A friend recently sent me an article about the lack of younger U.S. runners on the National scene these days. He asked me what I thought of the article, below is my response:
This is always a favorite subject of mine---one that I've been observing for awhile---it's real simple and the author hits on one of the reasons-- the 'everyone's a winner mindset' that prevails these days among those teaching and guiding our youth sure makes shooting for the top less attractive--especially when it takes more work--then, just look how Runner's World has changed since the 70's--from performance oriented, to just finishing oriented--- -I'd be willing to bet that there is another,bigger reason for the lack of young emerging U.S. distance athletes--- as a nation our children are becoming less and less interested in endurance sports--there are too many other things like the cellphone-the computer(Facebook) and video games to keep their attention, besides, endurance training involves work, very unappealing to the majority of youth these days. There is not going to be any resurgence or boon amongst our youth, their interest in endurance athletics is long past. We are into a whole new time for kids and young adults, running is no longer appealing as it once was, our youth are less active then ever. In fact, they are running commercials on the radio that are geared towards parents telling them about the benefits of having their kids play outside for an hour a day. Think about that for a minute, just give it some thought for a moment. If you are over thirty-five years of age you really can't help but be shocked by such an ad and the reality that it has gotten to this point.
Quite predictably, in the comments section after the article, many wrote to say that the numbers were skewed and inaccurate. I suppose the fact that we now have the highest all-time number of children, youth and young adults overweight, obese and unfit is inaccurate too?
To the naysayers I offer up this--- each generation has interests, activities, etc., they engage in. Those interests often change, in part, due to advances in technology and society.
The good news---your children don't have to be like this! You can see to that. Shame on you if you are faithfully working your body everyday and allowing your kids to become sedentary and lazy!
30 minutes at 2/3's pace--5 minute slow jog after--stretching too.
How was your day?
As I run through neighborhoods and in and out of three gorgeous parks, I'm always surprised and dismayed by the few children who are out playing. Yards and quiet streets are empty and playgrounds used inconsistently.... So different than when I was a child...
ReplyDeleteThis was a beautiful late summer day in Spokane. An hour running and walking made me happy....
So true Wayne, and so sad. My grandchildren(ages 10 and 13) came over a few months back and they seldom voluntarily went outside,they were either watching the 'Tube' or staring at their phones.
ReplyDeleteWe have our grandchildren (3) a week during the summer.... They are totally captivated by screens whether I pads, television, or handheld computer games. We force the issue getting them out continually for activities. Wears us out but well worth the effort. Kids sleep well too.....
DeleteWay to go Wayne--maybe you planted the seed that getting out there is fun.
ReplyDelete