The Qwer Old Fella's Marathon Method

5K races are fine provided she doesn't do 30 a year and provided she wants to run them without too much prodding.

Running is different from the ball sports and the games. Not many 10-year-olds are going to naturally find it fun. But if Grace does, you should encourage her to pursue it.

Being part of a track (athletics) club that encourages fun and skills development is great. I have no idea why we don't have a quality one in the Salt Lake Valley.

As a coach, I've seen several talented runners over the years not pan out when they got to high school. Google the name "Shaine Kirtright", perhaps the finest child runner ever in Utah. He was running sub-17 5ks when he was 11. Ran for me his 9th grade year and was my number 6-7 runner then he quit.

It sounds to me like you are taking the right precautions to keep Grace healthy. I wouldn't be too concerned about any developmental, or long-term setbacks as a result of her conditioning and racing. In fact, on that front, I believe her bones and muscles will respond to the stress in a healthy way and she'll be better off for it.

As somebody who started racing when I was young, I developed a real fear of losing. I'm not sure why. My parents and coaches were very kind. It probably had something to do with how much I enjoyed their positive excitement with the success I was having. I won two races at a national track meet when I was 10 and got too much attention from the media, which exaggerated my potential. College coaches were reported to say, "Mark my words. That's a future Olympian standing there." My 10-year-old head took everything in like a sponge. I started running every race, not for the joy of running or racing, but out of fear of losing, and needing to prove to myself and others that I was "special."

I'm not sure whether my coaches or parents could have shown up any better for me, but if I were to go back in time and coach my younger self. I would have looked for ways to keep running fun--to make sure it rarely felt like a chore. If Grace experiences satisfaction and joy in her running, it will continue to be a great experience. There may be times where a wise parent can step in to assist in keeping things fun and light, which through very infrequent observation you appear to be doing quite well. There will be plenty of time to get serious along the way :-)

If I had a daughter, I'd make her run! haha :)

Great thoughts, Rob and Scott.

I have nothing to add that they haven't already said ten times better.

I can't see how an occasional 5K run is a bad thing, but its OK for kids to play 8 soccer games in 24 hours at weekend tournaments. Like Rob said, most kids just find running boring. If she likes it, then by all means let her pursue it. You're smart enough to make sure she isn't doing too much - both from a physical and mental standpoint.

Rob - tomorrow's wil be the last one for this year; maybe one in Novembber, if she wants.

Grace seems to enjoy the runs (the odd training runs and the races, which are more like training runs as she's not racing per se).

The club does encourage skills in a fun way and that, along with the social aspect, is why we let her go along.

I look up Shaine - sounds like he was an awesome talent.

I was hoping you'd reply as I've been troubled thinking whether or not to let her run etc. So now you just have to do a draft training schedule:)

Scott. Thanks, that was a great insight. I am thinking about ways to make the running fun - like going to the beach and doing the cross country. I'll keep that in mind and I'll keep her away from the pressures of competition until she's older.

I loved the idea of going back and coaching your younger self. I remember reading that you were a national record holder or something like that. Time to become a national competitor in the Olympic Trials!

Janz - great mind's:) I was thinking about getting a stick to beat her with if she dropped the pace:)

Jake - Thanks. I suppose I just wanted to check that I was on the right track etc.

Bam, I agree with the others' comments. I strongly feel that, as long as she asks to pursue it, let her do it. The only possible detriment I see in young kids running is overly-pushy parents and coaches. You clearly won't be that way. Just make sure she doesn't over do it.

I feel the physical benefits of running, even for young kids, far outweigh the negatives of not being active.

I started running when I was 9, only because I wanted to be with my Dad, who was training for a 5k fun run. I started to excel, and I've been hooked ever since. My Dad was a master at holding me back and making sure I didn't over-do it.

I've got healthy joints, and the habits of discipline and dedication were instilled at an early age. Like Scott, I placed at a national track meet at 10 years of age (2nd in 1500m, 2nd in 3000m, 4th in 800m). Only did that national meet because it was in Provo, Utah that year (at the time, my parents didn't want to travel to big meets).

Sharing the example of me is, of course, anecdotal, but my experience has been a great one.

My first attempts at jogging were w/ my Dad as well... 20 minutes around the neighborhood as part of summer basketball conditioning, then we'd do drills and shoot jump shots once we were "tired"... I was probably like 14 yrs old and really struggled on the running at the time. Its kind of funny to think about that now. One time I got dropped on one of those jogs by my Mom! About two years later the tables really turned on them, though :-)

There is a local running group here that has kids mostly aged 9-12. They run together a few times a week and even do speedwork, the kids seem happy and motivated and can run some killer 5k's! I agree that as long as she is doing it and enjoying it without pressure, than all is well!

Matt - thanks Matt. Wow. Both you and Scott were right little tigers when you were nippers.

You've articulated what I've been thinking. I think the benefits of running are betting than sitting doing nothing, especially as she wants to do it.

Jake - that's mad that your Mom beat you when you were 14, unless of course your Mom's was the US 10k champ!

April - thanks. That's good to know. It helps knowing that other kids are out there running 5k. I don't see the big deal with it, but I was concerned that it might have been unusual - obviously not. So all's good:)

I have a 13-year-old son who has just recently become interested in distance running. I've never pushed him or suggested it. But, he's now interested. A couple weeks ago, he asked if I would help him come up with a training schedule. Fun stuff.

Matt - that's great that he's come to you for help. I'm sitting down with Grace later today (Sunday) and we're going to have a little look at what days she's going to do what. I'm going to explain the whole thing to her. I'm going to tell her about both you and Scott and your experiences etc.

I want to keep her away from the track for a good few years, while developing her technique and endurance.

On Letsrun, there's a bit with some 'Great Articles' and in there, there's some stuff about base training by John Kellogg. I think the basics of his base training are what kids should be doing - not the mileage, but the the general structure seems like a good and fun foundation that will develop many of the areas without too much stress. Worth a look.