"Children's Book in it for the Long Run" ( Ron Woodcock )

Have you ever struggled trying to share your passion for running with your children? This might be one answer. Upton's Michele Bredice Craemer never figured her passion for physical fitness and marathon running would lead to a burgeoning career as an author of children's books. But that's the direction Craemer, a mother of 4 and 3 year old boys Patrick and Will, headed with her first book, "Pellie Runs a Marathon."

Published earlier this year with the support of Saucony, and written by  Craemer with illustrations by Elizabeth Lavin, the book is now in its second run. 

The title character, Pellie, is a blue-headbanded, running-shoe-wearing duck who runs the Boston Marathon. Creamer set out to write a book with a meaning. She does an excellent job relating different stages of the marathon with many of life's everyday challenges.

"Pellie learns lessons that both chidren and adults can appreciate," say Craemer. As Pellie encounters a large hill, Craemer writes, "Pellie knows she can slow down a bit, as long as she doesn't stand still."

Cramer offers a lesson in life: "If you are reaching for a goal, it is okay to slow down, take a break, but just don't give it up."

Craemer has given many readings to kindergarten and preschool classes with the main lesson, "Everybody is a winner." In the book, Pellie doesn't win the race, but feels like a winner by just finishing.

Written at an early elementary school level, Craemer said the book can be enjoyed by adults too.

Craemer draws on her own experience, including three Boston Marathons, a New York City Marathon and a Marine Corps Marathon and a personal-best time of 3 hours 14 minutes.

At a recent book-signing in Westboro, Craemer said she had originally started the project a few years ago as a book for adults. But after putting the project aside for a while; she picked it up but headed in a different direction, instead focusing on a children's book. Craemer is now working on a similar book based on triathlons for children and also is considering a motivational book for adults. "Pellie Runs a Marathon" retails for $12.95 and is available from local book shops and amazon.com, or directly from Craemer's Web site www.powerpackpresentations.com.