My 9 year old wants to run - any advice?

[Scrumhalf]

My 9 year old son wants to start running with me. I have read that this is around the age where one should get good running shoes for them instead of the generic "Stride-Rite" type trainers, so we went to the running store, had his foot strike pattern analyzed and got some nice running shoes for him.

Any other advice anyone with kids have for me? Is it better to keep kids on a track (have high school tracks near our house) or on a trail, or would sidewalks be ok for young feet? I like his enthusiasm but don't want him to get hurt.

 

[JayJay]

I've seen one of my neighbors run with his young son; however, the son didn't look as though he was enjoying it. His father kept telling him to keep up. I think a more willing young runner would enjoy the experience much more, and it would be fun for dad, too. Enjoy!

 

[globetrotter]

I heard a bit on NPR about a woman who has been running with her son for a couple of years, every day for at least 1 mile a day. there is a term for that kind of running (never missing a day). anyway, I thought that was cool. you might be able to find that article with a web search.

I have thought about running for the first mile with my son, and then dropping him off at home. I am not sure that longer runs are good for pre-adolescent bones.

 

[why]

Originally Posted by globetrotter

I am not sure that longer runs are good for pre-adolescent bones.

Yeah, those star soccer players got sidelined all the time on the playground.

 

[kwilkinson]

I started running with my father when I was 8. We started off run/walking, and looking back, I realize he was kind enough to put up with an annoying kid during his alone workout time. Now that I think about it, he'd do a run with me, and since I was so interested but so slow, he'd go back out later and do his own personal workout. Anyway, it really instilled a love of running for me. By 10, we were running 800m - a mile. By age 13, I was able to run longer distances of 5 miles or more with no problem. This is probably the main reason I was so good at cross country once I got to high school.


Anyway, I think you should definitely let your son run with you. There's nothing wrong with roadrunning for a kid that age, but I wouldn't want running for him (anyone for that matter) to be entirely on roads. Mix it up w/ track and grass, although obviously be careful on the grass b/c it's much easier to slip or twist an ankle. But encourage him as much as you can. Help him realize that running is fun and not necessarily a chore, and you could get him started on a great path.

 

[Thomas]

When I took the little one along, I'd run my mileage, and then pick him up at the house for the last (leisurely) lap around the neighborhood.

 

[eml4sker]

I ran my first 5k when I was 8 and I don't recall having any issues.

 

[Matt]

ya, where do you run? you should probably look at some system where the kid joins you later...he'll whine n scream if you go out for a Real Run without him, but at the same time, won't be able to make the distance with you otherwise....so if you can do a run in a park, and leave him in the playground under the supervision of a random stranger in an overcoat, and let him join either the first lap or the last lap, and play the rest of the time, that'd probably work best.

 

[rjmaiorano]

Originally Posted by why

Yeah, those star soccer players got sidelined all the time on the playground.

Kinda different.

 

[Cleav]

Definitely a good idea but distance should be conservative and keep off the tarmac where possible

The key to him enjoying it and getting most benefit is this age old technique that works for any athlete-

Always run off his shoulder i.e. let him be a half-pace ahead. This way he controls his pace, not you and therefore his breathing patterns will not be compromised. If he runs off your shoulder he will always be playing catch up, may become slightly breathless and will not enjoy it as much. Ultimately the loss of control, searching for breath can lead to stopping, not good for morale.

This is a technique often employed on training nights at Running Clubs, sometimes unwittingly by some...

Be interested to hear how you get on with this.

 

[why]

Originally Posted by rjmaiorano

Kinda different.

Yeah, soccer has a greater risk of injury.

I bet midfielders run a hell of a lot longer in a game than most formal runs for kids will ever be.

Are physical fitness tests still in school? I remember running the mile test well up until my balls dropped and I had to run behind my pubertal paunch.

 

[Scrumhalf]

Well, we ran for about half an hour yesterday between spells of pouring rain (Portland, bah...

). He did pretty well and really enjoyed it - he wanted to keep going but it was getting dark and it was close to dinner time. My 5 year old wanted to tag along and that kinda slowed us down a bit but it was enjoyable nonetheless. He wants to go again today, which I suppose is a positive sign. The kid has zero interest in organized team sports, but would ride his bike and run all day if I let him....

Thanks for all the advice, especially on pacing. I'll make sure I'll let him set the pace when we go again.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by Scrumhalf

Well, we ran for about half an hour yesterday between spells of pouring rain (Portland, bah...

). He did pretty well and really enjoyed it - he wanted to keep going but it was getting dark and it was close to dinner time. My 5 year old wanted to tag along and that kinda slowed us down a bit but it was enjoyable nonetheless. He wants to go again today, which I suppose is a positive sign. The kid has zero interest in organized team sports, but would ride his bike and run all day if I let him....

Thanks for all the advice, especially on pacing. I'll make sure I'll let him set the pace when we go again.
Terrific!

 

[thekunk07]

my 10 year old and I run 3 miles dribbling basketballs twice a week. 1.5 miles righty, 1.5 lefty.

 

[rjmaiorano]

Originally Posted by why

Yeah, soccer has a greater risk of injury.

I bet midfielders run a hell of a lot longer in a game than most formal runs for kids will ever be.

Are physical fitness tests still in school? I remember running the mile test well up until my balls dropped and I had to run behind my pubertal paunch.

When I was in school we did actually have a 'running challenge' were kids could sacrifice their recesses to run and you would get prizes and stuff for running the greatest distance. Kinda cool. I'm sure egalitarianism has all but ended that. And after 2 kids got concussed in one game of capture the flag, we lost that too.