Dear Carol,
So what do I tell my Godson when his feet and elbows are flying in all directions? He needs to run 1/2 mile soon-and is disheartened because he doesn't quite get the idea of energy flowing in one line, etc. Any books, ideas?

Can I tell him to do split times- so he just doesn't run like mad until he drops? To introduce the idea of pacing himself not just going flat out? Any ideas or sources would be appreciated.

Dear Karen,
Second graders are my specialty. I teach second grade! I'm not a coach but I think that I can give you some common sense ideas.

Here's my best advice for a little one:
1. Run with him. His mantra should be, "Start slowly...easy running, slow, slow, slow."

2. When he starts to feel strong in the run have him pick up the speed a little but don't have him run full speed.
He should slow down again until he finds a steady comfortable pace. He can stick with the steady pace or vary his pace. Some young kids like to run slowly, then do little sprints, then slow down again. I watch them do this at our school's mileage club while they are running laps.

3. Start this 'training' right away but with only a 200 meter lap or distance. (Slow, first part of the lap and some speed when he's warmed up, slow down a little until he can find a steady pace).... Then work up to a couple 200 meter laps or distances after a few days. He'll let you know when he's ready to increase his distance. It'll probably be hard to hold him back. Let him take walking breaks in between the laps if he wants and then start again.

4. As for the perfect form, that is very tough for a little one. I usually don't worry about it at all. You can pick one thing to work on though. Show him the proper arm swing. His arms can come in front of his body a little while swinging but they should not cross the midline. His elbows should be held fairly close to his body and the arm swing should increase with increased speed. The most important parts are numbers 1, 2, and 3. And remember, he's a new 'distance' runner. I'd recommend downplaying the importance of speed, even if he is going to be timed, for it sounds like even finishing the half mile could be a challenge for this little one and the 'event' is soon.

"START SLOWLY". Have him practice this. When practicing he should be able to talk to you while he runs or he's going too fast. My second graders (and first) learn to pace themselves and together we finish an XC mile each year successfully, but we don't race. Don't really know what your situation is, but I hope this helps.

Carol,
Just time for a quick thank you!! THANKS... we can start on this this weekend. You are so very good to take the time to write back so quickly. John will feel much better about himself after we begin to dig in to some of your suggestions.

Feel free to email the kid's editor at carol.kids@rodale.com.