This paper reports the results of a pilot program, "Fitness, Academics, and Self-Esteem Training" (FAST), conducted during the 1984/85 school year at Meridian School to test the hypotheses that a program of aerobic exercise with the focus on running, conducted by the classroom teacher, would result in a higher rate of academic achievement, better cardiovascular fitness and respiratory efficiency, and higher self-esteem as measured by academic aspiration. Both the project group and a comparison group of fourth and fifth graders from another Cajon Valley school were measured at the beginning and end of the year on the rate of academic achievement, cardiovascular fitness, and academic aspiration. The comparison group participated in the normal physical education activities for fourth and fifth graders, but not in the aerobic exercise-running program. At the end of the year participants in the FAST program were found to be achievinng at a higher rate in reading, language, and math, and to have better cardiovascular fitness and respiratory efficiency than non-participants. There were no differences in the scores on academic aspiration between participants and non-participants. (Author)