That's Fit

Bethany recently shared the benefits of running clubs, but what about a jogging partner closer to home? Your future jogging buddy may be staring at you over their breakfast bowl of corn flakes.

This morning I invited my six-year-old son, Frank, along on my walk/jog. He can ride a two-wheeler now, and stops at 95 percent of the crosswalks. I can trust him in the neighborhood -- within reason. He was thrilled to be asked, and had his helmet strap snapped and bike out of the garage in the next two minutes. Of course, he forgot his jacket.

Frank was familiar with the route since we had just clocked the mileage in the car the other day. Off we went and he was in the lead nearly the entire 25 minute workout. I had to push his back a couple times when he faltered up a long, gradual incline, but other than that, he smoked me. The best part was witnessing his obvious sense of accomplishment at the finish line. Post-route, he enthusiastically joined me for a few stretches (per a kindergartener's attention span) and a brief stint with the dumbbells. Additional benefits -- I definitely ran faster, and watching him kept my mind off the pain during those added fartleks.