Blog

Summer Olympics at Home with Paris background
07.08.24

How to Host Your Own Summer Olympics!

After years of waiting, the Summer Olympics are finally here! Whether you're a sports enthusiast or just love a good competition, gather your friends and family for your very own Olympics right at home. Here’s how you can create your own Olympic experience that's fun and kid-friendly.

06.19.24

Summer Exercise Guide

School is out, and summer is in full swing! The sun is shining bright, and it’s time to have a blast while staying cool and safe. Here are some awesome tips to make your summer epic!

01.09.24

My Kids of STEEL Experience

Jake Borgesi is a P3R NIL Athlete who started his running career by going to  Kids of STEEL practices at his elementary school. Fast forward 10 years and Jake was a Nike All-American at South Fayette High School and now competes collegiately at the Division 1 level. Read about Jake's experience participating in Kids of STEEL and a kid and a volunteer coach below.

09.07.23

5 Reasons to Sign Your Family Up for This Year's FlyBy 5K and 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk presented by CNX Resources.

Nicole Hilton Pittsburgh Marathon
01.25.23

National Girls & Women in Sports Day with Nicole Hilton

For National Girls & Women in Sports Day, we're spotlighting the most recent winner of the DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, Nicole Hilton! She discusses how she started running and shares advice she has for young females.

trust the training process
01.24.23

Trust the Training Process

You've probably heard the saying "Trust the Process" before...but what does that really mean? One of our P3R College Athletes, Skyler Vavro, is here to help you understand how to focus on the big picture of training.

07.12.22

How To Be a Good Teammate

Learning how to operate in a team environment is an essential skill for children to develop and apply to everyday experiences and opportunities

Hi-five
06.23.22

Sportsmanship for Kids

Having good sportsmanship creates an environment of inclusion, teamwork, and respect. Being a good sport even in every situation is the key to success. What does it mean to be a good sport or to show sportsmanship? How have you shown good sportsmanship? 

father and child after a race
06.06.22

Goal Setting For Kids

Running and other sports provide a great opportunity for kids to learn about setting goals and working to accomplish them.

02.01.22

Celebrating National Girls & Women in Sports Day: Kids of STEEL

National Girls and Women in Sports Day is a day to celebrate girls and women in sport through recognition of those who have and continue to pave the way for this generation and generations to come. This day also brings awareness to the obstacles and disparities that have been addressed, yet are still present in the sports world today. 

01.20.22

The Top Four Running Mistakes To Avoid Making

Before you dive into your training this season, take a moment to read about how to avoid these four common running mistakes.

12.09.21

Winter Workout Ideas for Families

At this time of the year, the temperature is changing and more than likely there is snow outside. With childrens’ eagerness to play in the snow, it will be easy to find motivation to get outdoors. Do you have a snowball fight every year? Do you like to build snowmen? These are awesome ways to stay active! Check out the following activities to stay active as a family this winter.

12.09.21Training Tips

Winter Running Tips

Winter weather is here to stay. Before you go outside to battle the elements, read over our winter running tips.

11.10.21

Becoming a Hill Running Hero

Many runners' biggest fear or weakness is running hills. Being a strong hill runner is a huge advantage to have in races. Read our top 5 tips to becoming a hill running hero!

10.19.21

Training for a Turkey Trot

Did you know that Thanksgiving is the most popular running day in the country? Every year over 1 million runners take the start line of Turkey Trots across the country. In Pittsburgh, we have a great one of our own. The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh Turkey Trot presented by UPMC Health Plan on Thanksgiving Day for the 31st year! Will you be joining us? Keep reading for our 6 top tips for completing a successful Turkey Trot.

10.08.21

Benefits of Taking a Brain Break

What are brain breaks and how can they be used at home or in the classroom? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about brain breaks and their benefits.

09.28.21

Soccer Skills Workout

This soccer-themed workout is a great new way to get moving, no matter if you're a soccer pro or just a beginner!

fleet feet liberty mile start line
05.12.21About Running

All About the Mile

How many feet are in a mile? What are some strategies for running a one mile race? What is the fastest mile time ever? We answer all of those questions and more in this blog post. Keep reading to learn all about the mile.

Kids crossing a 5K finish line
04.06.21Training Tips, Middle school age, High school age

How to Build Your Own Training Plan

Starting a new workout plan or committing to get in shape can be a daunting task. Where do you start? How often should you workout? Keep reading as we answer important questions like these and help you every step of the way!

Olympian Jared Ward stands in front of a sunset with his wife and four young children.
03.23.21

Guest Blog: Olympian Jared Ward shares "A Goal-Driven Approach to Screen Time"

Jared Ward is an Olympian, husband, and father of four. Now, he's sharing some parenting advice and inspiration with us!

Warming up before a race
03.15.21

How and Why to Warm Up

Ever wondered why warming up is important?  What a great warm-up routine consists of? You’ve come to the right place!

virtual race plan
03.03.21About Running

How to Make Your Virtual Race Even More Fun

Move this Spring with Kids of STEEL and be ready for the 2021 Virtual Chick-fil-A Pittsburgh Kids Marathon! Run your race on your own at any time and at any location. A virtual run can be a rewarding experience because you have a goal to train for, you can personalize your race, and celebrate your training season!
Run with us on strava
01.14.21High school age, Middle school age, Training Tips

Introducing the 4RUN2 Varsity Strava Club

We are so excited to launch our newest opportunity for teenage runners, the 4RUN2 Varsity Strava Club! The club is a great way to track your mileage during your training, view our running resources, participate in fun and challenging contests, and much more!

Girl receiving a medal after a race
12.21.20

New Year, New Goals!

At the start of each New Year people across the country set New Year’s Resolutions for themselves. This blog will help you decide on what to make your New Year’s Resolution, but more importantly, how to stick to it throughout the whole year and beyond!

Teenage runner stretching before a race
12.16.20

Learning Your Running Lingo

Just like any sport, running has its very own language. Some of the vocabulary and terms that are used by runners might be hard to decode by those who are new to the sport. Don't worry though, this blog will explain the most popular running terms that you need to know!

10.26.20About Running

MOVE this fall with the EQT Kids Virtual 10, Presented by DICK'S Sporting Goods

07.30.20About Running

Pro Advice: Mile Race Strategy - The 4 P's

06.26.20About Running

Conquering Your Running Goals