My 12 year old son John wants to run the Lincoln 1/2 Marathon with me. He's eager and hasn't given up on the thought that is now about 40 days old. I haven't done any research or asked any experts, but are there any reasons why he couldn't? Training will officially start for the 1/2 in about a week and I know he'll breeze through the short runs. The weekend long runs....well....may be a bit of a reality check. Perhaps I should just leave it up to the running God's and let nature take it's course. What do you all think?Here he is all decked out in this wrestling gear. Notice the muscle bulging (fist induced) on his right arm.
Later: The registration form stated the minimum age is 12 for participation. This is good! I checked it out yesterday when I officially registered.
Today's workout: 8-400, 5K pace, 60 min spin. Run on!
27 comments:
I'm guessing he can and he'll do well Just let him know it is okay to walk if he needs to. And make sure he knows about nutrution/hydration.
That's so awesome that he got bit by the running bug :) I'd have to defer on any research that's out there, cuz I have no idea.
With no idea about any health implications, I would totally encourage this. It's great to see this entousiasm.
I had a 14 year old next to me during the marathon...I'm not sure how he did or if he finished, but he was there in the beginning. I was wondering if that was ok. I would just worry about their nutrition...
That's awesome. I wish I could have run a half when I was 12. I was fat and could barely run a mile... I haven't seen any research, but I can't imagine it would hurt anything.
Check with the race. I know some of the races I've done said that you have to be 13 to compete. With that being said, as long has trains properly (and his body is ready to run that distance) and he hydrates and eats right, I don't see why not. Oh, and no shame in a walk break here and there, especially if it means he can finish.
I agree to check with the race director - some have a 14 year cut off that I've seen. I'd he does well with the training, then I say go for it!
I think he'll be more than fine. A half is a great distance for a young runner.
I think it's great that you've inspired him. I'd check with the RD, and have him join you in the training... see how it goes! Who knows, maybe we'll be reading about him in a Runner's World mag one of these days :)
I have run a lot of races where there have been little kids. As long as they train right (which I am sure wont be a problem) it seems like an ok idea! That is awesome he wants to run with you!!
As long as he trains properly and the knows the lowdown on nutrition and such. Why not? ;-)
I agree with marcy.
If he trains right and eats right, there should be no reason for him to not run it. Let him start traiing with you and be sure to have him listen to his body and go from there.
Wow..that is great.
Wow, good for him. I say go for it and see how he makes out on the long runs.
Don't know nothin about kids and growing bones but I DO think that would be a very cool thing to do together! Hope it works out.
Last year at the Indianapolis Mini Marathon I ran a couple miles with a little guy who was 11! His Dad was running, but they weren't together. He seemed like he was having a great time...and I was quite impressed. (and he was ahead of me until I caught him around mile 7!)
i'd double check with the RD, but i think he can do it!
i recently ran a half marathon where there were a bunch of kids around 12-15--i just double checked the awards and i guess 9 or 10 year olds even ran it. i hope the two of you have a great time training together and that he really enjoys himself during the race!
Go for it!
If he got seriously addicted to distance running you'd definitely want to sign him up with a cross country coach or track club so that he doesn't overdo the training or racing. That way he is in knowledgeable hands that know how to keep him from burning out or hurting himself.
Have a blast - I love running with my son (6) and look forward to this kind of thing.
Cheers,
I don't see why not?? If he gets tired/fatigued, he can always walk... Right?
No, do not let him run a half marathon. I don't need another person in the world faster than me.
Speaking of which, how would mom feel if he's faster than her? He looks like quite the athlete.
I think you'll find out if he's up to it when you do the weekly long runs.
All joking aside, I bet he can do it and he'll be fine.
While I was coaching at the high school level, one freshman who I think was like 14/15ish had run a marathon before and had no problems. Just make sure that he knows what he's getting into :) It's awesome though and he can totally do it. Also at the last 1/2 I ran, there were a bunch of students running it from grades 5-8 so that is also encouraging. Good luck!
I say see how he holds up during the training. I think the younger kids have a harder time with the mental part of running (once you get to the long runs.) See how it plays out. That's awesome that he has a goal to shoot for.
Just had a conversation with another mom about a similar dilemma. Her coach advised that her son could run the half-marathon, as long as he didn't race it. Too stressful on growing bones to push that hard, but a fun, casual run seemed fine to him. It's awesome your son wants to do it, though!
I think that would be awesome if your son ran the half... make sure you keep us updated... hell, have him start a blog about his experience!!!
That is so neat...I think I'd faint if one of my kids wanted to run a distance with me.
Maybe you could do a 5K or a 10K first? See how he does? If he likes the training part before committing to the 1/2?
Your 12 year old son looks about 16 in that photo!!!
He looks like he is in amazing shape!!! He can do it for sure!!!
Keep us posted!!!
That sounds like so much fun. My kids are 2 and 6 months, and I am already excited for the day that want to run with me. I remember running with my dad for the first time. Those are memories you cherish forever.
Post a Comment