Calling All Running Coaches: Your Wisdom Wanted
By Ralph Havens, PT —
Hey Running Coaches — I’d love to get your advice about training young runners. Your experience and perspective mean a lot.
Please copy & paste the questions below into an email and send your answers to:
Ralph@RalphHavens.com
— or paste your thoughts in the comments below.
If you’re open to it, I’d love to share your answers on my Run Blog so other runners, parents, and coaches can benefit. Visit: Ralph’s Run Blog
Questions for Coaches
Distances referenced: 800m through 2 mile for middle/high school athletes, and up to 10k for collegiate/post-collegiate runners.
Click on each link below for the questions.
1. Training Philosophy
What’s your overall philosophy about training—especially for middle school and high school kids, as well as collegiate and post-collegiate runners?
2. Periodization
Do you use or recommend periodization—such as Jack Daniels’ Phase I–IV—or another structure for base training, workouts, tapering, racing, and rest?
Please share specific guidelines and example workouts per phase if possible.
Please share specific guidelines and example workouts per phase if possible.
3. Hard / Easy Days
How do you balance hard and easy days? What does an “easy day” look like in your program (pace, duration, recovery activities)?
4. Injury Approach
What’s your perspective on injuries, aches, and pains? Do you advise running through certain issues or resting? When do you refer to medical professionals?
5. Plateaus in High School Runners
I see many runners who peak in 8th–10th grade and then don’t progress even with good coaching. Do you notice this? What keeps motivated high school runners improving year after year?
6. Chronic Injuries
As a PT, I see runners who do the “right things” but still have recurring injuries. What might be holding them back from healing fully?
7. Keys to Success
What are the most important ingredients for success and progression in young runners? (e.g., love of running, love of racing, resilience, coaching, teammates)
8. Inspiration
Who are your favorite coaches, mentors, or resources you follow for training guidance and inspiration?
How to Reply
- Copy the question(s) you want to answer.
- Paste them in an email or the comment box and add your responses.
- Email to: Ralph@RalphHavens.com
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