Anyone who runs, runs for a variety of reasons: fitness, fun, competition, health, camaraderie, love of nature, and more. Fast or slow, the benefits are many. This section will have a bit about running fun. For now, click onto KidsRunning.Com for all of your running needs.             Reasons to Run: Line your classroom walls with these. Print them HUGE so kids can read them across the room. Have children make posters to illustrate the reasons to run. 1. RUN, DOGGY, RUN! You can play chase with your puppy. 2. HOT TOAST Running keeps you warm on the coldest days. 3. FOCUS You can expend all of your extra energy in a run so that you can settle down and focus on your schoolwork or homework. 4. THUMP, THUMP, THUMP Running is good for your heart. 5. POETRY IN MOTION It's easy to make up rhymes to the rhythm of your run. 6. BONDING Need a pal? Find a buddy to run with and you'll soon be best friends. 7. RUN TO EAT Running burns calories. 8. MOM AND DAD When you run for charity, you help save lives - maybe even the lives of those you love. 9. RUN TO WRITE Running gives you something to write about. 10. TREASURE HUNT Your eyes find sparkling treasures while out for a run: an emerald green leaf, diamond capped water, the silver tail of a squirrel, ruby-red berries, and golden glistening wildflowers. 11. YOUR OWN WALDEN POND You notice nature; the little seasonal changes, the weather, and the wildlife. 12. BUILDS STONG BONES Running is weight bearing. It helps prevent osteoporosis. 13. WILD HORSES You can run with the wind, through the fields, and in the rain. 14. SWEET Running helps your body use insulin. It lowers your blood sugar. It helps prevent diabetes. 15. HABIT FORMING Kids who run will more likely develop a lifelong love of exercise. 16. YOUNGER AND YOUNGER In recent years more young adults have developed heart conditions. Running helps prevent heart disease. 17. SAFE You can make it to first base in time if you run fast. 18. STRESS BUSTER Nothing soothes the soul after an argument with a best friend, or Mom and Dad, like going out for a run. 19. TOE TOKENS It's fun to collect colorful trinkets and wear them on your sneakers. 20. YOU CAN DO IT! You can set up your own personal challenges when running: a mountain, a hill, a distance, or a speed. 21. WHAT A FEELING! When you're having a good run, your body just plain feels good. 22. MUD Runners are allowed to come home muddy after running on a wet trail. Spattered mud is the trademark of a cross-country runner. 23. BRAVO! You might win a trophy. 24. GOLDEN You will earn a medal if you finish. 25. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Running makes a raw day feel mild and beautiful. Happy Feet, Healthy Food, Your Child's First Journal of Exercise & Healthy Eating The Treasure of Health and Happiness Kids Running: Have Fun, Get Faster & Go Farther carolgoodrow@verizon.net