IS THE PRICE TOO HIGH?

IS THE PRICE TOO HIGH?

I have been alarmed to read of what participating in some sports is costing top athletes. Young men in their 30s, almost ready to retire...who will never walk right again...who live in almost constant pain...who can't put their car keys in their pocket or pick up coins from a flat surface...who have trouble getting from their bed to a bathroom during the night. Not because of some great injury; but because of the brutal nature of their sport. They may have made millions; but by 37 their life is largely over and their participation in many normal activities almost non-existent. I wonder if they will not decide within the next five years that they have paid an awful price for their moments of glory.

A similar situation is sometimes seen in boys and girls in High School or College sports. We like to see them active. We want them to participate; but we regret hearing of endless knee operations and limited activities in later life. We so much wish that they could at least run with us; but old injuries have come back to haunt them. Many times this is not due just to being in sports; but from pressing to the endangerment of health. A few bad choices have brought them to where they are today. What would they say now about the price being too high?

Do you share my concern for the distances that some very young children are running today? A seven year old planning on a 10K. An eight year old signed up for a 15K. A race director planning an age division (in an adult race) FOR SIX AND UNDER! Those under ten being registered for two events on the same day or over one weekend. And the list goes on.

The very young seem to be the fastest growing area of our sport. Races are often provided for them (usually 1K or 1 mile); and we have delighted in that. Surprisingly, however, many children do not want to run in them. They want in the adult events instead. Some have done remarkably well, as any of us who have been passed in the last half of a race by someone about waist high can attest! But there are dangers involved; and we must recognize them. Young bodies, with undeveloped bones, have their limits. Surely this is why most High School runners are limited in their races to the 5K for boys and 2 mile for girls. Most coaches would be dare some to put them in longer events. Have you figured out why?

Thankfully, the decisions are not mine to make. But someone has to make them; and the young people themselves are not qualified to do so. AT SOME POINT a parent must be able to say, "This is how far you will run; and this is how much time we must allow between races". My only message is: THERE IS A PRICE TO BE PAID. Just be sure that it is not more than you want your child to pay. Until that is resolved, will you permit me to be both proud of our young runners and afraid for them at the same time???

I am also concerned about another age group. They are from High School to age 25. Do you realize that they are among the smallest number of participants in any race? Their numbers even seem to be declining. Sometimes they can almost win an award by just showing up; and their times are noticeably slow (with definite exceptions). They are often beaten by those over 35. All this despite the fact that competition in the 25-29 age group is absolutely fierce. The question is why this one age group is hit so hard?

Is it possible that it is simply a part of the price we are now paying for the fine increase in track events, and especially the female participation in them? While we have delighted in this, has the pressure to win left some with the conclusion "I never want to run again"? Instead of committing them to a healthy life-style long term, have we caused them to lose the simple joy of running? If so, the price may be too high.

Everything we do in life has a price tag attached (visible or invisible). Sometimes we have to pay immediately. Sometimes we pay later. The bargain is which we know the price is reasonable in comparison to the benefits received; and that is a decision that only you can make. When you decide what the potential cost is and that you are willing to pay it (for you or your child) you are facing things responsibly. THE MISTAKE IS IN THINKING THERE IS NO PRICE OR THAT YOU CAN AVOID PAYING IT. That is not only unrealistic; but it can ultimately destroy either your (or your child's) joy of running. Don't let it happen in your family!