Any sporty experts out there, re jogging for 5 (nearly 6) year olds?

[runforthehillsormayjustjog]

Any top tips for starting to do some jogging with a 5 year old? He has a pair of reeboks jogging shoes...

[VikingMama]

Good running shoes. Carry a drink. Let them stop whenever they want. Don't time sections to improve speed, but do watch how long you run for. Build up gently. Try and run on grass rather than road.
Find your local Parkrun (www.parkrun.org.uk) and see if they have a junior 2km Parkrun on a Sunday. It's a brilliant set up and free. Our local has 200+ kids a week from ages 4-14yrs of all abilities.

[runforthehillsormayjustjog]

Thank you, vikingmama. Did/do you take your dc running at 5 years? I am a bit worried about legs and knees and pushing it too hard.

Would you have any advice re session number one, say, 500 metres?!

We have just bought him a pair of reebok jogging shoes which are pretty much the same as mine.

i used to run a few times a week until having dc but haven't run for years and i need to start again too as have become very unfit.

DC is active in the holidays, but school times are full on and sedentary mostly, and exhausting, and i have noticed a difference in fitness and energy levels in the last few weeks, though it seems strange to say that about a 5 year old. He is good at sport, but runs out of energy quickly. i am hoping running a bit will help with that.

[thanksamillion]

My DD started running at 5. We haven't done it for a while, but she did a 1km fun run last year. She was keen on running very fast then stopping so we gradually worked on slowing down and keeping going (not least because her fast pace was more than I could cope with!).

With DS swimming has been the best thing for his stamina but that may not work for you.

[Geegee4]

My DD6 started doing the Junior parkruns which are 2k just after her 5th birthday. They are really great and the kids get rewards for doing their first half marathon equivalent and full marathon.

She ran her first one but had to walk up the hill, lots of the young wee ones take breaks between spurts of jogging. I think at that age good shoes are important but beyond that my advice is for them to go steady and listen to your body! And keep it fun! I also see little ones going around in tears and that is so sad to see.

[Girliefriendlikesflowers]

Jnr parkrun is a good place to start...

[runforthehillsormayjustjog]

Thank you - that is all helpful! We will give it a go!

I think at first he will want to race then stop race then stop too...

Not a good enough swimmer for stamina yet, but hopefully that too in the future.

thanks again

[Helspopje]

My 6 year old started with fun runs at 3 and did 5k from age 4/5