Kids Running America

Without mentors, KRA would not be possible. You are what makes this program happen. This web page is designed to give you all the information you need to mentor your team. It is our goal to make mentoring a KRA team easy and gratifying. Utilizing this webpage, the Coach/Mentor Handbook, and with assistance from your assigned Mentor Coordinator, we hope we have set all the pieces in place to make this a rewarding experience.

Creating a New Team:  The first step in creating your team is choosing a Lead Mentor.  During their registration processes they will create your new team. There is no fee to creating a team. The Lead Mentor will be the main source of contact with KRA and will have access to all team information. If your team requires further support, you may sign up addition Mentors to help you. These Mentors will register for free by clicking on the JOIN button and choosing your team name. All Mentors will receive a special tech shirt from KRA as our way of saying thank you. We ask that each mentor wear these shirts during training runs and Final Mile Events, so they are easy to identify by the kids and the parents. Once both your team and mentors are registered, the Lead Mentor will be contacted by an assigned KRA Mentor Coordinator. This individual will be available to help you get started, answer any questions throughout your weeks of training, and assist in any way you need.

Coach/Mentor Handbook: KRA has designed a Coach/Mentor Handbook to use as a resource throughout your weeks of training. In this handbook you will find tips on stretching and running, fun activities, Life Tool Topics and FAQ's. Click on the Coach/Mentor Handbook to print your copy to use throughout your weeks of training.

START RUNNING!

Step 1:  Set Up Your Training Schedule & Course In order for the children to accomplish their goal of completing the marathon distance, they must first accrue 25.2 miles over a given time frame. You, as mentors, will need to figure out how many days you will have to accrue these 25.2 miles. You decide what days and times your team will meet and how far they must run each time in order to accrue the 25.2 miles before going participating at the Final Mile Event. 

Example: If you were to start 10 weeks out from the Final Mile Event and meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, your team would need to run 1.25 at each meeting, thus totaling 25.2 miles.

Training Course: If your team is part of a school, check with your school’s Physical Education teacher first, often times PE teachers already have a course/or courses mapped out. Most PE teachers also have a calibrated wheel that you may borrow to measure out your specific course. Most wheels are set in foot measurements. One mile equals 5280 feet. Should you need any help measuring your course or require the use of a wheel, please contact your KRA Mentor Coordinator.

For safety reasons all school teams must run and have their course within school property.

Step 2:  Get The Word Out  If you are part of a school, contact a school administrator to learn how you can get out information about the KRA program. We recommend promoting your team in the school newsletter, inserting flyers in weekly folders, and making daily announcements. On our website you have the ability to create, edit and print a customized flyer and entry form just for your team. Login to the KRA system using your mentor user name and password. Select Team Admin then click the Flyer Utility button.  

If children on your team do not have access to a computer use the Flyer Utility function to create and print registration form. The Lead Mentor will then collect and input all entries and submit them to the KRA office. 

Step 3:  Communicating With Your Team  Part of your job as a mentor is to keep your team informed. Login to the KRA system to access your team contact information. Send out an email before practice reminding them of where they will be meeting and what time. This is also a good opportunity to remind them to bring their own water and to wear comfortable clothes and running shoes.

Step 4:  Mileage Tracking System  Each child is responsible for keeping track of their own mileage on the KRA Mileage Tracking System. Once a child registers they will create a user name and password to access their mileage on the KRA website. As Lead Mentor you will have the ability to access and edit your team mileage. This is a useful tool to keep up on how your team is doing. One of your jobs is to stay on top of their mileage so they don’t fall behind.

Step 5:  Life Tool Topics While running is the core activity, KRA also gives you, the mentor, the unique opportunity to teach other valuable life skills. Contained within the pages of the Coach/Mentor Handbook are discussion topics such as; setting and achieving goals, making healthy choices, and empowerment, just to name a few. We ask you to touch upon these topics during your time with your team. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with these topics and make a game plan on how to incorporate them into your training schedule.

Step 6:  Each Time Your Team Meets Follow These Steps

• Have each runner check in with you or an assigned mentor.
• Gather them together to stretch as a team. See the Coach/Mentor Handbook for stretching ideas and pointers. Use this time to talk about one of the life skills outlined in the KRA Coach/Mentor Handbook.
• If your course requires laps, a good way to keep track is to use a marker to mark a tally line on the top of the child’s hand as they complete each lap. Usually there is a parent you can recruit to do this job so you can run with and support the kids.
• When they are finished have them check out then they are free to go. Tell them how great they did and remind them that it is their responsibility to go home and update their

Step 7: Roles, Duties and Responsibilities of a Mentor

• Keep in contact with the KRA office regarding any questions, concerns and information that is crucial to the running of KRA at your stated facility.
• Handle yourself in a professional and respectful manner. You represent KRA and their ideologies. You are these kids coach and most importantly their mentor.
• Your number one duty is to provide a safe and fun environment for each participant. 
• Have fun! You're helping to make a difference in the life and health of a child.

Step 8: The Big Day

Thank you for empowering the life of a child!