Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 59, June 2014 | Page 8

Have YOUR SAY Got something on your mind that you want to share, a burning question you want answered, or a good story to tell? Then send it to [email protected]. (Note that some letters have been shortened due to space limitations.) Winning Letter LET THE KIDS RUN My son, who turned five on 25 April, participated in his first 5km fun run a few weeks ago and completed the run in 34min with apparent ease, overtaking adults who could not believe their eyes. My husband and I started running about two years ago and I’m happy to see that our young man has now taken to it, too, but it seems some people think it is cruel to “make” a child run. The fact is, he wants to run, and loves to run. We will never force it on him, but I feel by encouraging healthy habits from a young age, he will learn a lot about life and benefit tremendously. – Jessamine McLeod, via e-mail There are minimum age limits in official races for a good reason, to prevent kids from overracing before they are physically ready for longer distances, but I couldn’t agree more with you about getting kids active at a young age! – Ed. MODERN ‘REJUVENATED’ ATHLETE! $