Hey. I just ran a 5:24 mile at the track yesterday as a 12 year old. Is that good? How can I improve. Thanks
Hey. I just ran a 5:24 mile at the track yesterday as a 12 year old. Is that good? How can I improve. Thanks
5:24 is a pretty good time for 12 yo. Honestly, all you have to do is keep running, and you will improve. Continue with your track season, and listen to your coach. If your school has cross country, join the team in the fall. Run 2-3 days a week during the summer, and that will put you in a good position to start cross country.
If you like racing, there are probably some open or USATF track meets in your area throughout the summer. But no need to have a strict training program over the summer. Just run consistently and jump in a meet if you want.
If you are not already doing it, you can start working on core strength and flexibility a couple days a week. Here is a basic routine and progression to get you started:
Great job! At that age, easy runs alternating with days where you just run strides (or play touch football or ultimate Frisbee) and every couple of weeks or month a race or time trial just to see how you're doing.
You can do more serious training, but this approach is probably better for now. Serious training can wait for a couple of years. Right now, it should all be developmental for the best long-term results.
Be sure to run some 50m, 100m, 200m races if you can. 50 yard dash, whatever sprint races you can find. Will really help if you can teach your body how to move quickly at a younger age.
Most of all, have fun with it! Enjoy :)
hound dawg wrote:
Great job! At that age, easy runs alternating with days where you just run strides (or play touch football or ultimate Frisbee) and every couple of weeks or month a race or time trial just to see how you're doing.
You can do more serious training, but this approach is probably better for now. Serious training can wait for a couple of years. Right now, it should all be developmental for the best long-term results.
Be sure to run some 50m, 100m, 200m races if you can. 50 yard dash, whatever sprint races you can find. Will really help if you can teach your body how to move quickly at a younger age.
Most of all, have fun with it! Enjoy :)
Agree. Middle school is the place to learn the sport. First, so you can explore your talent. Second, so that you can later better relate with your teammates and their events.
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