I'm leaving a bit early from work today to take my younger son (13) for his school physical so he can run indoor track... he's only in 8th grade and compared to his brother (I know I'm not supposed to do that) he is a bit pudgy and slow because of it... he is also a sweet kid (though his brother said yesterday that he is a lazy whiner, not totally untrue) and would have gone out for XC but he is a bit intimidated by his older brother who is a senior...
I've had him taking the dog around the block (12 minute pace with pit stops) for 6 weeks and he has gone out the last two weeks for an extra loop by himself... I've told him to take it slow till he gets his legs in better shape, he's got decent shoes and I've told him that the coach said that he should take this "season" to learn how to run on a track as all he's done is a few road races (5K)... luckily the coach is REALLY a great guy, one time NCAA, school alum and has been the assistant coach for several years... he has helped my old son through a rough spot or two, has kids of his own and figures that 8th graders can get their feet wet and see what it's all about, try it 'all'...
we'll see how this goes... I'm not expecting either one of them to set records, poor kids they didn't get the best genes for running but they get my support for their efforts... and while the older one has FINALLY realized he need to put in more miles, I'll be happy if the younger one loses his "budda belly"...
and my taper is getting to me even though I was at the track at 5am, it's worn off... need a fix of endorphins...
-Rita
