Smithfield schoolkids push themselves in training for Health Days race

By Arie Kirk

March 26, 2007 | SMITHFIELD -- Rarely does one see kids stretching, running laps and reviewing math facts with pleasure, but this is the case for students at Summit Elementary School.

Four days a week, students in Smithfield attend the school's Activity Club to prepare to run in the Health Days race in May. The school also hosts the activities to encourage students to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

"The Activity Club is really fun and I think it just makes me feel good when we run a long way. It just makes me feel better," said Joseph Bailey, a third-grader at Summit Elementary. "It's good to get out and the Activity Club gets you out in the sun and stuff. It's good."

Under the instruction of Troy Pugmire, Jeremy Smith and Logan Eubanks, teachers at Summit Elementary, students are instructed through various physical activities to help them train for the one-mile walk and 5K run.

Many of the students said they plan to participate in the Health Days race and look forward to it.

Aside from preparing for the race, the advisers are hoping the students learn to push themselves and that each child can overcome their individual obstacles, becoming better than they were before. The advisers stress that the kids should compete against no one but themselves.

When coaching the students, Pugmire asked them, "Who are you competing against? Yourself. Don't cheat yourself out of anything."

In addition to health and exercise, the club also helps kids with mathematics. While warming up for their afternoon workout, the students perform a number of stretches, counting each set by reciting multiplication facts.

When the club started, Pugmire said he was surprised to discover many of the kids couldn't perform ordinary tasks like jumping jacks.

Eubanks said, "Doing things we thought were so common, it seemed many were struggling with their coordination but now they seem to be getting a feel of their body."

The advisors agreed the students have made great progress.

Smith said, "The most enjoyable part is watching the kids grow and have fun being active. The most surprising thing to me is how much they learn and grow when given the opportunity for instruction."

Eubanks said the Activity Club has been meeting since January and has different themes every month to which their activities are related. Their focus has included running, aerobics, jump rope and basketball. Pugmire said they are trying to teach the kids to actually play and not just run from the ball.

During March, the students have been playing Frisbee. Pugmire said he is hoping they will be able to play ultimate Frisbee by the end of the month.

Nine-year-old Lilly Bitter said her favorite activity has been basketball but has really enjoyed them all. Bitter said she has been attending the club since it started.

"It helps me get stronger. It is fun to do and I make new friends and you get to run around and use all your energy so your mom doesn't get mad when you run around the house," Bitter said. "I get a lot more exercise because usually I just watch TV all day."

Pugmire said around 65 kids regularly attend the club meetings.

11-year-old Willie Gilchrist said he has never missed a day. Gilchrist said he attends to get fit and have fun.

The Activity Club began after Summit Elementary received a grant from the Cache County School District for after-school programs. Principal Trudy Wilson said she wanted to spend the money to help students stay healthy and also run in the Health Days Race.

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