Smile Mile - Time to Train

The "Smile Mile" is a popular local "kids only" race that is conveniently located near my home.  The race is separated by age and sex, and as you probably guessed, they run one mile.

Last year we convinced our boys swimming coach, who is also a triathlete coach, to run a nine week training camp to prepare the kids for the "Smile Mile".  Eight kids participated and seven ended up competing.  All the kids beat their best time and had a great time.

This year Coach Hanif was already running a "Fit Club" for the kids.  The "Fit Club" is basically what Physical Education used to be.  The kids learn and play a different sport every four to six weeks.  So instead of forming a separate club to prepare for the "Smile Mile" it was decided he would spend the month before preparing as part of the "Fit Club".

However, me being me, I decided that Lance needed to start earlier.  So I enlisted the help of Chris and Sgt. Block.  We needed Sgt. Block because Chris is a biker, not a runner, or least he wasn't before I started messing with him (a personal pastime/wife privilege I like to invoke).

I got this idea from reading a funny blog about a program called "Couch to 5K".  When I read this blog it was conveniently ten weeks till the "Smile Mile" and it was a nine week program.  Perfect, right?  The program is very simple.  You dedicate 30 minutes, three days a week and they say at the end of nine weeks you'll be running a 5K.  Each day they tell you exactly what to do, basically combinations of walking and running.  You can print out the schedule from their website or you can buy the app.  We bought the app and that's where Sgt. Block comes in.  Sgt. Block is one of the three personalities you can choose from to walk/run you through the program.  Nice part of the app is it does all the timing for you and tracks your mileage.

My theory was that if Lance could run a 5K, a mile would be simple.  I've since been told my theory is a little flawed but I'm sure Coach Hanif will fix that this month.  What I do know for sure is that its been great bonding time for Lance and Chris.

If you are looking to loose a little weight and spend quality time with your kids, this program just might be the ticket for you too.  There are lots of fun 5Ks all over the country.  Chris and Lance are aiming for the "Watermelon 5K" on July 4th for their first 5K, who can say "no" to free Watermelon.

Boys racing a bulldozer down the block the other day.