In the long run.

This year, why not try for a home run by stepping away from the plate? Your dessert plate, that is!

Doctors say too many kids are inactive, overweight, and at risk of getting type 2 diabetes. Our brand-new Home Run Competition can help. It will reward kids who get up, get excited, and get going, and who are the fastest on a mile-long home course.

Just have a gym teacher, coach, or parent confirm your best time over a course you lay out yourself. (It has to be a mile!) Then send your time to us by April 15, along with a photo of you running, to be eligible for great prizes and best of all, great health!

A Course, of Course

How long is a mile? Well, it's 5,280 feet, or 1,760 yards, if you want to pace it off. But it might be easier to measure out a twenty-yard-long piece of rope and then use that to find out how many yards it is around your block, or your yard.

Or, ask your parents to drive a half-mile course away from your house, then run to that spot and back. Run only in safe areas!

Set a Race Pace

Have an adult, coach, or gym teacher time your run, and send your best time to U.S. Kids, Home Run, Box 567, Indianapolis, IN 46206 by April 15. Winners will be announced at our Tulip Time Games, on April 20.

HINTS FOR HASTY HURRYING HOOFERS

Interested in starting a home-running program to get ready for our contest? Check out these tips from Michelle Nolley, Ashley's mom and a track and swimming coach to boot!

Ready, Set, Go!

Preparation

* Never start an exercise program without help from an adult. "A helpful parent is fine, as long as the kids are monitored," says Michelle.

* Remember to stretch for fifteen minutes before and after each run. No bouncing; that can cause pulled or strained muscles.

* Drink plenty of water and juices, and reduce or eliminate sodas, which are packed with sugar and can cause dehydration.

Workouts

* Stretch, then warm up with some slow jogging for two or three minutes.

* Plan running sensibly. "Most kids can start with about ten minutes of moderately-paced running," she said. Then add two or three minutes every so often up to half an hour. "A thirty-minute run is going to give them plenty of training for the mile run," she said.

* Don't try to run full-speed all the time. "Surges," or short increases in speed of a minute or so during a run can help improve speed.

Follow Up

* Consider organized running programs. Local park and recreation organizations often offer the Hershey Track and Field program, which is free. Also check our Web page, www.uskidsmag.org, for more running tips and details about all our events.