Taking my daughter running.

[rose_jc]

My daughter is 7 and she has said that she would like to come with me running. I think she would be fine where I'm up to now (week 2), however I don't know about her going any further. I'm not concerned about her fitness it's more to do with if she going to cause some damage by starting too young. My 5 year old also wants to come. Does anyone have any advice? When to start them, how far, etc?

[eveshamgal Graduate]

Why not just take them for little fun runs on your rest days? Nothing too long or intense etc

[Cazvs Graduate]

I've just started running with my 4 yo. I take her for a little trot around the block before going on my 'proper' run. I asked a question about running with children a couple of days back and got loads of great advice.

I've seen children of around 7 and up doing my local parkrun, I would build up gradually though.

[anand12]

I have two brothers (twins) who are 9. They want to come along, the only reason I don't take them is I think they will do better than me lol.

They are kids, they are flexible and they are meant to play run etc. Don't force them to do anything, let them run as much as they want. It ok with my brothers as there is two of them so they have each other to keep company too.

[NeverthoughtIwouldrun Graduate]

I actually think a 7 year old would be a lot fitter than most of us all that boundless energy ! Could you change your route so you run a circuit that's never maybe no more than .5k from your home head out on your normal run and then when/if your daughter gets tired she can just go home night be very boring for you though!