Question from the Mailbox...(AKAs Added by me!)

When we get letters that may benefit everyone, they are published in Letters From the Mailbox.  This one concerns a little girl who is slightly worried about getting her miles done, and a great dad who is eager to help her...but not sure how exactly to do it in line with the mission and principles of The 100 Mile Club.  GREAT question, GREAT response from his Head Coach.  Way to go, everyone!!

Dear Kara,

My daughter recently hit the 50-mile marked and was so honored at school, checking off the appropriate box on her shirt. With so little time left of the school year, we are trying to get miles as quickly as we can. She is off-track, but we plan to go to the school this morning to see if we can join in the 100-mile club activities.

I measured out a course near our home that is just over a mile. If she walks the course and I confirm it, is there a way for her to get credit?

We understand if not, but just want to see what we can do. Her other commitments have made participating in most other extra-curricular walks challenging.

Thanks!

Mike (aka A Very Cool Dad)

Mike,

Here’s my thought, but you and your site Head Coach can work something out. It just can’t be special for one child…whatever you decide must be available to all kids. If you are in SoCal. There are SOOOOO many events coming up. Vicentia has 1st and 3rd Wednesday afternoons/evenings and Sierra Vista has their Second Saturday runs, as well. World Walking Day on May 8th is FREE and fun! There is Chad Zeller on the 15th and the 5K at Dos Lagos on the 8th of May. Anyway, check the calendar. www.100mileclub.com/calendar.html

I know it’s hard, but allowing unlimited miles to be completed at home with just mom or dad opens a whole can of worms with kids and families (trust me). The commitment was to have her complete the majority of her miles at school with classmates, etc. Having her go to school and complete her challenge with her “team” according to plan would be the very best way to go. Doing anything else cheapens the process, so be careful when you decide what to do.

Talk to your head coach…she may have something special that you can have ALL the kids have the opportunity to do at your school. I would think that maybe logging 1 mile/week at home MAXIMUM would be ok, but that would have to be approved by your coach and opened to ALL of the kids, not just one or 2 and would require parent signature. Does that make sense?

Let me know what you guys figure out.

~Kara

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Dear Kara,

I think you are spot on. This would open a can of worms and you don't want hundreds of kids (and their parents) trying to work out their own process.



I am happy to just keep doing what we are doing and catch miles where we can.

Thanks for the thoughtful reply.

~Mike, AKA Very Cool Dad

And a thoughtful reply from their site Head Coach arrived just minutes later...

Hi Mike,


Students, who are off track, are more than welcome to come join us during our weekly walk times! :D We are out there Tuesday and Thursday mornings (8:00-8:20) and Wednesdays during the long lunch (11:00-12:30)! Since Mrs. Bakovic tracks miles in the classroom, I can keep track of what she does during her off track time! :D

All the Best,

Alice, AKA SuperSTAR Head Coach

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Thanks, Alice. We actually went this morning and collected a few sticks. We plan to attend again as we are able and turn them in when she returns to school.


Have a great day!


~Mike

With the support of her father and Coach, this little one will certainly make it to 100 miles this year.  We all believe in her, and she in herself.  I can't wait to see her with her medal!  Send pictures!