Run Run Away

Question:

I have a couple of teenagers interested in running a Marathon.  Both just completed a half marathon on 23rd May and finished comfortable and in 128 minutes.  The Marathon I am thinking of taking them to is in October. My question is to do with their ages…at about 14 and 16 years of age the 16 year old is fine but what about the 14 year old?  Is that too young to encourage such distance running and the required training?  I think it is probably OK because it is only one marathon but I would like your thoughts on the matter.  Marathon training is quite stressful…is it too stressful for someone that young?

IMHO, I would not recommend letting either of them run a marathon. There is a *HUGE* difference in not only the race but also the training required for a half- and a full-.  Both the muscular and skeletal systems of adolescents (sp?) are not fully developed yet, and the stress that comes from increased training can easily lead to injury.  In my experience, in both running marathons and talking with countless marathoners, I think most young people can run marathons, but run a significantly higher risk of injuring oneself. A number of other factors need also be considered.  Is the youngster disciplined enough in his/her running to complete the required training?  This may not be problem among very dedicated runners, but 60-70 mile weeks with long runs on the order of 20 miles requires and immense amount of discipline, not only in completing the runs but also in allowing ample recovery and knowing how far one can push one’s body.  Also, one needs to take into account the mental aspect.  If they find the marathon a horrble experience, as many do (at least during the last 6 miles and the days of soreness which follow), will they give up on running?  My wife was a very dedicated runner through highschool and her freshman year in college, running track and cross-country, running all the local races, etc…  her college cross country team decided to run a marathon during the offseason.  All though she did very well, she hadn’t properly trained for it and she quit running.  She just took up running again a couple of years ago, after a six year hiatus.  Her younger brother (a very promising cross-country runner) ran the same marathon as a senior in high-school, 2 years after my then-to-be wife ran it.  He too did very well (on proper training), but, unfortunately has not run since.  I am not saying this will happen to your two runners, but it is something one should think about.  There are a lot of years left in their life, if one pushes too hard and burns out early, they may lose something that is really worth keeping. Just my $0.02, -Jeff — Post-Doctoral Research Associate Department of Atmospheric Science University of Wyoming Laramie, WY  82071 tel: (307) 766-4143 (office)      (307) 766-3245 (secretary)

Response:

I have a couple of teenagers interested in running a Marathon.  Both just completed a half marathon on 23rd May and finished comfortable and in 128 minutes.  The Marathon I am thinking of taking them to is in October. My question is to do with their ages…at about 14 and 16 years of age the 16 year old is fine but what about the 14 year old?  Is that too young to encourage such distance running and the required training?  I think it is probably OK because it is only one marathon but I would like your thoughts on the matter.  Marathon training is quite stressful…is it too stressful for someone that young? Your comments would be appreciated. — ICQ# 29883921

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