Youth Runner Magazine May-June 2018

Swim - Bike - run MAY-JUNE 2018 $4.95

what gear do i need to be a triathlete

cierra sesock runs a half marathon

drew oliver

triathlete and cross country runner GET THE LATEST @ YOUTHRUNNER.COM

YOUTH RUNNING™ | YOUTH TRACK & FIELD™ | YOUTH XC™

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CELEBRATING 22 YEARS of inspiring athletes

Lukas Verzbicas Lukas Verzbicas inspired us as a triathlete and a high school track and cross country runner. Among his many accomplishments he won back to back Foot Locker Championships and won the Nike Cross Nationals. He set a national record in the two-mile at the Prefontaine Classic in 8:29.46 and at the Adidas Dream Mile he ran 3:59.7 to become the fifth American high school runner to break four minutes in the mile. While in high school he also took 4th in the ITU World Junior Triathlon Championships.

KLOTZ IMAGES

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YR MOMENTS A MAGICAL HANDOFF IN THE 4X100 Anaya Quarles #217 gets the stick to #207 Jaylah McDonnell to give the Arizona Cheetahs the win the 4x100 at the Phoenix Invitational in 52.56. #823 Kailey Jamerson and #819 Josaphina Catlett with he Las Vegas Blazin One’z were close behind and finished 2nd with a time of 52.90.

SMOTHERMAN IMAGES

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YR contents: MAy-june 2018

READY.SET.GO

Vol. 23 Issue 2

Triathlete and XC Runner

Drew Oliver 8

SAM GHERKE FEATURE

12

CHECK IT OUT

Ciera Sesock

TRAINING

16-17 Instagram FAN SHOTS

runs the New York Half Marathon

18-19 MEET HIGHLIGHTS Keeping Up with the 20 YR Bloggers, Editors, & Featured Athletes is a Triathlon 22 What Anyway?

27 Submit an Athlete

MORE

2-3

YR MOMENTS

6

letter from the editor

7

yr bloggers

24-26

Ask a Coach Q&A

14-15

poster

29 coming up YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 5

yr

editor

VOL. 23 ISSUE 2 | MAy/june 2018 Publisher/Editor Dan Kesterson Editor at Large Ian Kesterson

IAN KESTERSON

Art Director Sean Kesterson

Ian Kesterson, Youth Runner Editor at Large

LETTER FROM THE

EDITOR Hey Team!

On my long runs lately I have been thinking about motivation. You know that thing inside that gets you to the next workout, to take another step, to make that final kick. So what does keep me excited to get out and run? That’s tough to answer, right? My answer lately has been to enjoy the variety.

Variety for me came this spring when the long runs in the cold wind turned a little bit warmer. We get to mix it up a lot when running. Different trails, a fresh workout, racing against a new team, even the same event at the same track in the same weather is always different just because you’re a little older this time. A fresh pair of shoes can even change how I run.

Every day gives you something new!

EDITOR'S NOTES 6 | MAY/JUNE 2018

Contributing Writers, Bloggers & Reporters Isabella Vu, Ciera Sesock, Olivia George, Pat Tyson, Bob Williams, Matt Walsh, Faith Martinez, Mick Grant, Andrew Simmons, Dave Deschenes, Cregg Wienmann, Taitum Schaap, Emillie Nelson, Dave Deschenes.

Wanna know a wild way to add some variety into running? How about adding in some swimming and cycling into the game. Yeah, I’m talking about triathlon.

Have you ever tried one? This issue we talk triathlons. How to start and what you need. We even talked with super youth triathlete (and Youth Runner summer camp alumni), Drew Oliver, to get you all the pro tips. I want to know how he gets out of his wetsuit so fast.

Maybe this summer you borrow a bike and get some goggles and try your first triathlon– just for fun. You get a great experience, have a great time, and even do some summer cross training. Or maybe you’ll be the next youth triathlon star.

Only one way to find out.

Whatever you do, keep it fresh and keep having fun. See you on the track (or the trail, or the lake, or the bike lane...)

Ian

Welcome to our newest Blogger and Interviewer ciera sesock from visalia, ca.

Contributing Designer Scott and Jacqui Scoggin CONTRIBUTING Photographers Klotz Images, Rachelle Clinton, Kyle Peters, Sam Gehrke, Smotherman Images, PSImages, Eric Ward, Photo Run, Dingo Images, Instagrammers, Fans Website-Digital-Video Sean Kesterson

THANKS TO: Jack Hyde Park in Tacoma, Blue Goose Productions, Metier, Todd Waldner ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIPS dank@youthrunner.com SUBSCRIPTION RATES US One Year: Print $14.95 Digital $9.95 Subscribe at www.youthrunner.com Download the app at all app stores PUBLISHED BY: Youth Runner Magazine is a registered trademark of GoSportz Media LLC. Published 5 times a year by GoSportz Media, LLC Copyright 2018 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 ciera’s Favorites

Color

Distance to Run Ciera Sesock age 14

Ciera Sesock:

YR BLOGGER & DISTANCE RUNNER I’m Ciera Sesock, a 14-year old runner, with a lung condition called ABPA. I believe we have the power to dictate our own futures. I ran the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon with the American Cancer Society DetermiNation Team to make a difference, challenge myself, and raise money to fight cancer in honor of my aunt that died of lung cancer.

Pre-race; I was ready to conquer the challenge. I was running for hope of a cancer-free future. Running in the crisp city air, taking in New York’s beauty with DetermiNation members was amazing. We had breakfast with cancer patients at Hope Lodge, a place that cancer patients stay during their treatments.

It was inspiring to hear their stories of hope and take thoughts of their hope, in the race the next day.

Race day; I stood in the corral…cold, nervous, and not sure what to expect. The race started; I saw a sea of runners ahead and behind me. Runners everywhere, all with the

same look of purpose and excitement. I could see the city in a way that I would always remember. The sights were unforgettable.

Times Square was my favorite; running in the street usually filled with cars and tourists.

For a second I forgot how cold it was, until I grabbed a cup at the water station only to find it frozen. It made me laugh!

At mile 9, I felt a numbing pain in my legs.

The cramping discouraged me. I reminded myself why this was important. The pain was nothing compared to what cancer patients endure daily. I had to keep going.

The finish was remarkable… finally crossing the finish line. I accomplished my goal.

I’m Ciera, and I finished a half marathon in 2:36 with a lung disease; through everything, I did it. Now I’m ready to do another!

Running Shoes

Baseball Team

Part of the NY course

“No matter what you face, don’t ever let anything get in the way of achieving your goals.”

DESCRIBES HERSELF AS Determined Creative Hopeful

Breakfast Food

Tag photos #youthrunner YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 7

drew oliver

8 | MAY/JUNE 2018

Drew is a triathlete and cross country runner. He likes Madden Mobile Football, all of the Rocky movies, and describes himself as Determined, strong, & confident.

You had good success last year as a triathlete. Can you tell us about some of your competitions in 2017 and how that got you to the USAT Nationals.

transitions going from the swim to the bike and the bike to the run. I would also have ridden the bike harder as I probably held back a bit too much for the run at the end.

I competed in the USA swimming regional competition at the King County Aquatic Center – Goodwill games pool last March, which consisted of swimmers from seven states (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Alaska, and Hawaii). I also ran in the USATF state and regional championship track meet and qualified for nationals. I placed second at regionals in the 1500 right behind Logan Law who placed third in the 1500 at nationals (I was unable to compete in The USATF track nationals as it was the same weekend as Triathlon nationals).

Can you give us the play by play of nationals, the start, how you did with the swim, bike and run.

Where you were at each transition.

With just 30 seconds between you and a national title, is there anything you would have done different? Or could have done different?

In retrospect, I would definitely have put more focus and effort into faster

SAM GHERKE

The swim start was rough I sucked in some water right at the start, and didn’t get out as fast as I wanted to.

Coming into the first transition I was in second place. I actually ran past my bike/gear in the transition area and had to go backwards. When I was on my bike I felt pretty good, but as mentioned previously I know I could have gone a little harder without sacrificing my run legs. Coming into the second transition I was third or fourth. The second transition went well and didn’t lose any spots. Overall, my run felt great! The run is usually the strongest for me of all three disciplines. I passed up two guys on the run and started to close in on the leader, but could not chase him down before the finish line.

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 9

What about your thoughts on this year and your strategy for nationals?

This coming year I will move up to the junior elite division, which is the 13–15 year old age group and drafting is allowed. My hope and goal is to place first out of all the 13-year-olds at nationals and top 30 overall. In order to achieve this, my strategy is to stay at the front of the swim group, try to hang on with the best bikers in the lead peloton, and then make up some places on the run. Additionally, I need to, and plan to have much faster transitions than in the past as that is very important in an Olympic triathlon.

Will your training change from 2017 to this year?

Not a whole lot will change except for more biking and learning to ride well in a pack, as well as more focused work on extremely fast transitions.

How do you split up your training between the swim, bike and running?

I do lots of swimming from the middle of December to the end of March. I then cut back on swimming and start mixing in more running and biking until the middle of August, and then do mostly running as I transition into the cross country season in the fall through cross country nationals in early December.

What are some of the triathlons on your calendar for this season?

USA Junior Elite Triathlon in Monroe which is a qualifier for nationals, Washington Athletic Club Indoor triathlon, and the USA triathlon nationals in West Chester Ohio in early August. I also usually do a local Sprint triathlon at Lake Stevens with my Dad in early September just as school is getting underway.

For kids who have never been in a triathlon, what’s it take to get started?

You just have to be able to swim, bike 10 | MAY/JUNE 2018

and run. You also have to like doing it, otherwise you might get frustrated and quit as there are quite a lot of moving parts and three different sports to train for. Starters, I would find a local kids triathlon, then work your way up to bigger/faster/more competitive races.

What do you love the most about running and competing in triathlons?

One of the things I like most about Triathlon is that you are doing three different sports in one race. I also like how you have to be able to switch from one sport to another very quickly in order to stay at the front of the pack.

Triathletes use a lot of gear, tell us about your wet suit preferences and what it takes for the swim. Your bike and the shoes you use for the bike and for running.

I like my wet suit to be very flexible, especially under the arms, and to fit very snug and have no gaps/loose areas. If I had to choose between a wetsuit being a bit too tight or a bit too loose, I would definitely choose a bit too tight. It is important to make sure you buy a wetsuit with good quality material as it will then breath well and keep you from overheating, and also makes it easier to get on and off which is important if you want to hang with the leaders.

On the bike, the most important thing is to stay with the

lead pack, so if you waste time in transition trying to get your wetsuit off, they will take off without you. I use blue Shimano TR9 triathlon shoes and blue Nike Zoom Fly’s for the run!

You also did well with your cross country season last year, describe that experience of xc nationals and how it was different for you from the USAT. First off, there are a lot more people at cross country nationals than at triathlon nationals, so it’s a lot more intimidating. Also, given that the cross country nationals race at my age level is so short, the first few hundred meters after the start matters a lot!

Overall, last year‘s 2017 cross country nationals competition was a good experience because two years ago, I started out too hard and ended up “bonking“ in the last 400m, and one year ago, I dislocated & fractured my big toe at gymnastics practice a week before nationals, so being able to end up as an All-American a few months ago at cross country nationals felt good. Looking back, I feel I started out a bit too hard once again, so I am looking forward to next time and using that knowledge and experience to help me plan out my race more strategically.

Advice for other kids that want to become a triathlete.

Try out a small, local Triathlon first, and if you like it, keep on it. You don’t have to get right into intense training.

You can keep it fun and play in the pool and do a couple laps, ride your bike with friends a few days a week, and go on small runs or join a local track or cross country team. As your competitions start getting harder/ faster, so will your workouts.

drew’s favorites: Food- Flank steak and almond puff pastry for dessert Phone App- Madden Mobile Football School Subject- Math (or PE if it counts) Movie- All of the Rocky movies NFL Player- Earl Thomas III Winter Olympic Moment- Can I do summer (Michael Phelps‘s last gold medal win) Describe yourself in three words.

Determined, strong, confident Now just one word.

BLESSED!

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 2nd - 2017 USA Triathlon Junior Olympic national competition 3rd - 2016 USA Triathlon Junior Olympic nationals 18th - 2015 USATF XC Nationals in New Mexico 18th - 2017 USATF XC Nationals in Florida YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 11

Running for a Charity

By Ciera Sesock

Giving back is a great feeling that some people are lucky enough to enjoy. This past month I ran the United Airlines New York City Half Marathon on behalf of the American Cancer Society with Team DetermiNation. Being a DetermiNation athlete means that I had the opportunity to run and raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

When you run through a charity, you automatically get a spot in the race you apply for, as you fundraise for that charity. There are all kinds of distance opportunities and events to choose from. Each race has a minimum fundraising goal that you must reach to keep your spot in the race. My advice is to pick one that you have a passion for, and you will exceed that minimum goal.

I chose DetermiNation because I wanted to run for those who are burdened with cancer.

You can choose your charity based on what group you want to help most or what suits your passions. Most nonprofits offer run for charity spots in races such as ASPCA, NYRR Team for Kids, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team In Training, and many more. When you choose your charity you must consider what you want your purpose to be, because you will be running in honor of it.

After you sign up, your adventure will begin, but like any race, you will have to put in the time and effort with your training. As part of being on a charity team, the organization typi12 | MAY/JUNE 2018

cally assigns you a coach that is there to help with weekly workouts, running secrets, and lots of encouragement for both running and fundraising. If you live in the same city as the race, your coach will also arrange weekly runs, where you can do workouts with other runners. It’s a great opportunity to meet the other runners and share ideas about running and fundraising. There are also other specials events where you get to meet some of the people your funds are helping. With DetermiNation, I had the chance to spend time with cancer patients and hear their inspiring stories of hope. This brings meaning to what you are doing both in your running goals and fundraising.

The biggest factor in running for charity is that you have to be motivated to run. If you are passionate about running, nothing can get in your way. Sometimes you may hit a roadblock, but the great thing about charity running is that you have a purpose in your actions. Even at the toughest points in training or the race, you must remember the ultimate purpose. You are not only doing this for yourself, others are counting on you too.

So, if you are looking for a unique challenge, and want to take the meaning of your running to another level, then running for a charity is an opportunity you don’t want to miss. It taught me valuable skills that I can use in my future. Trust me, crossing the finish line when you run for a charity is the ultimate accomplishment. Hope you try it out soon.

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14 | MAY/JUNE 2018

SAM BURGESS BOSTON MIDDLE SCHOOL 1000M SAM MADE HIS WAY TO THE FINISH LINE FIRST IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL 1000 METER RUN DURING THE BOSTON MARATHON WEEKEND. HIS TIME WAS 3:02.6

PHOTO 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 | MAY/JUNE 2018

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 17

MEET HIGHLIGHTS LA JETS TRACK & FIELD CARNIVAL The “Jets” are one of the longest running youth clubs in California.

Famous for the LA Jets Invitational in May they also host the LA Jets “Carnival.”

SMOTHERMAN IMAGES

ARCADIA INVITATIONAL If you’re looking for the fiercest high school competition in California leading up to state it’s going to be the Arcadia Invitational.

18 | MAY/JUNE 2018

SMOTHERMAN IMAGES

SHOCKWAVES TRACK MEET The Shockwaves host a meet in Southern California for USATF Youth Clubs to compete in.

SMOTHERMAN IMAGES

PHOENIX INVITATIONAL Wow, this was the 53rd year of this meet thanks to meet director Bob Flint and his team. The “Phoenix” is the premier early season youth meet in the west.

PHOTO RUN

NEWPORT-MESA SPIRIT RUN Races for all ages are part of the “Spirit Run” weekend for adults and little kids. The highlight for us is the Youth 5k. Sofia Gibson won the girls 14-under race in 18:43.

DIANE DURARTY

BOSTON SCHOLASTIC MILE The high school “Scholastic Mile” is part of the Boston Marathon weekend.

The marathon is on Monday and the 5k and Mile are on Saturday.

PHOTO RUN

SPRING TRACK & FIELD is everywhere this time of year. For athletes in the west it was the 53rd running of the Phoenix Invitational, an amazing meet to kick off the season and see where you stack up early on. It was an incredible Boston Marathon weekend with the Scholastic Mile, Middle School 1000 meter run and a 5k where 13-year old Aidan Puffer set another world record. There’s something every weekend out there for all levels. Get out there and give it a go!

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

HANNAH CUNLIFFE We first saw Hannah run when she was in grade school at the Track City International Classic.

Since then she had a stellar high school career, went on to be part of a winning team at the University of Oregon, and recently turned pro as an adidas athlete

KLOTZ IMAGES

DANIEL SKANDERA On the Cover July-August 2017

Daniel won the 1500 at USATF Junior Olympic Nationals in Kansas setting a new USATF record for 9-10 boys by 5 seconds in a time of 4:38 as a 9 year old. He also won the USATF Junior Olympic Cross Country Nationals for 9-10 boys in Florida and added some more world age records for 9 year old boys in these events: 1500: 4:38 | Mile: 5:02 | 3K: 9:43 | 2 Mile: 10:24 | 5K: 16:42.

KYLE PETERS 20 | MAY/JUNE 2018

LUCIA RODBRO Featured Athlete

Since we met 10-year old Lucia last she broke the 4 Mile age group world record, the CCNYC Coaches National Championship in Cross Country and the AAU Indoor National Championship in the 1500m & 3000m. Lucia threw out the first pitch at the Cincinnati Reds game after winning the Cincinnati Reds 10k. She also won the 14-under at the Crescent City Classic.

LAURA MUIR

Featured Athlete

Laura, now 25-years old holds the British 1500m record of 3:55.22 and will soon finish her studies to be a Veterinarian. She was the 2016 Diamond League 1500 winner and won a silver in the 1500m and a bronze in the 3k at the World Indoor Championships in March. You can watch her race live on NBC when she races at the Prefontaine Classic May 26th.

ALEX BARR

MONDO DUPLANTIS In the News

Mondo, a senior at Lafeyette High School in Louisiana, broke his own junior world record in the pole vault with a height of 19’5” at the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays in Austin.

PHOTO RUN

AIDAN PUFFER Featured Athlete

Aidan was featured last year after his run in the Boston 5k. At this year’s Boston 5k he ran 15:47 for a new 13-year old world record. His time was about a minute faster than his time last year, which was a 12-year old world record at the time.

PHOTO RUN YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 21

what is a triathlon anyway?

By Coach Dave Deschenes It’s the end of June and school just finished up for the summer. Now what are you going to do all summer long? If I had to guess, most days you will end up running around the neighborhood with your friends, riding your bike around the park and jumping in the pool. Am I right? If this sounds like your average summer day, you are already doing your own triathlon just by having typical summer fun.

The sport of triathlon started in the 1970s just the same way you are spending your summer. Several friends were meeting each week to work out. They would get together, ride their bikes and then go for a run. One day, one of the guys thought it would be a good idea to race each other running

and biking, but he also wanted to add swimming into the race. Together, they designed the first ever triathlon. The friends swam across part of Mission Bay in San Diego, California, followed by cycling and finally running to see who could finish the three sports the fastest. This was the first of what became many triathlons to come.

Today there are many different types of triathlons from winter triathlon to Xterra (off road) triathlons and many different distances from youth to Sprint, Olympic and Ironman distances. For youth participants, the recommended distances are:

age

SWIM

bike

run

7-8 years old 9-10 years old 11-12 years old 13-15 years old

50-100 yards 100 yards 200 yards 200-400 yards

2k or 1.2 mile 3k or 1.9 miles 5k-7k or 3.2 to 5.4 miles 8k-10k or 4.4 miles to 6.2 miles

1k or .62 miles 1k or .62 miles 2k or 1.2 miles 2k-3k or 1.2 to 1.9 miles

22 | MAY/JUNE 2018

Coach Advice Before the Race When you decide to do a triathlon, the first thing you should do is turn in an official entry form.

It’s too easy to put it off until later, but in the sport of triathlon putting things off until later means poor preparation and not being ready for race day.

Once you’ve signed up, it’s important to know how to prepare properly. One of the most essential parts of triathlon is being prepared before the event. It will not be much fun if you get to the race and then realize that you have forgotten something. If this happens the chances are, mom or dad won’t have time to run home and make it back to the race before you have to start. Get yourself a backpack, pack all of your necessary gear, and you are off to the races!

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 23

ASK A

COACH

Q&A WITH COACH ANDREW SIMMONS ABOUT WARM UPS, RACE DAY, AND SUMMER MILEAGE Coach Andrew Simmons is the coach for the Peak Performance Running Club in Colorado. He is also a personal coach for athletes of all ages. You can ask youR own question in the “Ask a Coach” page of Youthrunner.com. More about Coach Simmons at Lifelongendurance.com

HOW LONG SHOULD I WARM UP BEFORE A RACE? You want to warm up enough that you’re just starting to sweat. Think of your warm up as a test run to make sure nothing is giving you any problems. If you feel tightness or fatigue continue to warm up or do some dynamic stretches before your race. Our team normally warm up 30-35 minutes before the start of a race with a light set of dynamics before a 15-20 minute jog, and finish out with more full range movements and strides at the start line.

WHY DON’T WE STATIC STRETCH BEFORE OUR WORKOUTS? When we stretch we lengthen the muscle and prolonged stretching reduces muscle power. When we stretch we 24 | MAY/JUNE 2018

Andrew Simmons

stretch the whole group of muscles as they are all attached to each other via fascia. This doesn’t bring any blood to the muscles or prepare the muscles or your body for activity.

We use dynamic movements to loosen up going from simple to complex with movements that move closer and closer to what we want to replicate in our workout.

WHAT SHOULD I EAT BEFORE A RUN OR RACE? If you wouldn’t eat it before you had a tough practice, don’t have it before a race. Stay away from heavy, fatty foods, or overly high protein foods; especially for distance runners.

The gut requires significantly more time to process fat and protein, and also needs more water - so if you’re in a pinch simple carbs are going to likely treat you best. If you’re go-

ing to have a full meal give yourself at least 90 minutes after a meal before you’re going into the workout. This will allow your body to break down most of the food into glycogen and give you the fuel necessary to perform.

DO I REALLY NEED SPIKES FOR THE FIRST TRACK MEET? No, and especially no if you’re a distance runner. We rarely if ever wear our spikes in practice, even on track days. Spikes are not meant for training, they’re meant for racing. Most young athletes won’t see a massive benefit from spikes and need to work on basics like mechanics, block starts, and efficient running form. Spikes are great for athletes that are seasoned and experienced but it’s unlikely that they will make or break that first track meet performance. Make an investment if you athlete shows investment to the sport. If you find your athlete showing interest outside of practice, see what you can do to help foster that interest.

I’LL BE A FRESHMAN THIS FALL AND WANT TO STAND OUT, HOW MANY MILES SHOULD I BE RUNNING OVER THE SUMMER? The best athletes in the fall are built in the summer. Start by answering this question: how many miles weekly are you running (include your warm up and cool down for workouts). Take that number (let’s say 18) and add 10% every week for 3 weeks (20,22,24) and then take a week back at your week one mileage and let yourself rest. This is where most athletes get greedy and skip a down week. Repeat this 3 week build cycle again (22,24,27) rest week at 22 then back to (24,27,30) focus on getting in mileage at a conversation pace with a structured workout from a coach or trusted source. This will allow you to build up your mileage safely to avoid injury as well as allow for you to recover.

SAM GHERKE YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 25

ASK A

COACH

TRIATHLETE RACE DAY CHECKLIST Lay out your gear the night before to make sure you’ve got everything you need for your competition.

PRE-RACE Race Packet Association Card (if needed) Sun Screen Uniform Watch Race numbers on bike and helmet FOR YOUR BIKE Pump tires to correct pressure Make sure bike is in the right gear to start Check the brakes to make sure they’re working

FOR THE SWIM Goggles Swim Cap Bathing suit or singlet TRANSITION 1(SWIM TO BIKE) Towel Water bottle to rinse feet Bike Helmet Socks Shoes Water bottle in the bike Sun glasses

TRANSITION 2(BIKE TO RUN) Running shoes Hat or visor Water bottle Race belt with numbers AFTER THE RACE Street clothes Gear bag Snack Water MISC Spare tire tube Took kit Air pump

SAM GHERKE 26 | MAY/JUNE 2018

submit an

athlete

IZZY FROST

AGE 12, FROM ROLLA, MO., IZZY LOVES 5KS AND HOPES TO RUN AT ALL OF THE ROCK N ROLL EVENTS.

Izzy got off to a good start this season by making varsity on her Junior High Track Team and hit PR’s in the 800m in 2:37 and a school record in the 1600m with a time of 5:38.

She’s been running 5K events with her dad since she was eight and has run 130 5K races so far. Izzy loves the Rock N Roll 5Ks and at the St. Louis event at age eleven was 3rd female overall with a time of 22:04. That was the fastest pre-teen on record.

This year, she ran the New Orleans Rock N Roll 5K and was 3rd Overall Female Finisher with a time of 20:39 and in Nashville, TN. took 2nd Overall in 20:49.

Her fastest races are the Race to the Rocker 4-Mile Event where she broke the 11-year old girls State Record and ran a 26:11. She also she broke the 11-year old State Record at the GO! All American 5K in St Louis with a time of 19:10. At the St. Louis Macklind Mile she ran a 5:26 was also the St Louis Festival of Miles - Middle School Mile Female Winner with a time of 5:45. Wow! Outside of running, Izzy’s goals are to inspire, motivate and help others live a happy and healthy life. She loves giving advice on proper healthy foods to eat and how to become a better runner overall.

Read more about Izzy at Youthrunner.com

YOUTH RUNNER TOP DOG OF THE MONTH TOP DOG OF THE MONTH

STRAIGHT A STUDENT

CARLSBAD 5000 WINNER

Aiden Jacquez, 10 Montgomery, IL

Kendyll Dent, 8 Columbus Ohio

Allura Markow, 12 Redlands, CA

Aiden has big dreams that include running a half marathon in every state. He’s already run in 26 states. His goal is to finish at Des Moines, Iowa in October, 2019. Enjoy the adventure Aiden!

Straight A student Kendyll Dent placed in all of her three events at AAU Youth Indoor National Championship at Eastern Michigan. She won the long jump, got 2nd in the 800m, and was 3rd in the 200m. We’ll be watching her success in the outdoor season.

Allura recently won her age group in the Carlsbad 5000 a prestigious road race in California. Her time was 18:40. Great run Allura!

ARE YOU A yr-kid?

Let us know what makes you a Youth Runner.

Submit an Athlete at: youthrunner. com/events/ athlete/submit

READ MORE ABOUT THESE ATHLETES AT YOUTHRUNNER.COM YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 27

ELITE MIDDLE

SCHOOL

CAMP

AUGUST 6-10, 2O18 OPEN TO BOYS & GIRLS ENTERING 6TH-8TH GRADE THIS FALL FOR MORE DETAILS GO TO: YOUTHRUNNERCAMP.COM

LIMITED SPACE MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETES SCHOLARSHIPS MAY BE AVAILABLE EMAIL CAMP@YOUTHRUNNER.COM

REGISTER NOW AT: YOUTHRUNNERCAMP.COM 28 | MAY/JUNE 2018

COMING UP! Here’s just a few of the track meets and runs you’ll want to add to your calendar.

AAU JUNE 28-JULY 1-WEST COAST CHAMPIONSHIP | RENO, NV JUNE 28-JULY 1-WEST COAST PRIMARY NATIONALS | RENO NV JULY 6-8-PRIMARY NATIONALS, ORLANDO | FL JULY 9-14-CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP, ORLANDO | FL JULY 14-15-WEST COAST JUNIOR OLYMPIC GAMES | DOWNEY, CA JULY 25-AUG-AAU JUNIOR OLYMPIC GAMES | DES MOINES, IA

USATF JUNE 10-IAAF WORLD YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS | TAMPERE, FINLAND JUNE 15-17-JUNIOR OUTDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS | BLOOMINGTON, IN JULY 26-JULY 1-USATF NATIONAL YOUTH CHAMPS | ROCHESTER, NY JULY 23-29-USATF JUNIOR OLYMPICS | GREENSBORO, NC

TRIATHLONS JUNE 17-TRUXTUN YOUTH TRIATHLON | ANNAPOLIS, MD JULY 15-iCAN TRI TRIATHLON | FRESNO, CA JULY 15-SIZZLING SPRINT & YOUTH TRI | WARRENTON, VA JULY 27-PEBBLE LAKE YOUTH TRIATHLON | FERGUS FALLS, MN AUGUST 4-5-USAT YOUTH & JUNIOR NATIONALS | WEST CHESTER, OH AUGUST 18-VHBG YOUTH TRIATHLON | RICHMOND, VA AUGUST 18-WEST POINT YOUTH TRIATHLON | CORNWALL, NY AUGUST 19-SILVERCREEK YOUTH TRIATHLON | SAN JOSE, CA

INVITATIONALS JUNE 2-UAGTCA CHAMPIONSHIP | PHILADELPHIA, PA JUNE 2-KTCCA MIDDLE SCHOOL STATE | LOUISVILLE, KY JUNE 9-TRACK TOWN YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP | EUGENE, OR JUNE 9-10-PORTLAND TRACK FESTIVAL | PORTLAND, OR JUNE 9-BROOKS PR INVITATIONAL | SEATTLE, WA. JUNE 15-16-NB NATIONALS | GREENSBORO, NC

KIDS-YOUTH ROAD RUNS JUNE 2-CAPITOL CLASSIC | BOISE, ID JUNE 2- CHICAGO FUN RUN | WASHINGTON PARK, CHICAGO, IL JULY 27- JUNIOR BIX | DAVENPORT, IA FOR THE DETAILS AND REGISTRATION LINKS GO TO YOUTHRUNNER.COM YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 29

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