I recently heard, "Shouldn't these kids be out playing 'kick the can'?" YES, I fully believe they should! But at the same time, if kids are going to specialize in soccer, softball, football, etc., then why not specialize in the sport of running.

One of the most important aspects embedded within Whisper Running is the assurance that I will do anything in my knowledge and experience to teach kids the joy of running. One of the ways this is done is by accepting kids where they are at, both in fitness and personality, and teaching them the importance of setting goals and working through adversity. The idea is to help them cultivate a strong sense of self-worth and self-confidence, and to give them something they can be proud of doing on their own.

Photo Credit: Rikki O'Brien (Kiley's mom) at Round Lake (Camas, WA).

This past preseason, many of the Whisper Runners ran through some nasty weather, as many of you have experienced. These kids trained through it all - the snow, sleet, hail, nasty wind, and well-below freezing temperatures. This period lasted far too long! Recently, two runners ran the Vancouver Lake Half Marathon, and then two weeks later took part in the Nike Speed Run community event, a bi-monthly event quietly tucked away at the World Nike Headquarters in Beaverton.

The important thing here is this - these kids aren't just running. They are cultivating healthy relationships and memories that will last a lifetime. Though most come from different schools (Union, Camas, Frontier, Cornerstone Christian, Lincoln, West Sylvan, Shalala, Skyridge, etc.), the training they endure and perform together is something they will cherish for the rest of their lives, particularly when they momentarily look back and reflect on their amazing accomplishments.