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Encouraging Young Runners

Encouraging Young Runners

Learn how to encourage young runners to love the sport.

February 20th, 2024

Encouraging Young Runners

It’s no secret that children are natural born runners. Running can be an incredible bonding experience for the child with a parent, mentor or coach. In today’s newsletter we share guidance on how to encourage young runners while ensuring they experience a healthy and fun relationship with the sport.

3 Tips To Encourage Young Runners

Start slow
Young kids running long distances make the headlines (like when a 6-year old ran the Flying Pig Marathon) but experts are still unsure about the safety of it. Encourage the building blocks of running by starting with short distances so young runners can adapt to the sport. They may run circles around your living room but kids don’t always have the cardiovascular endurance or strength to run long intervals. Start with age-appropriate distances and consider run/ walk intervals to encourage small bouts of running without overwhelming the young runner.
Get your child the proper gear
Just like with adults, getting the proper gear is important for children. Starting with running shoes, ones that fit properly will encourage the natural movement of the young runner’s feet. Many well-known shoe companies make running sneakers for kids and there are also more budget friendly options. Moisture-wicking technical gear and tiny hydration packs can also help the young runner learn to love the sport. Stop in to pickup shoes and other gear at your local running specialty store today!
Always encourage, never discourage
The carrot is a stronger motivator than the stick! Kids tend not to be motivated to run by the same reasons as adults. Concepts like fitness and weight loss rarely cross their minds. Instead, kids just love the uninhibited feeling of running. Avoid running as a form of punishment and celebrate their accomplishments to encourage the young runner’s love for the sport. Don’t forget that the pace may be slower, the stops more frequent, and the overall distance shorter. And that’s okay! Encouraging the run habit and pushing for consistent improvement is the goal.

Ready to conquer the hills? Check out our expert tips for hill running and take your training to the next level! Start improving your strength and endurance today

6 Ways To Get Your Kid Into Running

Don’t Pressure, But Always Offer: Don’t pressure or guilt the young runner, just come back from runs and describe how amazing it was to them.
Start Slow: As little as once or a twice a week is perfect in the beginning. Before puberty, the priority should be creating healthy lifelong fitness habits rather than forcing a specific training program on kids.
Go Easy: Underestimate how far and high their little legs will carry them. Start with a half-mile to a mile and build from there.
Hit The Trails: Natural obstacles like rocks, roots, boulders, and logs make trails more fun than pavement. Even mud puddles become a source of great excitement for little ones. Dirt surfaces are also softer and easier on little bodies.
Join a Group: Many youth organizations (for example Girls On The Run and Students Run Philly) support noncompetitive running as a way for kids to improve stamina, build confidence, and foster a lifelong love of running.
Keep it Regular: Keep things consistent, simple and predictable. It is inspiring and motivating to see young runners getting faster and more confident.
Finally, don’t forget to look out for yourself. Consider getting a workout in before or after the run with your child to help yourself stay relaxed.