Friday Five: Sharing the Love of Running

Hello Friday!

It’s been another whirlwind week and I am looking forward to getting this weekend started! But first, I’m linking up again with Courtney, Mar & Cynthia. Today’s topic is “5 ways to share running/fitness love.” Since catching the running bug five years ago, I have enjoyed sharing my new passion with anyone willing to listen 😉 But nothing has made me happier than to be able to share my love of running with my family!

Let it be their idea! — I’ve shared before my tips for running with kids before, and by far, I think the most important one is to let it be their idea. If you do, they’re more likely to stick with it!

Make it fun — Getting my family on the running bandwagon means keeping it fun. No thoughts of pace or crazy goals – especially in the beginning!

3 runners

Mix it up — This is an extension on the idea of keeping it fun. We mix up where we run – sometimes it’s a trail, sometimes it’s the track, and other times it’s around the neighborhood. Helping them to try running in different environments, keeps it interesting.

Cheer their efforts — When my husband J ran his first trail race, the kids and I hiked up to a clearing along the course and cheered he and his fellow runners on. The boys got a lot of high fives and had a ball!

Lead by example — Best way to share your love of running with your family is to invite them to be a part of your journey.  Share both the good and bad runs, and your big race goals – your enthusiasm and passion can be infectious.

Does your family share your love of running?

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Comments

  1. Last Mother’s Day was the first 5k race my kids participated in. We did it as a family and they loved it. I can’t wait for all the years of running we have to come.
    Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted…High Five FridayMy Profile

  2. The Caveman is our sherpa these days but I’m thrilled both of my kids love running! So much fun to watch that passion develop!
    Marcia recently posted…April? It’s a WrapMy Profile

  3. These are some great tips! My husband runs but I wouldn’t say he loves it. As for the kids I asked them if they wanted to join the run club at their school and they said “why would we do that mom?” lol
    Ivanna recently posted…My Journey To Thrive at 35My Profile

  4. This is a great list. I kinda missed the mark on the theme. When I think sharing it’s always online lol! I forget sometimes how we influence others with what we do
    Amy @ Running on Faith and Coffee recently posted…Five Ways to Share the Running/Fitness LoveMy Profile

  5. I don’t have children but I can relate a little. It is truly amazing how much you can inspire someone just by leading by example and living your passion. Happy Friday!

  6. this is great – especially “make it their idea” – that’s the key to so many things. have a happy mother’s day!
    Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC recently posted…Five Ways to be an Awesome Running BuddyMy Profile

    • It really is the key to everything – if you drag kids (or anyone for that matter LOL) into something their less likely to want to do. They’ve got to pick it to make it their own.

  7. These are great tips. My kids aren’t interested in running, but I think they are interested in my running, although my son still asks me if I’m going to “win”. 😛
    Coco (@Got2Run4Me) recently posted…Essential Ingredients For A Good DayMy Profile

  8. When my boys were little, they’d run or ride their bikes along side me. Now that they are teenagers, not so much…
    Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Virtual racesMy Profile

  9. great, great post! Love how you share fitness with your family. Have a wonderful Mother’s Day!!!!
    Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Friday Five: Sharing the Fit Foodie Run LoveMy Profile

  10. Great take on the theme, I particularly like #1. Have a great Mothers Day, Michelle!
    Jennifer recently posted…Friday Five – Ways to Share the Running LoveMy Profile

  11. I love that you listed “lead by example” as one of your ways to share the love. Both of our young adult sons run, and I’m sure it’s because they don’t think otherwise since they grew up watching my husband and me run. 🙂
    Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Time For A Tempo RunMy Profile

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