There’s one athletic activity that has been overlooked for far too long, and the funny thing is, it’s the foundation of sport - the original sport.
Running.
People have competed in the foot race called running for centuries. It was on Mount Olympus in Greece when the first Olympians defined the sport.
Every four years, running is the world’s favorite summer pastime and the focus of the Olympics.
And like the ancient Greeks worshiped their gods, many in the running community have looked to idols like Michael Johnson, Florence Griffith Joyner, Jesse Owens, Sonia O’Sullivan of Ireland, Steve Prefontaine and Marion Jones.
But let me step back for a moment because I know what you’re thinking, “Running doesn’t involve tackles, dunks, Hail Marys or behind-the-back passes. And Paul, who the hell are those people named in the paragraph above?”
True. You will not see a flashy play or an icon of Michael Jordan proportions in running. But those factors are not what makes a sport what it’s worth. There is a respect level that should come with all sports, and the grueling training schedules of world-class runners are comparable to that of a professional athlete in any high-revenue sport.
Now, I’m not asking any of you to attempt to reach the level of a world class runner. The message here is simple. You all can attempt a run or two this fall. And if you decide you like running, there are many rewards that will follow.
Besides earning yourself a hot pair of legs, you will be exercising your insides, helping your heart, lungs, bones and muscles. If you need to lose weight, this is a great first step to that process.
And everybody is talking abs. Many reports have been released on this subject. Various running magazines have claimed running is a more efficient route to great abs than the traditional crunches - just some food for thought.
Warning! Please don’t think because you find yourself running one or maybe even two times this fall you will end with a six pack and great muscle definition.
Running is a discipline, and that could be the very reason runners are some of the best athletes around. It hits a mental barrier not all athletes can handle. It may be hard to believe, but until you run a 26.2 mile marathon you can’t conceive the hard work and mental toughness that goes on behind the scenes.
I’m not looking to strike fear in the masses of green and white. I doubt you’ll be running 26.2 miles anytime soon, but if you attempt running a few times a week, 26.2 miles will soon become a total at the end of your running schedule.
Try running a mile, then maybe two and move on from there. I remember my high school running days when I would tell people that I ran 10 miles in a single practice. Their eyes would light up, but really it’s not that bad.
This is not a battle cry. I’m not looking to put together a campus team of runners. It’s about exploiting an untapped activity that more students should attempt. Don’t get me wrong, I see a lot of runners around campus and the East Lansing area, but if you find yourself bored on the couch looking down at your beer belly, throw on a pair of shorts, some running shoes and get out and run around MSU.
What’s stopping you? Cherish our beautiful campus. It’s a great setting for the start of your running career.
Paul Day, State News sports administration reporter, can be reached at Daypaul@msu.edu.
