The epidemic of childhood obesity is well-documented, along with the plethora of programs designed to get kids away from the tube. But the real road to fitness is to fall in love with running as a lifetime passion and make it part of your identity, not something you "have to do" to keep from being fat. Here's a look at people and programs inspiring young people not just to get out, but to become athletes, challenging them to be better runners and better people, and building the future of the sport...
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"Running is a sport you can do for your entire life," says Austin. "You won't be playing football or basketball at 90, but you can still be running!"...
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It could be said that runners lead a storybook life. We wake up every morning with passion and purpose, determination and drive. All it takes is a good run to clear the mind and recharge the batteries. Running is our medicine, our fountain of youth, our religion, our shrink, our best friend. As Peter Pressman likes to say, "Every day is a great day for running." To introduce the next generation of runners to our world is truly a gift...
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Sanderson sums it up best: "I have found that being a runner has brought me joy, strength, self-confidence, peace, focus, friendship, good health and so many other gifts. For me, being a runner is like having access to a hidden treasure -- a world of possibilities for a better life, if you are willing to put in a great deal of time and effort. I coach because I want to help my kids access that hidden treasure."...
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