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Carol Goodrow’s book Kids Running supports a worthy cause - instilling a love of running in children, and this is couched within a wider equally worthy theme of teaching kids how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Also noteworthy, and one of the strong points of the book, is her focus on the sheer joy of participation; this running thing is for everyone, regardless of ability or gender. The message is simple – grab a friend, go outside and run. And have fun while you’re doing it.
Goodrow aims her book at a US audience between grades 1 and 6, though it will be more suited to older primary school children. An Australian audience will have to adjust to the fact that the book is written in the US with a US audience in mind. Kids may find American terminology such as the continual references to miles (instead of kilometres) or Fall for Autumn confusing. For kids, the colourful pictures and jokes will make it an enjoyable reading experience. The rhymes are well intentioned, but perhaps overdone.
Kids Running is structured into 10 chapters each with a clear running related focus. They aim to articulate a base level of knowledge of that particular area. Infrequently, Goodrow may deal with a concept too quickly or make a conclusion that is not necessarily correct. For example, in her chapter on Sneakers, she recommends that if you have low arches you should purchase motion control or stability shoes. This terminology is introduced without an explanation of what motion control or stability are, and more importantly without recommendation of conducting gait analysis to understand whether the runner pronates or supinates.
What’s missing? Running is for life, so the development of sound habits amongst a young running public is vital. With this in mind, Goodrow would have been well served by including a chapter on stretching and injury prevention, or perhaps even extended this to the treatment of minor injuries such as blisters.
Overall, however, Kids Running is a solid introduction to running for kids that enjoy running and want to learn a little more about it. Any attempt to counter the increasing focus kids in our society have on television and over-eating must be applauded.
Chapter Overview –
Sneakers. Focuses on the importance of selecting the correct shoes and also investigates appropriate running attire.
Cardio. Attempts to articulate the importance of a healthy heart and introduces essential food groups.
Walk and Run. Teaches kids how to start running within a structured and safe program, that is, take walk breaks and stay hydrated.
Eat to run. Highlights the importance of eating well, with tips on what to eat and when to eat it in relation to exercise. Includes notes on the properties of certain foods and a couple of kid-friendly recipes.
Fun Run. Talks about the benefits of Fun Runs and touches on how to prepare for one but doesn’t adequately explain what they are.
Cycle to Cross train. Introduces the concept of cross training, paying particular attention to cycling and cycling safety. Triathlon is a particular focus.
Mile. Establishes a training program and gives guidance on how to best prepare to run this popular distance.
Road race. Centres on preparation and tips for a road race – in this case a 5k event.
Running games. Some kids will think that running is repetitive and monotonous. This chapter outlines a number of running games that shift the focus away from structured training to enjoyment.
Running Journals. Elucidates the benefits of keeping a running journal and gives reference to several kids running websites, including http://www.kidsrunning.com/
EDIT: for spelling errors
Edited by Phoenix, 08 August 2008 - 07:34 AM.
