Introducing U9 boy to running

[Anonymous]

My son is interested in running. In addition to his general interest, we think running can also help with conditioning for his team sports.

I am a casual runner, and do welcome him to join me on short runs, but I wanted to see if anyone knows of any youth running groups/ coaches that can teach him good technique and proper posture.

I've enjoyed seeing Girls on the Run meetups in parks around us, and was curious if there was a co-ed equivalent with parent or coach led groups for kids this age.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Olney Cross Country Club is an idea!

[Anonymous]

Thanks! Will check them out.

[Anonymous]

Where are you located? The Fairfax rec leagues do cross country in the fall. DD and DH loved it. Also, some running shoe stores do classes for kids. We did one through Potomac Running I think.

[Anonymous]

We are in NW DC.
Potomac Running is a good suggestion. Thanks!
I had looked into their website but there wasn’t too much detail at the time. Might give them a call.

[Anonymous]

In VA, FPYC and SYC both have great running programs.

[Anonymous]

Where do they practice, do you know?

[Anonymous]

Is there a concept like running coach for kids?

[Anonymous]

FWIW, our high school track coach told us not to let our youngest start a formal running program until 9th grade, and suggested to keep her active playing other sports that build athleticism and if she still wants to run in 9th grade, we'll go from there. He said a lot of kids (with an emphasis on girls) on the jr olympic circuit burnout young, and he prefers to take a 9th grader and start them on shorter distances and build from there so they have a long career including college running.

[Anonymous]

There are youth running coaches, and USATF and AAU have youth running competitions. At 9, I wouldn’t push too much but some of the local track youth meets and cross country meets can be a good way to find a team or youth coach.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:FWIW, our high school track coach told us not to let our youngest start a formal running program until 9th grade, and suggested to keep her active playing other sports that build athleticism and if she still wants to run in 9th grade, we'll go from there. He said a lot of kids (with an emphasis on girls) on the jr olympic circuit burnout young, and he prefers to take a 9th grader and start them on shorter distances and build from there so they have a long career including college running.

That’s interesting. Thanks for sharing that perspective.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FWIW, our high school track coach told us not to let our youngest start a formal running program until 9th grade, and suggested to keep her active playing other sports that build athleticism and if she still wants to run in 9th grade, we'll go from there. He said a lot of kids (with an emphasis on girls) on the jr olympic circuit burnout young, and he prefers to take a 9th grader and start them on shorter distances and build from there so they have a long career including college running.

That’s interesting. Thanks for sharing that perspective.

Sure. Our two older boys both run/ran successfully enough in high school to get recruited to good D1 programs at schools they likely wouldn't have been admitted to but for running. Neither peaked in high school before their senior year. Both played soccer until 9th grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are youth running coaches, and USATF and AAU have youth running competitions. At 9, I wouldn’t push too much but some of the local track youth meets and cross country meets can be a good way to find a team or youth coach.

Makes sense. Thanks. I don’t really want to push him, but rather show him proper technique and form for him to know how to run properly and avoid injury.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FWIW, our high school track coach told us not to let our youngest start a formal running program until 9th grade, and suggested to keep her active playing other sports that build athleticism and if she still wants to run in 9th grade, we'll go from there. He said a lot of kids (with an emphasis on girls) on the jr olympic circuit burnout young, and he prefers to take a 9th grader and start them on shorter distances and build from there so they have a long career including college running.

That’s interesting. Thanks for sharing that perspective.

Sure. Our two older boys both run/ran successfully enough in high school to get recruited to good D1 programs at schools they likely wouldn't have been admitted to but for running. Neither peaked in high school before their senior year. Both played soccer until 9th grade.

The longer term perspective is helpful. Congrats to them!

[Anonymous]

McLean youth track and field. MYTF.org

Registration for fall opens tomorrow morning at 7am.