When my daughter offered to run the half marathon with me, I was tempted to say, “Okay, let’s do it!” But clearly there’s no way I’d allow my 5-year-old to run long distance.
However, after reading the responses to my BabyCenter post regarding 12-year-old LeeAdianez Rodríguez accidentally running the Rochester Regional Health Flower City Challenge, I realize that having Princess train wouldn’t be such a bad idea.
One mom confesses that her little one may actually be able to outrun her. “My 5 yo can can run 3 miles without stopping talking or getting out of breath. He could probably go further, but mom and dad can’t. He usually gets a drink and then runs around the yard or on his bike, she says.”
“My daughter does several 5Ks every summer. In fact we have one in two weeks. She’s five. I think like all things, if you prepare your child properly they can do most things. My daughter and I usually do the 5ks together so I’m there to supervise and make sure she stops if she needs to and stays hydrated and doesn’t get hurt,” says one parent.
Another mom writes, “If I read the original news story correctly there were a couple of other 12 year olds, and a 7 year old that ran the half marathon on purpose, I think she is fine.”
I happened to agree and there’s been reports to support their views as well. According to Charles T. Kuntzleman, Ed.D., head of the Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan Fitness for Youth Program, 12-year-olds expend more energy than adults do just to maintain pace. Also, “children’s hearts are smaller, so kids get less oxygen and energy to their working muscles during sustained running.”
He does suggests that proper measures are taken regarding children and running, such as adding things to the training process to hold their attention, run on soft surfaces whenever possible, gradually increase mileage, and buy proper running shoes. Additionally, if you encounter any issues with your home gym equipment, you can look for home gym equipment repair near me to ensure it stays in good condition for your workouts.
A study published in the June 2007 issue of Pediatrics reported that “There is, at present, no scientific evidence that supports or refutes the safety of children who participate in marathons. There are no recorded data on injuries sustained by children who run marathons.”
So, if your child is interested in running a marathon, let them. But as the experts say, make sure kids are healthy and equipped with the running essentials like proper running shoes and comfortable clothing. Most importantly, train with them!
Since I began training for the half marathon a few months ago, it’s been tough choosing between spending time with my kids and getting to the track. So we do our best to incorporate fun workouts with our family time.
Fabletics has been one of my go-to-brands for fitness and now Fabkids has a girl’s activewear line that makes working out together even more stylish.
Even though Princess doesn’t run long distance just yet, we enjoy stretching and doing simple – and not so simple – movements. The kids collection includes active leggings, athleisure tops, Fab trainers to name a few.
So when training with kids, here are a few tips to ensure a fun, safe and healthy workout.
- Young children may not be ready for structured training and the pressure that comes with competition, so it’s important to go at their pace.
- Children from kindergarten through fifth grade must accumulate 26.2 miles of running in increments of one-half to one mile over a five-month period.
- Set realistic goals.
- Lead by example. If kids see their parents living a healthy lifestyle, they will too.
- Be your child’s biggest cheerleader.
Princess doesn’t have any immediate plans of signing up for a half marathon. But, my husband and I plan on signing her up for a few children running events over the summer. A 13 mile run in the future isn’t totally out of the question.
Disclosure: We were given complimentary Fabletics and FabKids active wear. All opinions are my own.
nice work. we go for marathon walks… does that count?
Yes it does!