Youth Runner Magazine May-June 2015

Track & Field At a Glance MAY-JUNE 2015 $4.95

#

25.2

miles of exercise through fun

Turbo jav

Learn to throw the right way

she's #1 and fast

Elise Unruhthomas 100-200 meter Sprinter

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

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Register Now at: YOuthrunnercamp.com Daniel White – Photo by Rebecca Joelson 1 | MAY / JUNE 2015

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YR MOMENTS PHOENIX INVITATIONal HAND OFF The Arizona Cheetahs, Top Pacers and the Do Right Track Club battle it out on anchor leg of the 4x100 relay race.

Smotherman Images

2 | MAY / JUNE 2015

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YR contents: may-june 2015

READY.SET.GO 8

she's fast!

Meet elise unruh-thomas

training Learn the Turbo Jav

feature

24

Ask a Coach How to Avoid Overheating

Running With owen

20

All About the Track

check it out 2

Letter from Guest Editor

6

YR Bloggers

7

16 18

instagram fan shots XC Highlights 22

14

gear Spotlight 29

28

26 27

oc kids

Event Spotlight Submit an Athlete YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 5

Har Rai Khalsa

YR Moments

COMING UP

12 25

more

POSTER

Vol. 20 issue 2

yr guest

editor

VOL. 20 ISSUE 2 | MAY/JUNE 2015 Publisher/Editor Dan Kesterson Editor at Large Ian Kesterson

Klotz Images

Guest Editor Charlie Hammel

LETTER FROM THE

GUEST EDITOR Hi my name is Charlie Hammel, I’m in the 8th grade and compete for the Ventura Tigres. I started competing when I was 7 years old and run mainly the 1600m. My goal this season is to run a sub 4:45 1600, or a 4:25 1500.

I would like to start this off by explaining what the 400 means to our team.

The 400, while being a sprint, is the between point where sprinters and distance runners can gut it out for the glory and ultimate bragging rights. It is the shortest that distance runners compete in, but the longest that sprinters will race.

The 400 is an all time favorite for my team, the Ventura Tigres, and it has become the “it" race that every runner will compete in at least once. One of the great-

EDITOR'S NOTES

est milestones to achieve as a Tigres Youth/Intermediate runner is breaking the 60-second barrier. The 400, also known as the "tough man contest” is one of the most agonizing yet rewarding events. Each year our Youth/ Intermediate team tries to surpass the number of athletes who broke the 60- second barrier from the previous year, and this year may be an all time high. Last year we had 11 break 60 and already in our first meet of the season we had 6 athletes put it on the line and break the 60- second mark. I’m proud to have joined the ranks barely squeaking by with a 59.6, but not as fast as my 8th grade friend and teammate (Connor Stevenson) who crushed the mark with a 53.7.

I am really glad that I got under 60 seconds in the first meet this year, because now that box is checked and I don’t have to worry about it for the rest of the season. I can get back to the races that I am most familiar with, the distance races.

Charlie Hammel

It’s summer time and we’re getting ready for our Middle School Running Camp in August. Running legend Melody Fairchild will be joining us as a guest coach. It should be fun!

6 | MAY / JUNE 2015

Courtesy of Hammels

Charlie Hammel, runs for the Ventura Tigres

Contributing Writers Drew Wasmund, Raelynne Miller, Owen Allen, Fiona Whiting, Jordan Schilit, Lea Paragas, Emma Smith, Casey Lum, Yasmine Diara, Jesse Lambrecht, Aline Barta, Michael Bergmann, Mike Fleming, Mick Grant, Keinan Briggs, Lauren Kearney, Quincey Hettinger Art Director Sean Kesterson Contributing Designer Zach Minard Photographers Klotz Images, Har Rai Khlasa, PSI Images, Smotherman Images, Colleen Thompson, Craig Lewis, Photo Run, Dingo Images, Dave Watt, Instagrammers, Fans Website-Digital-Video Sean Kesterson

THANKS TO Milers, Leigh & Tom Petranoff, Ashley Eckenweiler & the OC Kids, Gig Harbor, Skittles, Charles Oliver, Captain Jack Sparrow, Our Sponsors, Blue Goose Productions, Our Friends at Athletic.net, College of the Canyons.

ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIPS mediakit@youthrunner.com SUBSCRIPTION RATES US One Year: Print $14.95 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 2015 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 Raelynne's Favorites

Running Shoe

Raelynne Miller 8th Grader, Age 13 Millville, NJ

Youth RUNNer AND BLOGGER

My name is Raelynne Miller. At the age of nine, I knew I wanted to run. While playing other sports like soccer, it was running I enjoyed most. During one of my soccer games, the Millville High School Girl’s Track Coach saw me sprinting up and down the field following the ball. He knew I would have a future in running. After speaking with my parents he invited me to run with his local track team; The Millville Track Club.

When I started running, I was a sprinter.

As a nine year old, I truthfully hated the thought of running any distance over 400 meters. I was an ok sprinter. But little did I know, Coach Craig was grooming me for longer distances.

Now, I run the 400, 800, and 1500 meter, and any 5K that fits into my schedule. I have traveled all over the country and participated in several sanctioned meets. I love compet-

ing against other runners who are just as determined, as I am to win. I have made a lot of friends from all over and love seeing them at the races.

WHAT ARE Raelynne's

FAVORITES?

Pre Race Song

Favorite Running Shoe: Brooks Pure Drift Favorite Food: Pasta Salad

Movie

Favorite Pre-Race Song: Dog days Are Over by Florence and The Machine Favorite Movie: Mean Girls Favorite School Subject: Algebra

Restaurant

Favorite Restaurant: Moe's XC Course: Parvin State Park because the hills are so steep and you have to sprint up and down them.

XC Course

#youthrunner YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 7

Smotherman Images

YR Blogger Raelynne Miller

Food

& FAS First

ELISE UNRUH Photos: Har Rai Khalsa Can you summarize your season and the success from last year?

When we interviewed Elise earlier this year it was prior to track season starting. Just before publication of this issue she had already reached the #1 time in the U.S. for the 100 and 200 meter according to our friends at Athletic.net and broken several records.

My season last year was lots of fun and I enjoyed it with my friends on my school's track team, where everyone made each other better. After my school's track season I qualified to go to a State Championship and made a record in the 100m and 200m for that championship. Later, I ran at the Track Town Youth League Championship. It was fun, but running in Hershey, Pennsylvania was even more fun. When I had qualified to go to the Hershey Finals I had broken a record and became #1 in the Nation in the 200m for a 13 year old girl in middle school, and my time is 24.54. I also become #2 in the 100m in 12.44. So all together, once I finished my track season, I had made three #1 times for the 200m, won six championships, made five

8 | MAY / JUNE 2015

AST

UH

HAve fun and make friends while you're at it

records, nine personal bests in eight track meets, and out of 19 races I used blocks only three times.

Were you surprised when you ran the best middle school time or was that a serious goal you had?

I wasn't necessarily thinking of it as a serious goal but I would think that it would be cool to have my name as # 1 and have an amazing time next to it.

When I make goals, I jot down a time that I would like to accomplish, or I try to beat my old time, and try to make a new personal best. But I don't rely on making the time, because I just run and don't waste my energy on trying to make a specific time. Whatever happens, happens. And whatever happens I'll be happy because I know I did my best.

Is there anything you may be working in this year to improve?

I am improving working to improve my training. Over the last few years, my dad and I have learned what is best and how to train so I can be the best I can be.

Track has a lot of events to choose from, how did you decide on the sprints?

Well it all started for me when my

parents took me to the mall and I would run store to store from them in the clothes racks. When they would find me I would run to the next store and hide. After awhile I was put out on the track and my dad would chase me around the track. My parents saw something special and knew track was for me. So once the All comers Meets came around I started out with the easy/short events, the 100m and 200m. I would beat everyone I raced and just pursued my talent of running the 100m and 200m.

How do you prepare yourself for a race? Do you listen to music or just go to the starting line and wait for the gun to go off?

No, I usually have a quick chat with my dad and stretch while I'm waiting

for my heat of competitors. Once I am called to the starting line, I envision myself getting out, and having perfect form down the track. I never waste my energy anymore thinking about who's faster in my heat. I just get my game face on and run like the wind.

Lets shift to life away from track. What is your favorite or best subject in school? And what makes that subject fun or interesting to you?

If I were to pick my favorite subject I would chose Social Studies, because I like to learn the history of our world, and I like to compare how different and improved our world is today to back then. It's amazing how us humans can make such advanced technology and change the way we live.

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 9

Can you guess how many times a day you text?

Anything else you'd like to tell us about yourself?

To be honest I don't usually text when I'm at home because I'm occupied and entertained by my family circus, but to guess, it would be under 10 times a day.

Yes, besides track I love drawing! It can be cartoons or realistic animals.

But the way I draw is by looking at a picture I think is cool, and drawing it– no tracing, just looking. I've been drawing for a while, but this year I have been really into it, and have recently drawn a realistic lion, tiger, and my older cousin. So, I'm going to look in on learning more on how to draw realistic things, because I'm really fascinated and I think it's amazing!!

Best movie you've seen lately.

Best movie I've seen lately would have to be The Mocking Jay, because I've always loved the Hunger Games. I also like the Hobbits so both of those are equal.

Describe yourself in 3 words: Funny Trustworthy Determined Favorite Food.

Italian Any books you've read that you would recommend to your friends?

A few books have caught my attention and got me interested.

They are, "The Hunger Games" (series), "Divergent"(series), and "The Fault in Our Stars."

What advice would you give to other girls that would like to go out for track?

Having fun is the most important, because if you're having fun your attitude will be better, your nerves won't be as bad, and you'll have great experiences. Secondly, don't worry about who you are competing with and if they are faster, because all that matters is how you run and that you're putting all your energy into your race.

Also, to keep your nerves from going crazy, listen to music or go talk to your competitors and don't just think of them as an enemy or something, because they are just as nervous as you are. Make some friends and then it will be just like when you’re racing your friends from school. So my advice is to especially have fun and make friends while you're at it.

10 | MAY / JUNE 2015

TIMELINE 8 YEARS OLD

100 METER: 16.40 // 200 METER: 35.40

9 YEARS OLD

100 METER: 15.02 // 200 METER: 31.99

10 YEARS OLD

100 METER: 13.84 // 200 METER: 29.01

11 YEARS OLD

100 METER: 13.60 // 200 METER: 28.00

12 YEARS OLD

100 METER: 13.74 // 200 METER: 27.74

13 YEARS OLD 100 METER: 12.44 2ND FASTEST TIME MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS NATIONALLY 200 METERS: 24.54 #1 FASTEST TIME MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS NATIONALLY 13 year old times from 2014

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 11

WRITING Contest WINNER

Running The

Battle Within Myself

BY OWEN ALLEN During my running experience which began just over the past three years, I have encountered various unpredictable incidents that a person might not expect on a daily run. Living and running in the Florida Keys is something many people only dream of; however, I am fortunate to live this opportunity.

Running in the Florida Keys is amazing because the weather alone allows me to run in the warm sunshine all throughout the year, but there are also many aspects which are unique and challenging. The island where we live is only 3 miles by 5 miles and it is the southernmost island in the United States. Because the Florida Keys are so unique, I have likewise experienced a variety of unique runs. However, one particular day and one special run stands out as a vivid memory and, in many ways, this run defines the type of runner I strive to be as I move into a future of running.

12 | MAY / JUNE 2015

April 5, 2014 I am awakened by my Mom at 4:30 a.m. to drive an hour to the biggest race of my young life, the 7 Mile Bridge Race. The name and distance may not sound very intimidating but to understand the challenge you must first understand just how unique this course is and the environment in which the race is held. The historic 7 Mile Bridge is the longest of the 37 bridges which connect the 120 mile long string of islands, commonly called the Florida Keys, to the Florida mainland. The 7-Mile Bridge was originally built around 1910 as part of the Flagler Railroad; then in the late 1970’s the original bridge had to be replaced with this current bridge. The 7 Mile Bridge is part of Highway US #1 which is the only road access between the mainland and the islands. As important as this bridge is to sustaining the needs of people in the Florida Keys, the bridge is only a 2 lane roadway

with no space on either side to pull over or stop. Almost midway across the bridge, there is an archway, which I call “the hump”, which was built at the deep Moser Channel of the Intracoastal Waterway to allow tall boat traffic to be able to cross from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. On the day of the 7 Mile Bridge Race, the highway is closed to all vehicular traffic for 2.5 hours on the morning.

As you come south over the 7 Mile Bridge you have the clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean on your left and the Gulf of Mexico on your right. The view is spectacular because for most of the time while you are crossing the 7 Mile Bridge, other than the road in front of you, you only see water and the sky. This annual race began in 1982 to celebrate the importance of this roadway and is held each April.

The race committee accepts only 1,500

participants of all ages and runners come from many cities across the United States as well as from many countries.

That morning, we drive to the north end of the 7 Mile Bridge and must drive over the bridge to get to the staging area. It's a smooth ride, until we drive over the dreaded "hump" and then my mind starts to wander.

The hump comes 3 miles after the starting line and it is starring me down almost daring me to make this run over it. After the challenge of my opening and breaking out from the crowd of 1,500 runnners, I know it will be time for me to take on the obstacle which makes this run so unique. I will have to take on the mile long hump that drags you up a steep 65 foot climb and then down a steeper downhill slope where one misstep could cost you precious seconds or cause an injury that could cost you the race. After the climb and the descent, the remaining course pushes you through another 5k on tired legs.

I only know it so well because this is my second year running the 7 Mile Bridge Race. In 2013, I had run this Bridge Race in the 0 to 12 year old Division. Even though I had not trained hard for that first run, I came in 17th overall and I won my age division. Having turned 13 only 2 weeks before the race, I moved

to the 13 to 18 year old Division and I wanted the best out of myself. So I trained hard this year to prepare for competing against stronger runners and to bring out the best of myself once again.

I got my bib number, warmed up, stretched and then I wait for the start of a painful experience. The time comes and it's time to start, the official plays the "National Anthem" and all 1500 runners take their place at the start. I go out at my goal pace of 6:15 miles and flow through the first 3 miles with ease. But I knew not to pick my pace up too much because it would come back to haunt me after the hump, which I had been staring down since the start gun went off. I take my first step up the steep incline. I can't even see the top when I begin, and not even halfway into the ascent my legs start burning with pain. Every stride becomes more difficult and the pace becomes harder to manage.

now incredibly hot. My body was taxed and I felt almost empty but, still, I kept pushing. My mind could barely think, and all I could see was a large gap between me and the top 5 runners all battling for 1st place. Although I wasn't running for 1st place, I was running against myself for personal pride and bringing out the best of myself.

I don't know how but I managed to push through the challenge. I finish the race 7th overall, win my age Division and have an official time of 42:21. I collapsed at the line, but relief flowed through my body, as the pain finally eased off. I had done it!

Owen Allen Age 13 Key West, FL

I finally reach the top, and the burning relieves slightly as I begin my descent. Cautious and aware of the need to stay focused, I make it down safely but still have a grueling 3 miles to go. The sun is now high in the sky and not only is the temperature taking its toll but the roadway is

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 13

14 | MAY / JUNE 2015

THEY'RE OFF! Do you think this smiling runner just spotted his mom waving on the side line or is he just happy to be running in the NewportMesa Spirit Run

Smotherman Images YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 15

instagram

fanpage

16 | MAY / JUNE 2015

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!

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 17

SPRING TRACK HIGHLIGHTS It’s good to get outside again, get some fresh air and hit the track. If you want to compete or just find a fun run the options are endless. This spring we’ve been to middle school meets, high school, road runs and a ton of schools that are participating in Run a Mile Days. If you see us at an event please come up and say hello!

For the photos, videos, stories, and more get over to Youthrunner.com.

18 | MAY / JUNE 2015

COLUMN 1: Cool Kids

Everywhere we go we meet cool kids and their families that love to run.

Photos by: The Fans

COLUMN 2: Oregon Relays

High School Senior Matthew Maton is now running unattached to pursue his running dreams. At the Oregon Relays he ran the 1500m with college athletes and posted a time of 3:42.54. He told us his goal for this spring was a sub 4 mile. He nailed that at the Twilight meet with a 3:59.38. What’s next Matthew?

Photos by: Klotz Images

COLUMN 3: IAAF WORLD XC CHAMPS

Photographer Steve Klotz followed the USA Junior Team to Guiyang, China for the big meet.

The team included Kaitlyn Benner, Valerie Constien, Lauren Gregory, Katie Rainsberger, Kelsey Schrader, Shaelyn Sorenson, John Dressel, Conner Mantz, Cerake Geberkinane, Eric Hamer, Paul Roberts, & Paul Miller. Photos by: Klotz Images

COLUMN 4: Newport Mesa Spirit Run

This annual event for schools brings out lots of fun & some fast kids. Miler Steve Scott usually comes and runs with pack. Photos by: Smotherman Images

COLUMN 5: National Run A Mile Days

Mile Days had some cool vans driving around the country this year starting in April. Any school can participate by running a mile during recess. The American Running Association provides certificates and schools on their “Tour” all got Miler tee shirts. Photos by: The Fans

COLUMN 6: Phoenix Invitational

Meet director Bob Flint has kept this meet going for over 40 years now and attracts the best youth clubs from the west in April for a season opener. Photos by: Smotherman Images

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 19

3000 Meters Starts on the far corner of the track and goes for 7.5 laps and = 1.86 miles.

a track & field meet

At there are several events

going on at the same time. If you’re new to the sport it may be hard to follow so we’ve put this info page together to show you where the start and finish lines are for the running events and where the field events are contested.

Track & Field offers events in running (track), throwing and jumping (field.)

100 Meters

Hurdles

This race is a straight shot of nothing but speed from start to finish

There are many heights and distances for hurdle depending on boys-girls, youth-high school from 50 meters to 400 meters.

20 | MAY / JUNE 2015

Steeple Chase Runners jump over “barriers” that go all the way across the track then jump over a water pit on the last curve of the track.

Shot Put The younger the athlete the lighter the shot (the metal ball) is. Beginners throw at a stand still while experienced throwers will spin first to get the Shot Put further.

Long Jump

200 Meters Starts on the curved part of the track with runners in staggered positions. You need to stay in your own lane the entire race.

Triple Jump Also known as a “hop, skip and jump” into the long jump pit.

Distance is measured from the first jump to the landing in the pit.

Jumpers get as much speed as they can down the runway and then jump into the sand pit. If your toe goes across the line it doesn’t count. Distance is measured from the take off board to where you landed in the sand.

1500 Meters (0.9 mile) = 4 laps minus 1 curve Start line is curved and is called a water fall start. Runners can quickly move to the inside lane in the 1500.

Discus Throw Looks like a small Frisbee but the good throwers can send it way down field. Like the shot discus throwers use a lot of technique and spin before they throw.

Javelin Youth athletes throw the Turbo Jav and in high school it’s the real javelin. Throwers run to the line to get their speed up before releasing the javelin. Farthest throw wins.

FINISH LINE

For all races on the track.

High Jump Is contested on the field. You get three attempts to make the bar height. If you do the bar is raised and you get to try again.

Pole Vault This event takes practice and skill.

Beginners use a rigid pole and as they gain experience they start using a longer and more flexible pole to get their height.

Relays

800 Meters

400 Meters

Four athletes on a team take turns running while carrying a baton. The team with the baton across the finish line first wins. Events include the 4 x 100 (each runner goes 100 meters), & the 4x400.

(0.5 mile) = 2 laps around the track. One of the most difficult all out races. You can move to the inside lane after the first curve.

Runners start in staggered positions from each lane and must stay in their lanes to the finish line. That way everyone runs an equal distance.

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 21

OC

KIDS RUN THE

The Kids Run the OC Program is a really cool 10-12 week program for Newport Beach, CA schools. Kids have practice before, during or after school. The goal is to accumulate a total of 25.2 miles of exercise through FUN and play activities! On race day kids run the final mile through the finish line with fans and parents cheering them on.

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 23

Learn the

Event

TIPS:

the Turbo Jav

Aim at target so you can line up the Turbo Jav and get good flights.

Leigh Petranoff is a professional Javelin athlete and Olympic hopeful.

Leigh Petranoff

What Is the Turbo Jav?

You may have seen high school athletes throwing the javelin. It looks like a spear. The Turbo Jav is thrown the same way but it is made of rubber & plastic with a soft nose which makes

it much safer. If you’re planning to compete in a CYO , AAU, or USATF meet they will be throwing the Turbo Jav. It was developed by former world men’s javelin champion Tom Petranoff.

Learn THe Basics: Throwing THe Turbo Jav

Learn to throw with your weak side does not have bad habits. Let it teach your strong side. (if you’re right handed try throwing with your left side)

Throw at a low angle to start and get speed on Turbo Jav and then raise angle up to 30 degrees maximum.

Make sure you always check that the Turbo Jav is screwed tight at tip and grip. You want them tight at all times.

The Turbo Jav should always be held with the point facing forward. Place both feet squarely on the ground about shoulder width apart with your toes facing inward. Your entire body should be facing forward. The Turbo Jav should be held at head height and parallel to the ground. It should be directly beside your eye. Your non-throwing arm should be pointing in the direction of the throw.

1

Keeping the Turbo Jav level and the point facing forward, the throwing arm is extended back. The opposite arm is pointed in the direction of the throw.

2

24 | MAY / JUNE 2015

In a smooth, continuous motion, the Turbo Jav is pulled forward and thrown over the shoulder. This is very important! If you do not throw over your shoulder, but instead throw in a rotational arc around your shoulder and body you will experience bad flights and short distances.

3

Follow through is the most important factor for success. Stopping your motion short at the throw without continuing your momentum over your blocking leg will make it hard to achieve good flight and distance.

4

Test your skills at www.turbojav.com

Have a question about the Turbo Jav? Submit yours at "Ask a Coach"

TIPS FOR

TRAINING

TIPS FOR:

Track And Field It’s easy to be worn out before you even compete on a hot day.

Learning how to stay hydrated may be key to your success and health.

Mike Fleming: Middle School Coach

q HOW DO I AVOID

OVER HEATING DURING THE SUMMER TRACK SEASON? Mike Fleming: Run early morning or

late evening with a friend or parent so that it is cooler outside. Freeze or refrigerate a wet t-shirt and wear during training runs and drink plenty of fluids before, during and after practice.

Drew: One, stay hydrated. This is key regardless of the temperature. Carry

Drew Wasmund: College Coach

Jordo Schilit: Professional Athlete

water with you everywhere. Look up what the recommended daily intake of water is supposed to be so you know what’s safe. Secondly, stay in the shade at meets. Even if that means having to miss watching friends compete.

Jordo: During practice run in the shade. Also stay extremely hydrated before and after your workouts. At meets, same rules apply but also try to sit in the shade during the times you’re not competing.

MICK: Don't train too hard. Run in

shaded areas if possible. Stay well hydrated. Try to run earlier or later in the day. At track meets, stay out of the sun as much as possible.

Mick Grant: Youth Coach

Mike Bergmann: High School Coach

Coach Bergmann: It is important to

stay hydrated during the day when you are training. If you are in an area that has high heat and humidity you need to watch the heat index and be aware of the impact of over heating and the ability to recover and stay safe. If it is an option train earlier in the day or use shaded areas to run in high heat. Wear light colors that reflect the sun vs. black which absorbs the heat.

WANT MORE? Go to “ASK A COACH” at Youthrunner.com for more great answers from these coaches.

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 25

In April we dropped by the Southern California Youth Invitational at the College of the Canyons. The teams competing are part of the Southern California Youth Track & Field Conference. One of the highlights of the meet was to watch Alexis Fernandez win the Midget Girls 1500 and 3000 meter run. She broke the 1500 meet record in a time of 4:52.37 and the 3000 meet record in 10:25.41. Alexi is already breaking California standout Sarah Baxters’s age group records. Keep a watch out for Alexi and more from the SCYTFC

26 | MAY / JUNE 2015

submit an

athlete

ETHAN VARGAS DISTANCE RUNNER 12 year old Ethan had an outstanding cross country season last fall. He won the Twin Cities Lutheran Athletic Conference title, Minnesota Lutheran State Cross Country Championships with a new course record. He also won the National Lutheran Cross Country Championships, and set a new national record with a time of 11:43.3 for 2 miles.

YOUTH RUNNER top-DOG OF THE MONTH Long Jumper

1500 Meter Runner

Camille Napier , 11 Fulshear Texas

Na'Seir Samuel

Ryley King , 12 Edison Middle School, Ohio

Camille won the 1600 & 3000 AAU Indoor Championships earning her All-American.Then went to the Hershey Indoor Nationals and set a New record in the 3000 of 10:29.52. Way to Go Camille!

Na'Seir was the 2014 AAU Junior Olympics National Champion (1st place 100m & 1st place Long Jump) 2014 ESPN Primary National Champion (1st place 100m) and Triathlon Record holder. We’ll be watching for some great jumps this year.

Besides her school team Ryley also runs for the Flight 101 Jets and posted a 9th place finish at AAU last year in the 1500. Her dream is to run in the Olympics and become a Health Teacher.

ARE YOU A yr-kid?

Let us know what makes you a Youth Runner. Submit an Athlete at: youthrunner.com/ events/athlete/ submit

Smotherman Images

INDOOR Record Holder

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 27

yr gear

gear 2

1

3

4

5

Gear Up This Summer!

1

SPIKEASE

Do you ever wish you didn’t have to walk on your heels while wearing spikes when going across pavement or on bleachers? It’s a common problem with track or cross country athletes. This clever product slips over the toe of your spikes so you can walk normally and protects your spikes at the same time. $24.95 spikease.com 2

Balega Socks

3

Spare Spikes

$12 // $11

$5.99

The Ultra Light ($12) and Women's Enduro ($11) is the perfect combo of comfort and style. With summer heat these socks will keep you cool and dry. Available at most runningsporting goods stores.

Don’t leave home without them.

It’s good to have different sizes in your bag as some tracks don’t allow certain sizes. Ask when you buy your shoes-spikes. We found this 14 pak for $5.99.

28 | MAY / JUNE 2015

4

Spike Wrench

$8.88 A must have for every track & field athlete's sports bag. This one is from stackhouse.com

5

iphone Accessories

$36.99 If you want to take even better pics of your friends at track meets get this Camera Lens Kit including 8x Telephoto, Fisheye, Macro, Wide Angle and more. $36.99 at amazon.com

COMING UP!

New from Human Kinetics

HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP MEETS YOU’LL WANT TO ADD TO YOUR CALENDAR: INVITATIONALS MAY 2ND WINGS OF OMAHA, OMAHA, NE MAY 4TH NJ STRIDERS, HACKENSACK, NJ MAY 10TH LINCOLN YOUTH TC, NEBRASKA WESLEYAN MAY 16-17TH 3M INVITATIONAL, UNION CITY, CA MAY 18-19TH NORTHWEST FLYERS, KLEIN, TX MAY 25TH FLYERS THROWS FESTIVAL, OMAHA, NE

AAU JULY 9th-11TH PRIMARY NATIONALS, ORLANDO, FL JULY 12TH-18th CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP, ORLANDO, FL AUG 1st-8th NAT. JUNIOR OLYMPIC T&F CHAMPIONSHIPS, NORFOLK, VA

YOUTH - USATF

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JUNE 30-JULY 5TH USATF YOUTH OUTDOOR T&F CHAMPIONSHIPS, LISLE, IL JULY 27TH-AUG 2ND USATF NATIONAL JUNIOR OLYMPICS, JACKSONVILLE, FL FOR THE DETAILS AND REGISTRATION LINKS GO TO YOUTHRUNNER.COM

Leading USA Track and Field coaches present event-specific technical instruction and training regimens in this official level 1 text of USATS’s coach education program.

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