Summer is a perfect time to help your kids get started on a running program. With a few precautions it can be a fun experience and relieve some of their summer boredom.

Get your program started by creating some incentives and goals. Use a log that kids can pin up to a bulletin board or attach to a refrigerator. Offer a reward for every twenty-five miles completed. Add geography to put another twist on the program. With push pins and a paper map they can visualize reaching specific destinations. Get a group of kids to combine their miles together or multiply each mile by ten to get to far away places. On the way to a location, gather information about a city or landmark from the web or request a packet from the local Chamber of Commerce.

Next determine a variety of courses and/or a local track to run on. The course can be measured by bike or car odometer and vary in terrain, preferably black top or soft trails. To help kids stay with the program plan out specific days and what time they will run. Set this up at least a week or even a month ahead.

Choosing courses that have something for kids to see can provide opportunities to use their visual skills. Offer bonus awards for discovering the most correct answers to questions such as, what items were in a particular store window or a notice on a sign. Scavenger hunts can be fun too as long as they spend more of their time on the run than picking up things. Relays on the track may be an easier way to put in miles on hot days.

Summer running requires precautions in hot weather. Kids heat up more quickly than adults because they have more skin surface in relation to body weight. Thus they sweat less and can't dissipate heat as easily. Drink lots of water or a sports drink before and after the run. Eat salty pretzels, fruits and vegetables that have high water content. Wear lightweight clothing that fits loosely and will stay dry. If temperatures rise over 90 degrees choose an alternative indoor activity.

On July 11^th more than 10,000 kids will participate in Metro Detroit Youth Day on Belle Isle. It's one of the largest single day kids programs in the state. There are many athletic activities and sports demonstrations by professionals plus entertainment and lunch. It starts at 8:30am. For more information call: 810 979-6322.

Tip of the Week: Your hometown marathon is the ideal place for first timers. There are many benefits to staying near home to compete.

Contact Doug Kurtis at Detroit Free Press, 600 W. Fort St. Detroit, 48226

or [email protected]