Sir Octane wrote:
I was wondering from all of you--
What drove you to run?
What drove you to NOT run at an early age?
How can I get my boys to run?
How can I get my boys to not hate running (because dad likes it)?
Thanks,
St(oo)pid new dad
Some good answers out there. For me, I tried track in middle school along with other sports and it was just a check off list. I remember I gave it my best or tried too hard and maybe burned out. Who knows but I always incorporated some form of running throughout whether it be prior to tennis practice in HS/college or just for fitness reasons. It wasn't until later in life that I found the true meaning of "running' and have not looked back since...
Now, I have two daughters one in middle school and one soon to be in HS. I always kept my kids somewhat active (although, not like when I was a kid where I did multiple sports) but instead have them at least choose one "physical activity"--didn't matter whether they were good or not, I wanted them to at least try it and stick with it until the season/segment part of the lessons were done (don't like to waste money!). Since toddlers they have tried swimming, dance, gymnastics and tennis lessons. I would also encourage them to enter the "fun run" kid's one mile. No pressure--just have them try it. Youngest loved it and has did it every year and oldest tried it once or twice.
My oldest felt like she wasn't as "athletic" as the younger one but would feel frustrated that she wasn't good enough. I always told her, I was just proud that she would give her efforts and never gave up. To make a long story short...
Oldest has completed her first year of track (it was on her will that she wanted to join) and by end of the season, she has made close friends from the team and has improved tremendously....and wants to join the CC/track next year when she goes off to HS. I have never put pressure on the kids and still don't or won't. I want them to enjoy the journey and when the time comes they don't like it anymore, I will still support/be there for them no matter what.