Yesterday was the 23rd Anniversary of the Hospital Hill Run/Walk. Once again, it was a good turnout. The initial plan from the beginning of its inception was to encourage people to get out and exercise, and especially with the kids. We wanted them to learn early on the importance of staying active, and that you could have fun with this. That is why we have numerous age categories, especially for the younger ones, to get them more motivated to participate. It is easier to get them out when they have a chance to win a medal. We also moved up the age category this year to anyone 12 and younger (previously 10 and under) all received a medal for participating. The looks on their faces when they come up to pick up their medals is worth it! We want them getting out and staying active. The biggest lessons they can learn about his is from their parents. I love seeing all these young families out running or walking with their kids, or pushing them in strollers, etc. I just want them out there teaching them the importance of an active lifestyle, and the best way to do it is by setting the tone, and getting out there along with them! So a special shout out to all you parents for working on this. Nobody said it was easy.
My daughter Molly and her fiancée Tanner were out running as well. My kids have been a part of this since the beginning of this. They participated every year, and then when they got a little older, they helped me set up everything, and were great at helping with prizes, awards, setting up, and taking down. They were involved from the beginning. It is nice to have them come back. I don’t get them all back every year, but they can when they are able, and we are participating in other races during the year as well. They learned from the start. I have told Tanner that participating in these fun runs is what being a part of this family is about. We have gone out to Virginia and ran some with Megan and Nate also. That is what this family does, and that is what this family will always do!
The McElroy’s are todays version of what we started over 20 years ago. I love watching their kids out running. It reminds me so much of my kids way back when. They learn from us. We have to be willing to put in the work too!
We have the Sullivan family out, Kris Munger and her daughter, and Cassandra Varilek and her family out running! Lead by example! Prove to your kids how important it is to be active, and take charge of your own health, and be out there pounding the pavement and sweating right along with them. You will start making memories that will last a lifetime! We talk about those times often! Each race/event has its own special qualities that make them unique! Explore them together! I lost count on the amount of the strollers out there yesterday. It brings back the days when we would walk/run with our kids in the Burley back then! They loved it, and we got to all be active and do our things, and do it together!
You have to show up in order to take off! Teach them how to do it. Show them how important it really is. Set the tone, and lead by example. It benefits both you and your kids, and you all have the opportunity to improve your health…and to make memories to last a lifetime! The only time it is too late is when you are not here anymore. The earlier you start with your kids, the sooner it becomes a habit…for all of you. Keep pushing! Keep trying! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day of new streak: 70
