Fit for life: Run Forrest Run!

It’s official: I actually have followers for Fit for Life that don’t have the same last name as me.

One reader was kind enough to answer my request for information on a local running club. What he told me was that there is a running club at Crescenta-Canada Family YMCA with Maggie on Mondays at 9:30 a.m.; Fridays at 6 p.m. with Iradj and Sundays at 7 a.m. with Iradj.

Not only did I find out about that particular club, but I also was lucky enough to find a running club in Glendale that targets youth. The Nike Running Club, which is led by Gretchen Corrales is held on Fridays from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. until Aug. 12 at the Glendale Sports Complex. Corrales is a world-class runner and track coach for elite athletes, including many who run for the Nike L.A. Running Team.

Now, what better way to get your kid moving than to send him or her to a running club? Honestly, getting your kids active at a young age is the way to go. I started jogging with my mom when I was in the fifth grade, and I know that is one of the reasons why I lead a healthy lifestyle, and enjoy it. With childhood obesity becoming such a problem nationwide, it’s only fitting that more kids become active.

So, if you already haven’t, do yourself and your child a favor by enlisting in a running club or some type of fitness organization. But if your budget doesn’t allow that, grab a friend - a fitness buddy - and do your workouts with him or her. Having a partner to work out with is almost always a sure bet that you will actually follow through on your workout because someone else is relying on you and is also there to keep you moving if you fall behind.

Mary Catherine Holcomb is a fitness enthusiast and can be reached at marycatherineholcomb@yahoo.com