Head Games and Youth Running: What Coaches, Parents and Runners Need to Know

This white paper is based on more than 3 years of data collection, interviews, and assessments of youth runners (mostly high school aged 13-18 years old). It details the overlooked issues related to mental game training aka mental toughness in youth runners. It highlights the need for mental game assessment and coaching/training that integrates both physical and mental aspects of running and competing. Assessment data is provided in support of all content. Recommendations and some solutions are provided.