This section is adapted from the Runner's World Complete Book of Women's Running by Dagny Scott. Buy this book!What children learn from watching their parents is crucial. It’s estimated that up to 50% of children participate in virtually no physical

for him. He now trains twice a week with the children's group at my running club, and it's been great for him. (I have been a runner and a club runner for a fair few years now.) They have fun sessions to encourage the children to develop naturally, plus

Running with your family is one of life's real pleasures. Squabbles over bedtimes and who'll be paying for Sugababes tickets are forgotten as you eat up the miles. Training has important long-term health benefits for children – studies show

to be straightforward. At RUNNER’S WORLD we often see threads with headings like Advice for a parent? and a few months ago we ran a special article about children’s running. It’s an area of such interest among our readers and our online community that we ran a survey

, reverse the roles. 8 Leave the children. Many gyms now feature in-house nurseries. In mine, staff link the kids together with some kind of rope, and lead them around like a band of tiny chain-gang convicts from one activity to another. The children think

positive role model for children. It creates a foundation of self-respect that permeates your other relationships. And it inspires confidence in all of life’s exploits. "When you are a strong person, you will be treated as a strong person," Kalish says

’re taking the children to the zoo, for example, that might not be the best day for your long run,” Nelson advises. You can always modify your weekly schedule as things come up, but it’s important to set the initial framework. Be sure to involve your spouse

to get out in the mornings.7 Swap your responsibilities. One morning, afternoon or evening, let your other half look after the kids while you run. The next day, reverse the roles. 8 Leave the children. Many gyms now feature in-house nurseries. In mine

to get 15 million children active by 2012, and we also support talented athletes at the elite level of the sport through our sponsorship of the Aviva GB & NI Team. At Aviva, we recognise the needs of athletes both on and off the track, and by providing

, we really celebrated, jumping around – and wheezing – under the dark, wet sky.”Hays often thinks of that moment, especially during those inevitable times when his motivation begins to wane. He reminds himself that his two friends are expecting him