Like so many of us, Erika Liles is a busy working mom who finds it challenging to get everything she needs to get done checked off her ever-growing daily list. And that used to mean that "finding time to exercise" was often one of those lowly boxes that would go unchecked. Then, on a cold winter's day a little over a year ago, she and seven other Bergen County moms of pre-schoolers got together to start taking regular walks (and eventually, runs) supporting each other with the cheeky motto "No Mom Left Behind." Turns out those eight moms accomplished much more than they could have imagined back in those early, icy days. Together they all finished a local 5K, three went on to run the prestigious New York marathon, and all found themselves fitter, happier, and healthier. Next up on Liles' agenda? Getting area kids (including her own two girls) to literally follow in her footsteps … not always easy in a world of iPhones and video games.
This month, she's launching The Healthy Kids Running Series, a fun five-week program of running events targeted at kids from pre-K to 8th grade. Beginning on April 17, little runners can participate in a series of races (from the 50-yard-dash to a mile-long run) every Sunday at the Bryan Elementary School field in Cresskill, where they'll earn weekly points and a chance to win a trophy in their respective age divisions. (All participating kiddos will receive a medal and gift bag, though, no matter how they finish.) Bergen Mama recently chatted with Liles about her road to fitness, why exercise is that much more important for children, and more deets on the Healthy Kids Running Series. Read on to see what she had to say.
Q. You're a busy mom of 2 (Genevieve, 5 and Valentina, 17 months), how do you manage to juggle family life plus all the work you do for the many organizations you're involved in, and still make time for yourself? How do you find the right balance?
A. It can be tough at times, but when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Currently, I am in the midst of leading the Healthy Kids Running Series for North Bergen County, building a beauty brand (EveryHue Beauty), starting a Daisy Girl Scout troop, and managing the clients in my consulting business. I work from home and meticulously organize my day spending the first few hours of the morning solely focused on work. I pick my daughter up from school every day and take her to her evening activities. I reserved the afternoons until after dinner to spend time with my two girls. I'm typically on my computer back working from 8:00 pm until midnight every night. The life of an entrepreneur! I have a window of opportunity right now to do some extraordinary things and I have decided to seize the moment. There are only two times in life, now and too late!
Q. You've always been a big advocate to help keep our kids active and healthy. Why is this important to you? What do you tell your own kids about healthy eating and exercise?
A. Besides enjoying the health benefits of regular exercise, kids who are physically fit sleep better. They're also better able to handle physical and emotional challenges. Childhood obesity is a serious problem, in an age of extreme popularity of screen media (cellphones, iPads, TV and video games) kids are becoming more sedentary. Our Healthy Kids Running Series provides an opportunity for kids to participate in a regular schedule for physical activity. I espouse to my kids that combining regular physical activity with a healthy diet is the key to a healthy lifestyle.
Q. Tell us about your new initiative, The North Bergen County Healthy Kids Running Series. How did it come about? What was your main motivation for getting involved in this? What do you hope other moms and kids will learn and get out of it?
A. Just about one year ago, 8 Bergen County moms joined together to support one another in adopting healthier lifestyles. Our "No Mom Left Behind" motto challenged each other to become more active. We laced up our running shoes and headed outdoors! We weathered ice, snow, rain and began walking and eventually running. Together, we completed a 5k run in Tenafly further cementing our passion to model an active and healthy lifestyle for our young children. Three moms even went on to run the NYC Marathon this past November! Collectively, we shed unwanted pounds and gained lasting friendships. Most recently, we have joined together to organize and lead the Healthy Kids Running Series. This five-week running program starting on Sunday, April 17 offers age-appropriate running events and is a great way to encourage kids to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle, help increase their self-esteem, and make new friends! It doesn’t matter how fast or slow you run because all participants receive a medal and gift bag for their achievements courtesy of our sponsors. Plus, it's a fun way to get families to be active together!
Q. What is the most fun part of the training?
A. The training and the HKRS is a blast of fun! My daughters look forward to our days at the park practicing Ready, Set, Go! My 4 year-old is always asking, "Mom when can we go practice my running?"
Healthy Kids Running Series Race Location
Bryan Elementary School Field
51 Brookside Ave., Cresskill, NJ
Bryan Elementary School Field
51 Brookside Ave., Cresskill, NJ
