Youth Runner Magazine Sept-Oct 2014

XC SEASON IS HERE SEPT-OCT 2014 $4.95

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DANIEL WHITE

DANIEL SKANDERA Another Mile World Record!

SUMMER OF TRACK recap

A wildcat that does it all

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YR MOMENTS Imani Track Club's Saundria Martin #6449 makes the hand off to #6457 Destinee Reid in this qualifying round of the 13-14 girls 4x100 at the USATF Jr. Olympic Nationals in Humble, Texas. In this photo the Northwest Flyers from Texas went on to finish 4th in the finals and the Cedar HIll Blaze was 3rd.

Congratulations!

SMOTHERMAN IMAGES

2 | SEPT/OCT 2014

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YR contents: Sept-oct 2014

READY.SET.GO DANIEL WHITE A wildcat that does it all!!!

feature The Buddy System By Aidan Colvin Youth Running Shoes for Back to School

check it out instagram fan shots

16

8 18

Looking Back at Summer Track & Field 22 26 27

12

Daniel Skandera Event Spotlight Submit an Athlete

more 20

YR Moments

2

GUEST EDITOR

6

YR Bloggers

7

14

training Ask a Coach about Race Day

Vol. 19 issue 4

28

30

POSTER

gear Spotlight 29

COMING UP

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 5

yr guest

editor

VOL. 19 ISSUE 4 | Sept/oct 2014 Publisher/Editor Dan Kesterson Editor at Large Ian Kesterson Guest Editor Casey Lum Contributing Writers Cregg Weinmann, Aline Barta, Aiden Colvin, Emma Smith, Casey Lum, Yasmine Diarra, Jordan Schilit

LETTER FROM THE

GUEST EDITOR For anyone considering running XC in high school, including the freshmanme.

So you’re considering doing cross country? Go for it! Even if you’ve never run before, even if you hate running, even if you don’t think you’ll be any good at it, give it a chance. Doing cross country forces you to get in shape, it makes running more bearable. No matter how old you are, it’s never too late to join cross country.

Joining cross country was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Cross country has transformed me: I have gained athleticism and I am stronger and more confident. But the best part of cross country is the social aspect.

Most high schools have summer practices, giv-

EDITOR'S NOTES 6 | SEPT/OCT 2014

At my school, cross country kids are hard working in school and sports, so I was surrounded by like-minded people. My teammates have helped me with academics or provided guidance from their past experiences. Though it’s often regarded as an individual sport, cross country is all about the team. Runners rely on encouragement and team spirit, which strengthens the bonds between teammates. Coaches are also great mentors that can help you in times of need.

Have I convinced you yet? No? Well, I’ll go back to the physical part then.

We train to be not only fast, but strong and injury-free. After a season of cross country, you’ll be in the best shape of your life. It’s a great way to train for a winter or spring sport. Additionally, running strengthens your mental fortitude. For me, it presented a challenge unlike any I’d faced before. By proving to myself that I could run a 5K, I proved to myself that I can do anything I put my mind to.

Hey Youthrunners. Cross country is finally here! Time for muddy courses, running through fallen leaves, and nice cool weather. Make sure to send us your Youthrunner cross country stories and tag your best outdoor running photos this fall with #youthrunner. Have fun and stay warm.

Sherry Cortez

Casey Lum HS Junior

ing you the opportunity to make friends before the school year starts.

Art Director Sean Kesterson CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER Ashley Agee Photographers Rebecca Joelson, Brooks Running, PS Images, Kit Engwall , Smotherman Images, Klotz Images, Craig Lewis, Kaitlin Emmerling, Photo Run, Dingo Images, Instagrammers, Sherry Cortez Website-Digital-Video Sean Kesterson

THANKS TO: Darren Phelps, Lisa Umberger, Jose Ruiz, Mike Fleming, Ian Dobson, Mike Bergmann Carl Curran, James Welch, , Lauren Primerano, Charles Oliver, Captain Jack Sparrow, Blue Goose Productions, Catlin Gabel School 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 2014 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 TOP 5 emma FAVORITES

Nike Vomero

HS Junior, Age 16 Emma talks about her XC Camp Adventure

What are Emma's

XC Runner and Blogger

FAVORITES?

Steens Mountain High Altitude Running Camp is known for being absolutely insane. My experience this summer with this camp was insane but it was insanely rewarding. This camp not only teaches you to mentally push yourself but also that even when you're tired that you will recover and will be okay.

iPhone app: instagram because I love taking pictures and sharing it with others.

My favorite experience was a timed two mile team race. You had to run with your team up a one mile hill and then run back down. This experience taught me that you will recover and to always rely on your teammates to help you. I was struggling a lot with this. Running up a dusty hill at 7,500 ft. when it's 80째 is not easy. I was physically and mentally exhausted.

My teammates were extremely helpful & they pulled me through. Even though I was only with these girls for a short week, I adore every single one of them. Not only did we break down with each other but we got back up and recovered with each other. If you're a person who has a deep love and passion for running and you want to see how hard you can push yourself, I recommend going to a camp like Steens.

Z bars

XC Course: Bull Run

Food for energy: Z bars because they give you energy but they don't make your stomach hurt when you're running.

Music: I listen to a lot of music but my favorite song to sing is "Love Runs Out" by One Republic because it's fast and a great song to sing and run to.

School Subject: English, because I enjoy reading and I love to write stories.

XC course: Sandelie Golf Course, because it's very fast and that's were I ran my fastest time.

Breakfast cereal: Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

One Republic

English class is fun!

Cinnamon Toast Crunch!

Tag photos #youthrunner

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 7

Courtesy of Steens

YR Blogger emma smith

DANIEL WHITE DOES IT ALL Words: Aline Barta | Photography: Rebecca Joelson

This summer Daniel and his teammates with the Orange County Wildcats came home from the USATF Junior Olympics with a national title in the 4x800 Relay.

8 | SEPT/OCT 2014

"It was just two years ago that we were talking... about Jake Ogden from the Orange County Wildcats who was a 9-time national champion and went on to Dana Hills High School. He paved the way for younger runners like Daniel White, a member of the 4x800 team that won a national title this year at the USATF Junior Olympics. Daniel was like lots of kids who were out for soccer, gave cross country and try and liked it. He surfs, drives Go Karts, likes to fix stuff, and runs fast.

Meet Daniel White.

YR: We hear you're into Go Karts, what's that all about? What kind of Kart do you drive? Where do you go to do this?

DW: I really like to build them and work on them. I only ride in my neighborhood. I enjoy taking apart engines and fixing them.

You're also a surfer? What are your other sports interests?

I definitely enjoy surfing, especially with my cousin, Connor. I also like to mountain bike, wakeboard, skateboard, paintball and play recreational soccer.

Tell us about being an Orange County Wildcat and what you've accomplished together as a team over the last two years and your achievements individually?

I have been a Wildcat for the past two and one half years and started during the track season of my fifth grade year.

My brother had been on the team and I watched many of his races. Coach Darren asked me to come out one day and at the time. I said no because I was playing on a Club Soccer team.

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 9

After XC season ended, I decided to give it a try. It has been a awesome experience to be a Wildcat. My coach is someone I am very close to and my best friends have been a part of the team. My team and I have both improved over the course of the two years. The team accomplishments: National Jr. Olympic title in Track and Field 2014, individual accomplishment Indoor was National Champion in the 800 and 3000. Outdoor Track & Field All American in four events 800, 1500, 3000 and 4X 800. I also received various ribbons and trophies and received Most Valuable Club award in 2014.

the time and decided to give it a try. I was not very good at first.

What do think makes the OCW so successful? What's the secret sauce?

I get motivated thinking that my competitors are training hard. I have learned that to be the best you have to train hard and love it. I definitely love it.

Our coach really pushes us to be the best we can be. It is not just training physically but mentally and emotionally as well.

What school are you attending this year?

I will be attending Ladera Ranch Middle School as an eighth grader.

It's XC now, what is your training look like right now such as mileage and general workouts?

I am training six days per week and mostly running long distances like 10 mile runs. Our daily workouts include push ups, throwing medicine balls, planks and leg lifts. Occasionally we go to the gym and have pool workouts.

We train approximately two hours per day.

How about goals for this season or expectations in your school meets and club?

My goal is to win Cross County Nationals in December. My closest friends are going into High School so the team is quite small at this time.

How old were you when you got the running bug and who got you going in it?

I started two years ago. My brother got me going. I was playing soccer at 10 | SEPT/OCT 2014

Can you describe your first race?

My first race was at an All Comers Meet in Huntington Beach. I wore my soccer cleats because I was not sure I was going to like it. My dad told me that my goal should try to beat one kid. I did it and I got 6:39 in the mile and I beat several High School kids. I was really happy at the time.

Running can be hard work, what motivates you to get up every morning and keep at it?

The Wildcats came away from Youth Nationals with a win, how was that experience for you and the team?

My 4 x 8 team placed first. In the 1500 I got 5th and in the 3000 I got 3rd and in the 800 I got 4th. In five days I raced six times. I was happy with my performance but felt like I could have done even better in the 1500. As a team it was fun to win a National title. Our coach has been wanting to win a track title for several years.

Seems like you didn't place the year before. What was different this year that pushed you to the top?

In track I placed 7th in the 3000 and 2nd in the 4 X 8 relay. I only received two medals last year.

What was your best race ever?

My best races were at the Indoor Nationals where I won the 3000 and 800 meter races.

We all have a race that we'd like to forget, what do you do mentally to charge back from one of those?

I always talk to my coach and figure out what I did wrong and try to fix it.

Any pre-race rituals? Carry a lucky rabbit's foot in your pocket or anything?

I carbo load the night before and hydrate well the 24 hours prior to my race. In the morning of my race- I am always quiet and try to get mentally focused. I usually say a little prayer on the starting line.

What's the best coaching advice or any advice anyone has given you that you remember every time you toe the line...OR during your daily life?

The best advice came from my coach.

"I get motivated thinking that my competitors are training hard"

He always tells me to use my capabilities. He often says that I have the potential to be a great runner. I use his message in everything I do. I work really hard in school to maintain straight A’s and also put out 100% effort in other things I try.

work on things including my Go Kart, upgrade paintball and air soft guns as well as research things on the internet and design things. I spend a lot of time at Home Depot.

FAVORITE:

Describe yourself in 5 words Kind, Funny, Persistent, Intelligent, Daring

Food: Ice Cream Movie: The Way, Way Back Music: My favorite song is Fortune Days by the Glitch Mob Thing to do besides run: I like to

School Subject: Math

Do you think running has shaped your life at all...if so, how?

Any role models that have inspired you to be a better runner?

My coach, Roger Banister, Mom, Dad, Brother David.

Any advice for other young distance athletes?

Never give up when it hurts and try your best each time you practice or race.

Running has completely changed my life. It has made me understand the importance of hard work and discipline.

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 11

the buddy system

"Get out of bed, sleepyhead!" I heard as my mother pulled the warm covers off me. "What?" I screamed.

Crossing the finish line of the Quintiles Half Marathon in Wilmington, NC (March, 2014).

Story by Aidan Colvin “It’s Gary’s 43rd birthday and he wants to run forty-three 200s to celebrate.

You’re the only one in the family who can keep up with him,” she said.

Gary is my uncle. During high school, he was one of the fastest kids in the country. He was offered scholarships at many colleges and ran a 4-minute mile. He ran for UNC-Wilmington on a full scholarship. Unfortunately, during his third year, he was sidelined with a leg injury. That didn’t stop his love for running. He still logs 25-30 miles a week.

“Gary wants us to meet him at the track at 7 am,” my mom said. I looked over at the clock. “It is only 5:30. Are you crazy? Summer has just started. I want to sleep in.” I put the pillow back over my head.

My mom face-timed Gary and put the phone up to me in bed. “Aidan?” Gary said. “What’s your excuse?”

“Nothing,” I groaned. “I’m on my way.”

I got to the track. I hadn’t run in a month. I’d had exams and end of grade testing and papers due. I was a little nervous.

“Forty-three 200s?” I asked.

“Yep,” he said. “You going to make 12 | SEPT/OCT 2014

something of it?”

That’s around five miles of sprints, I thought. And that’s not even including the warm-up and cool down miles.

We ran a warm-up loop around the park, then headed over to the track.

We started trotting a few paces before the start line. I clicked the start button on my running watch. I quickly pushed ahead of Gary. He told me we would sprint 200, walk for 30 seconds, then sprint another 200, and so on until we got to 43 200s. Pretty quickly, I was feeling the pain. I mean, really quickly.

I had finished less than 1/20th of what I had in front of me and I thought I was going to vomit.

Gary saw that I was starting to hurt and he said “stop going all out, and run in sync with me.” I was skeptical but said I would try. We were running at about a six minute pace, not all out, but still pushing ourselves. And my whole body fell in to sync with his. My arm motions and my stride were all the same as his. I stopped thinking. All

Cross Country Meet at the Wake Med Soccer Park (Fall 2013)

Our neighbors, the Fornos, and me and my sisters after the Color Run in downtown Raleigh (Spring 2014).

"They change your attitude on a bad day" I had to do was match his stride.

And we did it. Forty-three 200s. I went from being completely miserable and hot and nervous at the beginning of the workout to enjoying the run by the end. (I can’t speak for Gary.)

Earlier that morning on the car ride to the track Gary had played a motivational speech. I wasn’t really listening very closely because I was half asleep but one thing that stuck with me was when it said, “pain is only temporary.”

Even though I’d heard that a million times, I didn’t really understand it until Gary was running beside me.

When people think of a coach, they think of someone who sits on the sidelines and shows them how to improve.

But this past Saturday morning, Gary taught me that pain is temporary. And I listened because he was running right beside me. He knew what I was going through. He encouraged me.

He was both a running buddy and a coach.

A running buddy does not need to be

someone who has made the national championships though. It is best to find a running buddy who is at a similar level to you, who can push you to run further and faster and who you can push, too. They can change your attitude on a bad day or celebrate a good day with you. I was lucky to have Gary on Saturday.

Who is your running buddy?

Aidan Colvin My name is Aidan Alexander Colvin.

I am fourteen years old and will start high school at Research Triangle High School in the fall. I live in Raleigh, NC. I have two sisters, my parents, and my two dogs. In second grade I was diagnosed with dyslexia. That was also the year I started to run. Both dyslexia and running have taught me to rise and to meet adversity, and to discover the pleasure of challenge. In March I was the youngest runner out of 2000 to cross the Quintiles Half Marathon in Wilmington, NC.

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 13

Kory Martin Record breaker!

Kory Martin of the Pasadena Running Roses broke a record in the 8-under Girls Long Jump at the USATF Junior Olympics in Humble, Texas.

She jumped a distance of 13-01.25' Way to Go Kory!

PSI IMAGES

14 | SEPT/OCT 2014

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 | SEPT/OCT 2014

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 17

A LOOK BACK AT

THE SUMMER OF TRACK & FIELD It was one of the most incredible summers ever for youth track & field.

Record numbers of kids participated in the AAU and USATF Junior Olympics and it seems like Youth Triathlons have popped up in any community with a swimming pool or a frog pond. If you wanted to you could find a 5K or a Fun Run almost every weekend before going out to meet your buddies.

The really amazing event this summer was that the IAAF World Juniors Championships came to Eugene, Oregon. Over 170 countries sent a team to compete. Some came to win & others came because they were the best back home.

It was an experience none of them will forget. Most teams had at least one person that spoke English but the universal language was a lot of smiling and laughter.

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

18 | SEPT/OCT 2014

COLUMN 1: RUN TRACK TOWN YOUTH LEAGUE

The Run Track Youth League ended with a final at Hayward Field during the World Youth Championships.

Photos by: Klotz Images

COLUMN 2: HERSHEY'S

This was the last ever of the Hershey's North American Finals but it was one of the best.

Photos by: Dingo Images

COLUMN 3-4: JUNIOR OLYMPICS The National

Championships this year were in Humble, Texas.

Thanks to Greg and George for the great photos. Photos by: Smotherman Images

COLUMN 5: NANJING YOUTH The second ever OLYMPICS

Youth Olympics were in Nanjing, China this year USA athletes such at Noah Lyles came home with gold medals. Photos by: Photo Run

COLUMN 6: IAAF WORLD JUNIORS

Over 170 countries sent their young athletes to Eugene, Oregon this summer for the IAAF World Junior Championships. It was an exciting week of international competition and culture. Photos by: Klotz Images

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 19

yr shoe

guide 3 1

2

4

5

YR pick: For Back to School Our editors reviewed and tested shoes that we thought would be the best for Youth Runners returning to school and to their cross country teams. adidas Response Boost Techfit J

2

adidas Power Blaze K

3

ASICS Gel Noosa Tri 9

4

Brooks PureFlow 3

Light and grip to the ground The Power Blaze K is the kids version of the adidas Springblade, but without the blades. The thing is that this design makes the shoe very versatile, working on the gym floor and the courts almost as well as on the track.

The colors are cool and really comfortable Named for a region in Australia, they were designed for Triathlons.

That said they make a really all-around kind of shoe.

Cushion: A+ Stability: AValue: B (serious runners only) Activity: Running For: medium arched feet Sizes: 3.5-6 Youth

Cushion: A Stability: A Value: A Activity: Running, active games and exercises.

For: medium arched feet Sizes: 10.5K-13K; 1-6 Youth

Activity: Running, running games, and exercises.

For: medium arched feet Sizes: 1-7 Youth

runners)

Cushion: AStability: A Value: AActivity: Running, active games, and exercises.

For: medium to high arched feet Sizes: 1-7 Youth

$90

$60

$75

$70

Really bouncy and feel fast!

The Response Boost is a running shoe for serious training. If your child is running more than ten miles each week, these really show their strength, and for younger runners do a decent job for racing.

Cushion: AStability: A+ Value: B+ (better for older

Light on my feet and fit just right!

The Pure Flow 3 is the second edition of the Kid’s version, and may be among the speedier of shoes offered here. Their low profile shape making them balanced and protective when the foot touches down.

5

New Balance 890v4

Made me feel like running!

The 890 has been successful for adults looking for a light, well cushioned running shoe, so it should not be a newsflash that they are also great for kids.

Cushion: A Stability: AValue: AActivity: Running, field games, and exercises.

For: medium to high arched feet Sizes: 3.5-7 Youth

$65

Thanks to Cregg Weinmann and our crew of Reviewers

1

8

9

6

7

10

6

New Balance 980

7

Nike Zoom Pegasus 31

Totally cushy and so soft.

The 980 is often called “Fresh Foam” because of the new midsole material it uses. This is a very cushy running shoe, especially if your child needs the cushion and a pretty stable shoe.

Snug on the foot!

The Pegasus is Nike’s most versatile running shoe for serious training, fine tuned over 30+ years. It is very durable for running, but more limited in the gym or on the court with lateral movement.

Cushion: A+ Stability: A Value: AActivity: Running, active games, and exercises.

For: medium arched feet Sizes: 3.5-7 Youth

Cushion: A Stability: AValue: B+ (the value is better as a serious training shoe for runners) Activity: Running, active games, exercises For: medium arched feet Sizes: 3.5-7 Youth

$70

$80

8

Reebok ATV19 Ultimate

The sole is awesome The ATV19 updates a similar shoe from last season, keeping the sole unit from which it takes the name, ATV (all terrain vehicle).

Cushion: A Stability: A+ Value: A Activity: Running, active games, and exercises.

For: medium arched feet Sizes: 3.5-7 Youth

$70

9

Saucony Kid’s Kinvara 5

I’d wear them everyday if I could The Kinvara is the shoe that has come to define much of what Saucony is today, because everyone from small children to adults can wear it.

Cushion: A Stability: AValue: A+ Activity: Running, active games, and exercises.

For: medium to high arched feet Sizes: 3.5-7 Youth, medium & wide

$60

10

Skechers GOrun Ride 3

Love the stretchy fit The GOrun Ride 3 is the kid’s version of the adult shoe that has developed a growing fan club of runners.

Cushion: A Stability: AValue: A+ Activity: Running, active games, and exercises.

For: medium to high arched feet Sizes: 1-7 Youth on

$50 YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 21

Daniel SkanDera Interview: Ian Kesterson Photos: Doug Murdoch

Daniel #335 is moving ahead for another world record in the mile run.

In our last issue we featured Jonah Gorevic who broke the age group record for a 10 year old in the mile in New York with a time of 5:01.55. Last month 6 year old Daniel Skandera went out and broke the record for his age in 5:44.5. The time was also good to take the world record for 7 years olds and his time at the 1500 meter mark broke a record also.

As we were finding more out about Daniel we also discovered he owns the record for 5 year olds at 6:33.3.

His older brother Nehemiah ran 5:02.1 as an 11 year old and the world record is 4:55.0.

It’s not just the cereal these kids have for 22 | SEPT/OCT 2014

breakfast, it’s a family of runners that started with Daniel’s great grandfather Frank who won a New York City cross country championships back in 1935. Then his grand father Harry was an All-American in track and cross country at Pepperdine then became a high school and middle school coach. His dad Caleb was a competitive college runner. There are eight kids in the Skandera family and four of them compete in track. Way to Go Daniel! Keep running and having fun!

Age Group World Records: 1 MILE Age 5: 6:33.3 Daniel Skandera USA 2 Nov 07 Santa Rosa CA 23 Jul 13

Age 6: 5:44.5 Daniel Skandera USA 2 Nov 07 Santa Rosa CA 5 Aug 14

Age 7: 5:44.5 Daniel Skandera USA 2 Nov 07 Santa Rosa CA 5 Aug 14

Age 8: 5:36.6 Mike Assumma USA 30 Aug 63 Bakersfield CA 3 Jun 72

Age 9: 5:19.6 Robbie Barrios USA 19 Sep 69 79

Age 10: 5:01.55 Jonah Gorevic USA 21

Aug 03 New York NY 14 Jun 14

Battle XC

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 23

preparing for

race-day

Casey Lum HS Junior

Casey's top 5 tips for

Balancing Schoolwork

Words: Casey Lum As a soon-to-be high school junior, I’ve learned a lot from my freshman/sophomore years. I’ve gathered perspective from balancing school, sports, and other activities.

get involved

Communicate & Listen

Be confident, be smart

Stay organized

Relax & Enjoy

High school is a great opportunity to try new things, learn through mistakes, and find what you love. Don’t be afraid to join a new club or try something you haven’t done before.

Activities are a great way to make friends and learn new abilities.

Be honest and up front with your teachers, coaches, and parents about your goals and limitations.

Listen to their expectations and hopes for you. You might have to miss school for meets make sure you know what you’re missing and how you’ll make it up. Ask for help from your teachers if you’re struggling in a class.

Don’t let other people’s opinions of you define who you are or what you do!

Stay true to yourself and your goals. If something doesn’t feel right, take a step back and ask yourself whether it matches up with your personal expectations. As an athlete, you have a responsibility to yourself, your coach, your team, and your school.

Avoid procrastinating by doing assignments the night they’re assigned. This is definitely something I am working on! I stay organized by using a planner to keep track of events, assignments, and tests.

When things get stressful, take time to relax and unwind or do something fun with your friends.

High school goes faster than you expect- make the most out of it!

24 | SEPT/OCT 2014

RACE DAY

CHECK LIST

By Jordan Schilit and Casey Lum

6 Things To Remember For Race Day

RACE DAY:

1

Spikes Or Racing Flats (depending on the terrain of the course)

Socks: (and extra socks)

Extra Spikes (short and long, plus a spike wrench)

hair Bands/Head Bands

4

AFTER THE RACE Change of Clothes (for

Gloves For Cold Days Tights or Thermals For Chilly Days

post race)

Ski Mask: (eases the

Plastic Bag (for muddy/

sting in windy/cold weather)

Phone Charger (in case

Hat: (for warm or cool

days)

Sunscreen Hand Warmers For Cold Weather Meets

SHOES

Racing Uniform: (singlet and shorts, plus

Warm Ups: (jacket, pants, half-tights)

Here are some ideas:

PREPARE FOR WEATHER

2

maybe under-shirt for colder xc days)

The best way to prepare so you don’t forget anything is to pack and organize all your gear the night before.

3

UNIFORM

Flip Flops or Sandals sweaty/dirty clothes)

you get separated from your group)

Towel Water Bottle Snack

5

Training Shoes: (for warming up and walking the course)

CONTACT INFO Emergency Information Page (including your

parent’s info)

Emergency Medication Information: (if neces-

sary, including condition you may have, e.g. asthma, or allergy info in case you eat a forbidden snack)

Your Coaches Contact Info: (know a cell phone #!)

6

While You Wait iPod, Book or Other Homework Stay Motivated (with

quotes or memories you’ve written down from good races in the past)

Last but not least, keep a positive attitude and remember to smile!

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 25

Sherry Cortez

CHECK LIST FOR XC

event

SPOTLIGHT

1ST ANNUAL YR CAMP WAS A HUGE SUCCESS WITH CAMPERS & COACHES

"It was harder than I expected" -YR Camper

While the big dogs from around the country were down the road at the Nike Elite XC Camp, middle school runners with big dreams and determination were at the Youth Runner XC Camp. Four days of running the trails, drills, games, learning, and a lot of fun.

Guest Editor and Camp Coach Casey said that, "Camp gave me the opportunity to both learn and teach about running.

I most enjoyed Coach Mike Fleming’s talk about his uncle, Steve Prefontaine, because it was emotional and inspiring.

We also had a lot of fun playing games like water balloon relays and capture the flag. Camp was both fun and a learning experience and I’m looking forward to next summer!"

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"Olympian Ian Dobson taught us about how to make goals for ourselves" -YR Camper

"We made a lot of friends here" -YR Camper "The race on the last last pushed my limits" -YR Camper

Photo Run

YOUTHRUNNER XC CAMP RECAP

submit an

athlete

Octavia Gee record breaker!

Age 8-3rd Grade at Settler Way Elementary,Sugarland Texas Houston Sonics Track Club Octavia had a dominant performance in the girls eight and under shot put, demolishing the National and Junior Olympic meet record (7.34m/24-1) with every throw, breaking it with a 7.59m/24-1 toss on her first attempt before unleashing a massive 8.11m/26-7.25 throw on her fifth attempt. She was the only competitor to mark past 21 feet, as every throw went over 24-9.75 She added to her growing list of national-level titles by winning the 8-Under Girls Turbo Javelin event at the USATF Junior Olympics. Her winning throw of 18.29 meters (60' 0") was a new personal best.

YOUTH RUNNER top-DOG OF THE MONTH miler

Stephon Fosha, 9 Puyallup, Washington

Sophie Sigfstead , 13 Edmonton, Canada

At the AAU Nationals Stephon won the 9 year old 1500 meter run in 5:12.74 which was almost 5 seconds ahead of James Boutte, Jr. who was 2nd in 5:17.59

After the first lap of the 13-14 Girls 1600 at Hershey's North American Finals Sophie moved to the lead and held it for a winning time of 5:11.04

fast kid

Fabianna Szorenyi , 11 Carolina Gigantes Running Club In the 11-12 Girls 800 at Hershey's Finals Fabianna crossed the line in 2:26.12. Back home she one of the fastest youth female runners in Puerto Rico.

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

Distance run

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yr gear

gear Cross country race tips!

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Excerpts from Cross Country book

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1 Don't follow the crowd, follow the course.

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Don't lead unless you know you're going to win.

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yr gear guide is back...

Run your own race, not someone else's race.

We’re always on the look out for gadgets, gear, and apparel for Youth Runners. Here are some items we found for you this issue.

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round power stick

$19.99 Forget to charge your phone? The Round Power Stick gives you up to 9 hours of juice & comes in cool colors like black, silver, blue, purple and red- $19.99 at most major retailers. powerstick.com

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Dragonwing Girlgear

$23.99 Dragonwing girlgear's Chill Weight leggings and top are the perfect cold weather layers for trail or track running.

Stretchy and soft with a brushed inner lining and moisture-wicking fabric, they're tag-free so chafing won't be a problem. dragonwinggirl.com

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Under Armour eyewear

$47.99 Under Armour eyewear has a great selection of Youth styles featuring the same performance technologies built into the adult frames. underarmour.com

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Coaching cross country!

$21.95 Coaching Cross Country Successfully has tips and stories for athletes not just coaches. Written by Pat Tyson former coach of Mead HS with Doug Binder. humankinetics.com

Pace the hill. Don't kill the hill.

5 When you feel tired think of a recent workout that you conquered and how good it felt when you finished it.

YR suggests that you NEVER use your ear buds or listen to music while running on the road or anywhere near traffic.

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COMING UP! HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP MEETS YOU’LL WANT TO ADD TO YOUR CALENDAR: AAU AAU CROSS COUNTRY NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP | LAWRENCE, KANSAS | DECEMBER 6TH Regional and Association Meets go to aau.

HIGH SCHOOL BORDER MEETS BATTLE OF THE POTOMAC | SMOKEY GLEN FARM, VA | NOVEMBER 23RD NIKE BORDER CLASH | BEAVERTON, OR | NOVEMBER 23RD

FOOT LOCKER MIDWEST REGIONAL | KENOSHA, WI. | NOVEMBER 29TH NORTHEAST REGIONAL | BRONX, NY. | NOVEMBER 29TH SOUTHEAST REGIONAL | CHARLOTTE, NC | NOVEMBER 29TH WEST REGIONAL | WALNUT, CA. | DECEMBER 6TH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS | BALBOA PARK-SAN DIEGO, CAL. | DEC 6TH November 30th: Midwest Regional-Kenosha, WI Northeast Regional-Bronx, NY Southeast Regional-Charlotte, NC

NIKE PRE NATIONALS | PORTLAND, OR | SEPTEMBER 29TH HEARTLAND | SIOUX FALLS, SD | NOVEMBER 9TH NORTHWEST REGIONAL | BOISE, IDAHO | NOVEMBER 15TH MIDWEST | TERRE HAUTE, IN. | NOVEMBER 16TH SOUTH | THE WOODLANDS, TX | NOVEMBER 22ND NORTHEAST-NY | WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY | NOVEMBER 29TH NATIONALS | PORTLAND, OR | DECEMBER 6TH

USATF JUNIOR OLYMPICS XC NATIONALS | MYRTLE BEACH, NC. | DECEMBER 13TH *FOR THE DETAILS AND REGISTRATION LINKS GO TO YOUTHRUNNER.COM OR CHECK OUR FRIENDS AT COACHO.COM FOR DATES

A good resource is: usatriathon.org

NIKE CROSS NATIONALS

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