Advice for a younger brother?

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19 years ago 02/15/2005 1:05pm EST

My younger brother (8th grader) asked me for advice yesterday on what races he should concentrate on this spring in track. He honestly couldn't pick a favorite. He is very good in all of the distances. In fact he set records in every running race 100-3200 last year for the 7th grade. He ran a couple of XC races this year and ended up qualifying for the High School State meet, running low 18:00's literally without any practice (he played football-also very talented in that). He has won age group state championships in the mile and 200, so he's equally good at sprints and distances. If he focuses on distances, will he lose speed for his other sports? He's a little worried about that. There's a lot of time until he is in college, but he's probably not going to run in college because he's loves basketball, he's an excellent basketball player (starts varsity as an 8th grader). I just don't have any good advice to give on what events he should focus on. He likes distance races, but he doesn't want to lose any speed. What would you suggest?

19 years ago 02/15/2005 1:36pm EST

re: What race to run?

19 years ago 02/15/2005 1:49pm EST

re: backwardforward

19 years ago 02/15/2005 1:57pm EST

re: What race to run?

Train like a young miler would but race 400s and a few 800s. Make sure that his basic speed is developed but DO NOT neglect aerobic training. Once he is running 50 sec off of mostly strength training he can start killing at 800 and mile.

19 years ago 02/15/2005 2:12pm EST

re: the answer

thanks for the responses. I will suggest the middle distance/long sprint 400-800 stuff, I guess it does make good sense, considering his other sports.

the answer: thank you for your response as well. My younger brother always wants to know what to do before the season starts (the month between basketball and track), so I suggested very easy 30 minute runs with some friends 4 times a week with 2 of those days followed by 4x100 meter uphill strides and then a 5th day at 45 mintes easy. Is this too much for an 8th grader? They do PLENTY of speed type stuff from the 1st day of practice, so he'll definately be prepared for the 400/800 type races.

19 years ago 02/15/2005 2:19pm EST

re: What race to run?

How do you qualify for the HS State Meet with a low 18? Don't nearly all US HS State Meets run 3.2 miles?

19 years ago 02/15/2005 3:12pm EST

re: What race to run?

Add some hilly bicycling routes and maybe even some swimming for overall development (if possible). He is still very young & growing, so balancing his training by performing a variety of activities can only help him & make him stronger.

Why don't you go with him? Lead by example. It will provide you both with some great times and stories you will remember years from now, in addition to helping your respective conditioning.

This would be especially true in the summer.

19 years ago 02/15/2005 3:47pm EST

re: Doc

Ultra Gal: If you place in the top 20 individually in your region you qualify for state. And BTW it's 3.1 mi. and some odd decimals for 5k. I just mentioned his 5k because 1) He trained 0 miles. Just fitness from football practice and games 2) it's useful information for posters who could offer advice.

Doc: Thanks for the advice. I absolutely agree with you. I go for a run with him whenever I can and we play a lot of basketball in the summer as well. Beats a night out at the bar any day!

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