Issue link: https://fredparent.uberflip.com/i/1098832
www.FredericksburgParent.NET 21 "My son developed an interest when he was five, but we kept our runs to no more than a mile, and I'd always let him set the pace," she says. Rachel King, store manager for Virginia Runner, agrees. "It's more about living a healthy, active lifestyle," King says. "Anyone can run. For kids, it should be all about having fun without the pressure to go a specific speed or mileage. Parents should also teach kids to listen to their bodies. They don't want to run too hard too quickly. That's a mistake a lot of beginners tend to make." Christine Weisman is a marathon runner who has been bringing her 5-year- old daughter with her running since her daughter was born. "My daughter loves running with me," Weisman says. "It's such a great way to be outside, even if it is only thirty minutes. I truly believe that outdoor time and fresh air is such a beautiful thing for kids, and it keeps them healthy. Also, it's great bonding time for us. I get my workout in while she is having fun, and I'm a better mom and person. Running keeps me sane." Weisman's daughter enjoys competing in smaller kids' races, which Weisman feels offers her daughter some valuable lessons. "She is excited when she gets a medal, but she also is learning that it doesn't matter if you win or not as long as you give it your best," Weisman says. Here are just a few upcoming family- friendly races in the Fredericksburg area. Visit www.fredericksburgparent.net for a complete list. Spring Fever 5K and ½ Mile Fun Run April 6, 2019 Stafford Hospital Springfever5k.com 2019 Easter 5K, 10K and 1M April 21, 2019 Old Mill Park bishopsevents.com 2019 Super Hero Dash April 28, 2019 John Lee Pratt Park strongfordom.org/events Moss Clinic 5K April 28, 2019 Lloyd F. Moss Free Clinic runningintheusa.com Trains, Planes and Automobiles Kids Race Series Discounts for registering for all three races; family discounts available; series sponsored by the YMCA. 25 th Annual Great Train Race May 5, 2019 Downtown Fredericksburg gtrfredericksburg.com Cleared for Take Off Race June 8, 2019 Shannon Airport cweise@family-ymca.org Runners, Start Your Engines Race July 7, 2019 cweise@family-ymca.org Running as a family not only benefits the children, but moms and dads too. As children grow older and are able to run longer distances, finishing a race can give them a sense of accomplishment. "For my son, racing is a great way to set a goal and have something to work toward," Mills says. "Every year, he sets his running goals and he posts them in our kitchen. Goal setting is such an important thing for kids to learn and running can be a great way to learn that process. I've also found that racing for kids is also a great way to talk through disappointments. When kids end frustrated or disappointed in their times or place, that's a learning opportunity to talk through handling those emotions." Running as a family not only benefits the children, but moms and dads too. "Now that my son is older and faster than me, I treasure our runs together," Mills says. "Becoming a running family can be a special time to catch up and just talk. It's a great time away from technology and other distractions to just connect." "Running keeps me sane." "Running keeps me sane." "Running keeps me sane." "Running keeps me sane." "Running keeps me sane." "Running keeps me sane." "Running keeps me sane." "Running keeps me sane." "Running keeps me sane." "Running keeps me sane." "Running keeps me sane." "Running keeps me sane." "Running keeps me sane." "Running keeps me sane." "Running keeps me sane." "Running keeps me sane." "Running keeps me sane." "Running keeps me sane." "Running keeps me sane." "Running keeps me sane." "Running keeps me sane." 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