Steve Scott runs with students from Jefferson Elementary
100,000 Miles Later
He arrived to high-pitched screams and arms waving wildly in hopes of an autograph. Who was the subject of this rock star greeting? None other than Olympian and current American Record Holder in the mile, Steve Scott.
On February 20 th, Scott paid a visit to the 160 member running club at Jefferson Elementary School, located in Carlsbad. He complimented the runners' dedication to fitness and emphasized the importance of finding a passion in sports, academics or personal relationships, committing to a goal and doing the very best to achieve it.
"My goal was to medal in the Olympics, but I came in fifth. I fell short of my goal, but does that make it any less of an achievement?" he asked the students. "NO!" they answered, resoundingly.
The kids were dumbfounded with one statistic that Scott shared. "I've logged over 100,000 miles in training runs, which is the equivalent of 3 times around the earth's circumference."
Janet Peabody, the P.E. teacher who organized the running club, reiterated the importance of making fitness a priority. "If you can get kids thinking that fitness is fun, they will have a lifelong desire to stay active and healthy. The Junior Carlsbad inspires kids to set goals and gives them a great reason to train. Every year we have more and more kids who run in it from Jefferson Elementary because of the enthusiasm generated by those who have done it before."
After his speaking of his inspirational achievements, he fielded questions from the star-struck group. "What happens if someone breaks your record?" asked one aspiring runner. "I would be happy! It's been 25 years, it’s time!" Scott replied.
On that note, Scott led the determined runners in a series of stretches before taking off for a couple of laps around the field.
Will we be seeing the Jefferson Elementary Running Club at the North Island Credit Union Junior Carlsbad this year? Absolutely! The kids reached for the entry forms as enthusiastically as they reached for Steve’s signature.
Peabody concluded, "The great part of the Jr. Carlsbad is that the kids don't have to be super athletes to shine. Everyone can run or walk at his/her own pace, but they are still getting great exercise. The North Island Credit Union Junior Carlsbad proves that everyone can be a winner when maintaining healthy habits in their life." |
