Encouraging a naturally gifted teenage runner
Discussion
I'm sure we've all experienced this first hand. I regularly do about 3 or 4 sports, but they're not necessarily the ones I'm good at, they're the ones I enjoy the most, which is a quite different thing.
If your son took up running competitively, there would come a time, sooner than you may think, where he had to train 6 days out of 7, sometimes several times a day, every day of the year in wind, snow and ice; and perhaps worse, sunny days when his friends are at the beach. To do that you've got to not just like something, you've got to love it. If he's already been in a few races and experienced the joy of winning, but still doesn't want to take up running, then there's probably nothing you can do, because winning a competition is for most people the absolute best part of any sport. As a parent, the best you can do is to introduce him to lots of things and support him with things he enjoys. There is a fair chance that he'll return to running when he's older and regret not taking it further when he was younger, but every athlete has to train, and to train you've got to love the sport...
If your son took up running competitively, there would come a time, sooner than you may think, where he had to train 6 days out of 7, sometimes several times a day, every day of the year in wind, snow and ice; and perhaps worse, sunny days when his friends are at the beach. To do that you've got to not just like something, you've got to love it. If he's already been in a few races and experienced the joy of winning, but still doesn't want to take up running, then there's probably nothing you can do, because winning a competition is for most people the absolute best part of any sport. As a parent, the best you can do is to introduce him to lots of things and support him with things he enjoys. There is a fair chance that he'll return to running when he's older and regret not taking it further when he was younger, but every athlete has to train, and to train you've got to love the sport...
Edited by RobM77 on Thursday 18th October 13:49
Continue to do what you are doing in terms of broadening his exposure to running/athletic clubs. Maybe show what successful runners can attain but also keep it realistic in showing what dedication is also required to be a success.
I will agree with what others have said in that if he doesn't want it then it will never pan out but as a parent you of course must always try your best otherwise you will regret it anyway.
The most successful people in the world are not there because of talent alone, many have talent; its the raw dedication to being the best is what gets them there.
I will agree with what others have said in that if he doesn't want it then it will never pan out but as a parent you of course must always try your best otherwise you will regret it anyway.
The most successful people in the world are not there because of talent alone, many have talent; its the raw dedication to being the best is what gets them there.
Oly thing I can suggest for motivation is tying it into something he's interested in.
For example, if you'd told me at that age that if I became a successful runner I could be driving around in a Ferrari/Lamborghini by my early 20s I'd have been pretty motivated to train.
Also, could it be that the age he's at means he's uncomfortable being in the spotlight? When you are a teenager you want to conform with your peers, not stand out from the crowd. Might be part of why he's shying away form taking this further.
For example, if you'd told me at that age that if I became a successful runner I could be driving around in a Ferrari/Lamborghini by my early 20s I'd have been pretty motivated to train.
Also, could it be that the age he's at means he's uncomfortable being in the spotlight? When you are a teenager you want to conform with your peers, not stand out from the crowd. Might be part of why he's shying away form taking this further.
CaptainSensib1e said:
Also, could it be that the age he's at means he's uncomfortable being in the spotlight? When you are a teenager you want to conform with your peers, not stand out from the crowd. Might be part of why he's shying away form taking this further.
This is very likely, especially at school. People are bullied for standing out, but that doesn't have to be red hair, spots or a squiffy nose, it can also be being good at something.The other possibility is that the OP's son just doesn't enjoy racing. I'm actually not that keen myself; I've run on and off for years and get out when I can, but despite being competitive and training for speed, I do it purely for myself; I've never actually entered a race. I'm the same with motorsport - I actually enjoy testing more than racing.
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