We started out together for maybe 10 seconds and then he disappeared. By the time I came huffing and puffing back home, he was lying on the grass and asked, "What kept you?"
Art thought that was rather funny.
In April 1990, Jon was in middle school (12 years old). His coach wanted him to compete in a district 800 meter race. Art decided to take Jon out to the track to get him ready for the race. Art was ahead for a good part of the race, but as they neared the finish Jon suddenly darted ahead and crossed the finish before his dad.
I thought at first that Art had allowed Jon to beat him to give him some encouragement. However, seeing Art struggling a little to catch his breath made me realize that indeed Jon could hold his own.
In June we were at Northwestern University watching Jon compete in the District Track and Field Competition. Art had his video recorder ready and started filming when the race began. Jon was behind for the first lap. We assumed the runners from the other schools were much faster and that Jon was running out of steam when the gap widened. Then, as they ran the last part of their laps Jon suddenly took off and won handily. We could hardly believe it! Art was so excited that he pressed the button on the video recorder incorrectly and turned the machine off. Therefore, to this day (much to Jon's chagrin) we only have a recording where Jon was behind. This is a photo of Jon receiving his 1st place ribbon.
I guess it was rather disconcerting for Art to have his young son surpass him. We knew Jon was a fast swimmer, but running was Art's domain at the time. We got used to the kids surpassing us in many areas rather quickly and were proud and happy that they could. Still...
Art now has that challenge for Jon again. He's run the marathon at age 66 and 67. Let's see if Jon can surpass that.
We all want our children to be better than we were, I think. Secretly we hope that the tiny helpless baby will become much more successful and wiser than we were and are. Fortunately my children have outgrown me! They speak better English and French than I do. I am proud of them. They have reached their destination and can stand on their own two feet. Your son is doing great! And you and your husband are fantastic people!
ReplyDeleteIt's a very levelling experience to see our children outstrip us - but that's how it should be. It'll be a long time before Jon faces the age 66/67 marathon challenge :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Reader Wil; although it's just a little humiliating to be beaten by your children and I, for one, always struggled to prevent that happening, it's something we're secretly proud of. I'd got used to always beating my husband in strategy games, only to start being beaten regularly by our younger son from when he was about 8.
ReplyDeleteit's interesting to age but more so to watch your kids age. my oldest son turns 45 today...
ReplyDeleteDitto the above comments! Well said, folks! My own kids have surpassed me in so many ways that it no longer surprises me when they do so again. More power to them!
ReplyDeleteI love this story. I bet Jon will keep the tradition going.
ReplyDeletea little friendly competition never hurts! oh too bad about the video.
ReplyDeleteTom and I were not runners, so it was pretty soon in their development that our kids surpassed us in speed. Both went on to run track in middle school and high shool. Jake competed at state in th 800, his favorite distance.
ReplyDeleteThey surpassed us in height very early on too. Jake is 6'1" and Jill is 5'11". Tom is 5'8" and I am 5'6".
They are also much better looking. :-)
Such a great story. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet post. I love running and wish I could get out there every day all year. I'm really sick of all this snow. I want to run!
ReplyDeleteHey, Linda, you are taller than I am. I am only 5'1" tall.
ReplyDeleteIt's always rough, but wonderful when our children surpass us.
ReplyDeleteAnd by the way, if you EVER hear of me running, just assume I'm being chased!
I am sure Jon is very proud of himself and he should be. We set boundries and limits for our kids but they also set some for themselves, they need that individuality. I am proud of Jon.
ReplyDeleteWell done, well said.
ReplyDelete