Running

Running is more than just a pass time. It’s more than just a form of exercise. For runners, running brings a deeper sense of calm and peace. This time on The Children’s Hour we meet with multiple runners whose running influences their physical, spiritual, and social lives. Get running with our Kids Crew, this time on The Children’s Hour.

How can a blind person run and even make it to the Olympics? The Kids Crew meets artist, author, and blind Olympic champion runner, George Mendoza. His running and athleticism inspire amazing art. His paintings illustrate the new book, Colors of the Wind: The Story of Blind Artist and Champion Runner George Mendoza. You’ll meet George, and hear his amazing story, and Katie reads his book.

A page from George Mendoza's book Colors of the Wind, with text on the left and a multicolored painting by George on the right.

Then, we are joined by kids and adults from Running Medicine, a project of the Native Health Initiative where whole communities run together, no matter age, ability, or skill level. Leanne, Joshua, Payton and Maya from Running Medicine teach us about how running together has helped them in ways beyond just the physical.

Kids and adults running with Running Medicine on a green lawn (at the campus of the University of New Mexico)

When the Kids Crew talk about how they run, and Cade mentioned Parkour as his inspiration, we got to thinking about the science behind why runners feel so good after a run, in spite of the muscle soreness they might experience. Running releases chemicals in our brains that make us happy, and help us cope with stress and anxiety. It also has real physical benefits to our hearts, lungs, bones, and muscles.

As we learn from the lyrics of one of our songs, kids need 60 minutes a day of movement and activity for their bodies to grow and be healthy. No wonder running feels so good!

Graphic showing the benefits of running.

Finally we meet Congressman Gabe Vasquez, a runner whose running supports his run for his seat every two years. He is currently running to keep his position as New Mexico’s Representative for Congressional District 2, and the Kids Crew wanted to find out more about how his running helps him cope with the stress on the campaign trail and his work.

Representative Gabe Vasquez standing outside and smiling.

This episode is mixed with great music, and was written and produced by Katie Stone, and was recorded at the Outpost Performance Space in Albuquerque New Mexico. Our engineer was Chad Scheer. Our intern Thaniel Lentz provided our transcripts and playlists.

The Children’s Hour is distributed by Native Voice One, The Native American Radio Network.

Please note: not all songs we play can be found in Spotify.

Playlist: Running

title	artist	album
We Are Growing (Amapiano)	Edith	We Are Growing (Amapiano) - Single
Running Down the Hill	The Laurie Berkner Band	Under a Shady Tree
Run! Run! Run!	Sugarcrash Kids	Rad Songs
Can't Stop Running	Jonathan Sprout	American Heroes #3
Feeling Good (feat. FYUTCH)	Divi Roxx Kids & Divinity Roxx	Ready Set Go!
I Like to Move It Move It	The Hit Crew	Drew's Famous: The Right Party Jams
Move Your Body	The Happy Racers	Ready Set Go
Exercise Is Cool	Mark D. Pencil and Friends	Get Up
Three-Ring Government	Various Artists	Schoolhouse Rock: Rock the Vote
Run, Chillen, Run	Mike Seeger & Peggy Seeger	American Folk Songs For Children