Shoes and fitness tracker for 8 year old

[bazookaman]

My daughter is enrolled in an after school program where the ultimate goal is to run a 5k. She ran it last year and was the 2nd person in her school to do it in the 2nd grade. Now she is "officially" in the program and gets to do it again.

For a tracker last time, we got her one of those kiddie ones that looks like a ladybug which worked but it was kind of simple and she lost it pretty quickly. So I figured maybe a wrist worn one would be better. But not sure if I want to go for a whole fitbit just yet.

And we usually just get her shoes at consignment sales since she goes through them as any 8 year old would. But since she is "training" now I thought it might be nice to get her an official pair of running shoes. But I know kid requirements are far different than adults. So was wondering if anyone her has gotten running shoes for a child around her age.

[Lux Interior]

Girls on the Run?

I would suggest a cheap pedometer unless she is really interested in tracking all the time and not just while running.

In the latter case a fitbit, probably.

[raz]

I hate to say it, but if she's training for a 5K it would be a mistake to go cheap on the shoes. Depending on her feet (pronated, etc.) getting the proper support will be critical - you will run the risk of minor and major health problems otherwise.

Go to a shop that knows runners.

[beagledave]

I picked up a MiBand for less than $20. (My 14 year old daughter also has one). Works fine for steps. There is an app for iOS and Android.

The downside is that there are no U.S. based resellers right now, so it take a couple of weeks or so to ship from China.

https://www.reddit.com/r/miband/wiki/index

[bazookaman]

raz wrote:
I hate to say it, but if she's training for a 5K it would be a mistake to go cheap on the shoes. Depending on her feet (pronated, etc.) getting the proper support will be critical - you will run the risk of minor and major health problems otherwise.

Go to a shop that knows runners.

Of course. That's why I wanted to get her "real" shoes. Not old or used ones. We have a good runners store here. Just don't know if they cater to kids.

[raz]

bazookaman wrote:
[quote=raz]
I hate to say it, but if she's training for a 5K it would be a mistake to go cheap on the shoes. Depending on her feet (pronated, etc.) getting the proper support will be critical - you will run the risk of minor and major health problems otherwise.

Go to a shop that knows runners.

Of course. That's why I wanted to get her "real" shoes. Not old or used ones. We have a good runners store here. Just don't know if they cater to kids.
Ah. We are in agreement.

I'd call the shops. Mine does cater to kids, but I suppose some might not.

[Speedy]

8 is too young to be trading and running a 5k. 15 is a good age because she will have developed more.

[bazookaman]

Speedy wrote:
8 is too young to be trading and running a 5k. 15 is a good age because she will have developed more.

I would consider it an 8 year old training for a 5k as an 8 year old would train to be a rocket scientist.

[Lux Interior]

I don't see any issues with an 8 year-old running three miles, or the training leading up to it.

My daughter did GOTR and it is a totally non-competitive environment. You are not trying to run the 5k in 20 minutes, or run it at all (i.e. walk) if that's the case.

[chopper]

You stepped in it now. You mentioned non traditional child care and feeding on this forum.