An article in the New York Times describes a big California kids triathlon and notes that the sport is becoming more and more popular.  It turns out that thousands of kids around the world participate in triathlons each year with youth participation representing one the fastest growing areas of the sport.

Age categories are generally broken down into ages 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, and 13-15. Distances are short and intended simply to expose young triathletes to basic elements of triathlon and give them a taste of the unique sense of accomplishment that comes with finishing a triathlon. While their parents are often very competitive, the focus on these kids' events should be fun. Rather than emphasizing competition at this age, kids, parents, and coaches should focus on enjoyment, and on learning proper skills and healthy exercise habits that will last a lifetime.

The NYT article begins:

"Even though her son and daughter were on year-round swim teams, Alison van Diggelen of San Jose, Calif., had reservations about letting them sign up for a children’s triathlon. Would they have the stamina? Would the other children and parents be too competitive?

Then she attended the Silicon Valley Kids Triathlon, one of the largest events of its kind, in which 850 children — ages 3 through 15 — swim, bike and run. For 11- and 12-year-olds like the van Diggelen children, the race involved swimming 200 yards (four laps in the pool), biking 6 miles, then running 1.25 miles (five laps around the track).

Ms. van Diggelen concluded that the distances “seemed very reasonable” and that “the triathlon was about family support rather than winning or getting a medal.” Her children tried it in 2008, enjoyed it and wanted to sign up again — but could not. Before they could register, the 2009 race had sold out (despite the cap being raised to 1,000 children)..." (read whole article)

 Top photo by eric.surfdude       Lower photo by terren in Virginia

If you enjoyed this article, then please subscribe to our RSS feed or via email to receive all the updates

If you enjoyed this article, then please subscribe to our RSS feed or via email to receive updates

Totcycle has posted a great article on cycling with kids of all ages.  It starts:

"Now that I'm a self-styled family biking expert , I do get asked a bit about what bike or seat is best for such and such family configuration. And I'm always happy to answer at greater length than is perhaps hoped for.

So here it is, my opinionated take on what bike setup you need for you and yours. I should note my biases: for cycling a la familia I like big sturdy practical bikes with cargo capacity. Because you'll soon want to do a lot more than drive your bikes to Sunday toodles along the bike trail, and having some ever-ready cargo ability makes bikes so much more practical for errands, school dropoffs, and everyday cycling ...

I also don't love bike trailers, which seem to be the default way to bike with young kids in this country. Yes, they're easy to find, let you ride your existing road or mountain bike without much modification, work well with narcoleptic toddlers, and have good weather protection. BUT - the awkward maneuvering, lack of interaction with your kids, and the intense dislike or, at best, tolerance that they inspire in passengers (my daughter won't ride in a trailer unless another kid is along, which works until the squabbles start) make me unenthusiastic about trailers. In some respects, they might be safer than some of the other options below, but they can and do tip over.

If you like to ride bikes for the wind on your face, swoopy turns, the sensation of self-powered speed, and getting to experience the world around you with all of your senses ... then so will your kids! if you're a reasonably confident & careful rider, don't miss the delightful conversations and shared delight that comes with riding together on a family bike. Get giddy..."  (read whole article)

If you enjoyed this article, then please subscribe to our RSS feed or via email to receive all the updates

  Bookmark this on Delicious

"It’s no secret that many parents and their children are overweight. These 10 simple ‘secrets’ can help you change your family’s lifestyle so that you can all become fit and healthy."  Read more at Curb That Fat 

1) Eat Whole Grain Foods

Processed and refined grains, such as white bread, white rice, cereal, pasta, and other foods made with white flour have a high glycemic index, low amounts of fiber, and less vitamins and minerals as foods made with whole grains. Making the switch to whole grain foods, including whole wheat bread, whole grain pasta, brown rice, and cereals made with whole grains, are an easy and healthy way to make your family’s diet more nutritious.

2) Limit Soda and Fruit Drinks

Soda and fruit drinks have low nutritional value and a lot of calories. At about 150 calories per 12 ounce serving, your kids will gain an extra pound about every 3 weeks if they drink just one can of soda each day.
Cutting back or eliminating soda, fruit drinks, and even fruit juice, can be a good way to get rid of a lot of extra calories and leave room for your kids to eat more nutritious foods.  Read whole article

photo by Essential Eating   

If you enjoyed this article, then please subscribe to our RSS feed or via email to receive all the updates

"Bike riding, walking, jumping rope, playing ball are all great ways to be active according to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Children and Adolescents. They need one hour or more of physical activity daily; just one of the new 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The guidelines are designed to provide information and guidance on the types and amounts of physical activity for Americans aged 6 years and older. The main idea behind the guidelines is that regular physical activity over months and years can produce long-term health benefits, which is so important for children and adolescents..."

(Read whole article by Karen Hawkins, MA, RD, LD)

 photo by hoyasmeg

If you enjoyed this article, then please subscribe to our RSS feed or via email to receive all the updates

Life can be a challenge for a family with young children that is serious about cycling. There are several awkward years, when the children are to big for child seats or even bike trailers, but too little to keep up with the adults on their own bikes. We covered trail-a-bikes in a previous post as one option.  Another option is a suitable tandem which can  allow your family to maintain a continuous cycling tradition.

Tandem bicycles, particularly for families already riding one, can be another option for families with a young rider. You can buy a tandem but new ones are very pricey and there are not many used ones available. When your kids are tall enough, you can install a kidback, also known as a child stoker kit. This device raises the rear crank set so children who cannot reach the normal stoker pedals, can ride along and help pedal.

One of the issues with tandems is that when you pedal, the child must also pedal unless they take their feet off the pedals. They can just spin the pedals, taking it easy. This, along with price, is why trail-a-bikes (where the rider can coast), are more popular than tandems for riding with kids.

The tandem bike itself is a bigger investment than a tag-along but it may be worth it for a family that wants to go long distances. The tandem puts the child up at about the same level as the adult, and often the child has steering and shifting capabilities. This set-up can work for a wide age range as your child grows but who knows how long a pre-teen would want to be seen on a tandem with his or her parents.

this article was adapted from the tandem section in Fit Family

top photo by tandemracer     lower photo courtesy of Sheldon Miller

If you enjoyed this article, then please subscribe to our RSS feed or via email to receive all the updates