Rudolph, you're missing my point. The mountains have been there for a helluva lot longer than 30 years. What they are and how we co-exist with them should not be thought of in the same way as with conventional atheletics. There is a fundamental difference which demands a different mindset.
Is someone going to set up that, "Did you run on the Fells as a Junior?" poll please?
Well I agree with one thing ... you certainly look as though you don't give a damn.Originally Posted by Wheeze
Sorry Rudolph...they do say perception is all, and you're quite entitled to yours. But you are certainly giving me the impression that you really have missed the point!
Have I? Isn't the point being made here that, as you can take up fell running at any old age (and, bloody hell, I should know!) then why bother trying to encourage kids to do it when they're young?
Like I said ...
Yes to the first part...but I don't think anyone's saying that we shouldn't encourage the youngsters. {Even if they do beat us old'codgers!}
We could start a whole new thread on the topic of children, juniors, and intermediates in fell-running, their entry, encouragement, distractions and exit, re-entry, etc etc. But that would be an aside from this particular thread topic of UKA disaffiliation. Mind, I'm sure a pro-affiliation poster will say that I'm missing the point!
I didn't run on the fells as a junior (or a senior for that matter).
Started running on the fells at 52. Wish I'd started earlier!
But I suppose I wouldn't have run under the hour for 10 miles or done a 2.52 marathon if I had.
jeez we are having a ding dong about juniors now
for me sport for kids has gone to the dogs in this country , we should take great pride in the way we promote junior races on the fells.
what would we say the average age in a fell race of a 100 is
im 36 and i dont see too many younger than me
i feel more kids should be introduced to our sport
[quote=Rudolph Hooker;41228]Have I? Isn't the point being made here that, as you can take up fell running at any old age (and, bloody hell, I should know!) then why bother trying to encourage kids to do it when they're young?
No, it absolutely isn't the point being made. Still missing it by a mile! Try re-reading instead of jumping to conclusions.
Kids who want to take it up will take it up... the best way to ensure people carry on the sport is simply to take them out on the hills when they're young and let them run around and climb etc.
The idea of needing youngsters to be cajoled or coached at a young age won't necessarily provide that appreciation for the terrain and general respect for the 'ageless' environment - but it may introduce beuracracy and elitism to what is essentially (or should be at a young age) just a very natural, simple thing that involves running around and getting a few grazes. Kids don't have to race each other to enjoy themselves. (or at least the emphasis doesn't have to be on competition).
In a way, crossing over or starting competitvely later on doesnt seem a bad thing to me. There's lots of other areas that competitive mums and dads can encourage their kids to participate in; cross country, swimming etc... I don't spose this post will appeal to the elitist few, but as a mid pack plodder with a 5yr old son, personally i don't mind wether he runs in later life or not; as long as he appreciates and respects the hills.
I know this thread wasn't really about kids in fellrunning - Freedom found in running the fells and appreciation for the hills doesn't depend on any monetary provision for kids - but it's this which will maintain peoples participation. This is why people have always 'crossed over' and why rules and regulations can only fetter the sport.
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