Kids On The Move Profile: Coach Charity Bickcom
What makes a great Kids On The Move coach? Is it the ability to spark a love for fitness, a passion for running and staying active, or the dedication to fostering a supportive and fun environment?
At Lakemont Elementary School, Coach Charity Bickcom exemplifies all of these qualities and more. Aside from being a full-time classroom teacher and being a part of a local running and fitness community We Off The Couch, Charity also has the pleasure of acting as the head coach of Lakemont Elementary School’s run club, which is entering its fourth year! Coach Bickcom shared that “this club has given students who otherwise have struggled with attendance, behavior, or finding their community a place to grow and become champions of their own positive change.”
Growing up in Chicago, Coach Bickcom didn’t have access to opportunities to be active and make healthier choices and it reflected in her lifestyle choices. In 2020, Coach Bickcom made a decision to be an example for not only her own future children, but also the children she teaches and impacts daily — her students! Through this journey, Coach Bickcom lost over 120 pounds and found her love for running and coaching!
Coach Bickcom’s enthusiasm and commitment have made a lasting impact, empowering her runners to build confidence, embrace healthy habits, and experience the joy of movement!
Read the rest of the interview below:
How do you celebrate runners’ progress or achievements, both big and small?
One of my favorite ways to celebrate runners achievements is during our medal Monday after our big races. We have an opportunity to not only have a pizza party, but also reflect on all of the hard work that accomplishment took. Students also receive incentives such as croc keychains and water bottles as they reach their training goals (first half mile, first mile run, etc.).
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone new to running or joining the run club?
START! Some of your greatest moments and happiest memories are just waiting on you to take the leap of faith and begin, so just do it! Running, jogging, walking and getting active are life changers that everyone should feel welcome to join.
How do you keep the energy up during challenging runs or when the weather is tough?
Incorporating music and discussions with running buddies are a few of the ways that we try to distract from the toughness of running; I always do my best to remind runners of the joy and privilege of community and being able to be active. This helps us to change our mindset when runs get tough from focusing on what we can’t control (people, life, drama, etc.) to focusing on what we CAN control — our breathing, pace, and how respond to it all!
Do you have a favorite running memory or a race that was particularly memorable?
One of my favorite running memories was actually my first race, the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K, which was virtual during COVID. That is my favorite race because I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I knew what I wanted to accomplish; I ran around Henricus Park by myself and once I finished, I cried and felt so accomplished; I think from that moment on I knew that running was going to be apart of my life forever.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from running?
I can do hard things, and they can be made easier when you do them with community. Since I started running, finding community has given my running a new purpose and excitement. I know that I’m not just showing up for myself; I have the chance to show up for someone else, too. It’s a great feeling.
If you weren’t coaching or running, what other sport or activity would you be doing?
Bowling! I have bowled since I was about 6 and actually ended up in Virginia because of a scholarship to attend and Bowl for Virginia State University (2014 CIAA Champions).
Do you have any running superstitions or pre-race rituals?
Before my big races, I watch the film Brittany Runs A Marathon. It’s the film that not only inspired me to run my first 10K, but also just reminds me that I can do anything, and in accomplishing any goal, my tribe will find me and support me through it.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Teleportation: I try my best to be on time, but I fail miserably. A little assistance of being able to pop up where I need to be would be great help.
What’s your guilty pleasure TV show or movie?
As a theatre girly, WICKED has been seen in my home at least 5 times, with no shame. And yes, I’ve cried every time.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Oooh, pistachios or popcorn; both are snacking favorites.