Frequently Asked questions
Is this club right for my child?
The long story short is...if they like to run, YES! If they are excited about it, then YES! If they are reluctant, it may not be the best fit. Our youth running club is built around fostering pride as a runner. Distance running training is inherently challenging, and we strive to create an environment that encourages athletes to appreciate running for its own sake. We aim to avoid being a place for conditioning athletes for other sports, and we emphasize that running should be enjoyed, rather than viewed as a negative or as punishment. Additionally, we help athletes explore potential running scholarships to support their passion.
Can my child try it out before joining?
YES! Please click here to try a free session focused on distance running training, and don't miss out on opportunities like running scholarships or joining our youth running club!
What if my child plays other sports?
To promote team unity and culture, we ask that athletes plan to attend all scheduled training sessions each week, especially those focused on distance running training. We encourage athletes to avoid missing Elevated practices for other sports practices, as regularly missing practices might indicate that the current season is not the best fit.
Our biggest concern is that the child is HAPPY! If they enjoy participating in multiple disciplines, including those that could lead to running scholarships, we fully support that. We believe in the importance of athletes being well-rounded and participating in a youth running club, but we ask that EDT be prioritized if you choose to participate. We will do our best to ensure that the child is happy and successful while in our care.
Do you work with sprinters?
Unfortunately, no. We believe it is essential to focus on areas where you have passion, and the passion of our youth running club lies in the realm of distance running training. Our emphasis is on training athletes for events of 800m and above. While our athletes may participate in some 400m races during meets for speed, our primary focus remains on the longer distances, where we also help athletes pursue running scholarships.
What if the weather is bad?
Our distance running training sessions are conducted entirely outdoors. We strive to avoid canceling or rescheduling practices whenever possible. As long as safety is not a concern, we plan to train. For instance, we may cancel a session due to conditions such as heavy snow, extreme cold or wind (below 25 degree wind chill), ice, lightning, and hail. Additionally, we encourage participation in our youth running club, which also provides insights into running scholarships for dedicated athletes.
Can we join after the season has started and do you offer prorated dues?
You can join our youth running club at any point of the season! We work hard to keep dues as low as possible while continuing to provide an elite level experience in distance running training. Dues are full cost for the first half of the season. Athletes who join in the 2nd half of the season will receive a $150 discount. If you are interested in running scholarships, please reach out directly in this scenario.
What if we have to miss practice?
Excellence in distance running training comes from commitment. We expect all athletes in our youth running club to attend every practice they can. If an athlete needs to miss a training session, it is not necessary to reach out, and we will plan on seeing them at the next practice. However, please let us know if they miss a meet, especially if they are pursuing running scholarships.
How fast does my child have to be to join?
All we ask is that each child can run a half mile without walking and has a genuine interest and love for distance running training. It is our job to nurture their passion and help them excel, potentially even earning running scholarships as they progress through our youth running club!
Do you offer Scholarships?
If you are facing financial hardship that may hinder your child's participation in our youth running club, please reach out to us directly. We believe that financial concerns should never prevent a child from benefiting from opportunities such as distance running training or qualifying for running scholarships.
Are parents allowed to join at practice?
Parents are always welcome to watch practice, but we ask that they not participate. Our youth running club is supported by a staff of qualified and caring coaches who work diligently to ensure all athletes receive the right distance running training, both physically and emotionally. We also help guide those interested in running scholarships to achieve their goals.
Can I be a volunteer coach?
If you wish to help as a coach for our youth running club, please reach out to Coach Tate directly. While nothing is ever promised, discussing opportunities related to distance running training and running scholarships can't hurt.