6th grader flys like the wind
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4th Oct '04, 5:35pm
My 6th grade daughter was pulled out of intermural sports, with our permission, and put on the track team. With very little training, she has been kicking some serious butt in the 1 mile and 1.5 mile. In her 1 mile meet, she not only came in first but there had to be 100 yards to the next closest girl. In the 1.5 mile meet (four days later), the only reason she came in fourth, was we told her to hang back a little, which turned out to be really bad advice, because she came in fourth, about 20 yds out of first. Next closest girl was WAY back. 6:51 mile, 10:30 1.5 mile. Her next meet is at home and weather is projected to be perfect. If she's not down near 6:40, I'll be surprised.
I most certainly don't won't to push her, especially this soon, but what can I do as a parent to keep her motivated? What can we do to help enhance her performance? I tried to talk her into going running yesterday, while I bladed, but didn't strike up enough interest. I figure I should be able to keep up with the wind on blades :) And I most certainly could use the extercise!
Re: 6th grader flys like the wind
5th Oct '04, 7:59pm
Take it easy & keep it fun. D
At this age it should be non-serious with no pressure from anyone. )
Regards,
Max. 8)
6th grader flys like the wind
21st Oct '04, 2:02am
Sure hope we can keep it fun for her. The coaches are dumbfounded by her performance and improvement. she's gone from a 6:50 mile to 6:15 mile to tonights 5:42 mile, in just weeks. The boys time was 6:56. We'll have to see what happens next spring.
Enjoy the ride!
7th Jan '05, 1:16am
Got to agree with Max. If she can, join a group of similar aged kids who enjoy training together. Shouldn't be any pressure on her to peform- as long as she's enjoying the sport and friendship of those around her that's all that matters at this age. I have a group of similar aged kids (10-15) (large percentage are girls) who train well whilst really enjoying the friendship of those around them. If she can, get into a group that enjoying catching up once or twice a week. The social aspect will keep her motivated- particularly as she will be with like minded kids. As a parent you may have to bite your tongue now and then because she might not do what you think she should but she'll decide at some stage if she feels she needs to do more. I've seen some very talented girls fall by the wayside because the parents have pushed too hard early.
Good luck and enjoy the ride! :D
6th grader flys like the wind
24th Jan '05, 3:21am
As a long term swim coach - keep it fun. A principle reason kids train is to be with friends - not to please parents. Recent research has found girls ten to train to please the coach, so select on with great care. Talented young athletes are hard to deal with, you don't want to make it tooo hard for, at the same time, too easy and they won't be challenged.
To really reach success, if possible, find a group of similar aged girls/athletes with similar a slightly higher abilities - that'll keep her reaching.
My youngest daughter is training with a national level running squad, almost all of whom have run for Australia - but she isn't a runner, she's doing it for lacrosse. The inspiration from the national athletes she received is amazing, as is their encouragement to achieve. (she's 17 years old)
Difficult decisions ahead. Good luck, let common sense guide you. Remember, she's the athlete, you've had your turn when you were young.