It’s been a long time since I hit my goal weight and achieved physical fitness. For sure there’s still room for improvement on the fitness front, but I’m really happy where I’m at. I feel strong and am getting my speed back. I’m also meeting my training goals both in terms of duration and intensity. And I think that this is the main reason why GFS has stalled for so long. I don’t really feel like I’m “getting fit” anymore; I feel like I AM fit.
I’m proud of all that I’ve accomplished with GFS. And I’m proud of how many people that I’ve helped get started, or continue on, their fitness journey. But I’ve only met a very few of you all. To be honest, I need to get more involved in my own community if I want to have as big an impact in the fitness world that I think I can have.
For the longest time I’ve been racking my brain about how to accomplish this goal. I’ve been trying to think of a way that I can get more involved with something that I’m passionate about—kids and fitness! Well I think I finally found it and it’s called The 100 Mile Club.
The 100 Mile Club is a non profit organization based in Corona, CA that challenges kids to walk or run 100 miles during the course of the school year. It teaches life skills and challenges kids to lead active and healthy lives. It’s a perfect fit for me and my family.
I started a 100 Mile Club chapter at my daughter’s school late this fall. And let me tell you, it’s been a blast. We started out with 5 or 6 kids after school one day a week. We’re now up to 23 kids and 3 days per week. I’ve got kids running and walking anywhere from 2 to 5 miles every week—rain or shine.
Recently, we had 6 kids reach their first milestone of running 25 miles. They each received their 100 mile club shirt and got their “25 mile” box checked off on the back. It was really fun to see the joy and sense of accomplishment on their face. Just check out the smile on my girl!
Megan celebrating her first milestone of completing 25 miles
I couldn’t be happier with the way that 100 mile club has turned out so far this year. It’s definitely going to be a challenge to get all of my kids to reach their goal. But think we can make it. And you know what? I feel like I’m making a difference where it matters most—at home. I feel like I’m helping kids in my own community learn how to lead active and healthy lives. How awesome is that?
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Its amazing how kids can make us want to live up to our ‘ideal selves’. I had never heard of this program but it sounds great!
Where I grew up – outside NYC – it was easy to walk or bike to school. That was 2 miles each day – 1 there, 1 back. That translated well to adults as they had to walk to mass transit.
Now that I live in rural sc there are barely even sidewalks in widely placed subdivisions. and you can see the effects on both children and adults.
How do you motivate kids or adults in a car centric town?
Ted, Kids are easy…they still want to be active as it hasn’t been conditioned out of them yet. Adults…I think you have to scare them at first. But once they realize how awesome it is they stay on board.
Unreal! Kids doing marathons.. I have never heard of this lol.
Mac this is an awesome program. You’re gonna be a great mentor!