The Valley Youth Running Club, based in West Des Moines, Iowa, is dedicated to fostering a love of running in children and teenagers aged 7 to 18. The club provides a supportive environment for participants to engage in track and field events as well as cross country running. Over the years, it has successfully established itself as a key player in nurturing young athletic talent in the West Des Moines community and its surrounding areas.
With a strong emphasis on teamwork, personal growth, and sportsmanship, Valley Youth Running Club offers various programs for different ability levels. From beginners looking to build a strong foundation to experienced runners seeking to improve their skills and stamina, the club caters to the diverse needs of its members. Participants enjoy numerous opportunities to compete in local and regional track meets, promoting both physical fitness and a sense of belonging among club members.
Parents and coaches play an integral role in the success of Valley Youth Running Club. By providing guidance, support, and encouragement, they help young athletes set and achieve their goals, ultimately boosting their confidence and instilling a lifelong love of running. The club’s well-rounded approach to athletic development cultivates not only speed and endurance but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, critical traits for success both on and off the track.
Valley Youth Running Club Overview
Non-Profit Organization
Valley Youth Running Club is a youth track club based in West Des Moines, Iowa, that serves children aged 7-18. As a non-profit organization, its primary goal is to provide a platform for young athletes to engage in track and field activities, promoting physical fitness and sportsmanship in the community. The club offers programs in both track and field and cross country running, encouraging children of various skill levels to participate and grow.
Valley Youth Conference
The club is also a proud member of the Valley Youth Conference, an esteemed affiliation that provides further support and opportunities for its athletes. The conference offers numerous events and meets throughout the year, enabling children to showcase their skills and compete with their peers from other clubs.
Valley Youth Running Club takes pride in its coaching staff, led by Head Coach Chris Owen. The coaches are dedicated to helping young athletes succeed and reach their full potential by providing tailored training and guidance. The club maintains a strong relationship with West Des Moines Valley High School, using its state-of-the-art facilities for practice and hosting events like the Valley Youth Running Club Meet.
Participation in the club and its associated events promotes teamwork, discipline, and camaraderie among the young athletes. Valley Youth Running Club strives to create an inclusive and supportive environment, ultimately nurturing a lifelong love for running and sports in its participants.
Track and Field Programs
Valley Youth Running Club offers a comprehensive track and field program for children aged 7-18, with a focus on developing young athletes and promoting a healthy lifestyle. The club provides training and competitive opportunities in various disciplines such as cross country, track and field events, and more.
Cross Country
Cross country is a popular activity within the club, allowing young athletes to build their endurance and experience the excitement of running through different terrains. The club organizes regular training sessions and participates in competitions throughout the season, giving members the opportunity to challenge themselves and improve their skills.
Track and Field Events
The club also provides extensive training and competition in numerous track and field events. These events include:
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Running Events: Valley Youth Running Club offers training in a variety of distances, such as 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, and 3000m. Athletes are encouraged to participate in relay events like the 4x100m and 4x400m as well.
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Jumps: The high jump and long jump events provide an opportunity for members to improve their agility and develop better jumping techniques. The club includes dedicated practice sessions and coaching support to nurture young athletes.
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Throws: Shot put events are also available for members interested in building strength and learning proper techniques. The club provides expert guidance and practice sessions to help athletes excel in this discipline.
Valley Youth Running Club strives to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all participants, fostering athlete growth, and inspiring a lifelong love for track and field sports.
Training and Coaching
At the Valley Youth Running Club, our training and coaching programs are specifically designed to meet the needs of young athletes. Our professional coaches come with a wealth of experience and expertise. We offer a mix of speed and endurance training to ensure our athletes develop a well-rounded skill set.
Professional Coaches
Our team of coaches has a diverse background, with many holding degrees in Exercise Science, Education, and Kinesiology. Some of our coaches have experience working with USC and other well-regarded athletic programs. Their focus is on creating personalized training plans for each athlete, keeping their age and skill level in mind.
Speed and Endurance Training
Speed Training:
To help athletes develop explosive speed, our coaches incorporate various training methods, including:
- Sprint drills
- Interval workouts
- Plyometric exercises
Endurance Training:
On the other hand, endurance training is essential to build stamina and improve cardiovascular fitness. Our programs focus on:
- Distance running
- Tempo workouts
- Recovery runs
By continuously working on speed and endurance, athletes are able to perform at their best on race day. With a combination of expert guidance, tailored training plans, and a supportive environment, the Valley Youth Running Club provides the perfect platform for young runners to excel in their sport.
Benefits of Joining the Club
Joining the Valley Youth Running Club offers various benefits to young, aspiring runners. In this section, we will discuss the advantages, such as access to a Milesplit Pro Membership, meet coverage, and various competitions.
Milesplit Pro Membership
One of the primary benefits of joining the Valley Youth Running Club is the potential access to a Milesplit Pro Membership. Milesplit Pro offers invaluable resources for runners, including:
- Access to exclusive articles and content related to the sport
- Rankings, stats, and athlete profiles
- Live streaming of select meets
With a Milesplit Pro Membership, young runners receive expert advice and guidance that can significantly impact their performance and development.
Meet Coverage
Being a part of the Valley Youth Running Club also allows members to experience comprehensive meet coverage. Club members can participate in various meets and have access to:
- Live results and updates
- Post-meet analysis and discussions
- Opportunity to interact and connect with fellow runners
Meet coverage ensures that runners are well-informed about their performance and can strategize their training for future improvements.
Competitions
Valley Youth Running Club members have the opportunity to participate in an array of competitions, such as:
- Track and field events
- Cross country races
- Invitational events exclusive to club members
These competitions provide young runners the platform to challenge themselves, refine their abilities, and experience personal growth in the sport.
Overall, joining the Valley Youth Running Club brings numerous advantages to aspiring athletes. With access to resources like a Milesplit Pro Membership, comprehensive meet coverage, and various competitions, young runners have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential in the sport.
Club Locations
Simi Valley
The Simi Valley Running Rebels is a youth running club nestled in Simi Valley, California. This club is dedicated to training young athletes in the sport of running and fostering a love for the sport. With a variety of training programs and events, the Simi Valley Running Rebels cater to all skill levels.
The club’s coaching staff focuses on teaching proper running techniques and providing individual attention to each athlete to ensure progress. They conduct regular track and field practices, as well as cross-country events, allowing members to experience different running terrains and challenges.
Pasadena
The Los Angeles Running Club has a branch in Pasadena, offering its services to youth athletes in the area. This club is affiliated with the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) and is dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle through running.
Members of the Pasadena branch can take part in weekly workouts, which include Monday night meetups, Wednesday night track sessions, and Saturday morning meetups. These sessions cater to a variety of skill levels, from beginners to advanced runners.
Additionally, young athletes can benefit from the various events and programs offered by the USA Track & Field. As a USATF-affiliated club, members in Pasadena have access to nationwide resources, coaching, and competitions.
In conclusion, both Simi Valley Running Rebels and Pasadena’s Los Angeles Running Club provide valuable opportunities for young athletes to develop their running skills. With experienced coaches, supportive communities, and access to a variety of events and resources, these clubs serve as excellent training grounds for the next generation of runners.
How to Get Involved
Joining the Valley Youth Running Club is a great opportunity for young athletes aged 7-18 in the West Des Moines and surrounding communities to develop their running skills, participate in track and cross-country events, and meet new friends who share their passion for running.
To get started, follow these simple steps:
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Visit their Facebook page or their official website to learn more about the club, including training sessions, upcoming events, and success stories from previous team members.
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Get in contact with the club administrators through Facebook, email or their website’s contact form to express your interest in joining the club. They will provide you with information on membership fees, practice times and locations, and any additional requirements for joining.
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Attend a practice session to meet the coaches, other team members, and familiarize yourself with the training environment. This will help you decide whether the Valley Youth Running Club is the right fit for you.
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Join the club by completing any necessary registration forms, paying membership fees, and attending regular training sessions. Make sure you have the appropriate running gear, such as clean running shoes, comfortable clothing, and a water bottle.
In addition to individual participation, the Valley Youth Running Club often collaborates and partners with local organizations such as schools, the Boys & Girls Club, YMCA, and other running clubs. If you are interested in bringing the Valley Youth Running Club’s programs and events to your organization, contact the club administrators and discuss the possibility of partnering and incorporating their curriculum.
By joining the Valley Youth Running Club, you are not only investing in your physical health and athletic development, but also contributing to a supportive community that encourages camaraderie, teamwork, and personal growth.