Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Looking back on my running life, the most rewarding seasons I have had came from achieving a goal that I set for myself at the beginning of the season. I don't achieve my goals every year, but I always find the process towards achieving my most ambitious goals worth the effort. Goal setting is an important component of the Kilometer Kids curriculum. The goal for every Kilometer Kid is to run 13.1miles (a half marathon) or 26.2 miles (a full marathon) over the course of the season. For many children, the thought of running that far may be intimidating - it is a big goal! We provide tools to support your child toward this goal at practice, but receiving support at home is also important.
Part of my process with goal setting is to ensure that my environments outside of practice are conducive to my goal. That way it's easier for me to consistently choose to align with my goal. To help your Kilometer Kid stay aligned with their goal, try talking to them about it at home and encourage them to write it down as a reminder outside of practice.
When I set an ambitious, overall goal for the end of my season, I break it down into smaller goals over the course of days, weeks and months as a reminder that I'm progressing towards it. You can help your Kilometer Kid do the same thing. 13.1 or 26.2 miles may be daunting all at once, but celebrate with them as they hit 1, 5, 10, etc. miles along the way. It makes the overall goal more attainable, and the journey to it more rewarding.
So far, we have established what it means to be a Kilometer Kid, we have set norms and expectations, we are beginning to form relationships with one another, and we have set our goals for the season. Next, we will employ tools to help the Kilometer Kids on their way to achieving their goals. Be sure to take note of the time trial mile just around the corner! Is it marked on yours and your Kilometer Kid's calendar? Will you be there to cheer your Kilometer Kid on? Some of us on the Atlanta Track Club Elite team might see you there!
Sincerely,
-Sadi Henderson, Professional Runner (Atlanta Track Club Elite) & Program Coordinator - Kilometer Kids, shenderson@atlantatrackclub.org