Sunday, July 29, 2018

"A better pacing strategy for my daughter...?"


"After state cross country finals I realised my daughter picks out a runner and paces off them and passes them at the end.
This works for her at regional level as she knows who will stretch her but in the crush at the start of a state final she loses them and chooses someone else. (Ironically with a similar coloured uniform). I was wondering if you had good tips for teaching her to pace herself ?


How old is your daughter* ?

If she's less than 12yo, here are some general principles to consider.

As a premise, she's about to go through "series and serious" physical, emotional and social changes. Maintaining an interest in sport and running through these, and developing "skills" that lay a foundation for future running or recreational sport, I'd recommend as the key "strategy".



Firstly, big picture or long term. Develop your daughter as a better young person and athlete first - participating in different sports, running & athletic events for overall physical, skill, mental (incl. attitude, effort, resilience), social and 'sportsmanship' development. Even include swimming & gymnastics here.

Secondly, develop her as a better overall runner over the next few years - using different seasonal approaches and events (incl relays), surfaces, terrains, locations, and fun-based jumping, hopping and skipping. And, importantly, keep speed games as part of the mix.

These help develop stride-variability too, which:
 (a) will hold her in better stead for running or future run-based sports (see below), 
 (b) develops an economical/efficient & adaptable stride, 
 (c) will reduce injury risk, and 
 (d) will help maintain interest/motivation. 

Keep her away from repetitive and serious run-training and any specific run-race strategies. At 'this age' it's more important to develop her overall ability/s and keep her interested in running/sport/athletics. Think about developing a broad-spectrum of sport/run-related habits and habits-of-mind. She'll be able to draw on these later if she decides to (continue to) run. 

Thirdly, I wouldn't be concerned about her current race strategy/s - especially if she's color attaching herself to "yellow-and-black" (hehe).

If she stays in the sport long enough and begins to specialise by, say 16yo, then consider different pacing AND racing strategies (they're not the same things). These can be developed through training, events and races.

I hope your daughter is having a blast and that you're enjoying seeing her enjoy herself :-)


*ps. so happens that the young girl is 11 years old

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