
Although I believe that my efforts were responsible
for that hip surgery and aggravating pain in my knees and occasional ankles, I
wouldn’t change the routine if I had it to do all over again.
Along the way, in 1977 I discovered the Hash House
Harriers, self-described as “a drinking club with a running problem” and now
count several dozen Hashers as close friends, even when I don’t know half their
real names. Google http://www.lbh3.org/index.php for more information on a regional Hash.
I also ran several 6-K and 10-K runs and occasionally
placed well in my age group. I also
posted a personal best of 6:55 minutes on the Marine 3-mile track, which I used
to run daily when I was the CO of the Dental Company at El Toro. It was a joke that the new boots assigned to
the Dental Company were told they should run with the CO, but not make him feel
bad about his time. Most could hardly
carry on a conversation as we ran at my cruising time of 7:35.
What prompts my recollection of my running is an
article I saw recently that discussed why registration for 5-K and 10-K runs
has dropped precipitously in recent years so there now are fewer runs and 10%
fewer runners than there used to be.
Most of these events benefitted charities, although there was a profit
motive for those arranging the event.
Also, there are more rather than fewer runners in the more prominent
marathons.
The article hypothesized the reason for decline was
that the Millennials were not interested in competitive running. This makes sense to me, since I have
personally observed the communal spirit that pervades their culture. The 19-34 year-olds are much more inclined to
work together, leaning on others to be the final problem-solver after
background, research, and idea vetting has been a group effort.

And I am sure than many were among the thousands who
recently participated in the 17th cicLAvia in Los Angeles, where 19
miles of streets were cleared for the day from automobiles, so cyclists,
skaters, and walkers could see the city from a more pedestrian view. There were no ribbons, trophies or plaques
awarded; just a feeling of being part of a group that may somehow make a
difference in the cleanliness of the environment.
In my next Post, I’ll share a little of what I’ve
learned about food, food preparation, and myself since I have started cooking
on a more regular basis. I hope you’ll
join me and find the subject interesting.
I think I saw that article in the WSJ recently too. The scary thing about millennials, since they don't like running and other "competitive" sports, is what this will mean for the business environment and overall US economy decades from now. Compete with China? Nah....
ReplyDeleteInteresting comment. You'll be around to see what happens. I heard someone say about the post-millennials that they won't do much harm since they are so lazy.
DeleteYou have to be careful about what you read in the newspaper...whoops, I meant on your cell phone!
ReplyDeleteOur hay day was the Hippie Days of the 60s, supposedly filled with drugs and "free love."
Well, where we went to school (St. Norbert College), I can tell you there were no drugs (other than alcohol) and certainly not "free love." Bed check was at 10 p.m.
Hey, that's not such a bad idea to reinstate. Hutch
Thanks for your comment. One of my St. Mary's classmates said when he graduated and went into the Marines it seemed like an easier life.
DeleteI'am glad to read the whole content of this blog and am very excited,Thank you for sharing good topic.
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