"Active" doesn't even begin to describe the Campbell family of Neola; simply reading about their weekly schedule might make you feel like you ran a few miles!
When they're ready for some R & R, you won't find the Campbell family members fighting over the remote control—unless, of course, they're arguing about whether they should do pilates, yoga, or P90X pull-ups; most likely they'll be outdoors, working in the family vegetable garden, hiking, or training together for a 10K. Yes, that is what the Campbells do for "fun!"
Training for distance races has also helped bring this talented and busy family of 7 closer together. A couple of years ago, Shane Campbell worried that his family's various obligations, competitions, and hobbies were pulling the family in too many different directions, so he chose a family activity that would be both beneficial and enjoyable for everyone: running. Each summer the family participates in several 10K runs across Utah (the two youngest Campbell children, Kamri and Kelten, are running 5Ks for now). In addition, the improved stamina that comes from distance training has indeed benefitted each of the Campbells in their various endeavors, which you can learn about below:
Shane Campbell (back) is the Area Regional Supervisor for McDonald's. He also runs half marathons and occasionally serves as the family taxi driver; he follows the recommended nutrition plan for half-marathon runners and counts calories religiously. Kara Campbell (in front of Shane) is a secretary for Mountain West Propane, teaches evening dance classes at Dye'n 2 Dance, and recently accepted a position as the coach of the Union High Drill Team; if that isn't enough, she also somehow manages to get her 5 kids to their numerous practices and competitions!
Pictured here with Olympic Gold Medalist Rulon Gardner, Kaden Campbell (14) is a two-time Jr. High State and USA-State wrestling champion. He is a member of an elite wrestling league and travels to Provo two evenings each week for practices. Kaden wants to become a fitness trainer one day, so he currently serves as a personal trainer for Campbell family members. Kara said of her son, "If we tell Kaden about our fitness or weight-loss goals, he'll make sure we achieve them; he's the one dragging us out of bed each morning so we can stick to our plan! And he weighs us all regularly and monitors what we eat anyway." Kara also reports that Kaden makes sure the living room is full of Campbells at 5:30 each morning for a P90X workout. Kaden has become knowledgeable about nutrition and adheres to his plan to optimize his wrestling performance.
Kyler Campbell (11) is a member of the Roosevelt Strike baseball team, which practices and competes year round. In addition to spending 6 hours per week at baseball practice and one weekend a month at an out-of-town baseball tournament, Kyler also wrestles; he placed second at his last wrestling tournament.
Kelten Campbell (8) also enjoys wrestling and has proven that he has a lot of potential in the sport. This year he has placed second at more than one tournament. In addition, his mom reports, "Even though he's the youngest, Kelton can outdo most of us when it comes to shorter runs and hikes. He has a lot of potential as a runner."
Kamri (9) and Karli (16) Campbell are devoted dancers. Kamri spends 9 hours per week at dance classes (that's three full evenings a week for this dedicated fourth grader!), and Karli attends 12 hours of dance classes each week, and the gals invest additional time in practicing their solos and traveling to competitions. Last year Karli won a scholarship to a two-week intensive course at a performing arts school in New York. Kamri made it to the finals for the scholarship audition this year and received a "gold" for her solo at a recent competition in Denver.