Going the Extra Mile: Nice Success Store

It is always nice to see and hear about success stories in the physical education classroom. Below is such a story sent to us by a physical educator in Miami, FL. Thanks for sharing and congrats!

"Michelle, an elementary student at my school in Miami, Florida, showed no interest in physical education class. She was withdrawn and lacked any concept of teamwork and camaraderie. Once her friends joined the Mileage Club, however, she began to wonder what she was missing. She prodded me daily to let her join, but first she had to promise me that she would adhere to the program requirements. She jumped up and down with an ear-to-ear grin, which was the most enthusiasm I had ever seen from her.

I was honestly surprised that Michelle kept her commitment—arriving an hour before school starts, completing the mile walk/run, and participating in the post-run exercise three times a week. What surprised me even more was the change in her demeanor at school. Her self-esteem improved immediately, which naturally drew other students toward her. She went from an outcast to an outgoing, fun-loving person with a more mature outlook on life. Her mother thanked me after witnessing the change in her daughter’s exercise habits and overall happiness.

Michelle is one of more than 100 members of the Mileage Club at my school each year. There are dozens of stories as rewarding as hers. Structure and consistency are essential components of this national program, but a few simple enhancements help its success go the extra mile.

The post-run exercise, for example, targets different areas of the body and gives students an even greater sense of accomplishment than running the mile alone. I also conduct an annual track-and-field event at the school so students can apply what they’ve practiced in a competitive scenario. I enter them into a cross-country meet at a local middle school to broaden their experience with other runners. I encourage them to participate in regional 5K running events, many of which benefit charitable causes, which imparts a strong sense of community and philanthropy. Many parents participate in Mileage Club and 5K running events, which strengthens family bonds and reinforces the students’ newfound commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

With childhood obesity a well-known epidemic, programs like the Mileage Club stress the importance of overall fitness, which leads to overall wellbeing. Beyond slimmer waistlines and improved health, the benefits in terms of self-esteem, motivation, responsibility, and many other areas of personal growth are tremendous. If your school does not presently have a Mileage Club, I strongly encourage you to take the initiative and run with it!"

Erika Winston
Elementary PE Teacher, Miami, FL