First Practice

This is an important session, because it sets the tone for your whole season. Students learn about practice schedules, event and race opportunities, what’s expected of them, and set their goals and objectives for the season. Here’s an outline for day one:

• Participant Release Form: Be sure to get a completed and signed Participant Release Form from each student; make note of students with special medical conditions prior to participation in practices

• Attendance: Fill out an Attendance Sheet at all practices and enter the information into STRIDES once a week or once every two weeks. This is important because Young Runners receive incentives based on attendance

• One Mile Challenge: Students will track their progress against this first run

First Few Weeks

• Test Results: Record each athlete's time on the One Mile Challenge spreadsheet at the beginning and end of the season

• Setting Goals: Tell Young Runners their baseline time and help them to set realistic goals for the season. They can then use the Goal Sheets from your flash drive to record their goals

• Keeping Track: Tracking mileage and time is required throughout the season so that your Young Runners can receive appropriate distance patches and accomplishment-based team trophies

Practice Activities

Here are helpful ideas to keep your Young Runners program both productive and fun. Attend one of the After the Basics training sessions offered by NYRR to get more tips. Your Young Runners Field Coordinator is also available to help you with planning. Practices should include a warm-up, a cool-down, and some or all components from the following resources:

• A Running Start: This is a great place to find activities and games; revisit it throughout the season for fresh ideas
• Form Drills: By improving their technique and form, runners can increase their speed and conserve energy
• Strength Training: Young Runners can use their own body weight to strengthen muscles, improve performance, and prevent injury
• Running: Create workout groups based on fitness level, endurance, and speed for some of your practices; vary the workouts for improved speed and strength
• Mental Training: Help your athletes stay positive and focused by learning to manage discomfort and improve form and technique
• Pacing: Teach Young Runners how to use their energy efficiently so they can run farther, faster

Running Distances

Your Young Runners will develop greater and longer-lasting health habits as they progress to running longer distances. Here's a general age-based distance guideline: