Last night we watched our primary news source channel, ESPN. We were fortunate to view a program developed by the Discovery network, The Countdown of the Big Ten's Icons. At #19 was middle distance runner phenom Suzy Favor Hamilton. Because she is a Stevens Point native and attended Madison around the same time as Ron, her biography feels quite warm and personal. No other female college athlete has achieved such notoriety holding 9 individual NCAA titles; NCAA record holder in the 800m and 1500 m; and 23 Big Ten Conference Championships just to name a few. The Big 10's Male Athlete of the Year trophy is called, "The Jessie Owens Award." The female Athlete of the Year award never had a name until Favor-Hamilton won it her freshman, sophomore, junior and senior year. Today it is called, "The Suzy Favor Award," presented to the top female athlete in the Big 10. Hamilton became a professional runner competing in the Olympics in '92, '96, and 2000. She was named the USA Track and Field Distance Runner of the Year in 2000.
While watching the Icon presentation I was struck by her humility and honesty. Now at 42 living in Madison with her family she acknowledges that as a child and young adult it was likely depression that compelled her to run and train with such intensity. She felt happy when she was running thus she ran every day almost out of fear of feeling sad and blue. She reports that her childhood was actually very happy, (because she was constantly running!) and she achieved success from grade school forward in her athletics. This success gave her confidence and a sense of self-worth. She knew she was born to run.
I think many of my friends, particularly women, would agree running/exercise makes us feel well...if not at the time, at least when we complete a session. I know today at the gym I saw a couple of my friends grinning ear to ear as they ran, their faces bright red and ponytails slinging sweat! Endorphins are real and they do feel good. Hamilton makes the point however, that it was not until she was 39 that she realized she did not have to run in order to feel happy, that she actually had a chemical imbalance that contributed to her compulsion to run.
The show caused me to reflect on my own daughter and the role I hope exercise and athletics will play in her life. This summer it was clear that the game of basketball gives her a great adrenaline rush, she appreciates the intensity and quickness of the plays. Ron commented last night that he would like to see her play basketball 12 months a year simply for the benefit of health and conditioning. There are days that my kids likely do not get enough exercise and I would like for them to develop a positive attitude in their desire to stay fit and strong both physically and emotionally. While we never want to overlook a disorder like depression at the same time I want my kids to realize that exercise can be a great boost to coping with the normal set-backs and disappointments that we face. Yesterday, a friend asked the question on Facebook, "Is it normal for a 3rd grader to act moody and sullen?" Obviously I don't know the answer but I have noticed that the times my kids engage themselves in productive activity, away from electronic games and get in the yard, on the field , or in the court their moods always seem to brighten. Introducing our kids to fitness and encouraging their pursuit in physical activity is another way we can positively guide them in their development.
I will attach the Youtube link for the ESPN broadcast, they have repeated the segment at least twice this week (yes we watch too much ESPN). In addition, while browsing You tube for the broadcast I noted a similar interview she shared a few years ago in Madison, you might choose to check it out as well.
Hamilton deserves praise for her work ethic, sportsmanship, and honors. In addition, I appreciate her candor that although most people believed "she had it all" she was in an emotional struggle. Now at 43 she knows happiness is available to her apart from running and she serves as a healthy role model for all of us...young, old, amateur and professional athletes. Go Badgers!
While watching the Icon presentation I was struck by her humility and honesty. Now at 42 living in Madison with her family she acknowledges that as a child and young adult it was likely depression that compelled her to run and train with such intensity. She felt happy when she was running thus she ran every day almost out of fear of feeling sad and blue. She reports that her childhood was actually very happy, (because she was constantly running!) and she achieved success from grade school forward in her athletics. This success gave her confidence and a sense of self-worth. She knew she was born to run.
I think many of my friends, particularly women, would agree running/exercise makes us feel well...if not at the time, at least when we complete a session. I know today at the gym I saw a couple of my friends grinning ear to ear as they ran, their faces bright red and ponytails slinging sweat! Endorphins are real and they do feel good. Hamilton makes the point however, that it was not until she was 39 that she realized she did not have to run in order to feel happy, that she actually had a chemical imbalance that contributed to her compulsion to run.
The show caused me to reflect on my own daughter and the role I hope exercise and athletics will play in her life. This summer it was clear that the game of basketball gives her a great adrenaline rush, she appreciates the intensity and quickness of the plays. Ron commented last night that he would like to see her play basketball 12 months a year simply for the benefit of health and conditioning. There are days that my kids likely do not get enough exercise and I would like for them to develop a positive attitude in their desire to stay fit and strong both physically and emotionally. While we never want to overlook a disorder like depression at the same time I want my kids to realize that exercise can be a great boost to coping with the normal set-backs and disappointments that we face. Yesterday, a friend asked the question on Facebook, "Is it normal for a 3rd grader to act moody and sullen?" Obviously I don't know the answer but I have noticed that the times my kids engage themselves in productive activity, away from electronic games and get in the yard, on the field , or in the court their moods always seem to brighten. Introducing our kids to fitness and encouraging their pursuit in physical activity is another way we can positively guide them in their development.
I will attach the Youtube link for the ESPN broadcast, they have repeated the segment at least twice this week (yes we watch too much ESPN). In addition, while browsing You tube for the broadcast I noted a similar interview she shared a few years ago in Madison, you might choose to check it out as well.
Hamilton deserves praise for her work ethic, sportsmanship, and honors. In addition, I appreciate her candor that although most people believed "she had it all" she was in an emotional struggle. Now at 43 she knows happiness is available to her apart from running and she serves as a healthy role model for all of us...young, old, amateur and professional athletes. Go Badgers!
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