We're offering a park experience that keeps kids running, playing, and spending time outside this summer. After our warm-up, much of our time during these classes will be spent on the running path that goes around the park.
Here are examples of what we'll be doing:
Running throughout the park
Using park fitness equipment (monkey bars, etc.)
Strength challenges, like push-ups, squats, and lunges
Chasing games, like tag
Water play to stay cool
Nature appreciation
Choose Classes That Work
With Your Summer Schedule
This summer, we're running without the limit of a set season. We'll be running all summer long and you can choose the dates that work best for you. There is no curriculum or 5k goal, so no lessons or goals are missed if your child can't join us consecutively.
We're offering late Tuesday evenings and early Saturday mornings - to try to beat the heat.
You can choose any combination of dates that work best for you.
Summer Fun Runs
Tuesdays & Saturdays
June 4th - August 10th
Tuesdays 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Saturdays 8:00 - 9:30 am
$18 per 1.5 hour group run
Location: Gadsden Park Running Path in South Tampa
Registration Process
Complete the registration form and waiver (one for each child) You'll then get redirected to a page for selecting dates
Add specific dates to your shopping cart
Check out via PayPal
Receive text message notifications and announcements about upcoming fun runs
Pre-Requisites
Simple requirements to keep everyone safe and happy:
Ability and willingness to listen and follow directions
Good attitude
Questions?
Q: My child is younger than 8. Can they join? A: If they meet the above Pre-Requisites and can safely handle heat, then yes!
Q: Can my teenager join? A: If they meet the above Pre-Requisites and will keep conversations and behavior G Rated, aka "run club appropriate", then yes!
Other questions? Contact Coach Melissa via this form or call me at (813) 766-7667
This program is not like a track or cross country club (or like our 5k Training Program) that is focused exclusively on running. It’s an empowerment program that uses running as a tool to teach invaluable lessons about effort, character, mindset, and more. Our approach to running is game-based and kid-friendly. Each class in our 8-week program covers a different running skill and empowerment principle, demonstrated through fun games, drills, and lessons.
THE KIDS
Who We Coach
We strive to be as inclusive as possible. We work with children of all fitness levels, including those who don’t consider themselves athletes or runners. And - athletes who use our program improve their fitness while having fun, helping them to excel in other sports. Regardless of athletic ability, children in our program have fun with our innovative curriculum and games. We also regularly coach children who are high functioning with autism spectrum disorders and ADHD. Despite fitness level or perceived limitations, children who have a good attitude and who are willing to try their best do well.
THE COACHES
Coaching Philosophy
Our empowerment program strives to help children aim high, work hard, and discover their true potential. We coach them by focusing on their effort and providing them the mindset tools and encouragement needed to be their best. In our games and drills, children experience inevitable doubt, failure, unfairness, and disagreements with peers. Though caring and sympathetic, we are there to help them navigate each situation in a way that will build resilience and help prepare them for real life. We understand that smoothing out every bump in the road that children experience will only help them in the moment, and will disservice them as they develop over the long run.
"I can do hard things!"
WHAT PARENTS ARE SAYING
More than just running
"Coach Melissa’s running club is about so much more than just running. My daughter has learned perseverance, teamwork, confidence, and grit from attending classes. Coach Melissa is full of fun, innovative ways to make running exciting and to teach kids much-needed traits and characteristics they can use in everyday life. I highly recommend Milestone Running Club!"
LOVES this club
"My 11 yo daughter LOVES this club and Coach Melissa. They learn how to have a positive outlook on life and good self worth all while working on being physically active. My daughter would definitely recommend it 🙂"
Highly recommend
"Melissa was great with the kids. My 2 kids -7 and 10 had never run long distances before milestone running. When we complete the course they we’re able to run a mile with ease. Not only did she teach them the fundamentals of running, she also taught them self confidence. Can’t wait to sign them up again. Highly recommend this class."
Teaching confidence
"My 6 year old daughter loves Coach Melissa's running club. It's been such a positive experience for her. She looks forward to practice every week. It's a great way for kids to learn about running while also teaching them confidence and the importance of a growth mindset."
Shirt, water bottle, stickers, bracelet, or other gear
5k Endurance Program
Ages 8 and Up
Our Endurance 5k Training Groups are perfect for any young or beginning runner who is ready to take on the next challenge. We will focus on building up endurance over the course of 8 weeks and help prepare each runner to run a 5k on the last class.
Learn proper warm up and cool down, discuss training & racing strategies, goal setting, proper mindset, and more.
Pre requisite: must be able to run 1 mile at 11 min pace or under.
"I can run long and strong!"
Class Format:
Each class follows a general format:
Review of Training Plan and Progress
Warm up
Discuss Mindset and Pacing Strategies
Run
Cool Down
Team Goodbye
What Else is Included?:
Shirt, water bottle, stickers, bracelet, or other gear
5k training plan/tracker
Medal, if 5k is finished a the end of season
This season will end with participation in a public 5k event on TBD!
5k Event Registration is separate from training registration with us. Be sure to register for both.
Does your little one LOVE to run? Join us with your TOT to learn, play, and grow! These classes get your little one running, playing games, and moving through obstacles as we plant the seeds of a positive mindset.
This is a hands-on class for caregivers. We'll encourage you to let your little one experience as much independence as possible, but please don't only step in when needed, participate! This class will be fun for your little AND you! As much as your tot deserves to move their body, play, shout, laugh, and enjoy the outdoors - so do you!
Also, this is a family-friendly class. Bring your infant, come with your spouse, parent, or friend, make yourself comfortable, have fun, breathe in some fresh air, and be in the moment. You deserve to de-stress!
This is not a multi-week program; classes are one-off. Come as many times as you'd like, as long as you pre-register.
We're getting started with our next session soon and would love to have your child or children join us! Make sure to check out FAQs and feel free to reach out if you have any questions before registering!
