Coach for a runner
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Anonymous
| My daughter wants to start a running program to try out for cross country and track and field as a freshman, but is having challenges with cramping as she has started to try and run. Lots of google searches later, we'd like to find someone that could work with her to set up a program, maybe run with her a few times. She is getting demoralized and online, there are lots of advice, much of it diametrically opposed from the last. Having someone work with ehr a little may help her get over the hump. Any recommendations? |
Anonymous
Find a coach on CoachUp. Also, you can go to a local running store for recommendations on running coaches. Not sure where you live but PR running stores have coaches and training programs (https://www.prtrainingprograms.com/). On a related note, cramping has a lot to do with not enough water intake or just poor hydration in general. Good luck! |
Anonymous
Three thoughts: 1.) Tell her to slow down. Even if she thinks she's running slowly now, tell her to dial down the pace while she builds up some endurance. 2.) See if you can find out if the team has informal summer practices. Most do. This is a great way to meet the team and start building mileage. 3.) Do you know anyone who has an older kid on the team? Maybe you could enlist them to take her out for some easy runs. Good luck! It's a great sport, but the ramp-up is hard. |
Anonymous
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Couch to 5k is a great running program for beginners. 12 weeks, with an app. You can repeat the weeks so it’s not always running 3 miles.
I agree slow down. Get her fitted for proper running shoes and wool (no blister) running socks at a local running store. Read your high schools athletics website, there may be a summer training plan posted (or one from previous years). Cross train by doing sit ups and push ups, planks and other core and full body exercises. Swimming laps is great low impactin the summer. |
Anonymous
| Get her a low cost gps watch. A basic Garmin forerunner is great for beginners. |
Anonymous
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agree on slow down, and agree on couch to 5k.
the first 20 min/2 miles suck even if you are super well trained and running a marathon. See if she can breath through that first part once she gets built up to a distance past that. |
Anonymous
| OP, can you share where you are located? I have a HS runner. The x-c team has unofficial optional practices before the official practices start in August. I encourage you to connect with HS coach early if you can - they may be happy to help connect your rising frosh with the team. |
Anonymous
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Do you mean side stitches? When I first started running cross country my coach told us to remember when you get a side stitch breathe in thru your nose and out thru your mouth. Works like a charm every time.
Also it’s ok to start off with a run/walk program to build up. And she definitely needs to slow down. We’ve had good luck with coach up. She can also reach out to the cross country coach for training guidelines and advice. Good luck to her and I really hope she makes the team! |
Anonymous
| Also good to experiment gradually with your eating and hydration pre run. Test different foods and time of eating before run until you find the right combo for you. I know I need to finish eating at least 4 if not 5+ hours pre run but I have had training partners and teammates who can eat an hour to 90min before and be fine. Others can just eat bland foods and simple carbs. One teammate ate 2 sleeves of Oreos for lunch on race day and was a D1 scholarship recruit. It’s all trial and error |