When it comes to being active as a family, one of our favorite things to do is a race. Races can be very inspiring and the energy at these events is something that has to be experienced. Calgary plays host to races almost every weekend, so there are many opportunities to participate as a family. But with so many different races being offered, it can be daunting to try and find one that matches a family best.
Here are seven steps to having a good race as a family:
1. Pick a cause that resonates with you. The vast majority of events are put on to raise money for various charities. Some do this simply through entry fees, while others encourage you to collect pledges. There are races that raise money for various diseases, and others that raise money for different organizations. If you have a cause that is especially close to you, find out if they offer some sort of event that you could support. Other races are put on purely for the love of the race. Figure out what works best for your family.
2. Think about your family. How old are your kids? Will you be bringing a stroller? Check out the races and ensure that strollers are permitted. Will your kids be running themselves? Depending on their age, it could be a mix of running or walking, so make sure the event accommodates both runners and walkers. We have been doing races with our kids for years, and the youngest began doing 5K’s at the age of four. With encouragement - and a mix of running and walking - he has done great over the years, with his younger brother now following in his footsteps. The bigger the race, the more walker-friendly it is likely to be. This is important if your little ones are doing their own races at their little-leg paces.
3. Choose a destination race. Sometimes, the best way to travel is to use a race as a backdrop for a trip. Many of the bigger marathon races out there include family-friendly 5K’s as part of their weekends. We have traveled for races, and it is a great way to stay motivated and keep exercising leading up to the trip. Kids come home with a special shirt or medal, and it gives them something to be especially proud of. And if a big trip is not in the picture, check out the surrounding areas. There are all sorts of races all over Alberta.
4. There are races that involve obstacles, color, various forms of entertainment and races that involve bikes. Picking a race that offers some sort of distraction can be especially fun for kids. These races have entertainment along the way that helps kids take their minds off the ‘work’ aspect of the race. Furthermore, there are bike events and triathlons to offer a welcome change from running events. And check out what the races come with. For kids, getting a medal at the end can be a true highlight, but not every race offers one. Researching the swag that’s offered might help in finding the perfect race.
5. Drinks and snacks can make a huge difference to kids. We always carry a water bottle and oftentimes have a snack of some sort to mark the kilometres with. When kids need that extra incentive to keep them moving, those little snacks are sometimes just the thing.
6. Dress for the event. Check the weather forecast, and make sure that everyone is adequately dressed. If rain is predicted, make sure everyone has a jacket. Ensure everyone is wearing proper shoes as well. Depending on the event, sometimes it’s fun to dress up a bit as well. Families can wear matching socks, or shirts. Decorating shirts ahead of time can help get kids more excited about the actual event as well.
7. Have fun. If you are having fun, the kids will have fun. Let them soak up the incredible energy that surrounds these events. It is great to be out there and being active as a family.
There are so many races to choose from, it just takes a bit of research to figure out exactly which race will be the best match for your family. Friends and family are another great source of ideas as well. So, find one, and get out there as a family and do it. Invite grandparents along, or aunts and uncles, or friends. Getting out there and being active is healthy for everyone, and races are a perfect way to accomplish that.
Sharon is an active mom with two young boys to keep her busy. She blogs about being active as a family at www.activekidsactivefamily.com and can be found on Twitter @911shazza.
Calgary’s Child Magazine © 2024 Calgary’s Child
