Track and field ,best age to get serious

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:HS is when things start to get serious. Now I would work on speed and stamina.

From what I have seen- the fast kids are fast from the beginning. Training can help but a lot of it is genetics.

In general I think you are right. I ran a 9:15 2 mile as a 14 year old in the 70’s. Ran a 4:10 mile as a 15 year old. I didn’t think I was good but in hindsight I was fast - low mileage guy.

There are exceptions. An excellent local coach ran a 6 minute mile as a freshman but ended up being a 29 minute 10 guy in the ACC.

Don’t need to start early but let the sport take you where it will with a number of realistic interim goals.

you weren't trying very hard as a 14 year old. no amount of training makes you that good of an athlete in a year

I ran a few races in 6th grade. Had talent. Was featured in Sports Illustrated, which I didn’t like. I did not run many miles, but was coached by a direct Igloi protege. Since you have no idea how good Igloi was and who he was, don’t make idiotic statements about not trying hard. You simply don’t know what you are talking about. Sorry to be so harsh.

What put you in sports illustrated in 6th grade? It definitely wasn’t you 10 minute mile.

[Anonymous]

The way to be serious about track and field is just to run regularly. Maybe join an age appropriate running or track team. Have good shoes, and have fun with it. Especially before high school that’s really all there is to it.

-parent of a d1 college runner

[Anonymous]

Do you mind sharing the name of the running club that your 6th grader is loving?

[Anonymous]

Dp but my kids did mclean youth track and field for years.