Anyone got suggestions to What is more important for young runners? Developing speed or endurance?
Anyone got suggestions to What is more important for young runners? Developing speed or endurance?
How young? I don't know how true it is, but I've heard in kids that developing their endurance will have no lasting effect through adulthood, whereas developing their speed and running economy will
10 and under shouldn't be seriously running more than 200-400m, so speed definitely. In terms of endurance, a 3 Mile/5K jog twice a week at extreme most, gradually build up to that of course, and whatever lower volume sprint workouts. What's that, like a grand total of 10mpw? Don't push kids into this sport. It should be about having fun at this stage of their lives.
10-12 years I'd say 25-30mpw extreme most, with 5k being the longest distance they seriously attempt. They should still be focused more on sprint speed, maybe move up to 800m-Mile if they're naturally long distance peeps.
Speed definitely. Their little kid skeletons are not ready for pounding of true mileage until 13-14. Speed, like the above poster said, will improve economy, which will set up these kids for long term improvement. Much like how kids aren't taught how to lift weights until at least 10years old by an olympic coach, or teens typically, high mileage and serious aerobic conditioning shouldn't be employed as it could stress their bodies too much.
The best mid D runners HAVE speed and develop endurance.
Look for the fastest runner in 3rd-6th grades. Develop endurance. Reap wins.
repeat bouts of speed. that's what they do naturally anyway, what they enjoy, and what builds both speed and endurance.
Jimmy21 wrote:
How young? I don't know how true it is, but I've heard in kids that developing their endurance will have no lasting effect through adulthood, whereas developing their speed and running economy will
BS