Ultra running in high school

He may be able to handle it, but I don't think it would be a good idea just yet.

It's best not to start putting that much stress on your body until after you have fully developed, and in high school, it is very unlikely that this is the case.

I knew two brothers in high school. Both did 50 mile races as juniors. When the older one was a senior, he did a 100 mile. The other one did an iron man as a senior. but they did not do ultra training, just cross country and track. Neither did more than 45 miles per week, maybe less.

While he may be able to do it off of just regular training, he would like to do more than just "do it and finish." He wants to be successful at ultras, which is a logical wish for him because he is only slightly above average in the regular high school distances and he says he thinks that running in an ultra would be more based off of training than talent.

asfjl; wrote:

he is only slightly above average in the regular high school distances and he says he thinks that running in an ultra would be more based off of training than talent.

This is a very foolish statement, does he think he will be able to get in good Ultra shape faster than he can get in good 5k shape?

That is ridiculous. If he is dedicated enough to run 2.5 hours a day, he should be dedicated enough to run 1.5 miles a day, get good sleep, and good food. That will get him much more competitive in a HS race than 2.5 hours a day for a couple weeks (since he will quit that or get hurt shortly) will get in an ultra.

The kid needs a good slap. He is trying to run ultras so he can duck HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITION. Ridiculous.

Lets him do what he wants. Whats it to you guys?

1.5 miles a day??