Girls on the run

Other Running Related Topic Other

5 years ago 11/09/2018 8:22am EST

I am a father of a third grader and a former Div. I runner. We enrolled our daughter in Girls on The Run, a 3-5 grade running club before school. The goal is to complete a 5k 2 months after the club started.

I notice it is mostly 3rd graders and after two weeks they do a 2.5 mile run. Most of the girls walk and several complain alot, especially when they hit the hills.

I feel that this is too much running for an 8 year old. I only raced 1.5 miles in middle school. I don't want my daughter to hate running since I can tell she is pretty fast.

Any thoughts?

5 years ago 11/09/2018 8:45am EST

re: Inquiring Dad

I coached youth track and I had a favorite photo of a relay team that I used at the beginning of the season orientation slide presentation. After a few years I realized none of them even made it to high school as track athletes. We had made it too competitive and trained a little too seriously.

Your instinct is right. If they are not having fun and end up not liking running then there is no value to accomplishing a 5k against their wishes. They can do it physiologically but it’s not worth it if they don’t enjoy it.

5 years ago 11/09/2018 9:19am EST

re: Inquiring Dad

I coach girls on the run. Our team barely runs, we only have ~20 min of practice set aside for laps (this is according to the lesson plan we are supposed to follow.) some run a bit but most run/walk with their friends. We just did the “practice 5k” which again was mostly a walk. The focus of the program is building self confidence through running, not running itself. If your coaches are forcing the girls to run the whole time, they are not doing it right.

Reply Replying to

Username

Password

Leave the password field blank to post anonymously.

Post Preview

By posting you acknowledge that you have read and abide by our Terms and Conditions.

Remember me on this device.

Girls on the run

Hot Now

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

You have been subscribed.