crisis Center.
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CASTROVILLE ARTICHOKE FESTIVAL
May (visit website for exact date)
1 mile kid's fun run
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HEART AND SOLE
May (visit website for exact date)
Race begins and ends at the Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital. Events include a 5K, 1mile, 1/2 mile and toddler trot. Proceeds benefit the Children's Miracle Network. For more info visit www.svmh.com.
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JUST RUN MARINA
June (visit website or look in the Spotlight section of the JUST RUN homepage)
Race is held in Freeman Stadium at the CSUMB campus. 1/4 and 1/2 mile track races. Event hotline is 931.760.0281
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SPRECKELS 1 MILE
July 4th
Race is held in downtown Spreckels. A parade and famiily picnic follow the racing events |
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Governor's Challenge - calgovcouncil.org |
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Starting in February 2007, the Governor's Challenge, asks California 1st through 12th grade students to exercise a minimum of 30 to 60 minutes 3 days a week for a four week period. Schools can take on the fitness challenge by entereing at the website www.calgovcouncil.org Schools can win substantial monetary awards including a $100,000 new fitness center based on participation rates at competeing schools.
The JUST RUN program, OF COURSE, meets the requirements of this Governor's Challenge and we support the program fully. Do JUST RUN and enter the Governor's Challenge to get fit and earn money for your school.
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Hall of Fame for JUST RUN Monterey County |
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In the 2004-2005 school year La Mesa School Running club in Monterey (K through 6th grade)had 70 children and ran 2,804 miles. Roosevelt Elementary school in Salinas (4th through 6th grade) had 46 children and ran 1,272 miles. Roosevelt Elementary school in Salinas (K through 3rd grade) had 37 children and ran 1,062 miles.
Connor Griep of La Mesa School did 70 JUST DEEDS and ran 170 miles.
Gabriela Garcia of La Mesa School did 42 JUST DEEDS and ran 166 miles.
Richard Braunbeck of La Mesa School did 42 JUST DEEDS and ran 138 miles.
Abdullah Mirza of La Mesa School did 57 JUST DEEDS and ran 114 miles.
Ian Bittle of La Mesa School did 33 JUST DEEDS and ran 113 miles.
Maeve Bittle of La Mesa School did 33 JUST DEEDS and ran 107 miles.
Moqarraab Mirza of La Mesa School did 57 JUST DEEDS and ran 92 miles.
At Roosevelt School several students ran 35 miles including Ashley Taylor, Jesus Alcala, Mariah Cardenas, Lutmilla Panisisni, Daisy Rodriguez from K through 3rd grade. Also... MORE>>
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If you have suggestions |
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We are always looking for your suggestions and new workouts and runs that work best for your group. If you have stretches, workouts, drills, places to run, or anything else that you think would be great for others to use please pass it on to susanwlove@sbcglobal.net and we'll review it and add it to the website so that others can use it as well.
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Incentive awards program |
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Incentive awards for participating children in grades K – 8. A Mile Marker chart, bookmark, and plastic foot will be provided when they begin the program, followed by mileage tokens when they reach their goals of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 50, 75, and 100 miles. The children receive wristbands when the reach accumulated mileage of 26, 50, 75, and 100.
Certificates of CONGRATULATIONS for those accumulating 26 miles of running/walking and performing 26 “JUST DEEDS,” and Shirt awards for those accumulating 50 miles of activity and doing 26 "JUST DEEDS", which are acts of good citizenship or good deeds.
Incentives for high school programs: Students will receive Be A Champion card from Running USA when they begin. When they reach 25 miles they will receive GO FOR THE GOLD JUST RUN shoe laces, followed by a JUST RUN shirt at the 50-mile mark and an entry for the Big Sur International Marathon’s 5K or the Run Forrest Run 5K when they accumulate 100 miles
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JUST RUN Bulletin Board |
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Stephanie Fournier, the Just Run coordinator at La Mesa School, created a JUST RUN bulletin board in a prominent location in the hallway of her school. She used JUST RUN mileage markers and printed them off in color for 25, 50, 75, and 100 miles. These were posted on the bulletin board along with lists of children that achieved those mileage goals. This is a great motivator and gives recognition to all the children that reach mileage goals.
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JUST RUN! Just Kids 3K fact sheet for schools |
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This information will tell you about school awards for participation in the JUST RUN! Just Kids 3K in April.
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Monterey County school children are invited to participate in the Schools' Competition which is an opportunity to raise money for their school. There will be a maximum of $9,000 awarded in total prize money. The amount of the grant is dependent upon whether or not the school participates in the JUST RUN® program. Prizes are awarded FIVE DEEP in four categories:
Highest percentage of enrollment for schools of 250 or more
Highest percentage of enrollment for schools of less than 250
Highest number of participants for schools of 250 or more
Highest number of participants for schools of less than 250
Prize money for JUST RUN Schools:
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1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
4th Place
5th Place |
$900
$600
$350
$250
$150 | | Prize money for non-JUST RUN Schools: |
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1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
4th Place
5th Place |
$700
$450
$250
$150
$75 | | MORE>>
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Managing of group of more than 40 children |
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Annie Hanshew, a student at CSUMB, and one of our experienced after school JUST RUN leaders, offers the following advice to anyone who has a JUST RUN group in excess of 40 children.
The ideal size for a JUST RUN group is 30 to 40 children. The primary reason is not control and discipline, but any larger group will get across the country in the JUST RUN across the USA program too quickly. It is best to split up groups at a school either by grade level or ability level. Natural competition develops between the groups which promotes fun as well as motivation. You can also provide individual attention to each child when you know them and their habits and ability levels. This becomes more difficult as the group gets too large.
Unavoidably, if you are left to handle a large group of over 40 by yourself, it is imperative you try to find a parent, teacher, administrator, or friend, who can help you. It can get chaotic without another leader or assistant, but it is possible to handle a large group by yourself.
Structure is key for any group but even more for a large one. Plan the activities in advance and hand out a schedule or post the schedule on a chalk board for each activity session. Then everyone knows what to expect in advance. You can even use the more mature children as small group leaders in order to keep structure and make sure each child has a supervisor and help.
When doing laps I would place a sticker for each lap on each child so I could keep track of their laps. They enjoyed stickers and often asked to run more than a mile. Even if they have to wait momentarily each lap to get their sticker it gave them motivation and kept them running. I used Tuesday and Thursday as "lap" days and had the children build up the number of laps they could do over time.
I used Monday, Wednesday, and Friday as activity days. To start activity days the kids would take a slow warm-up lap around the field then spread out in a circle for stretching. I used students to help lead the stretching routines. When we were nicely stretched, we would then split them into groups in accordance with the activity planned for that day.
The children really enjoyed the JUST RUN relays and drills so we organized a variety. They would be split up in even groups, according to age; each group would have a variety of ages, so the groups were as even as possible. I or another student would then give an example of what needed to be done in the relay. Children need examples otherwise they will not fully understand how to do it and will perform the task differently than the others. We put older kids in the front of each line because they have more of an understanding and were example for the others in line.
Motivation is another big aspect to their success. Encourage them the whole way through; other kids will catch your energy and encourage too. I suggest keeping the same teams for a few games and see how they progress. The kids really enjoyed jumping and going around things. We used small dodge balls, soccer balls, and cones. We also had them circle around leaders because they seemed more encouraged; a leader is more fun than a cone. As each child finishes have them raise their arms so you know when their whole group is done. The kids always wanted to do another relay so they could do better than before.
Dealing with a big group isn’t always hard. It can be accomplished with structure and a positive atmosphere.
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Measuring your running course - the distance wheel |
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If you have a running route around the school yard or on trails that you want to measure in a reasonably accurate way the Big Sur Marathon has purchased a Distance Wheel Measuring device for the JUST RUN program that you can borrow. These are easy to use and provide a way to measure any running distances that are not on the track. Call Sally Smith or Chris Balog at 625-8226 to make arrangements
Also in the forms section is a form that can be used as "mile markers" with the JUST RUN logo. You can use the form to print whatever distance you like: 1/4, 1/2, 5/8, 1, 2, etc. and a nice distance marker prints out. The distance markers can be used to pin on trees or stakes on your running route. Or you can make them more permanent by putting them on boards that you use.
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Obstacle course using school items on hand |
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Jessica Wardle, a CSUMB Service Learner, and a scholarship softball player, was a leader at Marina Vista school. In order to have a fun activity involving lots of different movement types, Jessica found items the school had for physical education and created an interesting obstacle course for the group.
Materials Used:
(16) hula hoops
(4) bean bags
(4) foam bats
(20) soccer balls or cones
(12) short hurdles
(32) cones
Set-up:
Set up each cones approximately 30 yards apart, more or less if desired, as each station will have a different activity to perform. The first cone will be the starting line and no materials will be needed. At the second cone, set-up the hula hoops in one of two ways: one directly in front of the other or diagonal from each other. The third station will simply include four bean bags and then four foam bats at the following station. At the fifth station five soccer balls (or cones) need to be placed within two feet apart in a straight line towards... MORE>>
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Outside Monterey County? |
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The JUST RUN® program was developed so that it could be easily implemented in any locale by any teacher or leader. Once we receive your information on the Volunteer Application, found in the FORMS section, you will able to add children, record mileage, and get your program "up and running!" However, due to financial constraints, we are unable to provide free incentives. For more information please contact Susan Love at susanwlove@sbcglobal.net or call 831.625.6226.
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Physical education framework for California |
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California kindergarten through 12th grade physical education framework recognizes that the sedentary lifestyle is dangerous to children's health. Alarming numbers of children, with and without adult supervision, can be found in front of televisions or computers munching on snack foods. Recreation and activity are lacking.
The historical outcome of physical education in schools has been to emphasize competition, games, sports, and focus on natural athletic ability, causing most students to drop off and dislike physical education and activity. The purpose of the school based physical education programs and that of the JUST RUN program is to involve everyone and help each student recognize that running and activity are important to overall health and well being throughout life.
There is a direct link between physical well being and academic learning. The healthy, physically active child is more likely to be academically motivated, alert, and successful. Physical activity helps... MORE>>
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Recommended books and references |
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Seven books and references we have found excellent are:
FIT KIDS - SMARTER KIDS by Jeff Galloway
An outstanding new book by the best selling author and top authority on running and fitness. "It is a guide for parents, teachers, youth leaders and anyone who wants to enhance the life of a child by introducing him or her to enjoyable exercise." Oxford: Meyer & Meyer Sport (UK) Ltd. 2007
THE TREASURE OF HEALTH AND HAPPINESS by Carol Goodrow
www.kidsrunning.com/treasure/treasurepreorderforms.html
HAPPY FEET, HEALTHY FOOD by Carol Goodrow
A children's journal and information book
http://www.kidsrunning.com/news/happyfeetorders.html
KIDS RUNNING: Have Fun, Get Faster & Go Further By Carol Goodrow
Kids Running tells you all you need to know about this wonderful sport - written just for kids.
www.breakawaybooks.com
KID SHAPE - A practical prescription for helping your child...lose weight, increase self esteem, establish healthy eating habits, and have a more active lifestyle.
By Naomi Neufeld, MD, FACE. 2003 Published by Rutledge Hill Press.
FIT KIDS - the complete shape-up program from birth through High School. By Kenneth Cooper, M.D. 1999... MORE>>
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Recommended drills and relays for JUST RUN |
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An extremely important part of the JUST RUN program are the recommended drills and relays for children. These drills have been used by elite coaches with experience in coaching world class athletes well as all other levels of runners, from children to adults. The drill packages have been developed to best prepare young legs and bodies for running. They are fun to do and improve agility, balance, coordination, strength, and conditioning, and are the perfect complement to JUST RUNNING for school age children.
In the Download Forms section of this website is a one page summary of the recommended Drills. Here is an explanation of each one.
It is best to form teams of 4 or 5 children who line up behind each other to do these drills. You can tell them to just run easy or you can tell them to run fast and compete against each other as in a relay. We suggest doing them slowly and non-competitively to start until they understand all the drills. If you do them as a relay try to evenly... MORE>>
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Recommended TV shows |
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Several newer TV shows are taking up the battle against youth obesity. Mostly they are for pre-schoolers and younger aged children. They are designed to get the kids up and moving interactively with the TV characters.
PBS has Boohbah.
Nickelodean has Lazy Town and The Backyardigans.
Disney Channel has JoJo's Circus.
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Recording mileage for running across the USA |
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1. Mileage should be credited for those in the program based on actual mileage run and/or walked. Biking and other sports do not count!
2. Mileage a child runs with their parents may be counted as double; this encourages families to run together.
3. Record mileage in increments starting with 1/4 mile and up. Regularly update the information on the website.
4. On days where you do drills, rather than lap or track running/walking, estimate the amount of distance that a child probably covered in the workout. A good guide is one mile for each 15 minutes of uninterrupted relays and/or drills.
5. For unsupervised mileage, unless a child's recorded mileage is highly unlikely, accept it as true and enter the data on the website. (Children are requested to have a parent's initials on their log sheets for miles accumulated outside of your observation.)
HOW TO ADD CHILDREN TO YOUR GROUP
A. GO TO www.justrun.org
B. ON THE LEFT SIDE CLICK ON "JUST RUN ACROSS THE USA." C. IN THE BLUE BOX SEARCH FOR YOUR SCHOOL OR GROUP AND ENTER YOUR PASSWORD.
D. CLICK ON ADD/CHANGE CHILDREN ON THE ADMINISTRATORS PAGE.
E. IN THE UPPER RIGHT IT WILL SAY "ADD CHILD, "CLICK ON THAT.
F. YOU WILL SEE THE SCREEN FOR ADDING CHILDREN.
G.... MORE>>
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Run with the Principal day - New Republic School |
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One great program idea is the Run with the Principal day started by Pepper Butler at New Republic School in Salinas. Pepper has a few days per week as part of the Just Run program where students can "Run with the Principal". Pepper gets in her own run and many many kids tag along with her.
This is usually done on the track or the athletic field. Its amazing how many kids are motivated to run, be healthy, and stay active, by seeing that their principal does the same thing.
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Running form |
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Running Form should be reviewed regularly. Basic Concepts are:
1. Running Tall - Don't lean too far back or forward.
2. Run Relaxed - Head, face, shoulders, arms should feel relaxed.
3. Chin up and Eyes Forward
4. Arms should swing straight ahead - not from side to side.
5. Relaxed hands with thumb usually up - no clenching fists.
6. Don't go out too fast - start slowly.
7. Keep the same effort going up or down hill or flat.
8. Stride length should not be too long. Don't overstride.
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Running in the morning - good way to start the day |
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Kamann School in Salinas makes a point of starting the day with the JUST RUN program. There are many benefits for this. The children usually start the day by being social with their friends. Its a healthy way for the children to complete their social talk on a nice run, rather than waiting and using valuable classroom time.
The teachers have also found that the early run "slows down" those children that are hyperactive and exciteable and makes them ready to concentrate when the enter the classroom.
The early morning run makes the children more energetic and capable of concentrating on school as well in their early classes.
Just like adults, Kamann students, comment that they miss their morning run when for some reason they cannot do it.
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Sample expectations by school grade |
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Use these JUST RUN and California guidelines for activities based on grade level
2nd Grade:
1. Only run 1/4 mile at a time without breaks
2. Should be able to move backwards and change directions quickly and safely without falling
3. Should be able to jump and land using just one or both feet
4. Should be able to throw a ball hard both overhand, underhand, and sideways
5. Jump rope that is self turned
6. Skip, hop, gallop, slide.
3rd grade:
1. Only run 1/2 mile at a time without breaks.
2. Should be able to dribble a ball with both hands and feet.
3. Should be able to play and assist others in activities involving up to 5 people.
4. Will begin to accept challenges and feel success or failure from activities.
5. Can work on flexibility and stretching.
6. Can spontaneously create their own movement drills.
Grade 4:
1. Only run 1 mile continuously without breaks.
2. Can hand or foot dribble while moving in a group.
3. Jump and land for height or distance.
4.... MORE>>
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Sample introductory letters to go home |
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Many new group leaders asked for sample letters that could be sent home, one to introduce the program to the children and their parents and the other to welcome the participants and to give specific information to the parents.
These sample letters are in the Download Forms section of this website. You may download them and make changes to reflect your relevant information. Or you may simply use them to get ideas to write your own unique letter.
INTRODUCING JUST RUN - Sample Letter
This letter is an invitation to participate. It explains the purpose of the program and describes its features.
WELCOME TO JUST RUN! - Sample Letter
This letter welcomes the family to the program, indicates where and when the children will meet, what the children will need, and lists the goals of the program. |
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Sample runs and walks |
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Sample Runs and Walks.
1. Obstacle Course - Using cones, buckets, playground equipment, etc. (use your imagination) have everyone run around and over things.
2. Relay Races - form teams and run on the track or field in teams - alternately touching the next runner. If one team is faster than another - then adjust for the next round.
3. Running for Time - each child should know their one mile time and note improvement as they gain more fitness. Each month you should have a mile time trial for this reason.
4. Whistle Run/Walk - blow the whistle and they run, blow again and they walk, blow again and they run, etc.
5. Hounds and Rabbits - identify your fastest runners and send everyone else out on the track or field route about 30 seconds in advance and see how many rabbits the hounds can pass.
6. Follow the leader - send everyone out in groups with similar abilities and they run in a line alternating leaders - wherever the leader wants to take them.
7. Wind Sprints - more... MORE>>
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Sample warm up drills |
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Remember - no bouncing without warming up first.
1. Reach for the Stars - Stand straight and tall and reach as high as you can 5 times with each arm.
2. Sunflower - form a sunflower (circle) with arms over head and open and bend like a squat while reaching for the ground - then back up again - 5 times.
3. Volcano - make whooshing sounds as you bend down and reach for the ground - then stand up straight and tall and reach for the sky.
4. Shake it up - Shake the hands and feet at the same time for a minute.
5. Gentle Jumping Jacks - Jump gently with Feet apart and hands reaching over head.
6. High Knee Running in place - Start slowly then move legs faster and higher while running in place.
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Sample warm up drills and games |
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Here are some sample warm up drills and games.
1. I like Game: (good for the first day). Mark two chalk line about 25 yards apart. All kids stand on one line alphabetically by first name (they get to know each other that way). Each child in turn yells out something they like (such as chocolate cookies and milk) or something they have ("I have a brother") and if anyone else likes that item or has the same thing they all run to the other line and then back together. Do this many times with several kids.
2. Jumping Beans: Form a horizontal line with lines of 10 runners and everyone (each line)takes 5 running strides then a leap several times for about a minute.
3. Ball Drills - using several soccer balls (10 recommended) (or something else) have the group run around the balls or over the balls while running or hopping. Emphasize high knees and some bounding if they are sufficiently warmed up. (see more detailed explanation on Ball Drills)
4. Skipping - skips and high knees with... MORE>>
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Structure of your program based on days per week |
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Many leaders ask the best basic structure for your program based on the number of days you have for the JUST RUN program. We recommend you always start and end with stretching. We recommend you always encourage children to run or walk with their parents on weekends.
If your program is ONE day a week:
1/2 the time should be drills/relays/races
1/2 the time shoud be endurance based - running longer each week.
If your program is TWO days per week:
1 day should be drills/relays/races
1 day should be endurance based - running longer each week.
If your program is Three days per week:
2 days should be drills/relays/races
1 day should be endurance based - running longer each week.
If your program is Four days per week:
2 days should be drills/relays/races
2 days should be endurance based - running longer each week.
If your program is Five days per week:
3 days should be drills/relays/races
2 days should be endurance based - running longer each week.
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Student contract |
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We recommend having all participants in your program fill out the STUDENT/Parent/Leader JUST RUN contract. This helps with parent involvement and has each child agree to particpate in the program and work on improving their fitness and nutritional habits. Each Child should keep this contract.
The Student Contract is in the Download Forms section of this website.
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Technical paper on successful endurance training |
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Tim Gibbons, who is the Endurance Training Coordinator in the Sport Science and Technology Division of the U.S. Olympic Committee recently did apper on the Common Characteristics of Successful Endurance Training Programs with specific information on children and adolescents.
The six common characteristics are:
1. Physical Activity during childhood and early adolescence.
2. The age of the athlete when sport specialization takes place.
3. Long Term Gradual Development with increasing workload in training.
4. Training Volume and intensity not too high during young adulthood.
5. High Quality Coaching.
6. Training Partners and a Team Atmosphere.
A large amount of non-sport specific physical activity between the ages of 5 and 13 is extremely important in creating a well rounded, coordinated, strong athlete later in life. The more movement and aerobic type activity the better as long as it is not sport specific.
Sport specialization such as longer distance running, or skiiing,... MORE>>
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Thirty minute "perfect" workouts |
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Three sets of experts were asked to create a workout plan that provided great overall fitness packed into a 30 minute time period. They suggest doing these three times a week but just one is a wonderful way to fill a half hour. They are more intended for adults or 7th and 8th graders but can be used for younger children as well by cutting back a bit on each part.
1. FURMAN Total Fitness 30
Dr. Ray Moss and Dr. Bill Pierce of the Furman Institute of Running and Scientific thinking recommend the following:
A. Start with 5 minutes of calistenics including pushups, pullups, sit ups (crunches), and lunges. Work up to 25-50 pushups, 10 pullups, 25 to 50 crunches, and 10 lunges with each leg.
B. Run 5 minutes very easy for warm up.
C. Run 15 minutes at a fast pace.
D. Finish with 5 minutes of cool down stretching.
2. The Progressive Acceleration 30
Dr. Jack Daniels, world respected exercise physiologist and coach suggests the following:
A. Run easy for 6 minutes for warm up.
B.... MORE>>
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Tips for children with disabilities |
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Marie Edgemon, Adaptive P.E specialist, advises that there are a large variety of different disabilities and the child's physician approval and the parents approval should be required before inclusion in the program. The parents should be consulted whenever possible and their guidance be used. The parent or guardian will be your best source of information about their child's particular needs.
General tips are to provide an alternate activity for a child that cannot participate in a particular drill or game. Obstacle courses that can be done on pavement involving navigating cones or other obstacles that can be "gone around" rather than over are certainly possible.
Ask a child, prior to assisting, if they would like help in an area they may be struggling.
Consult with or include the Adaptive P.E. specialist when possible.
Providing a fairly level surface for activities will insure more active participation.
Be aware of weather or particular heat related issues as they... MORE>>
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Tips for including children with disabilities |
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Integration of Students With Disabilities Into JUST RUN
Kevin Casey, one of our JUST RUN CSUMB student interns suggests the following:
Quality physical education should be available to all children. Physical education can lay a foundation of a healthy lifestyle, and lead to skills and practices that can last a lifetime. Some leaders in the JUST RUN program may have students with disabilities that you want to integrate into your program and give them needed physical education activities and experiences.
Depending on the nature and severity of the disability, innovative and imaginative adaptations can be made to allow the disabled child to participate. Certainly doing JUST DEEDS and eating nutritionally are two cornerstones of the program that can be done by disability students you may have in your program.
Feeling good about yourself and developing pride are qualities which everyone is entitled to and these feelings can be fostered in everyone in the program.... MORE>>
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Tri-County guide to locations for activities |
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JUST RUN thanks Adam Duker of the Monterey County Health Department - Project LEAN - for this useful guide.
Intentions of guide
The purpose of this guide is to provide the residents of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties with information about physical activity opportunities. Our intention is to encourage the use of these locations to reduce the number of overweight and obese residents in the tri-county region. Whether it is through intense bodybuilding at the gym or playing horseshoes with friends, the goal is to get motivated and physically active.
How to use the guide
This guide provides you with the locations and contact numbers of physical activity sites in Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties. Information regarding hours and fees are subject to change so please call the locations before you travel. Locations are listed alphabetically by county and then by city. The last section of this guide lists locations by specific activities.
Note: If you... MORE>>
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Typical workout session schedule |
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A Typical Workout Session would include:
1. Hydration
2. Dynamic Warm up period involving movement for 5-10 minutes and some gentle stretching
3. Drills in the form of games 15 minutes
4. Walk/Run workout for 20 minutes
5. Stretching and warm down 10 minutes
6. RE-Hydration and Journal Writing 5 minutes
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URBAN FUEL nutritional curriculum |
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UrbanFUEL (Food for Ultimate Energy and Living) is a collaborative initiative between the New York Roadrunners Foundation and New York University's Department of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health. The purpose of UrbanFUEL is to educate children about how eating impacts their energy, growth, performance, and wellness and how to make healthful eating a part of everyday life.
The UrbanFUEL curriculum is delivered through a series of kid-friendly interactive workshops that lead participants to consider their eating habits and to understand how they can improve their lives by taking simple steps to a more nutritious diet. There is also a curriculum for participant's parents as their involvement is critical to changing the eating habits of our youth.
The UrbanFUEL workshop is a 45 minute nutrition workshop for kids. Workshops are usually facilitated by an official UrbanFUEL instructor. The overarching goal of UrbanFUEL is to help every child served by the Foundation make... MORE>>
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USATF BE A CHAMPION pledge |
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The United States Track and Field Association is developing its own youth fitness program and has published this pledge for young people. It is called the BE A CHAMPION pledge.
I COMMIT to being physically fit,
and I will lead a HEALTHY lifestyle.
I will have a positive ATTITUDE,
and through strong MOTIVATION,
I will work hard and take PRIDE
in everything I say and do.
I will stay in school, because INTELLIGENCE is power,
and strive to OVERCOME the adversity I will face, and
I will be honest and drug-free, knowing cheaters NEVER win.
I am a Champion!
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Variety in workouts suggestions |
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The La Mesa moms suggest that when the younger kids need variety and don't want to "just run" you could try this:
1. Fitness Stations: Run for a minute or two between fitness stations and do push ups, sit ups, jump rope, ball toss or other exercises you might design for two minutes each before moving to the next station.
2. Buddy Runs: Pair some of your faster children with your slower children and tell them to run together the entire time of your planned run. It helps the faster kids slow down a bit and enjoy it and it helps the slower kids speed up a bit and work harder.
3. Relay Runs: Again pairing the slower kids with the faster kids - try to equalize teams and run relays.
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Walking or running school bus or carpool |
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If your children live close enough to school try to have their parents start a walking or running school bus or car pool.
This means one parent starts the car pool or bus and walks or runs with their child to the next persons house on the way to school. Each child (and their parents can go to) then comes out from their house and joins the running/walking bus until you get to school.
You can do this on the way home too.
This is a great way to exercise and add miles for Just Run across the USA. Also a great way for friends to meet and talk and run together with their parents.
Tell you parents to start a Walking/Running school bus now.
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Welcome to the JUST RUN program |
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Welcome to the JUST RUN program. We are extremely grateful for your participation and enthusiasm for the program. It is your enthusiasm and committment that will insure success.
PHILOSOPHY: The name JUST RUN epitomizes our guiding principles: ACTIVITY, FUN and SIMPLICITY. We all just want to get the children RUNNING or WALKING or MOVING on a regular basis and the JUST RUN program provides the tools to make this happen.
GETTING STARTED:
1. Talk to school or organization leadership to insure there is support for the program.
2. Find a suitable location and facilities and times either during school or after school to hold group meetings and runs.
3. We recommend measuring a 1/2 mile distance either around a field or school yard, or use the track. It does not have to be flat area or even regular - obstacles add to the fun and variety. You can download and create your own JUST RUN distance markers at this website. The distance markers can be put on cardboard or wood and put... MORE>>
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What JUST RUN provides and what is expected of you |
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Please visit the Program Description section of this website where JUST RUNs benefits/features and requirements are provided. |
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