Good health runs in this family

As a parent, I have always been committed to the adage, "Practice what you preach."

With the proliferation of obesity and more sedentary lifestyles for kids, more than ever, parents need to be healthy role models for their kids. Fortunately for the LaRue children, their parents have been outstanding role models for encouraging healthy lifestyles for the whole family.

"I ran track in high school, and since meeting my wife Laura over 30 years ago, we have always been committed to physical fitness," said Bob LaRue of Naperville.

LaRue was raised in Naperville with his three siblings. After high school and college, the siblings moved from Naperville. However, 15 years ago, Bob and Laura moved back to Naperville with their four children: Bob Jr., Tom, Bill and Kristen. All four children were active during their high school years at Neuqua Valley, participating in everything from football to basketball, baseball to track.

"We moved back to Naperville from Schaumburg because we needed a larger home," said Bob. "We knew Naperville was a wonderful town to raise a family. This is the first year in 12 that we have not had a student attending NVHS -- we miss cheering our kids on!"

However, thanks to Kristin, Bob and Laura recently had an opportunity to cheer their kids on one more time at the Chicago Marathon.

Kristin, a runner while attending Neuqua Valley, felt that running the marathon with her brothers would be a great experience. When Kristen and Tom signed up, Bob Jr. and Bill decided they would not be left out of the "fun," so they signed up as well.

The planning and conversations among the siblings turned into reality this October as they crossed the Chicago Marathon finish line together.

"Watching the children train for the marathon was truly inspirational. They each made a commitment not just to participate in the race, but to do it well," said Bob.

Both parents were inspired by the discipline and numerous sacrifices involved in their group effort.

"They had to budget their time and endure the many aches and pains that accompany long-distance running," said Laura. "However, they improved their diets to help them train more effectively."

Both Laura and Bob agreed not only were they very proud of their children, they were awestruck as they watched them participate in and complete the marathon together.

"Tom and Bob Jr. ran most of the marathon together while Bill and Kristen ran the entire race together and crossed the finish line holding hands," said Bob. "The support they gave to one another during training runs and throughout the race gave us a great sense of pride. As we observed our children prepare for and complete the marathon, it became apparent how deeply they care for each other while demonstrating their ability to support each other during difficult circumstances. As parents, this was extremely gratifying to witness."

When I asked Bob and Laura what advice they would give to parents looking to raise a healthy family, he said, "Years ago, Laura's mother, Marie (who passed away in 1992 of breast cancer) gave us a framed poem entitled 'Children Learn What They Live.' We had this poem hanging in our nursery as the kids grew, we hung it in other parts of our home. We believe that our children, by being so physically active and participating in the marathon together, they validated the message of that poem. Our commitment as parents to physical fitness has been ever present throughout their lives."

Participate in a unique fitness routine? Part of a running or bicycling club to stay in shape? Contact Nicki Anderson at nicki@realityfitness.com.