KIDS to WATCH : MARTIN BRIX

Running Irvine Age 11

Unlike some standout distance runners his age, 11-year-old Martin Brix doesn’t train year round. He does not follow any special diet. He does not record every mile run.

The Irvine fifth-grader’s motto is simple, he just wants to have fun. Perhaps his relaxed attitude has helped him become the standout that he is.

Last month, Martin placed eighth overall in the Midget division (ages 11-12) at the National Junior Olympic Cross-Country Championships at Omaha, Neb. In track, he has bests of 4 minutes 56 seconds for 1,500 meters; 10:19 for 3,000.

Martin started running three years ago, following in the footsteps of his older sister, Tanja. Tanja, a junior at University High and one of the county’s top runners, was also a standout age-group competitor.

Like many highly-competitive youth sports, age-group running is subject to overzealous parents and coaches. But Martin seems to be well protected from that element.

His father and coach, Bjarne Brix, is adamantly opposed to parental pressure in sports. Bjarne, a former national kayaking champion from Denmark, is the cross-country coach for Time Machine U.S.A. in Mission Viejo.

“In the past, I’ve seen parents who push too hard and the kids get burned out,” Bjarne said. “There’s got to be time for fun.”

And fun is fine with Martin, a precocious lad who giggled through an interview while his pet rat crawled over his head.

Martin, who loves to skateboard, pogo stick and collect comic books and doll-size trolls, said he enjoys running, but doesn’t take it seriously, yet. His only goal, he says, is to someday be able to outrun Tanja.

“One time, I was in top shape and she wasn’t,” Martin said, grinning as Tanja rolled her eyes beside him. “I was right at her heels but right before the finish line, she went zoooom. . . . I basically want to beat her someday.”