Kids Competing for Fun,Fitness

All of us are aware of the growing problem of obesity in our youth and the epidemic of “couch potatoes”— kids spending too much time in front of television or video games.

What’s a parent to do?

According to the Mayo Clinic, the best thing a parent can do to have active kids is to be active themselves. Mayo recommends at least one hour a day of moderate exercise for kids ages six to 17 years old. Three or more days a week should include more vigorous exercises such as jump roping or running.

The encouraging news is that kids’ triathlons and fun runs are on the increase. Most adult runs now feature family or kid runs along with them. IronKidsTriathlon Series, which began in 1985, has hosted over 40,000 runners, including famous alumni Lance Armstrong and Olympian Hunter Kemper.