11 year old wants to run 10 miler... whaddaya think?

mamaofthree

Best Present Ever

posted: 3/2/2010 at 9:18 AM

Most years I see an older elementary school aged kid or two running our local 10 miler. They seem pretty happy. I've seen ugly kid/parent scenes in races (a parent yelling at his son to HURRY UP during a 5k for example) but generally the kids seem fine when the parent is just being relaxed and encouraging. I'd love it if my kids were interested in running the 10 miler when they hit 11 and be happy to run with them at whatever pace they wanted to do.

mikeymike

posted: 3/2/2010 at 9:53 AM

Yeah it totally depends on the kid. Lots of 11-year-olds would have no problem and would likely enjoy the experience. Sadly that is not the average American 11-year-old.

I think my 10-year old could finish a 10-miler right now. My 12-year old would struggle mightily and it would require a lot of walking, but she could probably do it especially if it were at the end of lacrosse season.

You know your kid better than anyone, there's no generic answer.

Phidippides

posted: 3/2/2010 at 12:05 PM

Quote from mamaofthree on 3/2/2010 at 9:18 AM:

I've seen ugly kid/parent scenes in races (a parent yelling at his son to HURRY UP during a 5k for example) but generally the kids seem fine when the parent is just being relaxed and encouraging.

Same here -- and I agree that the best way to approach it with the kids is to make sure you are encouraging and the kids have fun and after they finish a race give them some priase for doing it - instead of hammering them because they didnt win their age group or make a certain time or beat some other kid......

I've even seen the running dad run beside his kid on a 1 mile "kids" race - yelling at them the whole distance --sickening......

I dont see why an 11 year old can't run a 10 miler as long as they aren't overdoign it and its a distance they can handle --- I'd love to get my kids out on some longer runs/races...

Champions are made when no one is watching

Econo

posted: 3/2/2010 at 12:37 PM

I did several 10-milers when I was age 9 - 13....I was pokey slow and walked some of the first one, but it was a marvelous feeling of accomplishment.

wannaberunner

I look my best blurry!

posted: 3/2/2010 at 1:25 PM

All I know is that a kid is only going to run 10 miles if they want to. They will stop if they are finished. I tried to get my 13 yo to run a 5K in a costume on Halloween. I ended up running(?) most of it backwards encouraging her. Never again!

Jeff

posted: 3/2/2010 at 2:04 PM

When I was 12, I hiked the TN-NC section of the Appalachian Trail with my hippie parents over the course of a couple of weeks. I played soccer and ultimate frisbee all day long on the weekends. After school we would run around in the woods for hours, climbing trees, mtn-biking for HOURS, jumping down rocks, swimming in streams.

A 10 mile run? What's that 2 hours of low-grade aerobic activity, max? In my experience, 11 year olds are not so fragile.

The Logic of Long Distance

HStreet

In it for the long run..

posted: 3/2/2010 at 3:58 PM

My son was very competitive. I'll never forget his first 10K. I guess he was about 10. He had been very successful at 5Ks and kids' track (winning state meets in the mile and 800). The 10K was a local club race, but fairly well attended. He had some asthma problems mid-race and also had to make a bathroom stop. The intent was to take it easy and just finish (I was running with him). Well, he didn't like his time and he started crying at about 4 miles. People were staring at me and shaking their heads (fortunately, most of the runners knew him or it would have been worse) thinking that I was making him run. I was yelling at him that we were going to stop unless he stopped crying because people thought I was a horrible parent! We finally made it in, but it was NOT a happy day. I think the next long race was a 1:13 half marathon as a high school junior. (I did not run that one with him)

"It's not who wins the workout..." This Century PRs 5K 25:05 10K 52:34 1/2 M 1:53:58 Marathon 4:08:28

C.Laseman

posted: 3/3/2010 at 5:27 PM

I am a current runner from North Central College!!! (D3 champs) woot woot. I think you should have them wait. Time will come. My first 10 miler was in 10th grade. The body needs to mature and it needs to grow. Like my coach always says.....You can go out and plot 10 miles or you can go and tempo 5. Tempo 5 will always be better for you and it will make you a better runner. Your 11 year old will be great someday. Just have to wait it out

Jeff

posted: 3/3/2010 at 5:47 PM

Quote from C.Laseman on 3/3/2010 at 5:27 PM:

I am a current runner from North Central College!!! (D3 champs)

As a former Williams College runner, you are my sworn enemy! (Though it's not much of a rivalry anymore.)

The Logic of Long Distance

11 year old wants to run 10 miler... whaddaya think? (Read 2197 times)