Frequently Asked Questions – MUST READ!

Do I have to run the program every day?

Well, YES! That’s what separates us from other programs. We invite every child to participate every day at no fee. We are not training kids specifically for one race. We are working to teach the lifelong habit of starting almost every day with moderate to vigorous exercise. The good news? Once you launch your Morning Mile program, you’ll see how difficult it is to implement and manage … and you may feel a bit silly for questioning whether you should do it every day! Every child, every day, is the backbone and integrity of our program. It’s a MUST-DO!

Do I have to include all the kids?

Well, yes! Excluding anyone is not what we’re about. Can you imagine how sad it would feel for a child or parent if you said “no, you’re not invited to come walk or run with us”. That … would not be beneficial to anyone. Good news? You’ll never have 100% of your student body show up in one day. It will NEVER overwhelm you. Trust us, we’ve done this in over 400 schools for six years. Zero programs have been canceled because too many kids showed up.

Do kids have to do one mile?

No way. The Morning Mile has nothing to do with one mile. We provide a 30-minute chunk of time for kids and families to join in at any time. Show up on time, come late or leave early. It’s all OKAY! Show up when you can, stay as long as possible, and do as much as possible. It’s all celebrated.

Can I cancel for rain or snow?

OF COURSE! Cold, wet kids are not a great recipe for success in school. If the weather is horrible and you don’t have a place indoors to use, cancel! Life goes on. However, your Morning Mile guidebook will have suggestions for indoor alternatives.

How many adults do we need to manage this thing?

You’ll need one warm-blooded, responsible adult. It could be a teacher. It could be one parent volunteer. It could be 5-10 adults who each take one day a week or every two weeks. Whatever works for you, works for us. Plus, the menial tasks involved with managing the program each day can all be done by the older or more responsible students in your school. Have a safety patrol? Great! This is a wonderful way to give them real responsibility and a productive job. Also, when parents and grandparents are doing laps … they naturally help other kids when necessary. If little Suzie trips and falls, Bobby’s daddy can pick her up, tie her shoelaces, and help her get moving again.

How much effort does it take to manage The Morning Mile?
Very little! It’s amazing how little effort the adults have to make compared to the output the kids generate. We have some Morning Mile coordinators who do little more than bring out the stereo and yell “go.” The kids then take control and do the simple tasks involved. It’s really an effortless experience for the adults in charge.

Can we call The Morning Mile “running club”?

No! It’s a trademarked, branded program that needs to be called by name: The Morning Mile. Also, “Running Club” makes folks feel like they have to run, which may be intimidating. The word “club” makes it sound exclusive. The Morning Mile is INCLUSIVE! We welcome every child of every ability. Walkers are welcomed, as are kids in wheelchairs. The Morning Mile is the name, and it stands for much more than just exercising in the morning.

Can parents participate?

YES! At The Morning Mile, we say, “Y’all come!” We want families to join in. It’s a great way to promote a healthy lifestyle for the family unit while encouraging quality time. Also, when parents and grandparents are doing laps … they naturally help other kids when necessary. If little Suzie trips and falls, Bobby’s daddy can pick her up, tie her shoelaces, and help her get moving again.

Do we need a track?

Absolutely not! You can use whatever safe area you traditionally use for P.E. or recess. Many schools create loops around a grassy field or even around a playground. Some even use shared property with other schools or city parks. Some kids have to do 15 laps to cover a mile. Some kids have to do only two laps to cover a mile. Just make sure your area is safe, safe, and safe.

Should I give out awards more often than every five or 100 miles?

I wouldn’t. The five-mile marker is short enough for kids to stay frequently congratulated without taking their sneaker charms for granted. Kids who earn charms for every mile tend not to value them as much. Plus, more charms equals more work for adults.

What if we have bus riders?

Almost all of our schools do. Just let the kids join in as they arrive. No biggie.

What if we have free or reduced breakfast eaters?

Almost all of our schools do. Just let the kids join in as they finish breakfast. No biggie.

How do we get parents to volunteer?

Send a note home, make a phone call, or ask online. Also, we highly recommend asking those moms who show up daily in yoga pants. They are a likely target because they’re invested in both their children and fitness! I know this because I am one of those moms who show up to drop off in yoga pants. We have a volunteer request form just for you. Once you sign on, we’ll send it in your welcome packet.

How do we show appreciation for our sponsor?

Excellent question! Your sponsor is passionate about education and healthy living, so please show you are passionate about them. As part of your partnership agreement, you must hang the beautiful outdoor Morning Mile banner we will provide you, recognizing your sponsor and their logo. However, there are many ways to go above and beyond to show your appreciation in return. We recommend thanking them publicly on your school web site, Facebook page and in your school newsletters. When you recognize students for accomplishing great things, take the opportunity to thank your sponsor. If you have media visit your Morning Mile program, ensure they know who funded it. And if you share photos of your Morning Milers on our Morning Mile Facebook page – we’ll recognize them for you! And … when it comes to being grateful, a sweet phone call goes a long way, and a HUGE thank you poster signed by your students would likely hang in a place of honor at your sponsor’s office.

Do the kids have to wear anything special?

Nope! They can come in school clothes or whatever makes them feel comfortable. Students who run hard will eventually decide that they need to show up in quality running shoes and comfortable running clothes. Many kids walk and jog in loafers, boots, skirts, and ties! They’re kids, so they don’t fuss about things like adults.

What if our kids get sweaty?

Most kids don’t have much of an issue with this. Early mornings are not so hot, and most kids aren’t working incredibly hard. Think about it: Kids get mildly sweaty at recess or P.E., too, and it’s no big deal. If your hard-core Morning Milers sweat through their clothes or get a little stinky, just encourage them to bring a fresh shirt or outfit to change into. They may also bring a washcloth and deodorant to freshen up. Simple measures work wonders.

Can we call it “Running Club”?

Absolutely not. The Morning Mile is a licensed and trademarked program that has been sponsored for you; it should be called “The Morning Mile.” Plus, clubs are exclusive. People feel unwanted unless they are “members.” The Morning Mile is INCLUSIVE. We want ALL students and their families to participate. Calling it a club would significantly diminish the program and participation.

Must we use the Mileage Master? 

YES! And it would be insane not to. Our Morning Mileage Masters ensures that NOBODY has to count and provides the most incredible reports. See, on occasion, a school tries to get creative and use labeled notecards or scanning systems. Unfortunately, the kids suffer when that happens. WHY? Kids have to stand in long, boring lines to find their personal cards before running each day. Standing in lines prevents them from joining in right away. Plus, making marks on cards slows kids down and makes them wait in LINES every time they cross the finish line. Scanners sound nice in theory, but kids must bring in their scanners daily or WAIT IN LINES to get to theirs each morning. LINES, LINES, LINES! Let’s not forget – we’re dealing with KIDS. Kids are forgetful! Kids who forget their scanner objects don’t get laps logged and get deterred.  We want as much movement as possible. Trust us, our system works. Simply, smoothly, and effectively. 100% of the time!

What is the benefit of using the Mileage Master?

The benefits are endless! First of all, no adults have to do any math. Laps get punched into this password-protected computer program each week, spitting out fabulous reports! It will tell you how many laps/miles each Morning Miler has completed and which rewards to pass out to each student weekly. It also allows you to boost program participation by categorizing into small and large “teams” by their homeroom teacher and grade level. Let’s say Mrs. Johnson wants her class out of the room each morning, burning off energy so they come to class calmer. She can tell her students, “Class, let’s aim to be the top Morning Mile class in the entire school.” Now, her class is unified, and they encourage each other to get out each morning to walk or run. Also, imagine what would happen if a 2nd-grade representative got on the school news to put the 6th graders on notice that the “2nd grade is going to CRUSH the 6th grade in The Morning Mile this year.” The 6th graders would go out full force to ensure that didn’t happen. A little friendly competition goes a long way to help these kids live better and longer! Think of our Mileage Master as a tool for mass motivation, excitement, and participation. It makes life for adults easier and is a fantastic tool for getting more students involved and getting all the kids to do even more.

How do we brag about our program?

There are lots of ways! We’re always asking schools to take and share photos, updates, and special stories with us to share via MorningMile.com and our social media sites. The media LOVES The Morning Mile. We can help you send a press release once you’re up and running. The good news never stops with The Morning Mile!