What is the most a 12 year old should run on the treadmill a week?

Question

because my son does a 5k 6 out of 7 days a week witch is about 18 miles does he need to run less or is that fine

Answer 1

whereas this is conditioning him for 5k races he should switch it up some and 18 miles in any given week is a short distance. I am an xc runner and we run A LOT more than that. given i'm in highschool and middle school runs less but that isn't too much. he should run more outside though for the same reason the previous poster said. also running on the treadmill is unhealthy for his knees and other joints in his legs because of the large impact versus running on grass with some give with each step. at most have him on the treadmill half of the time during the week but get him running outside more than running on treadmill. also it'll be setting his OWN pace outside as opposed to the treadmill

Answer 2

dont let him run on the treadmill everyday..he will get to where he cant win races becuase he is used to the treadmill moving for him