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Running

Running

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young man running a race

Purpose

Running is a healthy hobby that increases physical strength and confidence. Learning to care for your body can also help you be more prepared for missionary service, employment, and an active family life.

Description

Practice running and the different ways you can build strength and endurance. You could invite a running coach from a local university, school, or club to talk about training. You could also try new warm-ups and stretches, see proper equipment, study nutrition needs, or practice correct running form. Put your new knowledge to use by going on a three- to five-kilometer run.

As you plan this activity, please follow the counsel given in chapter 13 of Handbook 2: Administering the Church (2010) and review “Safety Recommendations for Church Activities.”

More Ideas

  • Be a spectator—Observe the skills and hard work displayed in running by attending a track and field meet at a college or high school. If appropriate, participants can make signs to cheer on family, friends, or peers who may be running.

  • Relay race—Organize participants into evenly balanced groups or teams for relay races. Add variety to races by alternating running lengths, adding obstacles, or incorporating batons. The races may be followed by a healthy snack for the groups or prizes for winning teams.

  • Community race—Combine running and service by volunteering at a community running event or by participating in a local race for charity. Ambitious groups might even put together a 5K community run and donate proceeds to an individual, family, or local charity.

  • Train and run—Older or more advanced groups could participate in a race together, such as a 5K, 10K, triathlon, half marathon, or marathon. Develop an appropriate training regimen for the selected race, and train and compete as a group.

Discussion

Encourage participants to talk about what they are learning. Discussions can take place before, during, or after the activity. You could ask questions like the following:

  • Why do you think physical fitness is important?

  • When was a time you benefited from running or another form of physical activity?

  • What thoughts or impressions do you have about running and staying physically fit?

  • How can you apply what you are learning in your life?

Related Resources

Sabbath Day Lessons

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