Oct

1

FootballThis reminds me of a "survey" that I heard of so many times with a different twist I believe it is an urban ledgend in the Olympic sporting community.

Many promoting stricter drug regulations in sports would say something like a survey of ____ athletes were asked if they would take a pill that would guarantee them a ___ but would cause them to die a painful death 5 years latter, and 95% said "yes". The blanks would be filled in by High School/College/elite athlete an championship ring/gold medal.

The gist was that young people are too competitive and foolish to make those decisions for themselves. And while I agree with Scott that as a parent these decisions of momentary glory versus lifelong debilitating risks should be left to a mature adult.

The parent should also prepare kids to make these decisions for themselves.

Perhaps my soul-searching answer to that legendary survey would help parents accomplish both objectives.

Rather than question my dedication, sacrifice and risks taking even to the point of debilitation or death for distance running, it made me question my definition of "success" and what my goals ultimately were that I was willing to go to such extremes. In other words if your goals are not broad and high enough that you are willing to die for them then your definition of success is too narrow and shallow.

And while I enjoy the company of those few willing to make such great sacrifices and take such risks in pursuit of excellence and high glorious goals, those fewer amoungst these that I enjoy most are those that have a similar broad definition of success.


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