Want to Be a Pro Runner? Here’s My Advice for Young Athletes

[@infocuslearning]

This channel is so much better than the ‘I tried to run backwards up a hill’ or ‘Are these the best shoes you can buy?’ channels!

[@the.distanceproject]

@@infocuslearning haha glad to hear it, thank you! were just trying a few new things at the moment to see what people enjoy or find useful … some more “flagship” racing videos to come later in the year!

[@gravypuk]

I'm 47 and I got loads from this too. I really like your style and your stuff is quickly becoming a must watch. Keep up the great work!

[@the.distanceproject]

@@gravypuk thanks a lot - really appreciate the feedback!

[@Jamie2462A]

As a parent and Junior manager for my club, this is very sound advice and some that aspiring young athletes need to know. Well done Callum and good luck on the road to recovery. We hope to see you at the road relays in October at Sutton park, even if it is only in a supporting and filming capacity. Keep up the good content 👍

[@the.distanceproject]

Much appreciated - glad some of the advice rang true!

[@electro90]

Ty mate this helped a lot. I’ve been doing basically all my training by my self and a session recently didn’t go the way I wanted to which made me a bit demotivated but this video has given me more motivation

[@the.distanceproject]

Glad to hear! To date I’ve done at least 80% of my training solo, maybe more, and it does have its benefits … but if you can find a group or some friends for sessions/runs then it massively helps!

[@crayontom9687]

Talking to that coach reminded me of Brian Clough’s famous mantra: ‘when someone comes to me and says they want to do something different, we sit down and talk it through and by the end, we decide that I was right’. 😂 Or words to that effect

[@the.distanceproject]

Yep 🤣

[@AugustDanielson-r8v]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

[@the.distanceproject]

You're welcome!

[@laurencharltonn]

Loved this! It’s not all the glitz and glamour seen on social media! I have a bit of a slightly unrelated Q but do you know if pro groups value a sports dietitian? I am looking to get my foot into the “pro athlete” scene as a sports RD; but not sure if I would be needed/wanted?

[@the.distanceproject]

Individual athletes definitely work with specialists, but usually on the recommendation of their coach / team / federation… which usually comes on the back of years of experience and proven track record. So hard to say!

[@cheerfulforgiver]

You’ve got a cool vibe! Great video

[@the.distanceproject]

I appreciate that!

[@blaz3714]

Class video! Although youve talked about this subject in the past, do you think athletes that have been competing (e.g ESAA, YDL, District meets, etc) since the start of school have an edge over athletes who start running later in school (for example I started running in year 9 and made big improvements quickly and then slowed down) especially in more experience based situations? And do you ever find those who started running earlier have an edge in older more elite races (olypmics, worlds, etc) rather than things like english schools where it seems the longer you do it the quicker you are?

[@the.distanceproject]

I think it totally depends on the athlete. In many cases, those training from a young age may have been taught the "basics" a lot better, so perhaps have better form or biomechanics, plus a 'head start' on running-specific fitness. But, those who did other sports have an edge in other ways, perhaps through the durability of their body (from sports like football and rugby), or superior aerobic fitness (from sports like swimming or triathlon). It really depends on the individual I think!

[@dimitar297]

Speaking of being honest and brave, what was the promixal cause of Sage's bilateral pulmonary embolism?

[@the.distanceproject]

No idea what this is or why it’s relevant 🤣

[@laurencharltonn]

What are your thoughts on the differences in a pro lifestyle compared to someone also working a job that makes the difference? Why do you think it works for some people to be in that “running focused” environment and for others it makes them worse?

[@the.distanceproject]

I work a full-time job alongside running and I wouldn’t change it, I like having another outlet and focus. For some people they wouldn’t be able to handle the extra stress or switch of focus - just depends on personality types I guess.

[@Ilikerunnning]

Did you go university in Britian or did you go to America for NCAA?

[@the.distanceproject]

I went to Durham in the UK for my undergrad, and then 1 year in America for my Masters after that :)

[@gbm8432]

Hi Callum mate, my parents and the people I train around don’t really have any experience with the career path of someone younger like myself so I wonder if you could share some knowledge. I’m currently ranked top 50 in the 1500 as an u17 and went to English schools this last week and had a stinker 😂 either way I was wondering what kinda stuff is realistic for me as an athlete presuming no injury. Should I be looking at US collage collages is that overreaching. What would you recommend. Thanks

[@the.distanceproject]

Congrats on the good running so far :) NCAA could be an option, depends on loads of variables like PB, academic results, age, etc. - if you’re looking to explore that!

[@Bentleym11]

Perfect I’m 12 (turning 13 this Friday 😁) and do a 19:205k looking to go sub 19 any advice. Further more anyone in the comments- I was looking for a quicker shoe I currently use Saucony ride 16 any carbon plated shoes you would recommend for someone my age?

[@the.distanceproject]

Hoka Rocket X2 are a great shoe :) at your age there’s not too much need for them just yet. Wait a few years until your feet stop growing!

[@Bentleym11]

@@the.distanceproject 😂😂👌 will do any shoes you would reccomend for my age then?

[@markbateman9222]

To become a pro runner you obviously have to be fast enough to attract a sponsor. The relationship between a runner and the sponsor, to be successful, has to be one that benfits both parties, the sponsor wnats good, positive exposure from their investment. The runner should recognise that they have obligations - mainly to run consistently fast. Also, from what I've heard and read, the runner should not expect to become ridiculously well off, certainly not set up for life. View sponsored running as arelatively brief episode in your life. That said I would have jumped at ANY opportunity to be in position to devote myself entirely to running. Any sponsors out their for a 66 year old with dodgy knes and a metal hip?

[@the.distanceproject]

Haha I’m sure they’ll be someone out there!

[@Stormy-zt1bf]

I've been on that road in Cambridge, fell down one of those potholes once...

[@the.distanceproject]

hope you were ok !!