Young Runners at the Top

Book excerpt: In today’s hyper-competitive world, young athletes are often pushed to compete and pressured to succeed to the point of burnout. It doesn’t have to be that way, though, because many young runners genuinely enjoy training and racing. But in order to train and compete intelligently—to become better runners yet avoid injuries or academic and social missteps—they need guidance. Young Runners at the Top: A Training, Racing, and Lifestyle Guide for Competitors and Coaches provides helpful instructions and suggestions for runners of all abilities. Drawing on their experiences as coaches and runners, authors Brad Hudson, Lize Brittin, and Kevin Beckoffer insights into how pre-teens and teens can become faster and stronger athletes. Chapters cover such key topics as choosing the right gear, cross-training, the mental side of running, new technology, how to integrate running into daily life, and proper nutrition. Sample training schedules for beginning, intermediate, and elite runners make this a truly comprehensive resource for runners at all levels. Using examples of athletes who have excelled both as youngsters and adults and citing wisdom from top running coaches, this book encourages young runners to develop the inner strength and discipline required in a demanding sport. Ultimately, Young Runners at the Top shares with athletes, coaches, and parents not only what it takes to become a top runner, but also how to maintain a positive attitude and enjoy the act of running day after day, year after year.