Lacing up with kids
Lacing Up with Kids
One of the biggest reasons I started running was to stay healthy for my family. Back in 2014, when our daughters were just 6 and 8 years old, I signed up for my first Bass Pro Fitness Series Cohick Half Marathon. At the time, I had no idea that my decision to lace up would spark their curiosity—and eventually inspire a love for running that we now share as a family.
Today, our girls are 19 and 17. Our oldest now works at our local running store, Fleet Feet, sharing her passion for the sport with others. Our youngest still competes in track and cross country at her high school. Looking back, I’m grateful not only for the miles we’ve logged together, but also for the lessons I’ve learned along the way—lessons about running, parenting, and the joy of leading by example.
Here are a few takeaways from our 11-year journey
1. Start with Short, Fun Runs
When kids are just getting started, keep things light and manageable. Most kids aren’t used to running longer distances, so introducing the sport in small doses makes it less intimidating and more enjoyable. Make it a game. When our daughters were younger, we’d challenge each other to spot wildlife—counting squirrels, birds, or anything interesting we saw along the way. It turned each run into a fun adventure instead of a workout.
2. Make it an Adventure
Running doesn’t always have to happen in your neighborhood. Some of our best memories came from intentionally choosing destinations to run together—local trails, nature parks, or anywhere with a bit of scenery and space to roam. Let your kids take the lead. Keep things spontaneous and low-pressure. To this day, our daughters still enjoy joining me on the trails, which started with those early exploratory jogs.
3. Celebrate Milestones
As they began to run farther, we celebrated those moments-whether with a small treat, a fun outing, or just a high-five and and some extra encouragement. Positive reinforcement creates an emotional connection to the sport.
The goal is to help them associate running with joy, not pressure. A few fun memories can go a long way in making fitness a part of their lifestyle
4. Make Running a Joy, Not a Job
As adults, we often see running as a way to stay in shape. But kids remind us of something important—running should be fun.
When you introduce running as an exciting, rewarding experience rather than a chore, your kids are more likely to embrace it. Show them that fitness can be something to look forward to—and that it doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.
5. Be the Role Model
One of the most powerful things you can do is lead by example. As our girls entered their junior high years, I noticed they were paying attention—not just to the miles I ran, but to how running positively impacted other areas of my life.
Even ifyour kids don’t immediately fall in love with running, they notice your consistency. They see your joy, your discipline, and your growth—and over time, they’ll want that too.
Whether your kids are tiny or teens, it’s never too early (or too late) to invite them to the journey. Lace up, hit the trail together, and create memories that go far beyond the finish!
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