Should I become a Track Mom?

[Nissa Kagle]

I have a 9-year old son who joined who decided to run track last summer through our local rec department. He went to the state meet and I was shocked when he took first place for his age group in the 200M with a time of 33:58. Nothing record-breaking I know, but the thing is he had never run a 200M before and in fact he'd never even run on a track before (our town doesn't have one). The rec track program is very low key - no one had ever taught him how to start or running

form or training or anything. He did very well in the 100M as well. The practices consisted of running around on the soccer field.

So, my question is, should I be doing something to develop his talent? And, if so, what? Thanks for your input.

Nissa

[TrackMom]

Hi Nissa,

Glad to see you have found the site for Track Moms and Track Dads here at the Community of TrackMom.com

As for your question,Should you become a Track Mom ? I have exciting news for ya you already are : - )

Many of us have begun our journey into youth track and field the exact way you have and all I have to say is it a lot of fun and the best is yet to come.

Of course there are lots of opinions about helping him develop his talent, but what you have to remember is that you can help him get started with a little knowlege of track and field or friends that may have some and as he expresses he would like more participation. In time, perhaps you can find an organized team in your area to continue the process and journey.

You can find lots of helpful tips for training and fueling a youth athlete on TrackMom.com and around the net and in a day or two other will respond to your question with helpful insight. You are not limited to help your son in any way ,there is lots of help is available as you begin to get into the track and field community.


Congratulations you're in the TrackMom Club


Have A Great Day!

Lorraine
Editor/Creator
TrackMom.com

[Brooke's Mom]

Hi Nissa,

Being involved in track is the most fun ever! So I would vote yes on becoming a trackmom, but like Lorraine said "you already are". Sounds like your son likes to run and has a great start so far. Congrats to him on a 1st place in his first 200M, with a good time! I recommend that you look for a youth track & field club in your area and sign him up so that he can start training with coaches that can help bring out the best in him. Your timing is good since the 2009 track season is just getting started. Have fun!!

Nicol

[Nissa Kagle]

Thanks for the feedback! Much appreciated! The TM site has been very helpful since I live in the sticks and there's not much at all that's organized for kids around here - great to know that there's a whole world out there for kids who like track. And good to hear that it's been fun for you as parents as well.

I have looked for a track club, the nearest I can find is all the way in Burlington Vermont, about 2 hours away!

Thanks again and looking forward to joining the track community both on-line and in real life,
Nissa

[TrackMom]

Hi Nissa,

It sounds like you will have to become coach and find meets to get your son involved. I would first look for the association in your state and see where your youth meets are. Hit the Internet,that's what i did before I realized there were more than enough teams in my area. Please e-mail me [e-mail] if you have any questions.

Good Luck Nissa!

[Nissa Kagle]

Thanks again for everyone's responses and I hope the new season has gotten off to a good start for folks! I ended up getting my son on the track team of our local middle school even tho he's only in 4th grade (very nice coach). While it was depressing for him to have to compete against 7th and 8th graders, he did actually get some real coaching and improved his 200m time by over 2 seconds. And he's had the opportunity to run on lots of tracks and get used to being at meets. He's really looking forward to the summer season when he'll compete against kids his own age!

Nissa