Getting your kids into running is a great way to give them a strong athletic foundation for any sport. Because almost all active sports involve running, it's never too early to start. As an expert runner yourself (wink), there's a good chance your kids will want to follow in your footsteps (no pun intended) or at least give running a try. Personally, I started running when I was 6 years old with my primary motivation being that my dad always spoke fondly of his high school track and field days. If  Dad was good at running, maybe I would be too!

Keep running fun for any beginner—especially a young child. Although kids can get in shape and set running goals for themselves, running should mostly be about getting a taste for it and learning good form and technique. You'll be surprised how few park department track coaches are actually teaching kids how to run. What better time to learn than when you start. This is where you come in. Explain how to keep your arms from crossing your chest, extending your strides, relaxing your jaw, keeping your chin down....