When it comes to the discussion of discussing how to train a young runner, there are always the 2 schools of thought. One one hand we have those who believe in waiting at least until the freshman year of high school to begin focused on running training focusing on other sports like soccer, lacrosse, and basketball to develop some aerobic ability and general athleticism. Then once they begin training, the focus should be on a low mileage regimen never going above 40 miles a week. This program has shown success in the many US, with names like Grant Fisher, and Evan Jaeger, and almost every successful female US team qualifier. On the other hand, we the opposite, believing that kids must start as young as possible in running and begin to build an aerobic base. Some may use XC skiing or triathlon to build the base but it is all working toward the same goal. Once they are older, at least middle school-aged they begin structured training with racing. They will build mileage, some hitting 100 miles a week before their 20's(Ritz and Ingebritsen) This is the common practice of many east African counties where kids run from school and other places, accumulating a countless amount of mileage from a very young age. Some westerners who used this practice include Dathan Ritzenhein, the Ingebritsens, and Lukas Verzbikas. In the end, both produce results and the debate continues on which is better.