The Effect Of Running On Preteen Girls

Preteen girls involved in strenuous sports activities, such as running, must pay special attention to dietary concerns and the amount of exercise they receive. A 2005 article in the "International Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism" reports on the negative effects of excessive exercise for adolescent girls. According to researchers, there is increasing incidence of exercise-related female reproductive dysfunction. Disorders related to excessive strenuous exercise include amenorrhea, infertility, osteoporosis, coronary heart disease, thyroid disorder and eating disorders. In light of this research and the indications that inadequate caloric intake is responsible for the negative consequences of strenuous exercise, a preteen girl involved in running is less likely to suffer negative effects if she consumes sufficient calories to meet her body's needs.

Caloric Needs

A well-balanced diet for a preteen girl involved in running includes foods from all the major groups. In an article written for the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, Suzanne Nelson-Steen, Doctor of Science and Registered Dietitian, recommends a low-fat diet with 1,300 mg of calcium each day -- until age 18 years -- and extra calories for muscle building. According to Nelson-Steen, running increases the need for carbohydrates and fluids. Girls experiencing amenorrhea or other medical dysfunction should consult with a medical doctor for dietary and exercise recommendations.

Advantages

Life lessons learned through a structured running program help preteen girls become more self-confident and emotionally stable. Through sports activities, such as running, a girl shifts focus off of appearance and begins to appreciate her body for what it can do, according to Allison M. Schultz in her article "You Go Girl! The Link Between Positive Self-Esteem and Sports."

Form

Preteen girls should concentrate on form and endurance. Sprint-specific drills help a runner develop a strong foundation, which helps prevent injury in the present and the future. WomenRunningTogether.com describes several drills useful for this purpose. The butt-kick drill is performed by jogging forward with small strides. Knees remain low, and heels are allowed to kick the buttocks as legs swing high behind you. Skip with high knees, or skip with long strides. Run backward. Practice fast feet for 20 seconds by moving feet quickly in place.

Cautions

Consult with a medical doctor before embarking upon any new sport or exercise program. See your doctor if unusual symptoms occur, such as cessation or delay of onset of menstrual periods. Begin slowly. Limit running to three miles, no more than five days each week if you are under 14 years of age. After age 14 and up until age 18, you can increase miles up to six miles per session, according to Lyle Micheli, M.D., director of sports medicine at Children's Hospital Boston.