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YR MOMENTS THE START IT’S AT THIS MOMENT WHERE EVERY POSSIBLE THOUGHT AND EMOTION RUSHES THROUGH YOUR MIND BEFORE THE STARTERS GUN GOES OFF. ARE MY SHOES TIED? DID I WEAR MY LUCKY SOCKS? AM I PREPARED? WILL I GET TO THE LINE FIRST?

SMOTHERMAN IMAGES

2 | MARCH/APRIL 2020

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 3

14u indoor national championship march 7-8, 2020 | ypsilanti, michigan

aau indoor national championships march 13-15, 2020 | landover, maryland

www.aautrackandfield.org 4 | MARCH/APRIL 2020

YR contents: MARCH-APRIL 2020

READY.SET.GO

Vol. 25 Issue 1

8

Shea Elmore kyle peters FEATURE

12 Running Club

Highlight 20 Keeping Up with Youth Runner Athletes

CHECK IT OUT

TRAINING

16-17 Instagram FAN SHOTS 18-19 MEET HIGHLIGHTS 24-25 Way to Go 26-27

Ask A youth runner coach

MORE 2-3 YRMOMENTS

from the editor 5 CONTENTS 6 letter 7 YR Blogger

14-15 poster

28 coming up

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 5

yr

editor VOLUME 25 ISSUE 1 | MARCH/APRIL 2020 Publisher/Editor Dan Kesterson Editor at Large Ian Kesterson Contributing Writers, Bloggers & Reporters Morgan Boonshaft, Cody Jones, Amelia Fleming, Kenan Pala, Jordynn West, Chelsea Ochoa, D’Asia Duncan, Taitum Schaap, Evan Gonzales, Will Benitez, Ellie Porter, Pat Tyson, Bob Williams, Matt Walsh Art Director Sean Kesterson

Ian Kesterson, Youth Runner Editor at Large

LETTER FROM THE

EDITOR Hi Team!

You ever hear that phrase, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step?” Makes sense, I guess. Gotta start somewhere.

When I was 12 I had a pretty good race at the Junior Olympic Oregon State meet and ended up in 4th place to qualify for Regionals. Awesome! I had gone into that race with zero expectations, ran hard, and passed a few boys at the finish. I felt like I just won a gold medal and if Regionals were an hour later, I bet I could’ve won the whole thing. But it was two weeks away. Too much time to strategize and worry about what could happen.

Finally we were up in Seattle for the Regionals meet. During warmups I just couldn’t get those butterflies out of my stomach and even asked if I could just scratch the race and go home. Just try, said Dad. Make that first step.

EDITOR'S NOTES 6 | MARCH/APRIL 2020

Well, if you were hoping to hear that I won the whole thing, sorry, bad news. I don’t think I got last place and the 1500 is too short of a race to get lapped, but it wasn’t pretty. I was just too worried about the end and the hard stuff in the middle to give myself a real chance.

I still get nervous about hard stuff in life. Now that I’m a big kid in my 30s, I like to go on long backcountry snowboard trips with my friends. These marathon days have lots of unknowns. Who knows how the day will shape up? Well, take the first step and see what happens. That first step turns into a mile and before you know it you’re feeling pretty good hanging out in the mystery of that unknown middle.

The real secret is knowing that all the good stuff always hides in that unknown middle. And that’s why even if you could tell me how to fast forward to the last steps, I’d say that I’m fine without it. Even if it’s scary, it’s what I start the run to find.

Just gotta start, Ian

Welcome to our new blogger Morgan Boonshaft.

Contributing Designer Scott Scoggin CONTRIBUTING Photographers Smotherman Images, Kyle Peters, Klotz Images, Ralph Jones, Rachelle Clinton, Logan HanniganDowns, Sam Gehrke, Eric Ward, Dusty Smith, Eric Trice, Peter Campell-Thompson, Gary Morgan, Photo Run, HKRS, Dingo Images, Fans cover photo Kyle Peters Website-Digital-Video Sean Kesterson THANKS TO: Kezar Stadium, John Truax and the OTC, Shannon Moorhead, Marcie Taylor, Happy People.

ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIPS dank@youthrunner.com SUBSCRIPTION RATES US One Year: Print $14.95 Digital $9.95 Subscribe at www.youthrunner.com PUBLISHED BY: Youth Runner Magazine is a registered trademark of GoSportz Media LLC. Published 5 times a year by GoSportz Media, LLC Copyright 2020 all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission. Editorial contributions are welcome, submit queries to editor@Youthrunner.com. Gosportz Media LLC and it’s publisher assumes no liability for the content or opinion of it’s writers or advertisers and reserves the right to reject any advertising at it’s own discretion.

Youth Runner recommends that you consult with your coach and your physician on any changes with your training, fitness and health issues.

YOUTH RUNNER

BLOGGERS AMELIA’S Favorites

Things to do

Things to do

Morgan Boonshaft

Morgan Boonshaft:

HOW MORGAN DISCOVERED HER PASSION FOR RUNNING When I was little, my parents encouraged me to try several different sports. I wasn’t the most coordinated child, and anything with a ball just did not work. So dancing is where I found my home. I loved to dance for many years, but I knew it wasn’t my passion.

In fourth grade, my mom signed me up for Girls on the Run. Who would have known that this program would ignite a passion for running that burns brighter and brighter every single day. While I wasn’t the fastest when I ran all of my stress and anxiety went away.

My mom explored running options in the Charlotte area and ultimately came across Fit180. Head Coach Lisa Sluiter and her team of amazing coaches run programs throughout the year from cross country season through track season.

Athletes of all skill levels are encouraged to participate, and it’s wonderful to see everyone’s progression. As for me, I was one

of the slower kids in my first year, but that didn’t matter. We worked together as a team, and when we competed in meets, everyone cheered each other on to personal victories.

My coaches always tell me to trust the process. Becoming a high-performance runner takes time, hard work, and dedication to the sport. The PRs don’t happen overnight.

In the 2019 XC Season, I was able to improve my time a lot and earn some amazing accomplishments in the 3k, 4K, and 5k distances.

This is just the beginning. I am so excited to see where this sport takes me. High School. College. International Competitions.

Who knows? What I do know is that I have found the sport I love and cannot wait to see what the future holds.

WHAT ARE Morgan’S

App

Sport besides running

TV Series

FAVORITES?

Sport besides running - Swimming Things to do - Baking and Science Olympiad App - Strava Shoe - Nike Zoom Fly TV Series - Kids Baking Championships

Shoe

Tag photos #youthrunner YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 7

kyle peters 8 | MARCH/APRIL 2020

kyle peters

Age 13 Grade 7 School Hillbrook School Club Los Gatos Track Club lives in Los Gatos, CA

Q&A WITH SHEA Describe the AAU XC experience and your win at the 2019 nationals.

Shea: Leading up to nationals, I felt really good about my training, so I thought my chances to do well were high. The start of the race was stressful because there was a false start, so everyone was on their toes for the second start. The start was on a flat soccer field, but there were a few winding hills and a couple of steep ones throughout the race. I ran a build-up in the second half of the race and finished strong with a kick, nine seconds ahead of second place.

When did you first take the lead?

About half a mile into the race, I took the lead. I started quickly right next to another girl, with the third girl a few seconds behind us. But after half a mile, we separated.

What was the weather and course conditions on race day?

When is your first track meet, and what events will you be racing?

The weather was really nice, 55° (F) with almost no wind and only a couple of clouds. There were only a few mud patches on the course and not much wind.

My first track meet is a local all-comers meet at the end of February. I will be running the 400m and 800m. Even though the 400m is not my event, I’m using it as speed work for that day. For the 800, since it’s the first one of the season, I’d be happy with a 2:24 or better.

What have you been doing over the winter since XC? As in your running in general-training?

After nationals, I took two weeks off where I swam and didn’t run. Then I gradually got back to running six days a week, doing some track intervals and longer hilly tempo runs as well as easy paced runs.

Any 5k’s or road runs?

A couple of weeks ago, I ran my first half marathon in 1:36:50. Now that I know how to run a half marathon, I can train for the next one possibly this summer. And, in about two months, I will run a four-mile road race.

Tell us about your best race ever and the not so great one.

My best race was at the 2019 National Junior Olympics for track when I ran the 3000m. In that race, I had a thirty-second personal record and won by about two seconds. The worst race I’ve ever run was during 2019’s school track season. I was about to run the mile when one of the coaches kicked me out of the race because of an insurance paperwork issue. But I still wanted to run a mile for time, so my parents immediately drove me to a different school track meet close by.

I jumped out of the car and ran onto YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 9

kyle peters

the track in my training shoes just a couple seconds before the gun went off. In the end, my time wasn’t very good, but at least I got in a workout!

My coach is Willie Harmatz.

What are your goals for spring track and Junior Olympics this year?

The night before the 2019 3000m track nationals, my coach said, “You have the ability to run with the best tomorrow. You just have to decide if you will.”

For the 3000m, I want to be in the top 6 at nationals and get under 10:00 minutes. For the 1500m, I’m hoping to qualify for the finals at nationals and get under 4:45. And for the 4x800, I am working toward making the A team, even though I’m thirteen years old and my club team has some pretty strong fourteen-year-olds.

Tell us about a typical week of training once track season is in full swing for you. Such as miles per week or minutes per day. What does it look like for you?

I will run six days a week, with three of them being hard track intervals, two being easy recovery days, about 4.5 miles, and one being a tempo run with hills, about 5 miles.

Who coaches you?

10 | MARCH/APRIL 2020

What is the best advice your coach has given you?

What motivates you to push through the days when you may want to do something besides train?

Thinking about the rewards that result from hard training really helps motivate me. I say to myself, “by training hard today; you will be faster tomorrow.”

Do you keep a running journal or use an app? And, what are the most important items to keep track of for you.

I don’t use a running journal or an app. I just have a general weekly schedule that I follow.

Is there someone who originally inspired you to be competitive?

My parents have always been runners, so when I was little, I would sometimes go on runs with them. Ever since then, I have loved running and being (jokingly) competitive with my dad.

Do you have a role model that you look up to?

I really look up to Katelyn Touhy. She has multiple national records, won the Nike Cross Nationals three times, and she never gives up even when she’s in a challenging race.

Tell us about your school life. What subjects are you most passionate about?

I love English and writing, it’s definitely my strongest subject. I also enjoy learning and making connections in science. There is always room for you to go above and beyond. Algebra is hard, time-consuming, and moves at a very fast pace, and I don’t really enjoy it either.

Are there any community projects you’re involved in or causes that interest you?

“by training hard today, you will be faster tomorrow.”

My school really wants kids to reach beyond themselves, so a couple times a month we will take two hours out of our school day to pick up trash in a nearby creek, make blankets for the homeless, learn about inequalities and biases in race and gender, and more.

Do you follow any pro sports like the NBA? Since I play tennis, I enjoy watching the USTA and WTA. If so, who is your favorite player?

I love watching Coco Gauff because she is only fifteen years old and can beat professionals who have played tennis for much longer than she has.

Describe yourself in five words: Diligent, modest, kind, athletic, and passionate.

What advice would you give to other young runners?

Don’t put too much pressure on yourself with running, it doesn’t help. And, if you feel nervous before a race, turn it into excitement and adrenaline.

Favorites App - Instagram Music - Taylor Swift Running Shoe - Asics Pre-race meal - Two eggs and lots of berries Netflix Series - Glee Color - Pastel indigo Movie - Sixteen candles kyle peters

Shea’s PR’s

Last book you read - I Am Malala

Age 10 800m - 2:49 1600m - 6:20

Age 11 800m - 2:35.6 1500m - 5:15.61 1600m - 5:55.45 8 miles - 1:07:18

Age 12 800m - 2:26.11 1500m - 4:55.69 1600m - 5:15.69 3000m - 10:15.77

kyle peters

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 11

OTC YOUTH CLUB A new running club in Eugene, Oregon

It’s always exciting to see a new cross country or track club get started and watch their success. Last fall, 82 kids came out for the first season of the Oregon Track Club youth Cross Country team in Eugene.

OTC offers an atmosphere that fuels kids’ excitement and nurtures a love for running. What’s cool is that the club is an offshoot of the historic OTC Elite Track Club in Track Town USA, and elite runners and celebrities stop by to give encouragement and inspiration. Along with the regular coaching staff including John Truax, Jill Mestler, Sabrina Southerland, Kate Murphy, and Ben Blankenship.

Age group to join the club is 8-14, and all levels are welcome. They encourage kids to participate in other sports and stay active all year around. When you’re ready to compete, the coaches are there to guide you along the way.

The first cross country season two kids made it to nationals, and they’re hoping to take a team this year.

12 | MARCH/APRIL 2020

top right: 9 year old Bella Wells finishing the 3k young race at the NW classic meet in Eugene at LCC Center left: Adam Reeder competing at the NW Classic at LCC in Eugene OR. Adam was the top OTC Youth boy all season long Center right: Ben Blankenship, 2016 1500m Olympian coaching and interacting with the OTC youth Bottom: OTC boys Nathan Sheley (left) and Ben Kehrein (right) cheer on teammate Caleb Spiesal PHOTOS - JOHN TRUAX

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 13

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RACING THE 5K NEWPORT MESA SPIRIT RUN WHATS BETTER THAN GETTING UP EARLY ON SUNDAY MORNING AND RACING A 5K NEXT TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN. IN THE UNDER 18 DIVISION MACKENZIE MCRAE WAS THE FIRST FEMALE TO FINISH AND ALEXANDRE LEBLANC WAS THE FIRST MALE.

PAKSIT PHOTOS FOR SPIRIT RUN YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 15

instagram

fanpage

KIDS RULE THE WORLD! We just showcase them!

Here are some of YOUR best shots this season! Wanna see your own photos in these pages? It's easy! All you have to do is hashtag #youthrunner when you post to Instagram!

16 | MARCH/APRIL 2020

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 17

MEET HIGHLIGHTS COVINA This was a 7-way meet at Covina HS in California SMOTHERMAN IMAGES

MILLROSE GAMES This historic meet draws the best of the best for indoor competition.

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DAVE WATT

NEWPORT MESA SPIRIT RUN This event is a fundraiser for schools in the area.

Steve Scott a famous Miler starts the races.

Paksit Photos for Spirit Run

WINTER MEET Held at Arcadia HS this meet kicks off the season for many So Cal schools.

SMOTHERMAN IMAGES

IT’S BEEN A FAST SEASON FOR INDOOR TRACK, BUT THAT ALL WRAPS UP WITH THE CHAMPIONSHIP MEETS THIS MONTH AND NOW IT’S OUTDOOR TRACK WITH SCHOOL COMPETITIONS, YOUTH CLUBS ARE GETTING TOGETHER. 5K’S AND MILE RUNS ARE EVERYWHERE. YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 19

KEEPING UP WITH

YR ATHLETES, BLOGGERS, & EDITORS Here’s what’s happening with some of the athletes that have been featured in past issues of Youth Runner Magazine and Youthrunner.com

Camille Napier Featured Athlete

Camille is an incredible athlete and has pushed through many challenges since she started running. This year, as a sophomore, Camille has already run a 10:40 3200m, which is the fastest time in Texas so far. Keep inspiring us, Camille!

COURTESY JEFF NAPIER

Micah Williams On the Cover May-June 2019

An injury kept Micah from his full potential last year but he’s making up for it in a big way this. He was signed by the University of Oregon ranked #1 in the 100m and the season is just getting started.

SAM GEHRKE 20 | MARCH/APRIL 2020

Galen Rupp Featured Athlete

Galen weathered some overwhelming pressures this last year with a change in coaching and an injury. But he landed on his feet to win the Olympic Trials Marathon for the second time. On to Tokyo for the Summer Olympics. We’ll be cheering for you, Galen!

PHOTO RUN

Izzy Frost Featured Athlete Izzy added another win to her long list of accomplishments at the New Orleans Rock ‘n’ Roll 5K with a time of 18:20. She also won the NOLA 5K last year. If you need some inspiration, follow her on Instagram izzy_runs.

Brianna Williams On the Cover July-August 2018

The latest for 17-year old Brianna is that she took the leap and became a professional athlete with Nike. Running with a field of professional women at the Millrose Games last month, she ran a personal best of 7.18 in the 60m for a 3rd place finish.

PHOTO RUN

Joe Waskom On the Cover Sept-Oct 2015

Joe had a stellar high school career and is now at the University of Washington. As a high school senior, he was 2nd in the 1600m in 4:06.64 at the state meet on the heels of teammate Daniel Maton which was the fastest race in the country. In the 3200m, Joe won the title for the second year in a time of 8:56.02 and ran a 4:03.73 at the Brooks PR Invitational.

PHOTO RUN YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 21

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Pro Tips

for Parents

How to Manage Travel Money to Meets Many of you will be traveling to meets this spring and summer. Sometimes athletes will go with the team and without the parents. So, parents, do you send your athletes with cash, a credit card, or what?

We’ve noticed several debit cards recently just for kids, and one of them is called Greenlight. The way it works is that the parents can move money in and out of their athletes’ card. Set limits, give allowances for chores, and, most importantly, have

peace of mind when they are at the meets with the team.

Kids and parents login to the same app, but have two different experiences. Parents set flexible controls and receive alerts while kids set goals, and learn how to manage money. It also empowers parents to teach money management and the power of saving.

Check it out here: Greenlightcard.com

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 23

way to

go

Molly Seidel Something amazing just happened for Molly Seidel In her very first marathon ever, she placed 2nd in the Olympic Marathon Trials in Atlanta, Georgia. If you’re wondering how she could be in the Trials without running a marathon before the answer is that you can qualify by running a fast time in the half marathon.

The top three finishers will represent the USA in Tokyo, Japan, at the Summer Olympics.

We’ve been following Molly as a high school athlete when she won Foot Locker Nationals. In college, she became the first athlete to win both an NCAA Cross Country title and a Foot Locker championship.

Way to Go Molly!

PHOTO RUN 24 | MARCH/APRIL 2020

HARRISON DECKER

Distance Runner

Ten-year-old Harrison is a member of the Buffalo Chips Running Club in California. He loves riding his scooter, Taekwondo, and playing with his dogs. So far this year, in Harrisons’ first 10k, his Garmin reported three PRs - mile (6:04.9), 5k (20:06), and 10k (41:19).

Last years’ highlights included: Winning the 4th grade El Dorado County XC Championships.

11th place in the Cross Country Coaches Nationals Youth Championships.

Running in the California International Marathon relay with three of his Buffalo Chips 9/10-year-old teammates. They finished in 3:09, 25th overall out of over 700 teams. Harrison ran the final 5.7-mile leg with a pace of 6:43.

Klotz Images This was at CIM with the mens winner Elisha Barno

His longest race was The Apple Hill Harvest Run. It’s a hilly 9-mile road race with 1500’ of elevation gain/loss. Harrison ran a 7:04 pace good for 11th pace overall out of over 300 runners, and 1st in the 12 and under age group. Big goals for spring are doing well in an upcoming 10-mile race, going under 19 minutes in a 5k, breaking 6 minutes in the mile (1600m), and under 41 minutes in a 10k. Good Luck, and keep having fun!

YOUTH RUNNER TOP DOG OF THE MONTH AAU XC NATIONAL CHAMPION

Caleb Hymans, 14 Annandale, VA Caleb added another title to his accomplishments by winning the 14-year old championship race in Knoxville. Keep a watch out for Caleb!

5k Winner

INDOOR CHAMP

Brooke Hooper, 14 South Florida

Jada Harper, 10 New Albany, Indiana

Brooke ran for a great cause called the I Care I Cure 5k. She was the 1st female in her age group and 6th overall with a time of 21.11. Way to Go Brooke!

At the AAU 14-Under Youth National Indoor Championship Jada won back to back gold in the 400 Meter Dash. She is a 7x National Champion. Great racing!

GET RECOGNIZED Go to youthrunner. com Hit the SUBMIT button Fill out the athletes form. youthrunner. com/events/ athlete/submit

READ MORE ABOUT THESE ATHLETES AT YOUTHRUNNER.COM YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 25

ASK A

COACH

Coach Bob Williams

WHAT IS A TEMPO RUN? A Tempo Run goes anywhere from 5 minutes to 20 minutes that you run, after the warm-up, at an effort that builds up the lactate in your body and carried for the entire 20 minutes. On a PERCEIVED Effort Scale from 1 ( walking) to 5-6-7 faster than easy running pace, you begin to feel tired after about 15 minutes, but you can carry that effort for five more minutes. These tempo runs make you feel great, and you get better at becoming psychologically tougher. These tempo runs could be done in 5-minute segments ( 4 x 5 min) or up to one, 20-minute run. These tempo runs allow the body to get better at running closer to your top oxygen power - or your body’s engine.Â

26 | MARCH/APRIL 2020

How should a middle school runner warm-up before a distance race?

The warm-up procedure for a hard training session or competition have changed over the years. We used to run for a mile or so, and then after running a couple of strides you were ready.

1. It is very important for the young runner to jog slowly for about 15-20 minutes - depending on the weather - if hot, maybe 10-12 minutes. By running easy, the body’s internal temperature will rise from about 96-8 to 100-101 and is now ready to take on more physical work.

2. After the warm-up jog then a series of specific dynamic stretching routines will help loosen and elongate muscles and promote greater flexibility.

3. Then 4 x about 80-100m 2 @ about 5 k rhythm, one at 3k and one @ 1500m rhythm will fire up the muscles to enhance their ability to race.

4. Then 3 x 200 or about 45-50 seconds relaxed race rhythm will allow the lactate system of becoming energized and the aerobic capacity to jump-start to effectively make the first few repetitions or the race start feel easier.

WHAT IS A FARTLEK?

Fartlek would be short reps of 5k or 10k race pace running mixed into a standard distance run. It has a funny name, which is also Swedish for speed play, Fartlek is a type of running that helps trick your body into running fast without working too hard too early into the summer. Fartlek running is great because it can be a very challenging workout or only a slightly moderate

distance run. You have a lot of control over this type of workout, and it is pretty simple.

What does it mean when you get a side ache or a side stitch?

A side ache is a cramp in the diaphragm area of the body. You feel a side ache when you are working out harder than usual. When your body needs more oxygen, it makes you breathe in and out harder, forcing your diaphragm upwards, but most kids by habit pull their belly in which causes the diaphragm up. The diaphragm will do its best, but eventually, fatigue sets in, and cramping begins. You can reduce your chances of having a side ache by practicing pushing your belly out during inhalation. It’s a great exercise to practice during your harder workouts.

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 27

coming up!

Here are some of the exciting events that we’ll be looking at this spring.

INDOOR T&F CHAMPIONSHIPS March

13-15

AAU Indoor Nationals Landover, MD aautrackandfield.org

New Balance Nationals The Armory, NYC nationalscholastic.org

March

20-23

Hershey USATF National Youth Indoor Championships usatf.org

OUTDOOR TRACK AND FIELD APRIL

APRIL

3-4

18-19

Moorpark, CA athletic.net

For clubs in the west this is a season opener and a gauge to see how you will stack up against your competition in future meets. It’s been one our favorite meets over the years. If you’re looking for some good competition check it out. arizona.usatf.org

Pacific Coast Youth Track & Field Invitational This is just the second year for this meet and Youth Runner will be trackside covering the event. Hope to see you there.

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56th Phoenix Invitational

MAY

MAY

3-4

23-24

Winter Park, FL coachoregistration.com

Another meet in just it’s second year the AGR is already proving to be an exceptional meet. Attracting top youth and elite athletes. Powder Springs, GA atlantageorgiarelays.com

Speed Capital T.C. Invitational This is a new meet and the organizers have been inviting some of the fastest kids in the nation to attend. If you think you belong in this meet contact: arobinson@speedcapitaltc.com

Atlanta Georgia Relays

FOR MORE TRACK & FIELD, 5K RUNS, TRIATHLONS AND XC EVENTS COME ON OVER TO YOUTHRUNNER.COM AND DISCOVER THE ONE THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU. YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 29

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