Always enjoy watching the police cadets run in cadence for this race. They were drilled into formation this time by two female leaders and they "sang" (military style) for the entire course. For those folks who somehow managed NOT to read their self explanatory shirts, many assumed that the army was running with us for this event. That in itself cracked me up! Oh how I love (NOT!) deliberate stupidity! Royal blue shorts, gray shirts with CMPD on the front... yeah, those guys!
Crowd turnout was, as usual, quite large. Lots of kids. Charlotte has had a 'Girls On The Run' program for years to encourage female youth. There is now a male youth equivalent named 'Let Me Run' and a large number of those energetic young men were present and accounted for. In listening to some of the adult coaches... I can see why there is a need for separate groupings by gender. The female coaches simply inspire and encourage, they understand not all young girls want to be athletes. They push when needed and allow for 'meltdowns' as applicable. The male coaches on the other hand... "he just wasn't willing to try hard enough" "no spirit in him" "plays too much, lacks the focus" etc, etc. The expectations are slightly different, something I find rather disappointing. In a generation where obesity is at an all time high and our youth are plagued with technological fascinations, wouldn't we be better suited to encourage the physical exercise to the best of one's ability as opposed to discouraging a young person from an activity that their generation has precious little of? My .02
This is the only event I attend where medals are typically given to all runners, partly because it is a designated youth event. I now have two medals and like many of my adult friends, proud to add it to my collection. This run supports youth at risk and encourages a sense of belonging and peer support that not only builds self-esteem but is a proven deterrent from gang activity and juvenile delinquency. RMFY club members are taught the importance of social tolerance through involvement with clubs consisting of culturally diverse students.
Great event and excellent program in need of support!
Crowd turnout was, as usual, quite large. Lots of kids. Charlotte has had a 'Girls On The Run' program for years to encourage female youth. There is now a male youth equivalent named 'Let Me Run' and a large number of those energetic young men were present and accounted for. In listening to some of the adult coaches... I can see why there is a need for separate groupings by gender. The female coaches simply inspire and encourage, they understand not all young girls want to be athletes. They push when needed and allow for 'meltdowns' as applicable. The male coaches on the other hand... "he just wasn't willing to try hard enough" "no spirit in him" "plays too much, lacks the focus" etc, etc. The expectations are slightly different, something I find rather disappointing. In a generation where obesity is at an all time high and our youth are plagued with technological fascinations, wouldn't we be better suited to encourage the physical exercise to the best of one's ability as opposed to discouraging a young person from an activity that their generation has precious little of? My .02
This is the only event I attend where medals are typically given to all runners, partly because it is a designated youth event. I now have two medals and like many of my adult friends, proud to add it to my collection. This run supports youth at risk and encourages a sense of belonging and peer support that not only builds self-esteem but is a proven deterrent from gang activity and juvenile delinquency. RMFY club members are taught the importance of social tolerance through involvement with clubs consisting of culturally diverse students.
Great event and excellent program in need of support!
CHIP TIME: 45:35
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