Everybody wants their kids to be physically fit and strong.

Finding programs that emphasize strength of character served up with healthy doses of encouragement and sound advice  can be more of a challenge.

That’s the prescribed regimen at Whidbey Island Running Club, a year-round team founded in 2008 by coach Catie Rodeheffer and her husband, Bill.

“It is such a privilege to be a facilitator for letting kids see that hard work produces results,” she said.

WIRC is sanctioned by USA Track and Field, and supported by North Whidbey Parks and Recreation.

The team has grown from 20 members at its inception to over 70. Members practice in groups at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels.

At least half the participants are from Navy families, said Catie, and quite a few are siblings.

Team members are encouraged to participate in a variety of running events and track and field meets. These range from low-key fun runs and “all comers” meets all the way through regional and national Junior Olympic events.

Well-rounded training

“The things we try to emphasize — sensible training, goal-setting, agility and strength — these carry over successfully to many other pursuits,” Catie said. “Running is a great springboard for all sports.”

Some of the kids do discover a passion for running. Others are there for the physical fitness aspect, and all appear to enjoy the camaraderie that results from shared group experiences.

“My favorite thing about running club is the game time on Fridays,” said Kendall Sirak, 14, referring to the more informal fitness routines and games that WIRC follows at Friday practice.

The coaches emphasize leadership skills, too. The kids take turns choosing and leading the calisthenics and strength-building exercises. Teamwork is also taught, especially when they are part of a relay team.

Rodeheffer says the youths bring a variety of goals and expectations to the club.

“I see kids, especially in the advanced group, whose goal is to make the nationals,” she said. “These are the kids who desire to take their fitness to the next level — that’s a goal I think is very reasonable.

“For most of the other kids, there’s a desire to keep fit. I think that’s great as well, because if the goal is to keep moving, and participating, it will help them lay a foundation to achieve a baseline of physical fitness for life,” she continued.

Some even see their social life blossom. Because of the teamwork and shared experiences, new friendships form.

WIRC members benefit from the wealth of coaching experience the Rodeheffers have compiled over the years.

“Bill has been coaching since 1983, and I started in 1985,” said Rodeheffer. “We’ve lived in a variety of locations: Taiwan, South Dakota, and the Pacific Northwest. The common element is that we’ve coached and shared a passion for running wherever we’ve been.”

Many benefits

WIRC holds an additional advantage, one that Rodeheffer says became apparent to her only recently. A Navy family in the process of moving to San Diego, Calif., was looking for a similar club for their three children.

“She was very thankful for the experience her kids have had in our running club’s environment,” said Catie. “Because all the clubs she’s looked at in San Diego are try-out only.”

Rodeheffer said that WIRC’s philosophy is quite different.

“If anything, I envision a fitness program that’s accessible to all kids,” she said, “from those who are not athletic to those who desire to progress to high levels.”

Parents seem pleased with WIRC’s approach to physical conditioning for their children.

“Our daughter, Nikki, has seen her fitness level improve dramatically since joining WIRC,” said Tracey Blanchard. “What is extra nice is that Coach Catie and Coach Bill make the training so fun for the kids.”

As if improving physical fitness, leadership skills, and general knowledge were not enough, WIRC takes on community projects as well. That is also something many parents support.

“We appreciate the training and genuine concern that has been extended to all the athletes,” said Master Chief Avionics Technician Chris Chelberg, whose daughter, Kaitlyn, competed in the 100-meter sprint at regionals.

“We also really like the fact that the club gives back to the community by performing park cleanup at Fort Nugent once a month. This community gives us so much — it’s very important that we give back to them,” said Chelberg.

This weekend, some club members will hit the road to attend Junior Olympic Nationals in Wichita, Kan. Temperatures there have been in the 100’s, Rodeheffer noted, quite different from Whidbey Island. The Rodeheffers plan to help WIRC members with techniques to beat the heat while staying focused on doing their best.

As a coach, that’s the best reward, said Catie.

“It is so neat to see the fruits of their labor at an event like this,” she said. “My hope is that, when these kids are in college, whether they’re on a team or not, they’ll remember, ‘I was on a running team — I can do this.’”