Kids Run Risks, But Track Record On Health, Psyche Still Unclear

August 18, 2004|By Kate Santich, Sentinel Staff Writer

How much is too much when it comes to competitive running for kids?

Bob and Trilby Stevens have sought advice on the subject for their 12-year-old daughter, Alyssa. But the answer is far from clear-cut.

Although weight-bearing exercise strengthens bones -- not to mention heart and lungs -- there is concern about the impact on growing bodies.

Jon Hughes, co-owner of Track Shack, the sponsor of many local running races, says he worries about young competitors and thus puts age limits on his longer events. If you're 14 or younger, you can participate in a 10-kilometer run or half-marathon, but you can't compete for medals or records.

"Because once we start scoring, then that's what entices the parents to bring them [children]," he says.

He also worries about the psychological impact on kids, having witnessed a handful of primarily female, young phenomenons who grew up, stopped winning and dropped out.

Girls can often peak in distance running in eighth or ninth grade, before they hit puberty and gain curves. The new shape can throw off their biomechanics.

"It takes a while to make the adjustment," says Dr. William Roberts, president of the American College of Sports Medicine and a specialist in family-practice and sports medicine. "If they don't get discouraged and drop out, a lot of times they'll do well later."

His primary criterion for evaluating whether kids should race is simple: Who wants them to do it? "If it's the parents," he says, "then I'm really concerned."

But he also outlines warning signs of overtraining in children, including frequent injuries, poor appetite, restless sleep, not growing as they should, and doing poorly in school or among their friends.

Having said that, Roberts adds: "There have been 10,000 kids between the ages of 12 and 19 do the Los Angeles Marathon. And they all did fine."

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