running for 5th grader

[Anonymous]

I have a 5th grade DD who wants to start running. She plays soccer and has been a swimmer, but she has so much energy to burn. We've done a couple 5Ks and she has done Girls on the Run at school, but they aren't doing it this year. Neither DH nor I are runners. Does anyone know of a running program for kids? I'd love a group setting with other kids that can teach her how to run/how to breathe, maybe even the beginning of cross country, etc. We're in MoCo.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a 5th grade DD who wants to start running. She plays soccer and has been a swimmer, but she has so much energy to burn. We've done a couple 5Ks and she has done Girls on the Run at school, but they aren't doing it this year. Neither DH nor I are runners. Does anyone know of a running program for kids? I'd love a group setting with other kids that can teach her how to run/how to breathe, maybe even the beginning of cross country, etc. We're in MoCo.

Running is the easiest physical activity to initiate independently or with a group. If she just wants to run, have you considered posting on your neighborhood list serv to see if there are other kids her age interested? In the beginning it really doesn't have to be organized or taught, she will figure it out. Girls on the run is a great program but it's really an SEL program that uses running as its medium for delivering its programming rather than a running program. If she really wants to run buy her a really good pair of shoes (go to a running store and get her fit) and tell her to go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a 5th grade DD who wants to start running. She plays soccer and has been a swimmer, but she has so much energy to burn. We've done a couple 5Ks and she has done Girls on the Run at school, but they aren't doing it this year. Neither DH nor I are runners. Does anyone know of a running program for kids? I'd love a group setting with other kids that can teach her how to run/how to breathe, maybe even the beginning of cross country, etc. We're in MoCo.

Firebirds track club is sprint focused but does offer youth distance. Bethesda track club good at getting kids involved and in meets. From a high school level I don't think they are well trained but for a middle schooler its a good intro to running. MCRRC used to have a kids program but it was lame but they have lots of good races for kids to try. Rockville striders used to be a good distance program but I believe they are now defunct.

I wouldn't sign an 11 year old for any major training but just 2-3 days a week, nothing hard or serious along with the other sports will be good prep for middle school XC/ high school running. Keep the other sports though, that is huge for injury prevention

[Anonymous]

GOTR

[Anonymous]

Google track teams in areas near you.

[Anonymous]

Healthy Kids Running Series.

City of Rockville Recreation typically has track in the spring and cross country in the fall.

[Anonymous]

Look up USATF approved youth programs in Montgomery county. (I only know the Virginia ones)

[Anonymous]

https://legacy.usatf.org/clubs/search/info.asp?associationNumber=10

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a 5th grade DD who wants to start running. She plays soccer and has been a swimmer, but she has so much energy to burn. We've done a couple 5Ks and she has done Girls on the Run at school, but they aren't doing it this year. Neither DH nor I are runners. Does anyone know of a running program for kids? I'd love a group setting with other kids that can teach her how to run/how to breathe, maybe even the beginning of cross country, etc. We're in MoCo.

Firebirds track club is sprint focused but does offer youth distance. Bethesda track club good at getting kids involved and in meets. From a high school level I don't think they are well trained but for a middle schooler its a good intro to running. MCRRC used to have a kids program but it was lame but they have lots of good races for kids to try. Rockville striders used to be a good distance program but I believe they are now defunct.

I wouldn't sign an 11 year old for any major training but just 2-3 days a week, nothing hard or serious along with the other sports will be good prep for middle school XC/ high school running. Keep the other sports though, that is huge for injury prevention

Agreed! Keep it light and fun.

Are you Catholic, by any chance? Many churches have CYO cross-country.

[Anonymous]

My neighbor hired a high schooler on the track team to run with her elementary school daughter and a few friends once a week. The girls seemed to really love it. Good way to keep it casual yet learn some decent technique.

[Anonymous]

There is a nice club in Olney, MD - if that is near you. I think they might be done for year now.
https://olneyccc.org/