Nation’s Top Runners Offer Advice For Young Athletes

By Elizabeth Carey for DyeStat

A record number of qualifiers vied for a spot on the US Olympic Team at the marathon trials in Atlanta last month. Among them were life-long runners who’ve turned their passion for running into careers and world-class results.  

Some, including Olympians and collegiate coaches, offered tips for young athletes — or anyone starting out in the sport — based on their own journeys. The main takeaway? You can’t force progress. 

“You absolutely need to work hard and be consistent, but you also have to enjoy running and let yourself naturally progress,” says CJ Albertson, a Brooks runner who is also the head cross country and track coach and professor at Clovis Community College. “Not every workout (or) race will go well. In the past, I would analyze every reason why workouts (and) races went bad and then would show up to the next workout or race really stressed because I was thinking of all the ways to prevent myself from running bad. Being stressed before...is a good way to run bad. Now I just expect myself to run well...If things don’t go according to plan, then that’s okay. This approach has allowed me to enjoy running more.”

Here are additional words of wisdom:

Des Linden, 36, two-time Olympic team member and winner of the Boston Marathon in 2018 — finished 4th in 2:29:03:

“My piece of advice is have patience. It’s the last thing we want to hear, but it’s the thing we need to be reminded of most often. It’s a sport you can do a long time but it takes a while to get results...It takes 10 years to become an overnight success, and that’s really true in running. Keep putting in the work. Keep banking the fitness. And it will pay off one day.”

Kellyn Taylor, 33, winner of Grandma’s Marathon in 2018 (where she ran 2:24:29) and member of the HOKA ONE ONE NAZ Elite squad that placed three women in the top eight — finished 8th in 2:29:55:

“Have fun...There is such a thing as doing too much too soon. So realizing that you have a long time to build up and get where you want to be. It doesn’t have to be right this minute. I am an impatient person and I understand you want it to be quick, but that’s not usually how it works. I’ve been working many, many years, ever since I was in middle school, to be where I’m at now. Stay patient. Enjoy the process. And don’t put a limit on your capabilities.”

CJ Albertson, 26, who PRd on the hilly course on a windy day — finished 7th in 2:11:49:

“Be consistent and train as if you knew you were going to achieve whatever your goal is. For example, if your goal is to make the State Meet, then train for that race beginning your freshman year. The difference between placing top 10 at State and placing 30th-70th, is largely decided in the three years leading up to the race, not just your senior season. Sometimes, if you aren’t varsity, it is easy to slack off and skip summer (or) Saturday practices. However, as a young runner, you have no idea what your potential is.”

Brooke Slayman, 30, a speech pathologist and Tracksmith OTQ program athlete, who competed six months after giving birth to her son, Knox — DNF (but there’s a lesson in that): 

“To my teen self: Running isn’t a linear sport. There will be many peaks and valleys. The key to continued enjoyment is to learn to respect and cherish both. The lessons learned and hardships experienced in injury, sickness, poor racing, and unexpected outcomes make the moments of success all the more beautiful. This is all augmented by surrounding yourself and leaning into a support system within the sport and everyday life.”

What are your questions about having a life-long running career? Let us know on social or comment below. 

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Elizabeth Carey (https://elizabethwcarey.com/) is a freelance writer and running coach based in Seattle, Washington.