Kids running is something that always gets me so excited. They start off with so MUCH ENERGY. And when it’s all about play like running games that energy stays high. However, on race day I’ve seen a few spectacular mid-way meltdowns and generally thought “I feel ya kid“.
So what can we do as running coaches and parents to cultivate the love of running without pushing too far?
A few times each year, I get questions from parents who have a child that just loves to run. They want to do a 5K, a 10K, even a half marathon and they aren’t sure if it’s ok or what’s right.
In fact, there is actually no scientific data to say that even running a marathon is harmful.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says “if children enjoy the activity and are asymptomatic, there is no reason to preclude them from training for and participating in such events.”
Assuming they are following some of the golden rules like increasing mileage slowly, doing a dynamic warm up and fueling well, kids with a drive can be allowed to embrace it.
But there are plenty of other kids who might not have the drive to do that kind of mileage.
And that’s absolutely fine! Instead, we’re looking for things that might spark their interest or simply get them moving to have…
