Rediscovering Joy on the Run: Jennifer L Given, Halethorpe Elementary – Halethorpe, MD

Jennifer L Given from Halethorpe Elementary beautifully captures the essence of running with children: “As adults, our runs are often ruled by pace or distance, and sometimes to a point where it can be easy to lose the joy amid those numbers. But running with kids who do so for the pure delight of moving with their friends is a wonderful way for me to rediscover my own joy in running. Kids run care free, and grown-ups need to do more of that.”

As a seasoned runner and 100 Mile Club coach, Jennifer focuses on creating a “safe, no-fail environment,” sharing the wisdom she wished she had when starting out. Their empowering mantras – “Yes, you can!” “One step at a time,” and “It’s ok to walk” – resonate deeply with her students.

Jennifer understands the power of motivation, bringing the fun she experienced in her own running journey to her students through themed Fun Runs, friendly competition, treats, and awards. These events also create a wonderful opportunity to engage parents in the 100 Mile Club experience.

The lasting impact of the 100 Mile Club at Halethorpe Elementary is Jennifer’s biggest “WOW.” She proudly shares, “I have had students leave Halethorpe Elementary School inspired to join track or cross country in middle and high school, and they excel at it. I receive school messages from former runners thanking me for the club and saying how much they miss it. This year, I have a former 100 Mile Club member, now a middle schooler, return as a Junior Coach and earn service-learning hours. How cool is that?!”

Beyond the physical benefits, 100 Mile Club fosters strong relationships and provides a vital safe space for activity, especially for students who may lack playgrounds at home. It also offers a platform for non-academic success, building a strong sense of belonging within the school community. Thank you, Jennifer, for your incredible dedication to your students!

Building More Than Miles: Wendy Strang, French Valley Elementary – Winchester, CA

Wendy Strang and the French Valley Elementary School’s 100 Mile Club have been inspiring students since 2019 to “set goals, build healthy habits, and develop a love of movement that lasts a lifetime.” With a dedicated team of five teacher/staff volunteers, the club meets twice a week before school, creating a positive and encouraging environment.

For Wendy, the goal extends beyond simply accumulating miles. “Our goal isn’t just to have students collect miles, but to help them begin their day on a positive note, creating space for social-emotional learning, connection, and confidence-building. Our morning sessions often set the tone for a more focused, grounded, and joyful school day!”

This year holds a special significance for Wendy, as five of her grandchildren are proud members of the club. “Watching them grow alongside their peers, cheering each other on, and earning their medals fills me with pride and hope for the future.”

At French Valley Elementary, 100 Mile Club is about more than just running; it’s about “growing, thriving, and building a school culture where every student is encouraged to go the distance!” Thank you, Wendy, for fostering such a supportive and vibrant community!

Igniting a Lifelong Love of Fitness: Bridget Wakeman, Sherwood ES, Pensacola, FL

Bridget Wakeman, a seasoned 100 Mile Club coach at Sherwood ES, offers valuable advice to those just starting: “Allow yourself to learn over time, becoming a 100 Mile Club coach is a process, and you will get better and better at tweaking your program. The kids will keep you motivated. They will absolutely love every minute of it—they always do.”

Bridget passionately advocates for the 100 Mile Club to fellow PE teachers, emphasizing its crucial role in combating the obesity epidemic and instilling a lifelong appreciation for fitness. “The reason why I would encourage other PE teachers to become 100 Mile Club coaches is not so much towards athleticism in secondary school, although it helps promote that. My reason is that there is an obesity epidemic in our society. So many children need to be turned on to lifetime fitness so their adult years will be healthy. They need to understand why fitness matters to start them out young, realizing the value of cardio cardio cardio!” Their energetic mantra, “I yell out ‘cardio’!!!!, then they yell it back at me, and then we beat our chest and say ‘good for the heart’! They love it!!!!” truly embodies the fun and engagement of the program.

Thank you, Bridget, for your dedication to building healthy habits and a love for movement that will last a lifetime for your students!

Keeping it Simple and Fun: Traci Evans, Briarwood Elementary, Santa Clara, CA

Traci Evans from Briarwood Elementary offers simple yet powerful advice for new 100 Mile Club coaches: “Just start! Use whatever path you have and go. Keep it simple and have fun!”

For Traci, the “WOW” moment that reinforces her passion for coaching is witnessing “the absolute joy every time when students realize for themselves how their laps really do add up and then invite others to run with them.” This organic enthusiasm and peer encouragement truly highlight the program’s impact.

When pitching the 100 Mile Club to other PE teachers, Traci suggests a seamless integration: “Incorporate what you are already doing! Plus, offer a few bonus times to earn laps at lunch or before school. This can be a great opportunity for student leadership.”

Over the years, Traci has seen the 100 Mile Club benefit Briarwood Elementary by “engaging in individual goal setting conversations, compassion and encouragement for others across all grades, making a stronger, more connected school community.” Thank you, Traci, for fostering such a supportive and goal-oriented environment!