At how young an age can my child start running?
Running is a natural activity. Indeed, most children seem to run before they can walk. There is no age restriction on running and the primary concerns you should have are related to overuse, overtraining and proper hydration of your child during exercise.
back to top How common are running injuries among children?
While no specific studies have been done on running injuries among children, children's sports in general have dramatically increased in popularity and so have injuries resulting from participation in them. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, about half of those injuries are a result of engaging in activities at intensities, durations or frequencies that are too much for the child's bones and joints to bear.
back to top How should my child train for racing events?
Training requirements for racing events depend upon the type of event sprints, cross country, etc. In general, any running conditioning program should be well-rounded and alternate difficult workouts with light, easy workouts. Light stretching should be incorporated into any exercise program as well.
back to top My child has all-purpose sneakers. Are specialized running shoes important for children?
Running shoes are even more important for children than they are for adults because the structure of the child's foot is still developing. Even though your child may outgrow their running shoes frequently, you should consider running shoes to be a good investment. Have an experienced salesperson at a specialty running store help with proper sizing. The shoe should provide both support and stability. The sole should be firm in the midsole and bendable just beneath the ball of the foot. When the foot is fully seated in the shoe, the big toe should come close to, but not touch, the front of the shoe. Finally, the heel counter should be firm, comfortable and suited to the width of your child's foot.
back to top What are the most common running injuries among children?
The most common running injuries in children are injuries to the long bones of the lower leg, such as stress fractures, knee pain and chronic Achilles Tendonitis. These injuries generally result from overuse and are more commonly seen among young distance runners. While these injuries are common in adults, children require special attention as these injuries can lead to chronic arthritis or interfere with the child's normal growth and development. In addition, pre-adolescent girls who are distance runners may experience delayed onset of menstruation. Finally, says the American Pediatrics Association, children's internal thermostats are less developed than those of adults, so they need to hydrate more regularly, particularly if their running activities last more than 30 minutes.
back to top Where can my child participate in running events?
If your child is interested in competitive running activities, the first place to begin is his/her school's athletic program. Today, there are some six to eight million children who participate in school athletic programs. Sponsored endurance races for children are beginning to crop up around the country. The most notable is the Ironkids Bread Race Series (314-259-7279).
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