12 year old runner

[SarahandRosa]

Hello, my daughter, age 12 and I are considering doing the C25K together. Is there anything I should know about a 12 year old starting to run?

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I run with my 7 or 8 year old and both are good at it but slower than my pace. At 12 I would think her pace would be good. My duo prefer 2 mile runs but will do 3 mile parkruns at slower pace with encouragement. I would think it will be great to run together. Plenty of encouragement for her and good running shoes (not necessarily expensive) that are running types. Some kids trainers are no good for running! Have fun.

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

I would recommend to always remember - the only goal of C25K is to complete each days task - that is all, no pace or speed ever mentioned.

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

How lovely to do the programme together. She'll probably want to race off. Keep it slow and steady - it's about building fitness and stamina..

Have fun!

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Only that at twelve, she will probably soon be leaving you behind.........🏃🏽‍♀️! Good luck to both of you, it's a fantastic programme. Since graduating I have managed to get my 16 yr old son to complete the programme ( he actually asked for new running shoes for Christmas!) and my 12 year old son, who has never been confident at sports, is also working his way through it, albeit with a little more encouragement! Both have loved coming to support me at organised runs and the day I completed the Great South Run, their support and pride in watching their 'old Mum' run 10 miles, was probably worth more than the medal....well, almost!😉

[SarahandRosa]

Thanks everyone I feel very encouraged! Will show Rosa when she wakes up

[benwill]

My 11 year old has been running parkruns with me for a year now, at first he would sprint off and then have to walk, but slowly I taught him that slow and steady wins the race. and is now down to a pretty good 26minutes.

So no problem with your 12 year old, apart from the new running shoes he now wants and GPS watch!

[Flossie22 Graduate]

I think it's an excellent idea and wish you and Rosa all the best and lots of fun together following the C25K programme. Slow and steady is the key and encourage each other! Enjoy! 😊👏🏻👏🏻🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏻🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏻

[mooning Graduate]

Might seem odd, but depending on the physical development of your daughter, don't forget a decent sports bra, or make sure you pay attention to when she might need to get one. Hope it goes well.

[park79]

Given the things my lunatic secondary school put us through from 11 onwards, C25K seems positively well-paced and reasonable. This article on the NHS page talks about a mother and son duo: nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/...

[melly4012 Graduate]

How lovely that you can do the programme together! Slow is the key, the important thing is getting through each running section no matter how far or fast your go. Take those rest days between runs and enjoy it!

[SarahandRosa]

Thanks to everyone for your encouragement! We should rename ourselves because not only Rosa and me but the whole family just started the programme just completed week 1 r1 - Grace aged 10 and my husband. Si far so good. Hooray!