This past March I completed the LA Marathon-my second one. This is an amazing accomplishment for anyone and remembering my running roots I felt pretty good. While training for these events, I started having certain feelings and memories from my childhood. I grew up an active kid - I tried every activity that my mom would sign me up for. From gymnastics to swim to basketball to dance to tennis to basketball. When I was six I was diagnosed with asthma and allergies. My doctor said swimming was good for lung development so swimming became one of the main activities I did as a kid. As active as I was however, when it came time to running the one mile in high school in under twelve minutes, I couldn't do it. Of many of my friends I was one of the more "active" ones so this was very upsetting to me. Every Sunday I would go to the local Jewish Community Center and run the track. It was at the age of fourteen I also disocvered the weight room - I couldn't wait to be able to use it! But in the meantime I kept practicing the mile every Sunday. When the next round of testing came up I was able to run the mile in under twelve minutes.
As I continue to work with kids of all ages now one of the common themes is the frustration with the one mile run that is still required for kids today. It leaves many kids feeling dejected, frustrated and discouraged. Even until today I cannot keep up with most of my friends. I recover faster than many, I am stronger than many but I can't run as fast. This summer I decided I want to work on getting faster and introduce kids and adults to the track in a friendly way. I wish I had had an opportunity like this as a kid.
Every Sunday from 9-10ish O2 MAX's clients & friends meet at the Santa Monica College track for a FREE workout. The workout is open to everyone-all ages and encourages and supports anyone wanting to get faster, get a great workout in, get back in shape, get in better shape or just get stronger. I place a strong emphasis on core and body strength and flexibility. I want more kids to get excited about running and fitness and believe that they can enter a race. One of the upcoming races that is going to be very kid friendly is the Santa Monica 5000. The summer is a great time to start training!!
Thanks!