11 year old Kid of Steel goes for a perfect season! (Page 2)

Reading that article, he say "I" many times. Sounds like he's self motivated and driven, not like he's being pressured by anyone else.

Good for him! I have an 11 yr old and he's that driven with his grades and running. I think it is good to expect more, not less from kids. Especally when 7th graders these days can spend 3 plus hrs a day texting, playing video games and who knows what else.

As long as a knowledgeable coach is involved its ok by me. I started running very young and my knees are paying a massive price for it now and im only 23. I wish my parents had invested in some training for me as opposed to saying he is young and strong let him go. In the end it hurt my ability to compete in high school and college (which were my original goals).

I didn't read all the other posts, but I'm guessing that 3 hours a day is an exaggeration. I bet he easily "plays" for 3 hours a day in his pool, on the bike and running around, but I doubt it's really a structured training plan. At least, as a 5th grade teacher, I sure hope it's not all that structured.

I also used to work out at a facility that trains athletes (it's called Mike Boyle Strengh and Conditioning) and it seems that the bulk of their business is student athletes. They take them as young as 12. Some definately had helicopter parents who were really pushing them. Some seemed to have their own internal drive to work hard. For the most part, the kids were having fun and not working too hard and the trainers had good attitudes and were supportive of all types. I saw some who were probably signed up for 1.5 hours, 3 times a week by parents hoping their kid might lose some weight and develop some skills - they were encouraged and participated right along side the ones who looked like the star high school jocks. I felt like the trainers were highly cognizant of injury potential

I think the only shame is we have to pay for all of this activity instead of having kids just roam the neighborhood all day long like I did when I was a kid. 

He finished in 4th place at our local race. Poor kid! I overheard his mom saying that he was so embarassed after his big article and doesn't want to talk about it with anyone. Hopefully once he gets some distance from this, he'll be proud of himself in the end!

+1 x 10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000  Agree...LOL

I don't see any problem...he really likes it...

I prefer to see kids playing outside 3 hours whatever sport instead kids playing video games for 3 hours inside home...LOL

Edited by velorider62 2009-08-09 2:56 PM