Stronger Together: Why Kids Thrive When They Run with Friends

This year Running Peas is grateful for so much, but what we are most grateful for is friendship. Running Peas was founded partly inspired by the unparalleled and contagious running energy  in Boston.  It’s the kind of buzz you feel after a great run with friends or teammates — that uplifting, joyful feeling that sticks with you all day. Our Boston Shirt is a celebration of my time living, working and training in Boston. Runs along the Charles with friends are among my happiest memories. I am extremely grateful for that time of my life, and the lifelong friendships and relationships that persist to this day. 

I often wonder though if kids feel that same friend energy after our run club practices, or when I see my own kids sprinting around the neighborhood with friends. The reasons behind their running might be different, but the feeling has to be the same, right? Are endorphins age-specific? (hint-no! endorphins are for all!) I think I see it in their smiles — the run club kids always seem a little lighter, a little happier, when practice ends than when it begins. The friendly conversations I happen to catch mid - run around the neighborhood recently about which clothes to wear for Colors Galore Day at school or how to run whilst holding a bag of cheez-its; it's all part of the fun. 

There are plenty of reasons to get your kids into running: the physical — staying active and spending time outdoors away from screens; the emotional — building confidence through perseverance and achieving personal goals. And those edorphins- great for learning!! But maybe the biggest benefit is the social one. Running is an incredibly social sport. It’s a chance to make new friends, work toward shared goals, or just chat about the latest school bus gossip or playground news. And maybe, just maybe, those feel-good endorphins we count on as adult runners are setting kids up for a lifelong love of movement and so much more.  Don’t just take my word for it — science agrees: running with friends is good for you, at any age.

• Increased Physical Activity: A study published in Pediatric Exercise Science found that children were 33% more physically active and 88% less sedentary when playing with peers compared to playing alone. Pediatric Exercise Science
• Enhanced Motivation: Another study highlighted that the presence of a friend increased children's motivation to engage in physical activity. Journal of Physical Activity & Health
• Peer Influence: Research indicates that children are more likely to engage in physical activity if their friends are active and supportive. American Journal of Public Health
• Overall WellBeing: Programs such as Girls on the Run are effective in promoting positive youth development, including season-long and lasting change in competence, confidence, connection, character, caring, and physical activity. Pediatric Exercise Science

These findings underscore the importance of social interactions in promoting physical activity and social-emotional well being among our kiddos. With kids’ physical activity often decreasing as they enter adolescence, the time is now to support and encourage running with friends!

Happy Running,

Joanie

Founder- Running Peas