GEARING UP FOR THE 1500 WITH RACING SHOES Coach Ed Dear Coach Ed, I stumbled on your Web site and this is perfect for me. I have a nine year-old son who started to get into running through the Presidential Physical Fitness Award Program at his school. His first mile time impressed me so I have encouraged him to keep running for fun. The USATF state (Minnesota) meet is coming up at the end of June and he wants to run the 1500m. I have three questions. The first: Is there anything I can do to help him to do well? I never ran much other than to keep in shape and never have raced. He seems to have a natural ability to pace himself. His 400m splits are within 5 seconds of each other. Next, what kind of shoes would you recommend for racing? He has what I would call a standard pair of New Balance running shoes. Would a more specialized racing shoe be in order and if so what kind would you recommend? Finally: My son's best non-racing 1500m time is 5:59, but that was by himself. Is there anyway for me to prepare him to run with other kids his age that can run similar times? Thank you and I am looking forward to your response. Sincerely, Bob Bob, On this Web site under Coach Ed's Archives find "Improving My Mile Time", "Training for the 1000", and "Cool Workout for 800". These columns contain speed work and race strategies that are age appropriate for your son. In doing some of those workouts run or ride a bicycle near him to congratulate him each time he finishes a workout. He will need that support. Kids on a track team get support from each other after a training session. Training on his own he really needs Dad there telling him how good he is doing. A standard pair of New Balance shoes are fine for training and competition. Any brand of youth racing flats (not spikes) would be a great reward for dedicated training. Do not use them for training. Racing only. This can make a young athlete feel like he is about to do something special as he slips them on before his race. Hey, it worked for me. Just one more word of advice when helping your son. "Encourage" not push. Good luck to you and your son. Let me know how it goes. Good luck, Coach Ed Ed Poirier, "Coach Ed", recently was invited by the United States Olympic committee to attend a workshop and training seminar at the Olympic training center in California.