Middle School Distance Training

featuring Scott Christensen
Stillwater Area High School (MN) Head Girls Track & Field / Cross Country Coach;
Stillwater Area High School (MN) Head Boys Track & Field / Cross Country Coach from 1980 to 2023;
2023 NHSACA Boys Track & Field National Coach of the Year recipient;
5x Minnesota State Boys Track & Field team champions;
5x Minnesota State Boys Cross Country team champions;
3x MN True Team Track & Field State Champions;
1997 USA National Cross Country champions;
has coached 23 individual state track & field and 2 individual state cross country champions;
USATF National Endurance Special Projects Instructor;
USATF National Level 2 Endurance Lead Instructor;
IAAF Level 5 Academy Instructor;
USTFCCCA Endurance Master's Course Instructor;
Is the only coach/program in U.S. high school history to produce four alumni sub 4:00 milers

Legendary distance coach Scott Christensen shares a proven framework for developing middle school distance runners into skilled, confident competitors. Drawing from decades of success and research-based methods, Christensen delivers a step-by-step approach to training that prepares athletes physically and mentally while keeping the sport fun and engaging.

In this in-depth instructional video, you'll learn how to design training cycles that are specifically suited for growing athletes, ensuring both progression and long-term development. Christensen explains the fundamentals of energy system training, showing you how to balance aerobic base work with targeted anaerobic sessions. He also covers proper running mechanics, warm-up routines, and drills that build efficiency while minimizing injury risk.

Beyond the physical training, Christensen provides practical insights on how to foster a positive team culture, keep young athletes motivated, and teach race strategies they can understand and apply. You'll see how to introduce pacing concepts, tactics for different race scenarios, and ways to build confidence through achievable goals.

This video will equip any middle school coach with a clear blueprint to guide runners through their most important foundational years!

• Age-appropriate training principles for young distance runners
• Seasonal planning and workout design
• Running form instruction and efficiency drills
• Aerobic/anaerobic balance for optimal development
• Race strategies and mental preparation techniques

Customer Review: 5 Out of 5 Stars!
"I would give this video a 5/5, and call it a "must have"! High School coaches should grab this video and present it to every feeder middle or junior high school coach in their district to help facilitate their success! I can recommend this video without a single reservation. I would also highly recommend it to coaching education classes at the junior and senior college level for future youth coaches! Excellent material and terrific presentation!"

56 minutes. 2025.