by Kathy Henderson
I recently came across an interesting website. Marathon Kids is a school-based fitness program – based largely in urban centers in Texas, although spreading to California – that also incorporates other aspects of health: in the program’s own words, it is a “free, endurance-building running/walking/nutrition/gardening program for kindergartners through 5th graders.” Focus is on the family as well as the children, and the goal appears to be making fitness fun for all, with the sedentary child as its particular target. Seems like a pretty great idea to spread around. The downloadable resources are, at this point, a little sparse, and I’m not so keen on all fare in the “Recipe Korner”; one recipe has kids making snacks of chocolate pudding, oreos, and gummy bears (editors of www.marathonkids.com, please take note!). However, the overall philosophy and hitherto achievements of the program are sound and impressive. An added bonus: one of the corporate sponsors is Whole Foods Market! So keep your eye on this one.
by Kathy Henderson
I recently came across an interesting website. Marathon Kids is a school-based fitness program – based largely in urban centers in Texas, although spreading to California – that also incorporates other aspects of health: in the program’s own words, it is a “free, endurance-building running/walking/nutrition/gardening program for kindergartners through 5th graders.” Focus is on the family as well as the children, and the goal appears to be making fitness fun for all, with the sedentary child as its particular target. Seems like a pretty great idea to spread around. The downloadable resources are, at this point, a little sparse, and I’m not so keen on all fare in the “Recipe Korner”; one recipe has kids making snacks of chocolate pudding, oreos, and gummy bears (editors of www.marathonkids.com, please take note!). However, the overall philosophy and hitherto achievements of the program are sound and impressive. An added bonus: one of the corporate sponsors is Whole Foods Market! So keep your eye on this one.