YMCA running program targets youth

June 8, 2012 at 12:00a.m.

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FasKidz twins Ally and Hanna Stein work together to lead the blue team on one of their hill intervals during a recent FasKidz workout.

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The FasKidz "silver" team takes off on their first of four hill repeats as part of their training. Two groups within the FasKidz program (blue and silver) were set up to accommodate the needs of the beginners and the more veteran runners. Leading the pack, from left to to right, are Salvatore Buonamici (9), Luca Buonamici (8), Katelyn Manning (9), Rylie Grantonic (10), Madison Murray (11) and Triston McCoy (11).

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The FasKidz "silver" team pose for a quick photo before their workout one week before their Memorial Mile race.

The Davis Family YMCA FasKidz program introduces young runners between the ages of 8 and 13 to running and racing. For six weeks beginning in mid-April, the children learn about running form, training methods, nutrition, racing strategies and more. This is all in preparation for the annual Memorial Mile held on Memorial Day.

“We have a chance to share our love of running with a generation that seems content to sit in front of a computer or iPod whenever they get the chance, said Tom Grantonic, YMCA Executive Director. “It is a thrill for the volunteers, for the kids and for the parents to see the children improve weekly. Then on race day, come across the finish line grinning from ear to ear to a cheering throng of spectators and family members donning their FasKidz team shirts.”

Additionally, members of the program have become good friends and teammates. Parents join in on the workouts, whether running or just walking along the 1.5-mile stretch of pavement in Mill Creek Park, known by most as the “Hike/Bike Trail” that connects Route 224 and Shields Road.

The children are required to run at least one additional day per week beyond the two days that the program meets.

For more information on next year’s FasKidz program, contact Grantonic at the Davis Family YMCA at 330-480-5650 or by email at tgrantonic@youngstownymca.org.