Track Meets & What They Taught Me
2 05 2008
Last evening I went to my daughter’s track meet. She just runs a couple events, so I am only fully engaged for about 3 minutes of the 4 hour track meet. But as I sat there watching, I finally noticed something that is really cool.
Something that has bugged me was how at each track meet so far they run at least a dozen 100 meter dashes. The kids line up, the gun goes off, the kids run as fast as they can across the finish line, then the next group of kids line up and the process starts again. I always thought they were wasting time.
But last night I was actually paying attention and I noticed as each group takes their turn, it becomes obvious that the slower and “less fit” kids are taking part. During some of the other events, some kids are even lapped.
Here is what I have witnessed so far … no kid has ever quit. Even though they do not look the type and are running well behind the leader, they are giving their 100%. They are trying their best. And as these lone runners are making their way past the stands, the crowd claps and cheers and many of their team mates encourage them on as if they were about to set a record and win a gold medal. Very cool. In the big city the competition is so much that these kids would not even be allowed on the team.
I’m glad we’re back in an area where kids can be kids and everyone is part of the team. It’s amazing the things you notice when you pay attention.
Nathan: I agree with you about small schools letting everyone participate. It is a real advantage over urban areas. I’m surprised urban schools don’t do something with getting more kids out for sports. I’m glad Haley is running. Tell her to keep it up. It’s good to be with friends and cheer them on too. My Nathan loved track just to be with friends. When he hurt his foot his senior year and his times went down, I thought he’d quit, but he finished and his last times were close to his best the year before. Hard work and perseverance are good lessons. –Gary Pillman