Dear
parent,
First
and foremost, thank you for your support of Whitney Cross-Country by
allowing your child to participate. I write to assure you of your
child's safety, and that their decision to run and compete as a good
decision, as it is one of the best investments of their time in high
school.
Regarding
safety, the coaches are trained in CPR and first aid. As both were
former athletes, they are aware of the common issues, such as
overheating and shin splints, that come alongside distance running,
and are educated to treat such as well. On runs, athletes are within
eyesight of a coach, and a cell phone is always nearby.
The
adult obesity attributable medical expenditures in our nation, per
year, has been estimated to be over 75 billion dollars. Typically
speaking, the physical health decisions and habits made in high
school will carry on towards adulthood. By participating in
Cross-Country, not only are these athletes experiencing the health
benefits currently, but probably for the rest of their lives as well.
Just to name a few benefits, your child will experience better
weight management, cardio and cholesterol health, bone density,
attention span/focus, and sleep rhythms.
Knowing
that education and preparation for your child's next step in life is
a big value of yours – your child's participation in Cross-Country
is not in opposition to such, but rather it is complimentary. With colleges becoming more and more impacted, and acceptance rates at an all time low, extra-curricular activity is becoming more and more important. More importantly, their
time spent practicing and competing is an educational experience on
important life skills that cannot be taught in the classroom. This
includes and is not limited to: teamwork and leadership, social
skills, growth in self-esteem and confidence, diligence and
determination, time management, physical health issues, and courage.
Recently
I was brought to tears reading about the Boston Marathon bombings.
Certainly the deaths of 3 individuals was gripping, but what moved me
the most was the stories of those who helped – the dozens of
individuals who ran towards the explosion to move rubble and
aid those who were bleeding out. These laymen, soldiers, and
paramedics undoubtedly saved lives. It is easy to see courage in
physical, life or death situations, but I've come to the conclusion
that real courage occurs in our everyday life all the time. Everyday
there are figurative explosions that go off. It takes courage to
speak the truth or to have loving actions or to put in hard work. Courage is an essential
skill in all stages in life, and what is severely lacking in this
world.
Character
traits do not occur appear all of a sudden. Sure, certain individuals
start at a different point, but character is ultimately developed. So
that raises the question, “how do we become more courageous?”
Individuals become more courageous through practice, by making daily
decisions to step into fear, and through faith in their abilities,
make a courageous action. Distance running is the most gutsy sport
around. The fear of the starting line and pistol. The mental battle
during a competition – where a voice always seems to say, “you
can't do it,” or “just give up.” Not to mention the daily
workouts, where just hearing the workout is anxiety inducing, let
alone making a conscious decision to do the workout.
These
experiences builds character like none other. To have faith in their
abilities in light of potential failure, and then to take that faith
and really hold on to it, which leads to courageous action.
Thank
you for allowing your child to participate in Whitney's Cross-Country
program – it is a good decision and a great investment of their
time.
Sincerely,
