Fly Free Running, a new running program open to middle school boys created and helmed by Bergenfield resident Rachmiel Maxwell, is eagerly gearing up for their first nine-week session. Beginning October 7, the program will teach running fundamentals and comes complete with exercise training that will strengthen athletic abilities. Additionally, over the course of the season, Maxwell will be working with the boys to educate them about proper nutrition and hydration in the context of running. The boys’ families will be given monthly newsletters to reinforce the lessons learned. The season will culminate with an exciting 5k/10k run, whichever the boys feel most comfortable attempting. The runs will take place in Votee Park on Sunday afternoons, rain or shine, and special running gear will be provided.
Maxwell is a self-described “running enthusiast” who has completed multiple marathons and similar long-distance running events. He’s been an avid runner since 2012, and has worked in the past with a trainer. Managing the program alongside his wife, Talia Feigenbaum-Maxwell, he’s most excited about sharing his passion for running and nature and teaching the next generation of runners.
“This is an excellent opportunity to give your child a physical outlet as well as to enhance sports they are already enrolled in,” Rachmiel shared in a flyer. “Running safely strengthens the body, increases endurance and enhances emotional and mental well-being. Running is a keystone habit that positively affects all areas of life to reinforce positive habits and healthy lifestyle choices.”
Speaking in an interview with The Jewish Link, Rachmiel elaborated on his time training to become a runner and his passion for teaching. He sees Fly Free Running as the perfect opportunity to further pursue two fields he loves. He believes Fly Free Running fills a niche and is something that the boys will be able to both have fun with and also learn something from.
“I love running and I love teaching, and Fly Free Running blends those two passions together,” Rachmiel explained. “I’ve been wanting to do this for quite some time. It’s not your typical sports program: It’s more focused on the individual, it’s meant to teach, to help the boys become better runners. I want them to not only succeed, but also to have fun with their training along the way. There’s nothing quite like this new program in our community, and I think it’s something very special.”
The runs will be held in the mid-afternoon to accommodate those who have Sunday school. Each session will focus on different aspects of running, such as building endurance, running mechanics and exercises that will make the boys stronger. Rachmiel will assess the boys’ progress, noting areas for improvement and tracking their growth. Take-home exercises will also be provided, so that the boys may continue to practice even outside of the meetings.
Rachmiel hopes the boys will grow to be stronger athletes, as well as to better understand the impact running can have on one’s physical and mental well-being.
“We’re trying to take a more holistic approach,” Rachmiel went on to say. “Running does so much for the body and so much for the mind, it’s really something that anyone could benefit from giving a try. Across the country in many schools there’s recently been quite a movement to incorporate running and aerobic exercises into the curriculum, and studies have shown that being active can help students concentrate better on their schooling and will help them do better academically overall. There’re so many benefits and I think we’re going to be a real game changer. I’m really excited and can’t wait to get started.”
Fly Free Running’s nine-week session costs $195 and is currently accepting registrations. If you are interested in registering a child or learning more about the program, visit https://flyfreerunning.com/. Additionally, you can reach out to Rachmiel directly by email at [email protected].
By Adam Samuel
Adam Samuel is a journalist from Teaneck. He blogs at adamssoapbox.com.
