Been There Coached That wrote:
Cut them. There is a difference between cutting a boy who runs a 25 minute 5k but works at it (not good) and a kid who just wants to take walks every day and chat with his or her friends. You have no idea how many potential studs are walking instead of running because they can get away with it.
I had two kids tell me they couldn't run a full workout who ended up all state when I let them know if they couldn't run race distance they couldn't be on the team. (Not the same year but in their career.)
Well, you can't cut them. They may--in fact--be the future of the program. (I had a girl who couldn't run 30 minutes when I first met her. She turned out to be the 2nd fastest girl in school history by her senior year.)
How about telling them if they can't run without walking, then they do NOT get to race (for their own safety)? This may, in fact, inspire them to run.
Meanwhile, they may simply want to manage. I have a couple of kids who run/walk at practice, but never race & take down splits, help with loading the bus, distribute uniforms, etc.
Remember, too, that if they didn't do Summer Running, then they may simply not be in shape. Perhaps by the end of the season, they might have some legs under them.
Also, don't get bent out of shape over this. As a coach, I have learned to "release my anger" at this problem. I used to get really mad at this. Do you think Joe Newton freaks out at this problem with his 150+ kids on the team?