Teenager needs running coach to help on 'form'

[Anonymous]

My 14 yo would like to improve running speed. She clearly needs some help with her form to help her run more efficiently, but I'm not sure how to find this kind of coach. Open to either individual coach (for a few sessions) or some kind of track and field course/clinic. Not sure where to start. Any suggestions?

[Anonymous]

Not sure where you live but True AP has numerous locations. I am trying them out for the first time this summer, so no direct feedback, but at least it is an option you can check out.

[Anonymous]

Where are you located?

[Anonymous]

We're located in Bethesda.

[Anonymous]

True AP looks spot on, though not very convenient for our location. (Honestly, I didn't even know places like that existed!)

[Anonymous]

search internet for speed and agility training in your area or check out coachup.com, call high school track coach or local track team club coach. “Bethesda track”

[Anonymous]

www.coachup.com

[Anonymous]

Try Steve or Anna Hays (Bethesda Track Club). They coach at Whitman but also run the youth track club. Both are very knowledgeable.

[Anonymous]

FWIW, before hiring the track coach for help with form as such, you might want to consider addressing some of the potential causes of the gait issues, such as a lack of core strength, quad dependent mechanics, an undiagnosed injury, or muscle imbalance. Those kinds of things can obviously effect how athletes move, but running experts may not be able to correct them, while physical therapy, while time consuming and boring, could help. Merely a thought.

[Anonymous]

Contact the coaches at Run Farther and Faster.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:FWIW, before hiring the track coach for help with form as such, you might want to consider addressing some of the potential causes of the gait issues, such as a lack of core strength, quad dependent mechanics, an undiagnosed injury, or muscle imbalance. Those kinds of things can obviously effect how athletes move, but running experts may not be able to correct them, while physical therapy, while time consuming and boring, could help. Merely a thought.

I had this same thought and was going to recommend a regular personal trainer, and then I looked at the True AP site. Seems like the right place to address all of those issues. And provide good guidance on hydration/diet.

[Anonymous]

Try and find Kellie Redmond. She is a cross country and track and field coach at Wootton.

[Anonymous]

Any good coach around McLean area? Thanks a lot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:FWIW, before hiring the track coach for help with form as such, you might want to consider addressing some of the potential causes of the gait issues, such as a lack of core strength, quad dependent mechanics, an undiagnosed injury, or muscle imbalance. Those kinds of things can obviously effect how athletes move, but running experts may not be able to correct them, while physical therapy, while time consuming and boring, could help. Merely a thought.

OP here. That is a great idea. I think she does lack core strength. Perhaps more work on that to make the most of a coach (which seems expensive!). Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Slightly off topic but I had my 10yr old ask me the same thing. Is that age too early to work on running mechanics/form? I was thinking it might include some strength training as well and also wondering if it might be to early for it. I read some positive things about Vertimax training.