Parent / Guardian Information

Welcome to the Roadrunner Junior Club!

We are thrilled to have you and your child join the Roadrunner Junior Club! Our mission is to support young athletes in achieving their potential through fun, challenging, and rewarding running experiences. This page provides all the resources and information you need to support your child on their exciting journey with us.

Who Can Participate?

The Roadrunner Junior Club welcomes athletes in 1st through 8th grade. Some running routes may cross roads, so participation begins when you feel your child is ready to safely cross residential streets unsupervised.

When to Start?

Athletes can join the club at any time during the year, even mid-season. Remember, there is no such thing as bad weather—only good running gear! We recommend that athletes commit to at least 2 weeks to get past initial fatigue, learn the practice routine, and foster friendships.

Communication

We use the TeamSnap app for all communication. Key features include:

• Calendar: Regularly updated with practice schedules and meets.

• Team Chat: General announcements and group discussions. For event-specific conversations, we create focused chat groups to minimize distractions for non-participants.

Seasons & Competitions

The primary seasons are Fall Cross Country and Spring Track, in partnership with Provo Parks & Rec. We train year-round, adjusting activities and competitions based on the season.

Practices

Athletes can choose which seasons to participate in and are free to miss practices without penalty.

School Year: Practices are divided into two groups based on school dismissal times:

• Elementary School Group: Starts at 3:35 PM at Sertoma Park.

• Middle School Group: Starts at 3:05 PM at Sertoma Park.

Middle school athletes often run more, but some beginners may prefer to join the elementary group, and vice versa for advanced elementary athletes.

• Summer: All groups practice together at 7:00 AM with workouts tailored to different skill levels.

Parents / guardians are welcome to attend practices or drop off their children. Athletes must understand how to cross streets safely; coaches assist at key intersections.

Seasonal Highlights

Winter Training & Indoor Track Season (Jan-March)

• December: Break from formal practice; focus on cross-training and staying active.

• January: Winter training begins.

• Competitions: Limited opportunities for experienced athletes in high school-level races.

Spring Track Season (April-June)

• Begins in April with local club meets.

• Includes track and field events like sprints, jumps, and throws.

• Ends in early June with a championship meet.

Summer Training (June-Aug)

• Morning practices resume after a short post-track-season break.

• Includes occasional time trials to track progress.

Fall Cross Country Season (Aug-Dec)

Competitions start in September with the Provo Kiwanis series.

Opportunities for advanced athletes to compete in regional and national races, such as the Bob Firman Invitational and USATF Nationals.

Nutrition & Hydration

Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for optimal performance.

Guidelines:

• Avoid eating 2-3 hours before hard workouts or races. If needed, opt for easily digestible carbs like fruit or oatmeal.

• Refuel within 30 minutes post-workout with a snack rich in protein and complex carbs.

• Stay hydrated year-round by encouraging athletes to bring water bottles to school and practice.

Equipment

Clothing

Athletes should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Layering is essential in winter. Practices continue in most weather conditions except lightning or unsafe icy conditions, which will be communicated via TeamSnap.

Shoes

Investing in a good pair of running shoes is critical as mileage increases. Local stores like Runner’s Corner, Big 5, and Lehi or Park City Outlets offer discounted options. First-time buyers should try shoes in-store to ensure proper fit.

GPS Watches

While not required, GPS watches can be a valuable training tool. Affordable options include:

• Coros Pace 2/3

• Garmin Forerunner series

• Amazfit GTS series

Spikes

Spikes are optional but useful for races and speed workouts. The team maintains a pool of donated spikes for use.

Training Philosophy

Our approach focuses on gradual adaptation and inclusivity for all ability levels. New athletes ease into training with half workouts for two weeks. Group assignments consider factors like age, training duration, and readiness.

Injury Prevention

Proper warmups, dynamic stretching, and strength exercises are crucial. Coaches should be informed of any persistent pain to adjust workout plans accordingly.

Saturday Long Runs

Advanced athletes can join morning long runs, typically 5-8 miles, followed by breakfast.

Cross-Training

Activities like swimming, biking, and hiking supplement endurance for competitive athletes. We encourage children to explore multiple activities outside of running to embrace an active lifestyle.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s development in running. Together, we’ll help them grow as athletes and individuals. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!