Welcome:  The Rocky Mount Endurance Club is excited to launch the Rocky Mount Endurance Kids (RMEK) program in 2009! The RMEK is a free running focused fitness program for elementary school-aged children throughout the Rocky Mount area.   

Mission:  The mission of Rocky Mount Endurance Kids is to encourage children in a non-competitive environment to lead a healthy and active lifestyle for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living.

History:  The Rocky Mount Endurance Club, Inc is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization.  The club originated in 2005 as a marathon training team of adult runners.  In 2008, our independent club joined Road Runner Club of America, which has given us the foundation and experience needed to develop programs such as the RMEK.  We now have over 50 active members that enjoy running and other athletic activities.  With the creation of RMEK we hope to share our own personal experiences with the youth of Rocky Mount.

Participant Goals:  The goal of this program is to take elementary school age children and put them through a 10 week program that will help them:

• Learn the importance of a healthy lifestyle
• Learn proper exercise techniques
• Learn about healthy food options
• Become motivated to stay active
• Complete a fun run event at the program conclusion (optional)

Who:  The program is open to all children grades K-5 in the Rocky Mount area.  Parents, teachers and volunteers will also be encouraged to be active with the children.  Always remember the best way to teach is by example.

Training Groups:  Twice a week the RMEC will have coaches and guest speakers to meet with the children signed up in the program.  Participants are encouraged to train regularly during the week and track their progress whether at home, school or wherever they can.    We will meet:

·         5:30 pm on Tuesdays @ Rocky Mount Sports Complex jogging trail beginning March 24th

·         5:30 pm on Thursdays @ Red Oak park beginning March 26th

Each weekly group will cover the same topic, but participants are welcome to attend both.  Hour-long lessons combine running and walking games with various skills, including healthy eating, stretching, leadership, setting goals, cooperation and other age-appropriate topics.  Each week handouts will be given out on the topic we cover.

When to Exercise: The RMEK will encourage children to run their miles anywhere they want …home, during recess, soccer practice, or wherever or whenever they can.  Remember, exercise should be fun, not something that adds stress to a child’s busy life.   Children will keep track of their mileage based on the honor system and supervision from a parent, teacher or facilitator.

Goal Races:  The RMEK program plans to train children for local Fun Runs.  Event’s under consideration are the May 30^th, Reach Out Rocky Mount Fun Run for Charities, and the September 12^th, Ford’s Colony Races.  Both events plan to have a shorter race option for children.  Participation in the RMEK program is free.  Participation in the races is optional and will require a separate registration and entry fee for the event.  Our goal for each event is to finish while giving our best efforts . . . not to win.

Questions:  Tracy Proctor is the Vice President of the Rocky Mount Endurance Club, and the coordinator of the RMEK program.  If you have any questions you can contact her at 252-904-6321, or email her at dtproctor@embarqmail.com.