Probably yes, but it also depends on how talented your kid is.
But chances are that she probably won't be 6-year-old Lopez Lomong running in the African wilderness for 3 days straight.
So use Galloway's run and walk method, and make sure your child is well hydrated and stops to refuel. The goal should be to finish rather than to race.
My friend's 9-year-old son runs along with his dad in 10k races all the time. He's now faster than his dad.
runwithnataly wrote:
She has a run a 5k and a 10k... both placing first in her age division... what is your reasoning?>
Then by all means go for it.
Stoppit Smith wrote:
The answer to this has to be unequivocally no.
Here is why:
1. Any damage suffered during such vigorous training may hurt her healthy growth later.
2. Saying she can maintain, there is no guarantee that you won't become one of those parents who live vicariously through their children (see: a man named M.G. and his many overturned children too young).
3. Focusing on running as a training method may destroy the idea that running can be play (much like what cottonshirt explained)
4. Unless you are medically trained, I am not sure you are able to deal with the complexities of children's heat exhaustion or how quickly children can go from well to not well in minutes.
5. Unless you are medically trained, I am not sure you know the child metabolism rates and the proper eating and drinking plan for a child at that age.
As a result, I don't see why you can't do a training run of say, 10 miles....do 6 yourself and stop by and meet your daughter for the final four.
This is why American millenials are snowflakes. Future generations will be completely doomed by paranoid, over-protective parents.
9-year-olds are perfectly fine at running long distances. I've even raced some of them in road races.
Fi wrote:
She can do it. But I dont advice that she til many hours each week.
She will not be able to run that without stopping or walking unless her training is drastically increased, which may cause chronic injuries at that age.
runwithnataly wrote:
My daughter will be 9 soon, but she has been running with me for about four months. Her longest distance was 7 miles in 90 degree weather. Her weekly total max was 16 miles.
runwithnataly wrote:
She ran her 5k in sub 20 minutes
So your 8 year old ran for four months, maxed out at 16 MPW, and ran a sub 20 5K?
Troll.
I disagree on the premise that "this is the reason."
However, regardless of any reason, what is wrong with someone being a "snowflake" anyway and why do we care so much if they are or aren't?
I wouldn't do it with my daughters who are eight. Most stuff I have read says max 2-3 miles per day 4-5 days per week at this age. 13.1 miles and the requisite training sound like child abuse. Better to put your child in a multitude of sports where they can build coordination and have fun. Occasional running, hiking, swimming, soccer, etc. are great, but don't train specifically for anything until they have hormones on board. Most junior stars flame out before their time.
RIP: D3 All-American Frank Csorba - who ran 13:56 in March - dead
RENATO can you talk about the preparation of Emile Cairess 2:06
Running for Bowerman Track Club used to be cool now its embarrassing
Hats off to my dad. He just ran a 1:42 Half Marathon and turns 75 in 2 months!
Great interview with Steve Cram - says Jakob has no chance of WRs this year
Rest in Peace Adrian Lehmann - 2:11 Swiss marathoner. Dies of heart attack.