Kids and running

[demandypants]

Last night, my daughter (almost 6) asked if she could come out to the trail and run with me. I wasn't planning on a long run and figured she could tag along for an easy 2 miles. But H came along to trail us in case she gave up or became too whiny so I could get in more than a half mile. Well she stuck with me for 2 miles, we were probably around a 12.5 min/mile pace.  I have to admit it was fun having her with me.

My question is, is this too much for her growing body? should I limit her trips out with me (not just for my own sanity and alone time?)  Anyone else have kids who like running?

[katinthehat]

I think kids know their own bodies better than we adults know our own. As long as you aren't pushing her (and as long as she isn't whining about it!) let her come and do what she feels comfortable doing. Good for both of you!

[gummybear]

My almost-6 yo daughter "runs" with me sometimes. She has expressed interest and it is a great way to get some activity in. I don't push her and we go her pace and a distance she is comfortable with. I think it's great!

[demandypants]

Thanks ladies. That was my instinct too. But I wouldn't let her go her own pace. She tends to run as fast as she can, then needs to stop. I tried to teach her a little about pacing herself. I appreciate the feedback!

[Brit]

I don't think I would worry about it as long as she likes it and isn't complaining. Kids run a lot for other sports, soccer for example, and just run around in general. I wouldn't think that running for the sake of running would be inherently bad.

(Says the mom of a not nearly six year old...)

[gummybear]

Just because I am a huge AW I even got us matching outfits

[gustafngrete]

Aug 14, 2013 12:08:55 GMT -5 demandypants said:

Thanks ladies. That was my instinct too. But I wouldn't let her go her own pace. She tends to run as fast as she can, then needs to stop. I tried to teach her a little about pacing herself. I appreciate the feedback!

I think that's pretty typical. My DS1 loves to run, but burns outs pretty fast.  I love to jog with him to his school (about 1/2 mile away) and do laps around the track.  When he needs a break, he can stop and play on the playground for a while without interrupting my run.


Have fun!

[cinco]

She'll let you know when she has had enough. My older two are on a cross country team and love it. The practices involve stretching, drills, and games. The 5/6 group races a 1k, and the 7/8 year olds race a 2k, but they do end up doing a bit more in practice. The little ones are surprisingly good at running trails. I guess from being closer to the ground. This years season starts next week and I'm so excited to take turns running with the kids at practice. Sometimes they ditch me to run with friends, but what can you do

[Deleted]

That is so fun! I think that is fine if she is up for it. At many 5Ks I run, I see 7-9 year olds running it. I have tried to get DS interested in running via a fun run, but he didn't end up wanting to do it. He runs at soccer, but is more interested in playing a game than running.

[demandypants]

Aug 14, 2013 12:37:10 GMT -5 @mjmksb04 said:

That is so fun! I think that is fine if she is up for it. At many 5Ks I run, I see 7-9 year olds running it. I have tried to get DS interested in running via a fun run, but he didn't end up wanting to do it. He runs at soccer, but is more interested in playing a game than running.

And perhaps that is why running suits her so well- she isn't so great at warming up in a team sport environment right now due to shyness. I think just running may be a good fit right now. I will let her interest lead the way on what happens next!

[G22]

My brother is 12 and has done a handful of 5ks over the last few years. He loves it and when he does them, someone in the family runs with him to help him pace himself.

Whoever said they know their own body and will let you know when their done is right!