Defn: a human male displaying evidence of devolution - exhibits distinctive "caveman-like" tendencies. This man often dribbles in public places; cannot drink a beverage without spilling it on himself, the floor or someone else; may also run into objects like lampposts & bushes; has a definite "sloopish & short legged" running style that is slow and low to the ground, often resulting in the dragging of knuckles.

These throwback neanderthals, along with their questionable diet, should clearly be avoided.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Classic 10K - sensing a theme

#12 was at it again this morning.  In all reality I really don't know how much he should be running - is it too much?  "It" - meaning the past 4 weekends (in order) he has done a 10K, Summer Roundup 12K, BTMR 12.8 miler and then the 10K today.  Today was the easiest course for him, which made it easier to justify in the mind.  But I have a question - at least for myself, but here I am sharing it to get some other opinions - is it too much for a 12 year old to be doing this?

As for todays race - and the reason why the question above is kind of prominent in my mind - it was a bit of an off day for him.  If you compare to last year, he was 3 minutes slower.  Now, I'm sure the accumulation of some tough miles, especially from the BTMR had an impact.  We talked after the race today about not having a great race each time, that we should be indentifying "A" races and "training" races.  If we consider today a training run - although he is not really training for anything now - then it was a good effort and result.

As a parent, there's a delicate balance between allowing your kid - who is good at this - to go full steam and conquer the running world as we know it - vs - not wanting him to get hurt or burnt out because of overdoing it.  Running and entering races are his call - I don't feel like I am pushing him into doing any more or less than he is.  My wife agrees also, pointing out it is a good problem to have.  The kid loves to run, we are incredibly grateful for a healthy and actively fit kid.  I don't know how I would respond to an alternative. 

Pridefully putting it out there - he pulled another 2nd place for his age group.  That's three weeks in a row.  A 14 year old beat him - 3 weeks in a row for that too (different one each week).  I may make him a T shirt that says "I'm #2".  On the back it says "14 yr olds suck".  Okay, probably not.
Posted by at

5 comments:

  1. HappyTrailsJuly 24, 2011 at 11:59 AM

    We are woefully lacking on the child raising advice, but as far as the running part goes - if your boy enjoys it and isn't tearing up his parts, I would say let it roll. Seeing his pic in the BTMR slideshow was pretty amazing - he was getting with the program!!! Have you asked your doc about limits for his age?

    Recover well - I'm putting my money on the PPA/PPM showdown in your favor! ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. GZJuly 24, 2011 at 4:40 PM

    I will remember that HappyTrails!! ;)

    Good thinking on the running with your kin there. You have a good bead on when to back it off. I wish more parents had that sort of view on childhood obesity!

    ReplyDelete
  3. CraigJuly 24, 2011 at 8:48 PM

    HT's - haven't talked w/ a doc about him, like me, he only goes to a doc when sick / hurt and I don't remember if and when the last time for him was. Another good problem to have.

    GZ - between you and me, my money is on Brad for the PPA / PPM challenge. Don't take it personally as I hardly know either of you - but he is rocking the runs this year. That's not to say you seem due to rock a good race.

    I just hope we all do well, after all we are running against the Peak more than anyone else.

    ReplyDelete
  4. GZJuly 24, 2011 at 9:18 PM

    Agree on that actually.

    ReplyDelete
  5. HappyTrailsJuly 25, 2011 at 1:54 PM

    OK Craig and GZ - so I just read Brad's post, and based on the trail he ran today and the time he posted, you two guys are toast .... :-o

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)