Total Trek Quest running program

When young kids go home from school, what activities occupy their time? Television? Video games? Downloading songs to their iPod?

One thing's for sure: Not enough youngsters are getting out and breaking a sweat by participating in a physical activity.

Pathways, MI is trying to change that through Total Trek Quest (TTQ), an after school program for boys in fourth and fifth grades. The program will take place at 11 schools throughout Ottawa County this fall and again this spring.

"This is the second year for the program, which uses running and other activities to promote goal-setting and social development," said organizer Leigh Moerdyke.

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Tuesday, a kick-off to this fall's TTQ was held at Lakeshore Middle School. Former U.S. Olympian Paul McMullen, who now lives with his family in Grand Haven, encouraged the youngsters in attendance and gave them some tips on how to become a more successful runner.

"I was just brought in to fire everyone up," McMullen said. "The reasons behind this, to create self-esteem and the opportunity for kids to be active, is very important. Plus, there's a measure of improvement. It's so easy in running. The objectivity of the clock is a great tool for kids to work against, and something they don't always get in team sports."

McMullen said the team aspect of TTQ, like Girls on the Run, is so important.

"I don't think any of the Girls on the Run girls, or any of these kids, after school, are going to go out and push themselves on their own," he said. "But here, through sportsmanship, we can encourage each other and accomplish things they wouldn't do as individuals."

Participants in TTQ will meet twice a week, with at least two coaches handling each group of 10-15 boys. The fall season will wrap up with a 5K (3.1-mile) run, to be held on Nov. 10 at Ridge Point Community Church in Holland.

The program is currently accepting participants and is in need of coaches.

For further information, contact Moerdyke at (616) 396-2301 ext. 127, or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Based out of Holland, Pathways, MI's mission is to promote healthy dynamics for all families through provision of a wide range of services in the areas of child welfare, clinical, early childhood, and prevention. More information can be found at www.pathwaysmi.org.