Kara Lubin began 100 Mile Club during the 1992-93 school year.  She taught a class for students in 4^th-6^th grade.  The students in her class were brilliant and EXTREMELY energetic.  Some of the students were diagnosed with ADHD, some had behavior disorders, some were uninspired and angry, and some just didn’t want to be at school at all. 

How would she teach these little guys?  How could she calm, center, inspire, and energize them all at the same time?  The task was overwhelming for such a young and inexperienced teacher.  She started with what she knew…horses.

Kara had been riding horses since she was 8 years old.  What she did know about horses was this:  If you have to train a high-energy horse, you often begin with a process called lunging. Caryn A. Tate in “Lunging Horses” writes,

Lunging a horse is the process where you stand while you have your horse lope or trot, or even walk, around you in a circle. The most important aspect of lunging your horse is that it teaches him to pay attention to YOU. This is especially helpful with a horse that enjoys not taking anything seriously. It teaches the horse to calm down and simply pay attention and try to do what you want him to do. It can really help to develop a good relationship between you and your horse, and to help you work together…

That was her A-ha moment.  Maybe that could work for kids! 

It was an Olympic year, so the kids were really into the idea of “Olympic Gold”.  If she could help them earn a gold medal of their very own, how cool would that be??  What could these kids do?  What would be a perfect balance between challenging and attainable? 

100 Miles. 

The 100 Mile Club was born at that moment.  The kids stretched and ran daily that year, and as they years passed, Kara and her assistant, Deb Potts, began to notice some things:

• The students were calmer, mentally centered, and more teachable after running in the mornings.  At the same time, they were awake and focused.  Their blood was pumping to those muscles…especially the brain! 

• The students became more confident.  They even physically stood taller and prouder than before.
• The students’ attendance improved significantly.  Even if they had to be out for a doctor visit, many would come in to run in the morning…
• The students’ began to take responsibility for their own learning.  Owning the responsibility of running 100 miles in the school year translated directly into owning the responsibility of academic progress. 
• Motivation in all areas became significantly more intrinsic.  The students worked to meet personal goals in 100 Mile Club and in their studies.  They began to truly enjoy a difficult challenge. 
• They weren’t afraid to “mess up”.  The students came to Kara absolutely filled with anxiety about failure.  The 100 Mile Club taught them that it’s ok to have an “off day”, to learn and move forward from any mistakes one makes.  Whether it was running the mile to beat their personal best time, or completing a science fair project, nothing seemed as scary for them anymore. 
• Parents reported that their kids now loved school, and especially loved running!  The morning battle to get to school on time was now almost nonexistent because the kids wanted to get there and run.
• Kids improved physically.  They lost weight, began to make better food choices, and saw their bodies as part of their total self…their body was a tool that they had to keep sharp and focused for maximum success. 
• They improved in coordination and gait. Many students with Cerebral Palsy have been through the program, and their adaptive p.e. teachers and therapists all noticed the improved coordination in these students.  They just looked better walking.
• They discovered hidden talents.  Some of the 100 Mile Club kids had never attempted a physical activity over an extended period of time.  They soon discovered a hidden talent…sprinting, distance, relays.  Many former students ran track in high school and college and cite 100 Mile Club as their starting point. Others found the confidence to join in other sports on campus and in the community…baseball, football, and basketball all have enjoyed the benefits of 100 Mile Club members.
• Students showed improved social skills.  They saw their class as their team.  They encouraged one another, engaged in healthy competition, celebrated accomplishments, and comforted one another on those “off days”.  They simply had something in common.  They had something to talk about with one another. 

For the first 3 or 4 years, Kara hand painted t-shirts and gave them to each child as they reached their 25 mile mark.  As the program grew she discovered the joys of screen printing.  Thank goodness she did, because the program caught on not only at her site but has spread to other schools as well!  This year (2006-07), over 250 shirts were ordered for 100 Mile Club Members.  Along with a t-shirt, the 25 Mile Club Member gets his or her name on the 25 Mile Club Member web page, and a personal certificate and note from Ms. Lubin. 

Kara also integrated the use of The Pyramid of Success, designed by the legendary basketball coach and 100 Mile Club supporter, Coach John Wooden.  The life skills incorporated in the blocks of Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success have been integrated throughout the program. 

50 Mile Club Members receive a 50 Mile Club Golden Pencil and a little card with Timeless Words of Wisdom from Coach John Wooden. 

When a child reaches 100 Miles, a gold 100 Mile Club medal is presented at the year-end assembly at each school site.  Every student receives a certificate commemorating their final mile total. Some students make it to 100 miles, some don’t.  Either way, the celebration at the end of the year is the same for each student.  We celebrate personal best in all students.  

Kara is now a Resource Specialist and no longer teaches a class of her own, but The 100 Mile Club is continuing to improve, grow, and is more popular than ever.  Now in its 16th year, 100 Mile Club is gaining support from community businesses, local and national foundations, community members, and families of participating students. The 100 Mile Club looking to bring its positive and powerful impact to as many individuals as possible. 

Over 8,100 students, staff, and family members Accepted the Challenge in the 2007-08 school year. This number is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years...Our projections for 08-09 are rapidly growing well beyond 10,000 participants.

What began 16 years ago as a simple idea to help a single class has grown into a powerful tool for helping individuals everywhere experience a profound level of personal success.  

It's crazy!  And FUN!  Grow with us!