Youth Runner Magazine March-April 2016

MOTIVATION, YOUR DIET, AND RESTING MARCH-APRIL 2016 $4.95

#

KAYLA COLLINS

DYLAN’S RECIPES

& Snacks for Runners

Tips for the Pentathlon

TRACK SPIKE REVIEW

The Four Pillars of Running

AN INTERVIEW WITH SPRINTER

A.J PENA

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1 | MARCH/APRIL 2016

CELEBRATING

20 YEARS

OF INSPIRING YOUNG ATHLETES

PHOTO BY KLOTZ IMAGES

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 1

YR MOMENTS 8 AND UNDER BOYS WAITING AT THE START LINE How many emotions and thoughts do you think are going through this group of 8 and under boys who are waiting for the starting gun to go off at the USATF Junior Olympic Nationals?

SMOTHERMAN IMAGES

2 | MARCH/APRIL 2016

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 3

YR CONTENTS: MARCH-APRIL 2016

READY.SET.GO

Vol. 21 issue 1

ALEX PENA IS GOING ALL OUT THIS SUMMER

8

PHOTO BY KRISTIN WERTHMAN

FEATURES

CHECK IT OUT

11

KAYLA COLLINS

MORE

16-17 INSTAGRAM FAN SHOTS 18-19 MEET HIGHLIGHTS

PENTATHLETE

20 TRACK SPIKES

13

22 KIDS RUNNING

MADISON DENNY

25 IN THE KITCHEN WITH DYLAN

WORLD RECORD BREAKER

TRAINING

27 SUBMIT AN ATHLETE

24

MOTIVATION, DIET & RESTING

26

FOUR PILLARS OF RUNNING

FROM GUEST YR 2-3 YRMOMENTS 6 LETTER 28 JROTC 29 COMING UP EDITOR CIARA MARTINEZ 7 BLOGGERS 14 POSTER YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 5

YR GUEST

EDITOR

VOL. 21 ISSUE 1 | MARCH/APRIL 2016 PUBLISHER/EDITOR Dan Kesterson EDITOR AT LARGE Ian Kesterson GUEST EDITOR Ciara Martinez YR REPORTERS Trinity & Ariel Wilhite, Faith Martinez, Taitum Schaape CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & BLOGGERS Quincey Hettinger, Espen Lehnst, Mick Grant, Casey Lum, Drew Wasmund, Cregg Wienmann, Jordan Schilit, Emma Smith, Jesse Lambrecht, Michael Bergmann, Mike Fleming, Keinan Briggs, Taitum Schaape

LETTER FROM THE

GUEST EDITOR My name is Ciara Jordan Martinez.

My birthday is on February 28th, I'm currently 13 years old. I live in Corpus Christi, Texas. I've been running since 3rd grade when I made a deal with my PE coach that if I broke 7 minutes and 30 seconds in the fitness gram mile he would buy me McDonald's. Needless to say here I am still running and haven't eaten McDonald's since!

My best accomplishments would be setting the 15k world record as a 12 year old in 1:06.36 at the Hot Chocolate Run last year. I ran with the 5k race just ten minutes before.

Madison Denny from California ran for a new

EDITOR'S NOTES

record in 1:05:00 in January and is featured in this issue. Way to Go Madison!

Breaking the state record in the 1600 meter in a time of 5:15 and running a half marathon over four bridges, with two of them being the "Harbor Bridge" in Corpus Christi in a time of 1:39.00.

My running has temporarily slowed down as I recently fractured my ankle during my middle school basketball game. Lately I haven't been doing anything other than working on my upper body like abs and using a band to strengthen my arms. I’ve been resting so my ankle can heal and be better than it was before. My advice to other Youth Runners is if running is what you love and excel at the most, just focus on running. Don't try and juggle other sports on top of running.

If you want to be a great runner you have to be devoted to running.

Ciara Martinez

"We really let the youth blogger team have fun with this issue: track spike reviews, motivational tips, and the keys for the pentathlon all came from the bloggers. Are you interested in joining the YR blogging team? Contact editor@youthrunner.com and don't forget to check out the new YR App for your smartphone or tablet."

6 | MARCH/APRIL 2016

ART DIRECTOR Sean Kesterson CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER Eric Skelton CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Klotz Images, Har Rai Khalsa, Smotherman Images, Clarence Franklin, Eric Ward, Photo Run, Dingo Images, Eddie Ortiz, RAM Racing, Kristin Werthman, Instagrammers, Fans WEBSITE-DIGITAL-VIDEO Sean Kesterson

THANKS TO: Sponsors, Blue Goose Productions, Salem Track Club ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIPS mediakit@youthrunner.com SUBSCRIPTION RATES US One Year: Print $14.95 Subscribe at www.youthrunner.com

PHOTOS OF CIARA BY COACH EDDIE ORTIZ

Ciara Martinez, Corpus Christi, TX

PUBLISHED BY: Youth Runner Magazine is a registered trademark of GoSportz Media LLC. Published 5 times a year by GoSportz Media, LLC Copyright 2016 all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission. Editorial contributions are welcome, submit queries to editor@Youthrunner.com. Gosportz Media LLC and it’s publisher assumes no liability for the content or opinion of it’s writers or advertisers and reserves the right to reject any advertising at it’s own discretion. Youth Runner recommends that you consult with your coach and your physician on any changes with your training, fitness and health issues.

YOUTH RUNNER

BLOGGERS TAITUM'S FAVORITES

Interview TAITUM INTERVIEWS KENDALL BAISDEN, WORLD JUNIOR 400M CHAMPION

YR BLOGGER TAITUM SCHAAPE

PHOTO BY KLOTZ IMAGES

YR REPORTER & DISTANCE RUNNER Hi my name is Taitum Schaap, I have been running with Salem Track club since I was seven and my favorite events are the 1500 and the 3000 for track and I run the 3000 for cross country.

My most memorable race was USATF XC Nationals in Myrtle Beach. It was great because I got a PR and I also had my Aunt, Uncle and Cousins there to cheer me on. My worst race experience was probably USATF Track Nationals in Houston. I got so nervous before I ran that I didn't do so well, that experience really helped me to learn that nerves aren't good when they take over, I'm actually really glad, now, that I had that experience, I know what to avoid in the future because of it.

Besides running I play on a tournament basketball team and like to practice gymnastics and dance at my house. I also doing enjoy arts and crafts. I really like being a reporter for Youth Runner! It is such a great experience to put myself out there and get to interview really fast kids and even famous athletes, sometimes, though, I get nervous when it's time to approach people. I have

learned so much about running just from interviewing people because I get to hear about their strategy and how they prepare for a race and what they like to do besides running or what they enjoy about running. If you want to be a reporter/interviewer a good start is to make sure you research the people who you are going to be talking to so that you can ask them legit questions. Also, just be yourself, you will make mistakes so come prepared to laugh :)

Athlete

Food

WHAT ARE TAITUM'S

FAVORITES? Interview you've done: Alexi Pappas because she was really nice and I got to take cool selfies with her

Movie

Athlete that you've talked to: Nick Symmonds because I train in the same park that he did when he lived in Salem Food: Pomegranates, Goldfish crackers and smoothies

Sport

Movie: Fault in Our Stars Sport (besides running): Basketball Fun things I like to do: Hang with my friends, dance, gymnastics and hike with my family

TAG PHOTOS #YOUTHRUNNER

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 7

Klotz Images

Taitum Schaape 6th grade Salem, OR

ALEX PENA HAS A ROOM FULL OF MEDALS KRISTIN WERTHMAN 8 | MARCH/APRIL 2016

" I NOTICED THAT I HAD A LOT OF STAMINA AND I COULD RUN LONGER THAN OTHER KIDS."

A

ALEXANDER PENA, AGE 12, RUNS FOR THE SPEED ELITE TRACK CLUB IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS AND ATTENDS SCHOOL AT THE ATONEMENT ACADEMY. AJ HAS A ROOM FULL OF MEDALS FROM AAU AND USATF COMPETITIONS BUT HE HAS HIS SIGHTS SET ON STANDING CLOSER TO THE TOP OF THE PODIUM IN SACRAMENTO THIS SUMMER AT THE USATF JUNIOR OLYMPICS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS. HIS FRIENDS CALL HIM AJ BOOGIE AND HIS FAVORITE RUNNER OF ALL TIME IS STEVE PREFONTAINE.

Q&A WITH ALEX: YOUTH RUNNER: First off do you like to be called Alex or Alexander?

ALEXANDER: Alex Any nicknames?

AJ Boogie What got you started in running and how did you choose your events?

My dad knew a track coach and he took me out to a practice. I noticed that I had a lot of stamina and I could run longer than other kids.

Looks like you've competed in the 400m to the 1500m, which is

your favorite? And why?

The 1500 meter run because I feel like I am better at it and I can catch other runners. It also takes some patience.

Since you run the 1500m have you considered cross country?

I plan on running an indoor meet at the University of Houston.

What is a typical week of training this time of year and how will that change later in the season?

Right now I’m doing strength training, long distance runs, exercises, and working on my mental toughness.

Anything that you do the same before every race? Pre-race rituals?

I wear my Oregon Duck wristband, eat pancakes, and I pray.

I do run cross country. I run the 3k.

What do you think about when you're racing? Some kids are thinking about their competitors or just getting to the finish.

What about indoor meets this season...have you done any yet?

To not slow down and finish strong. My thoughts are just about winning the race.

AJ'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS

BRONZE AT DETROIT JO NATIONALS, 4X400 RELAY CHAMPION IN REGION 19 SOUTH TEXAS WON THE 1500M 12 YEAR OLD EVENT AT THE

GOVENOR’S GAMES IN NEW ORLEANS 2ND AT XC REGIONALS AAU & USATF HONOR ROLL STUDENT YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 9

" MY GOAL IS TO STAND ON THE PODIUM AT THE JUNIOR OLYMPICS, 1ST PLACE."

What is the most memorable race that you've had so far? Can you describe it or tell us about it?

The Junior Olympics in 2013, I was running the third leg in the 4x400m and we were in third, and guys were right beside me. We kept fighting all the way through the finish and we ended up in third place.

Now, what about the worst race you've ever had, how did you recover from it, and what did you learn from it?

Also at the 2013 JO’s, I ran pretty slow in the qualifying rounds but I got my mind set to run faster in the finals, which I did.

What are your goals for this track season?

To stand on the podium at the Junior Olympics, 1st place.

I see you have plans to visit Oregon during the Olympic Trials and run on the track at Hayward Field. What are you anticipating from that experience?

Meeting my relatives and run on the same track that Steve Prefontaine ran on.

What is your best subject in school?

World History.

10 | MARCH/APRIL 2016

What is the most interesting part about it?

Learning about wars, presidents, and what they did to change the nation.

Favorites: Color — Orange Breakfast Cereal – Fruit Loops App - YouTube Movies – Rocky and Prefontaine Music – Hip Hop and Rocky Soundtracks Track or place to compete – The Junior Olympics Running-training shoes - Saucony Spikes - Nike Food – Chicken Wings What you like to do besides run and compete in track – Soccer and baseball What's the best advice a coach has ever given you?

Believe in myself and listen to my coach.

Do you have any advice for other Youth Runners that are considering track and field?

It’s a lot of hard work but it has rewards.

Good Luck on your season Alex!

A Q&A WITH

MADISON DENNY SHE DIDN’T FEEL SO WELL AT THE JO XC NATIONALS BUT WENT HOME AND RAN A TERRIFIC TIME IN THE 15K AT THE HOT CHOCOLATE RUN. Q: We saw you in Albuquerque at the USATF Junior Olympic XC Nationals. How did it go for you?

A: Unfortunately I got sick in Albuquerque and I did not do as well as I had hoped but if I was feeling well at the race I could have done a lot better.

What Youth Club do you run for?

For JOXC I ran with East Sacramento Running Academy, the same club as Isabella Fauria. I am currently unattached as they transition to a new club called Sacramento Elite What city do you live in and what school do you go to?

I live in Fairfield, California and I am in 7th grade at Green Valley Middle School Tell me about the Chocolate Run and as much about the race as you can remember.

It was very crowded, there were almost 8,000 people in the race and most of them were women. My dad arranged for me to start in a preferred corral because the records are based on gun time instead of net time. When I got to the part of the race that was next to the beach I pictured a Tsunami was coming and that made me run faster. The day before the race I got something for my shoes called "shoe frosting" and it said finish strong on it, which motivated me to speed up at the end of the race.

Were you going after the record? Or was it a total surprise to you that you got it?

I was specifically going after the record and I wanted to break it once I saw what it was.

For the "record", what was the distance and the actual record that you ran?

The record is for the fastest 15k by a 12-year-old female. It is an ARRS single- age record of 1:06:36 and I ran 1:05:00. I also have the record for the fastest 5k by a 12-year-old female of 18:01.8.

Can you describe the course…all flat, hills, curves?

AGE 12 DISTANCE RUNNER SACRAMENTO ELITE TRACK CLUB PHOTO BY RAM RACING

The first part of the race was downhill and from there it was flat until about mile 7 then the last 2.3 miles was a 250 foot climb uphill and it was hard.

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 11

ELITE MIDDLE

SCHOOL

CAMP

AUGUST 6-12, 2O16 OPEN TO BOYS & GIRLS ENTERING 6TH-8TH GRADE THIS FALL LEWIS & CLARK COLLEGE PORTLAND, OREGON

LIMITED TO 6O MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETES SCHOLARSHIPS MAY BE AVAILABLE EMAIL CAMP@YOUTHRUNNER.COM

REGISTER NOW AT: YOUTHRUNNERCAMP.COM PHOTO BY KLOTZ IMAGES 12 | MARCH/APRIL 2016

TIPS FROM A PENTATHLETE

MEET KAYLA COLLINS

SHE'S JUST GETTING STARTED W

ith four USATF National Junior Olympics awards to her name, 12-year old Kayla Collins is just getting started. “There is no event this girl can’t do,” says one of her track coaches Nayda Pierela, “The one thing that exceeds Kayla’s talent is her determination and competitive spirit.” Collins is a pentathlon athlete, meaning she competes in five events for a total score. Her events are: high jump, long jump, shot put, the 80m hurdles, and the 800m. Athletes gain points based on how high they place in each event. Whoever has the most points at the end of the competition wins. She says the key to competing in many events is to “always stay focused and confident. If you do not perform well in an event, do not allow your performance to impact your next event, even if you are tired,” Collins is eagerly training five days a week to get ready for the 2016 USATF National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships in Sacramento, CA, making it her fourth combined events competition. Good Luck Kayla!

AGE 12 GLENARDEN, MD

KAYLA'S

TIPS FOR COMPETING IN COMBINED EVENTS

1

ALWAYS START WITH A HEALTHY BREAKFAST.

2

PACK THE APPROPRIATE SHOES FOR EACH SPECIFIC EVENT.

HER PERSONAL BESTS

9/10 TRIATHLON

11/12

1167*

PENTATHLON

2247***

HIGH JUMP

4-07.50**

MAKE SURE THAT YOU KNOW WHERE EACH OF YOUR EVENTS IS LOCATED BEFORE YOU START YOUR FIRST EVENT.

LONG JUMP

11-9.50

14-2.25

SHOT PUT

19.06

21-07.25

ALWAYS STAY FOCUSED AND CONFIDENT. IF YOU DON’T DO WELL IN ONE EVENT REFOCUS AND MOVE ON TO THE NEXT EVENT.

55M HURDLES

10.88

80M HURDLES

16.25

EXPECT THE DAY TO BE LONG, SO TAKE A LOT OF HEALTHY SNACKS AND STAY HYDRATED.

200 METER 400 METER

1.04

POINTS MATTER IN COMBINED EVENTS, SO TRY TO PERFORM WELL SO THAT YOU GET THE MOST POINTS IN EACH EVENT.

800 METER

2.41

3

4

5

6

7

HAVE FUN!

29.87

* 2ND AT 2014 USATF NATIONALS

28.56

** 1ST AT 2014 USATF NATIONALS

*** 3RD AT 2015 USATF REGIONALS

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 13

ANDREW HUNTER FASTEST HIGH SCHOOL 3000 METER TIME EVER DREW WON FOOT LOCKER LAST DECEMBER, THEN IN JANUARY RAN THE FASTEST INDOOR 3000 METER TIME EVER FOR A HIGH SCHOOL RUNNER IN 7:59.33 THEN TURNED AROUND AND RAN A 3:58.25 MILE TO SMASH ALAN WEBB’S TIME. WAY TO GO DREW!

KLOTZ IMAGES 14 | MARCH/APRIL 2016

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 15

INSTAGRAM

FANPAGE

16 | MARCH/APRIL 2016

KIDS RULE THE WORLD! WE JUST SHOWCASE THEM! HERE ARE SOME OF YOUR BEST SHOTS THIS SEASON! WANNA SEE YOUR OWN PHOTOS IN THESE PAGES? IT'S EASY! ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS HASHTAG #YOUTHRUNNER WHEN YOU POST TO INSTAGRAM!

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 17

MEET HIGHLIGHTS Some of us have been resting over the winter, others have been shooting hoops or putting in the miles for off-season training. Whatever you’ve been up to hopefully you’re ready to kick into gear for spring track and field or your local fun run.

Some of the “Highlights” over the winter have included all of the XC National Championships. For high school it was the Nike Cross Nationals where teams and individuals compete and then the Foot Locker Nationals in San Diego. For the 6-18 years olds it’s the AAU and the USATF Junior Olympic XC Nationals, which are always full of excitement and competition.

For Indoor Track we usually are watching the action in New York or Boston, but this year we had the House of Track in the West. Just so happens that the World Indoor T&F Championships will be held in Portland, Oregon this March. After the organizers built the banked track they opened it up for youth, high school, and elite hi performance meets.

This spring we’ll be on the National Run a Mile Days Tour and visiting as many track meets as possible. Hope to see you there!

18 | MARCH/APRIL 2016

COLUMN 1: FRONT STREET MILE This is one of our

favorite kids races ever held in Lahaina, Maui with the start and finish in front of Bubba Gump’s Shrimp Restaurant. Photos by: Maui Marathon FB

COLUMN 2: HOUSE OF TRACK

The Northwest was able to run on the same track that athlete competing in the IAAF World Indoor Championships will be running on. Photos by: Klotz Images

COLUMN 3: COLGATE WOMEN’S GAMES

This is the largest Girls only Indoor Track Meet anywhere sponsored by the Colgate Company. The championship meet is in February at the New York Armory. Photos by: Lem Peterkin

COLUMN 4: AAU JUNIOR OLYMPICS XC NATIONALS This year they were on a

great course at the Oakville Indian Mounds in Danville, Alabama. Runners from 6-18 turned in some great performances. Photos by: Eric Ward

COLUMN 5: FOOT LOCKER NATIONALS

Watching the high school runners at Balboa Park in San Diego is never a disappointment but just making it to Foot Locker as an athlete is one of the high points of their running experience. This year Weini Kelati won the girls race and Andrew Hunter was first in the boys. Photos by: Klotz Images

COLUMN 6: USATF JUNIOR OLYMPICS XC NATIONALS

The Hot Air Balloon Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico was the home of the 2015 National Championships. The course was mostly grass with a wide-open start but had some nice curves and small ups and downs. The tricky part is that Albuquerque is 5,312 above sea level, which made breathing tough for the kids who live at lower altitudes. Photos by: Smotherman Images

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 19

2016 SPIKE REVIEWS THERE ARE SO MANY SPIKES OUT THERE TO CHOOSE FROM HOW COULD ONE EVEN THINK TO BUY JUST ONE? I REVIEWED A FEW SPIKES FROM THE MAIN BRANDS BECAUSE OF THEIR CONSISTENCY IN THE RUNNING WORLD. BEFORE YOU BUY A SPIKE I WOULD MAKE SURE TO GO TO YOUR SPECIALTY RUNNING STORE, TRY IT ON AND MAKE SURE YOU LIKE THE FEEL. ALTHOUGH I REVIEWED LOTS OF SPIKES, THE ONE I LIKE MAY NOT ALWAYS BE THE ONE YOU LIKE. MAKE SURE YOU GET THE SPIKE THAT WORKS FOR YOU AND YOUR SPECIFIC EVENT.

BY JESSE LAMBRECHT

High School Sophomore Jesse is a Youth Runner blogger and distance runner. Last year Jesse looked at several spikes for Youthrunner.com so we asked him to review the 2016 models. He doesn’t work at a shoe store; this is his research as a high school runner and blogger and how he would buy spikes for himself. YR didn’t influence Jesse on which spikes to review, these are his selections.

DISTANCE SPIKES 1

NIKE ZOOM RIVAL D 9

2

3

1

2 SE'S JES ICE CHO

4

SAUCONY ENDORPHIN

3

BROOKS THE WIRE 3

4

ASICS GUNLAP

This spike is one of the best spikes Nike has ever made. It is more of a middle distance spike, although Nike claims it is for events all the way down to the 400 and up to the 5000 meter. It has a 6-pin plate, which would indicate that it would not be too compatible with distances like the 5000. It weighs in around 5.4 oz. so it is a very average for weight in comparison to other spikes. This spike has a less expensive option also and is only $65. In addition, the spike has lightweight mesh to make the shoe even lighter and more breathable. I would rate this spike an 8 OUT OF 10 stars because it is generally a good spike but because it’s less of a distance spike and more of a mid-distance spike I would down rate it 2.

This spike is truly special. It weighs 2.8 oz. being the lightest spike on the market. This spike is also one of the most breathable spikes on the market. The mesh on the outside of the spike is quite thin. You can even see through it at most places, with this it makes it a very breathable spike. Also it has a 4 pin plate which would make it a good distance spike. Plus the 4-pin plate adds traction with still keeping the spike fairly light. This spike is not the cheapest option though; it comes in at around $110. I would rate this spike a 9.5 OUT OF 10 because of how light and compatible it is. I would down rate it .5 because it is a more expensive spike but definitely worth it.

This spike is by far Brooks best distance spike. It is quite lightweight, weighing in at 5 oz. also it has a 4 pin plate which makes it ideal for races 1500 meters and above but can also be used for mid distance races like the 800. It has a suede tongue and contoured heel cup for a great feel. It has a 3D print on the upper portion, which doesn’t only make them look cool, but it helps it have a sock like fit and feel.

This is an expensive spike, coming in at $120. I would rate this spike a 9 OUT OF 10 because it has a nice feel and it fairly light but is quite expensive and does not have any unique features that other track spikes don’t already have.

This spike is one of the most unique spikes that I have ever looked at. You will not be able to find a spike like this anywhere else. It also has a 5-pin plate, which again is unique. Normally it is a 4-pin plate or a 6-pin plate. I wouldn’t say this is bad. It could be used for a variety of events. It is almost as if it is a mix between a mid distance spike and a distance spike.

This spike also has a little bit of a heel, which would make it more supportive. I think that the Asics Gunlap is not a very breathable spike though. It is narrow and does not have any mesh or mesh like material, which would mean that it would be a very hot race when wearing these. I would rate this spike an 8.5 OUT OF 10 because of how it is not that breathable, but in the end it is a pretty good spike.

$65

$110

$120

$110

STORE.NIKE.COM

20 | MARCH/APRIL 2016

SAUCONY.COM

BROOKSRUNNING.COM

ASICSAMERICA.COM

MID-DISTANCE SPIKES 5

NIKE ZOOM MAXCAT 4

5

6

6 JESSE S CHOICE'

STORE.NIKE COM

SAUCONY BALLISTA

$110

SAUCONY.COM

Saucony is really good at making light but very high quality spikes. This is the lightest mid distance spike on the market. It only weighs 3.1 oz. Also like the Endorphin has very breathable mesh top. This spike has a 2-piece spike plate, with a 6-pin plate. This spike replaced the Saucony MD4. In the end, Saucony made a great spike while keeping it within reason. They still made the spike semi-supportive, so it would be easier when running. This spike is a little bit on the expensive side, coming in at 110 dollars. I would rate this spike a 9.5 OUT OF 10. I would down rate it .5 because of the price but I think it is definitely worth it since it's really like no other when it comes to performance.

7

BROOKS UNISEX 2 ELMN8

$65

BROOKSRUNNING.COM

This spike is a pretty good spike overall. It has a molded insole so you get some cushioning but not too much. Also it has a little bit of mesh which makes it lighter and always the more breathable. Plus this spike has a very rigid bottom, giving you more traction. It has a 6 pin plate which is perfect for mid distance races. In addition, this spike weighs 4.1 oz. making it one of the lighter spikes. This spike also only cost $65 making it a cheaper option.

I would rate this spike a 9.5 OUT OF 10. I would down rate it .5 because of how inexpensive it is.

7

8

8

ASICS HYPER MD 6

$65

ASICSAMERICA.COM

This is one of the cheapest spikes out there. It is normally priced at 65 dollars but a lot of times will go on sale for as little as 35 dollars. Although this spike is cheap it is not the best. It has a 5-pin plate, not that it is bad but they are located in weird spots. They seem to have a unique pattern. Also this spike has a very smooth bottom, which would mean that it would not give you lots of traction when on the track. In addition, this spike weighs 6 oz. making it a heavier spike. In the end, I would rate this spike a 6 OUT OF 10. I would down rate it 4 because of how heavy it is, the spike plate, and because it would not give someone lots of traction due to the smooth bottom.

SPRINTER SPIKES 9

$120

This spike is made to give you max traction when running. It has a 5 pin plate which makes it a more universal spike also it has a very bold heel structure it give you more traction. This spike is a little bit on the heavier side weighing 6 oz. It is a very breathable spike with nearly the whole front of it has patches of mesh. On top of all that, this spike has a very unique look to it. It is basic but looks quite cool. Although this spike is great it is very expensive, coming in at 120 dollars and it has no distinct features. I would rate this spike a 7.5 OUT OF 10. I would down rate it 2.5 out of 10 because of how expensive it is and because it weighs so much.

NIKE ZOOM VICTORY ELITE

10

10

12 JESSE'S CHOICE

9

SAUCONY SPITFIRE

11 11

BROOKS 2 QW-K

12

ASICS SONICSPRINT ELITE

This spike is a very cool looking spike. It is more of a middle distance spike with only a 6-pin plate but could very easily be used for shorter events. This spike also has a two-part carbon fiber plate for optimal traction when racing.

In addition, this spike has lots of mesh to make it one of the more breathable spikes. Plus this spike is a very light spike as well. Making it one of the best spikes Nike has ever made. Â It also has lots of heel support to make it one of more supportive spikes. The only downside to this spike is that it is very expensive, this spike cost 180 dollars! I would rate this spike a 9 OUT OF 10 because it has so many great features but is a very expensive spike.

This is one of Saucony's best and most unique sprinting spikes. It has a 7-pin plate, which for most sprinting spikes; they normally have a couple more. This makes it a very good spike for events such as the 400 or 200. This is a lighter spike as well when it comes to sprinting spikes. This spike only weighs 5.1 oz. The only downside I would say to this spike is that it would not be the most breathable spike because it has nearly no mesh on the shoe. Which is not necessarily essential for shorter races but definitely something that would be useful. Also this spike is not that expensive given all of the features. It comes in at only 65 dollars. I would rate this spike a 9 OUT OF 10.

This spike is very similar to the Saucony Spitfire. This spike has a 8 pin plate. But it is $110. Although they are similar they do have some differences. This spike only weighs 5.7 oz. and is one of the heavier sprinting spikes on the market.

Also they have a very aerodynamic upper construction to make you run even faster. This is generally a great spike. It is also pretty breathable, with holes in the bottom.

Although this spike is great, it lacks some of support. Like most spikes, there is minimal support. But to make the spike lighter Brooks took out some essential support needed.

I would rate this spike 8 OUT OF 10. I would down rate it 2 because of the lack of support in the spike and because of the weight of it.

This is a very unique spike. It has a 7-pin plate. But they don’t seem to have much order. They almost seem as if they are randomly placed. Because of this, it might not give you the traction and speed as if they were strategically placed. It is also a quite light sprinting spike. It weighs only 4.3 oz. making it a great weight for racing. It is a very breathable spike, with lots of mesh on the top. It is also a pretty expensive spike; it comes in at 150 dollars.

In the end, this is an alright spike. I would rate this spike a 7.5 OUT OF 10. I would down rate this spike 2.5 because of the weird or unique pin plate and because of the price.

$180

$65

$110

$150

STORE.NIKE.COM

SAUCONY.COM

BROOKSRUNNING.COM

ASICSAMERICA.COM YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 21

REMEMBER THE GOAL

AN INSPIRATIONAL DRAMA ABOUT A GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM It seems like there was a long stretch without any new movies about cross-country or track but then last year we had McFarland, USA. It was about a new cross-country coach that was thrown together with a group of new runners. Their family ties, work ethic and commitment to their team all work together towards making them state champions. In theaters now is a film based on the incredible true story of Jesse Owens, whose drive was to become the greatest track and field athlete in history during the 1936 Olympics.

Coming August 26th is an inspirational drama about a girl’s cross-country team called “REMEMBER THE GOAL.” It is the story of a female Coach, just out of college, who takes over the cross-country program at an all girls’ private Christian school and sets a goal for them to win their first ever-state title. The movie presents a Coach who is a strong role model, and deals with multiple life lessons for teens, parents and coaches.

REMEMBER THE GOAL is coming only to theaters and will not be released on DVD. Watch it on the big screen.

For more information and the cities where the film is opening check out FiveAndTwoPictures.com.

ALLEE-SUTTON HETHCOAT PLAYS THE GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRY COACH

CAST MEMBERS: MCKENSIE MILLER, MARGARET TANT, JAYLA PALMER, SYDNEY MARKS, QUINN ALEXIS

From the Creators of TIME CHANGER, A MATTER OF FAITH and THE SECRETS OF JONATHAN SPERRY

Cross Country....is a lot like life.

PHOTOS BY FIVEANDTWOPICTURES.COM

REMEMBER THE

GOAL 10:31

IN THEATERS AUGUST 26TH a

DAVE CHRISTIANO film

facebook.com/RememberTheGoal

FiveAndTwoPictures.com YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 23

by Ciara Martinez

MOTIVATION, DIET & REST

BEHIND THE SCENES OF AN ATHLETE

MOTIVATION For me, the motivational part is probably the most difficult. You can train your guts out but, if you haven't built up your motivation for that moment during the race when you question yourself, to move up in the pack or fall back there's no point. For my motivation I have a chalkboard in my room that I look at every morning when I wake up. I put a quote that affects me the most and my goals for that season on the chalkboard.

“Work harder, dream bigger, motivate more” I listen to only motivational speeches or motivational music a month from my big race so, I can only 24 | MARCH/APRIL 2016

have that motivational song stuck in my head. My favorite motivational song of all time is “Hall of Fame”. I also like "World Greatest" and I love listening to Eric Thomas with his motivational speeches. I have a running journal and about five or six days before my race I write down all the reasons why I deserve to win. The last thing I do for motivation is I print out about twenty quotes and pin them on a bulletin board that is hung up in my room.

"Do it for the people who didn't believe in you."

HEALTHY DIET Eating is another big part to running.

If you don't have a healthy diet then that last mile or so will kick you in the butt! When I start training for a big race, usually 2 - 3 months before, I make sure to at least drink 5 bottles of water. A month out I make sure to drink at least 8 bottles of water a day. I eat tons of salads because, I don't have a good appeal to meat but every young runner has to eat meat

here and there. So of course I try to find good sources of protein in meat, eggs and smoothies. I never really try to eat things with too much sugar unless I just went for a long run and usually a Gatorade is enough sugar for me. Drinking a soft drink makes me sick but if I had to drink one it wouldn't be less than six months before my race.

RESTING The third most important is resting. I usually have one day of the week that I don't do any physical activity. Then, 2 - 3 days a week that I don't run.

I either lift weights, swim, or have practice for another sport. I make sure I get at least eight hours of sleep every night because, a tired athlete's results aren't as good as an athlete that is fresh and ready to put in some miles.

In my opinion to be a successful runner you must have tons of motivation, a good diet, and plenty of rest!

PHOTOS VIA CREATIVE COMMONS

MOST PEOPLE DON’T SEE THE TRAINING AND EVERYTHING THAT AN ATHLETE DOES TO PREPARE FOR AN EVENT. ALL MOST PEOPLE SEE IS WHEN YOU RACE BUT, TO ME THERE'S SO MUCH THAT LEADS UP TO THAT 20 MINUTES OR EVEN 2 MINUTES OF FAME. EVERYONE THINKS IT'S JUST ABOUT THE RUNNING PART BUT, THERE'S SO MUCH MORE. THERE ARE TONS OF IMPORTANT THINGS BUT I BELIEVE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT ARE MOTIVATION, DIET, AND RESTING.

HEALTHY

RECIPES

by Dylan Cloud, distance runner

HEALTHY RECIPES

DYLAN IS FROM HOUSTON, TEXAS. HE RUNS CROSS COUNTRY, MARATHONS, TRACK, IS GOOD AT MATH, LIKES TO EAT SHRIMP AND HAS SOME GREAT RECIPES FOR SNACKS. WE ASKED HIM TO SHARE SOME OF HIS FAVORITES AND HERE THEY ARE. Hi my name is Dylan Cloud and I'm 13 years old. When I was in 3rd grade I learned that I was fast for my age. Now after 5 years of running marathons and cross country races my dream was to cook and teach people the importance of being healthy. I wanted to share my passion by expressing myself in the best way possible FOOD! Not just any food, healthy food, it's always important to eat healthy so you can reflect on others lives while keeping yourself well and fit!

Since I like to cook here are some of my favorite dishes & snacks that I use for a quick healthy go to small meal.

My 1st one:

APPLE SLICES WITH ALMOND BUTTER

The 3rd and most simple one:

FRUIT SALAD

It's quick and easy and tastes amazing.

It's healthier than peanut butter and also tastes better (in my opinion).

The 2nd one is a non cook snack but was too good to not mention:

HONEY STINGERS ORGANIC WAFFLES

These are organic honeycomb waffles with flavors like strawberry to caramel flavored. Delicious!

This is super easy! All you need are your favorite fruits such as strawberries, bananas, blueberries, and black berries.

Put them in a bowl and add about half a bottle of whip-cream. You’re almost done.

Just let it cool in the freezer until the fruit is cold. Then eat!

Hope you enjoyed these quick tricks and snacks. Now enjoy them!

YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 25

ASK A

COACH

Melody Fairchild, Professional Runner and Coach

MELODY FAIRCHILD'S

FOUR PILLARS OF RUNNING

Melody developed The Four Pillars of Running from her experiences as an athlete over the years. She built these tenets while she was coaching the Boulder Mountain Warriors team, and to build character in her young athletes. These are from her stories told at the Youth Runner Middle School Camp.

1 PASSION Melody says, “You have to love what you do in order to keep doing it.”

When she was growing up, she ran in the canyon behind her house, striving to go a little bit further, a little bit faster each day. She developed her passion by exceeding her goals every day. "You need to fall in love with something, find your passion, and you will have a rich and successful life."

"YOU HAVE TO LOVE WHAT YOU DO IN ORDER TO KEEP DOING IT." 26 | MARCH/APRIL 2016

2 COURAGE Melody was trying to qualify for the World Championships 5K. She finished 3rd, which was a qualifying place but she was a couple seconds off the qualifying time standard. Instead of letting the discouragement overwhelm her, she found another 5K at Bowdoin College in Maine. Some other women were supposed to be running with her to pace her but they didn’t make it. She was counting on that support. Nevertheless, Melody wouldn’t let these hindrances stop her. She pumped herself up, put “blinders” on like a racehorse. She ran a qualifying time and broke the stadium record.

“Never be afraid of difficulty, because it’s the difficulty that makes you who you are. Don’t wish for a smooth road. Failing is essential for you to grow.”

3 COMMITMENT When she was 38, she was supposed to go to New Hampshire to run a trail race to qualify for the world championship mountain racing team. She had some doubts about competing with the younger women and tried to talk herself out of going.

She did push through the doubts and finished 2nd in the uphill trail race, qualifying for the team. Her ego was afraid of failing but she visualized herself being a tiger clawing herself up. At the World Championships in Italy she placed 8th and her team won gold.

“Be committed, ignore the voice that tries to talk you out of your dreams.”

YOU NEED PASSION, COURAGE, AND COMMITMENT TO BE RESILIENT.

4 RESILIENCE Resilience is bouncing back when you fall down.

After Melody’s high school graduation, her mother passed away and she felt very lost. Since she had run well in high school, the University of Oregon recruited her to be part of the track & cross country team.

She wanted to qualify for the world championship but she was in a bad spot mentally, emotionally, and physically. She ran a qualifying time, but she was ultimately too injured to compete on the team. Still, she says she learned a lot from this disappointment.

“You have to keep focused on what your heart wants, no matter what, and your mind and body will follow.”

CHECK IT OUT: The video of Melody's complete talk is at Youthrunner.com.

SUBMIT AN

ATHLETE

DOUTHARD STRICKLAND PUSHING HIS DAD

Just two years ago Douthard heard his dad say that he’d like to take up running to get in better shape and lose some pounds.

His dad was 338 lbs. at that time. Douthard told his dad that if he was going to start running then he would do it with him.

Since then this father and son team has overcome challenges together and traveled all over the Carolinas and as far as Wyoming to participate in long distance trail runs.

Last year they went to fourteen runs including the Black Mountain 5k and the Bighorn Trail Run. Besides meeting new people his dad also dropped 100 lbs. in the process.

Douthard’s favorite subject in school is science because he constantly gets to learn new things.

His best experience was completing the Blind Pig because it was difficult and the farthest run he had ever done.

We asked what motivated him to run so far and he said, “Getting to go see new things and run in new places.”

TOP DOG OF THE MONTH

5K RECORD

CITY CHAMP

Ryley Nedrow, 10 Justin, TX

Jessica Abbot, 7 Tom's River, NJ

Josie Fellers, 8th grade Oak Ridge TN

Riley won the 9-10 boys at the AAU XC Nationals, was 3rd in the 1500m at the JO Games & he just ran the “Too Cold to Hold” 10k and got 2nd. Way to Go Riley!

Jessica brought in the New Year by setting another NJ state record in a 5k race. She was 1st in her age group (9 and under) and 39th overall in the Resolution Run 5k with a time of 22:27.

Up and coming runner Josie is a two-time City XC Champion and finished off her season in 12th at the TMSAA State Championships in Clarksville, TN. Keep it up Josie!

ARE YOU A YR-KID? Let us know what makes you a Youth Runner.

Submit an Athlete at: youthrunner. com/events/ athlete/submit

Smotherman Images

YOUTH RUNNER TOP DOG OF THE MONTH

READ THE FULL STORIES ABOUT THESE ATHLETES AT YOUTHRUNNER.COM YOUTHRUNNER.COM | 27

28 | MARCH/APRIL 2016

COMING UP! HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP MEETS YOU’LL WANT TO ADD TO YOUR CALENDAR:

REGISTRATION

AAU XC 14-UNDER YOUTH NATIONALS | YPSILANTI, MI | MARCH 5-6TH WEST COAST CHAMPIONSHIP | RENO, NV | JUNE 30-JULY 3RD PRIMARY NATIONALS | ORLANDO, FL | JULY 7-9TH CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP | ORLANDO, FL. | JULY 10-16TH NATIONAL JUNIOR OLYMPIC T&F CHAMPIONSHIPS | HUMBLE, TX | JULY 29TH-AUG 6TH

YOUTH-USATF USATF HERSHEY YOUTH INDOOR CHAMP | STATEN ISLAND, NY | MARCH 11-13TH WORLD YOUTH T&F TRIALS | EDWARDSVLLE, IL | JUNE 25TH-26TH USA YOUTH OUTDOOR T&F CHAMPIONSHIPS | BLOOMINGTON, IN | JUNE 24-29TH USATF NATIONAL JUNIOR OLYMPICS | SACRAMENTO, CA | JULY 21-27

KIDS-5K-10K

FOR THE DETAILS AND REGISTRATION LINKS GO TO YOUTHRUNNER.COM

HOT CHOCOLATE | SEATTLE, WA | MARCH 6TH SHAMROCK RUN | PORTLAND, OR | MARCH 13TH NEWPORT-MESA SPIRIT RUN | NEWPORT, CA | MARCH 20TH JUNIOR CARSLBAD | CARLSBAD, CA | APRIL 2ND KIDS RUN THE OC | NEWPORT, CA | APRIL 30TH

INDOOR TRACK & FIELD UAGTCA INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIP MEET | BETHLEHEM, PA | MARCH 2ND ARMORY YOUTH LAST CHANCE | MANHATTAN, NY | MARCH 5TH OCEAN BREEZE NATIONAL YOUTH | STATEN ISLAND, NY | MARCH 6TH LA JETS RELAY CARNIVAL | WHITTIER, CA | MARCH 15TH NEW BALANCE NATIONAL INDOOR | MANHATTAN, NY | MARCH 11-13TH LAS VEGAS HEAT INVITATIONAL | N. LAS VEGAS, NV | MARCH 19-20 TRAILBLAZER INVITATIONAL | TAMPA, FL | MARCH 26TH GAINSESVILLE STRIDERS INVITE | GAINESVILLE, FL | MARCH 26TH CHEETAHS INVITATIONAL | OAKLEY, CA | MARCH 29TH PHOENIX INVITATIONAL | MESA, AZ | APRIL 2-3RD YOUTH CHALLENGE SERIES | MANHATTAN, NY | APRIL 13-14TH SILVER CHEETAH INVITATIONAL | SSU, SAVANNAH, GA | APRIL 16TH QUIET FIRE | TORRANCE, CA | APRIL 21-22ND CENTRAL FLORIDA GLIDERS | ALAMONTE, FL | APRIL 27TH NORTH TEXAS CHEETAHS YOUTH OPEN | DESOTO, TX | APRIL 30TH

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We simplify things for you with online registration for youth, college, and masters track meets, sport camps, clinics and cross country meets.

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