How have you sparked a love of movement...

with the children in your life?

Delaney and me on a walk together

I came across an interesting article by President-Elect JFK in Sports Illustrated, published on 12/26/1960. (I’ll provide the link below).

A few quotes stood out that I would love to weave into my next book about the JFK 50-mile ultramarathon.

“For physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body; it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity. The relationship between the soundness of the body and the activities of the mind is subtle and complex. Much is not yet understood. But we do know what the Greeks knew: that intelligence and skill can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is healthy and strong; that hardy spirits and tough minds usually inhabit sound bodies.”

“We can fully restore the physical soundness of our nation only if every American is willing to assume responsibility for his own fitness and the fitness of his children.”

​​It was a snowy Friday morning. My children and I dressed for the weather and headed to a quiet trail not far from home. I was meeting a friend to run.

I mentioned we were going on an adventure then breakfast. They smiled wide when I brought up food. No more questions were asked.

While running with my friend, I allowed my children to move and explore together. They created their adventure, deep in conversation about stuffed animals, running, and what they wanted to be when they grew up.

It was cold but the fresh air was fabulous and the snow added an element of enchantment. The trail was peaceful with a few folks walking their dogs.

While my friend and I enjoyed our run and conversation, Brindsley and Delaney forged a path, walking and running at their own pace. My children’s independence led to genuine joy and connection with each other.

It made my heart happy.

I want my children to fall in love with movement. I will take responsibility for my children’s fitness.

This experience, combined with reading President JFK's article, sparked my curiosity about children and movement:

How might we inspire more children to discover the joy of outdoor activity? (even in the winter months)

How can we make physical activity feel less like an obligation and more like an adventure?

Is the goal comfort for you, me, and our children? Why?

Of course, it also has me curious about adults and movement but that’s for another day.

I’m curious— how have you sparked a love of movement with the children in your life?

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here is the link to the archive of President JFK’s article if interested:
https://archive.org/details/the-soft-american-kennedy/page/n1/mode/2up

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Please share with a friend who might love this unique experience.

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Thank you, Michael, Julie, Karen, and Kym for joining me.

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