fit kids|
Aug 27
2009
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Triathlons For KidsPosted by Dick Mansfield in triathlons, fit kids, family fitness |
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
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"Vacationing and traveling with children can be a family time full of fun and adventure. However, often confined to smaller spaces (e.g., cars, planes, trains), travel for adults and children can also become a frustrating and energy-consuming venture. Children can quickly become bored, restless and agitated due to their need for physical movement to release pent-up energy. With just a little preplanning, it is possible to keep your children happy and allow for their need to move. The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) recommends that infants, children and youth get a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity every day..." (
"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..."
Once kids have outgrown 
Kids should be taught to eat a variety of foods from an early age. Children who are exposed to various foods during childhood are more likely to learn to enjoy those foods in adulthood, even if they don’t like them while they are young.