(Check this link, it'll help more -http://www.active.com/running/Articles/B...
She has less than four years from now so she has to put it all in training(it doesn't mean she leave studies). you can do both of the things together. tell her to join a local athletics club so she can have more knowledge about running, train under a professional coach.
She has to become best of the bests. if she keep this in mind and train hard than she has chance to make it to 2016 Olympics.
Lets say she failed to make it to 2016, then don't worry she can go for 2020 Olympics too.(so if not in 4 years than she will be top level athlete in 8 years)
2. you should support her dream, i know this is just because of Olympic fever but don't let down her dream, let her try, tell her to aim for 2016 and 2020 Olympics)
Best of luck !!
you're welcome :)
Well, I'm going to be contrary. I think you would be a HORRIBLE friend and person if you kept telling her "oh yeah anything is possible" when you really know the truth - that there's no way in hell she's going to do it.
Also, distance running does actually require a quite refined technique. It's very technical and highly strategic.
She's not going to the Olympics. There's not even the tiniest chance. So don't try and fool her. Don't say "you can!" when you KNOW she can't because IMO that is a HORRIBLE thing to do to someone and it's setting her up for failure.
Sounds like she's just plain lazy and looking for a quick and "easy" way to ensure she doesn't have to work. You should look up some statistics on how few Olympic athletes actually get enough endorsements to live off and show them to her. It's almost none.
Given that you have said she is completely sedentary I would say absolutely! Yes! Even if she has no chance whatsoever of achieving her, perhaps the word fantasy is better suited than dream... If it gets her of her rear end and onto her feet and increasing her fitness can only be good. Call her out on it, make sure she does start training, if it remains a couch fantasy let her know what you really think, just tell her kindly.
1. I believe that it is indeed possible to do it, but I think it natural talent (yes running takes talent) and work ethic to catch up and surpass others who have been training for a long time. But the way you word it makes it seem very...for lack of a better term hopeless.
2. You should support her dreams, because if she actually commits herself day in and day out then, hey anythings possible. But just make her think logically...I mean not going to school? Come on!
Yes of course. Help her, get her into the appropriate channel. Olympics is for everyone.
If u love ur friend then you should always support them on what they believe in. No matter how crazy(:
The Olympic fever got my friend and she is now convinced that in four years, she will win the gold in the 800, 1,500, 5,000, or 10,000 meter race (she's aiming for the 10,000 meters). She is:
5'10". about 160 lbs. 17 years old. Completely sedentary.
She doesn't engage in any type of physical activity, and says that she will begin training "sooooon" which is what she's been saying for a while. I totally understand how the olympic fever can make you feel inspired (I was gonna be a beach volleyball CHAMP after the 2008 olympics, hahahah), but I want her to be realistic.
I guess one advantage is that distance running isn't gymnastics or something else that requires a highly refined skill (and distance running is putting one leg in front of the other, so it's not MECHANICALLY complex, and a HUGE part of it is just mentally pushing yourself). However, she is attempting to win gold over people who have been doing stamina training their entire lives. She says she will go through life on her endorsements, thus removing her desire to go to school to learn a skill.
1. IS it possible to get to world class level in distance running in less than 4 years without having any athletic background and currently being unable to complete strenuous athletic tasks?
2. If not, should I still support her dreams?
Thanks!
