Question for runners/joggers

[MisterJackson]

I need to start working out. I never had to before, and I really don't need to yet. I stayed trim before but I know I ain't getting any younger (30) and my metabolism will slow down eventually. So I figure it's better to start getting in the habit now.

I just got a weight machine, and I want to improve my endurance as well. I figure cardio (jumprope, running, etc.) would be best for that.

So my question is this......is it safe for my 9 year old son to start running/jogging with me? I've never really seen kids running long distances. Of course were both beginners so it won't be like we're running 5 miles a day out of the gate.

It'll only benefit him too since he takes Tae Kwon Do and has really been getting into the tournaments over the last year or so.

I'm thinking a mile each morning, or maybe every other morning until we get into the swing of things.

So are there any adverse effects to kids doing this sort of thing. I can't think of any, but I want to be sure.

Cliffs

- Is it safe for my 9 year old son to run with me too?

 

[Jahee]

I would say its ok... Wouldn't say much more than a mile a day though, maybe bring him out with you 4 days out of a 7 day week or something, but a mile isn't that far, should be fine..

 

[dudeman007]

A mile is about the limit I would say...

 

[Homerboy]

talk to your son's Pediatrician, not a forum board online.

 

[Chunkee]

a mile is fine, but not everyday and I would be concerned about running on hard pavement. His epiphyseal plates on his long bones are not done and his joints are not quite ready for that repetitive without rest activity...

jC

 

[preCRT]

Originally posted by: Homerboy
talk to your son's Pediatrician, not a forum board online.

 

[Oceandevi]

I see young kids run with their skinny moms all the time. Its funny looking.
I say go for it!

 

[SWScorch]

modified xc and track start at 7th grade, and they race a mile and a half, and 3-4 miles a day in practice, so a few miles a few times a week shouldn't hurt but don't make him do 10 miles or 6:00 miles

 

[Sukhoi]

Yeah some is probably ok, but check with the doc. There are growth plates in the knee joints and while it probably wouldn't do anything, you don't want to scratch those up when the kid is 9.

 

[ModerateRepZero]

I would say some light jogging is fine...besides the exertion involved, I would be mindful of the wear and tear on the legs (so running on softer surfaces ie sand and grass is better than concrete and asphalt).

It also helps if he does some stretching prior to running

 

[DainBramaged]

That's cool that you would even want to take your kid with, man. Too many peeps don't give a sh!t about their kids. :beer::thumbsup:

 

[SonnyDaze]

Originally posted by: Chunkee
a mile is fine, but not everyday and I would be concerned about running on hard pavement. His epiphyseal plates on his long bones are not done and his joints are not quite ready for that repetitive without rest activity...

jC

And along those lines, I'd get him fitted for some good running shoes. Something that will support the arch and support pronation or supination if it occurs. If he continues to run as he gets older, he may have problems later if he's not started right.

 

[alrocky]

Won't he just slow you down, or was that the point? How about having bike along side with you (as you run) on a bike path or some other relatively safe from car traffic locale?

 

[erub]

I started jogging/running when I was in 2nd grade I think, and I turned out ok, did cross country in middle school and college, and even done a few marathons once I hit 18..now I run 3-4 times a week. You see 9 year olds running in 5K's and such. But make sure its fun or he will get burned out with it..I started to get interested in running when I would go along for a bike ride with my dad (who was jogging).

 

[irishScott]

When I was that age I had growing pains in my legs up the wazoo. I still ran for my house league soccer team, but it hurt. Turns out my bones were growing slightly unevenly. They eventually evened out, but hurt like hell at the time. I dunno about your kid, but if he complains about pain don't make him keep going.

Also, as SonnyDaze said, get you and him some good running shoes.

 

[slpaulson]

We used to have to do 7 minute runs in gym back in 5th grade. I probably got around a mile in that long back then, so I'm sure a mile is fine.