"Women are 'better' than men at running marathons." Well that's great news. This does not mean that they are faster, this means that they are better at keeping a steady pace. I believe that this is because women tend to underestimate themselves while men over estimate themselves during a race.
Women start out their races slow, because they underestimate how fit they actually are. On the flip side, men start out at a quick pace, believing that they are in better shape than they actually are. There is a term that I learned in my AP Psychology class that comes to mind. Over-confidence. It's pretty straight forward, it is when you believe you can do more than you actually can. In a race, because women start out slower, it is less likely that they will "hit a wall" and feel the need to slow down. Men however, sometime during the race will realize that they are moving too fast and slow down.
It has been studied over the course of 6 years, using millions of people and a wide variety of different races, so I want to believe that the statistics are true, however I am still not so sure. During cross country, I find that in both the women's and men's races, there are some runners that take it too slow at the beginning and some that take it too fast. I never thought that it had to do with gender because I saw a pretty even mix across all of the races. I was always one to start out too slowly and have too much energy at the end, however most of my friends struggled with the opposite problem. Because of that, I really believe that it doesn't matter, men or women, I believe that it depends on the person. However, the studies have been done, so I should trust them.
Overall, it is always important when racing to know your strength. At the start of the race, when the gun goes off, it's okay to try to get out of there fast, but also try to settle into a rhythm. After about 400 meters you should lock in your pace for the race. It is always better to start out slower than what feels comfortable, because later in the race you will be glad that you did. Happy racing!
Word Count: 392
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Execution of a Veteran with PSTD
Should you be exempt from capital punishment if you have a mental illness? What if you have post-traumatic stress disorder from defending our country? According to a recent article, a Georgia veteran with PTSD has now been the first person executed in the US in 2015. I never think that capital punishment is okay, never have and probably never will. But especially, to someone who suffered from a mental illness acquired from serving our country.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a horrible mental disorder, and those who suffer from is experience terrifying and often unwanted flashbacks and dreams from their time in war. Veterans that serve our country already put their lives on the line to protect our rights, and then they often don't return the same as when they left, losing limbs, skin, and mental sanity. The things that they see and experience are worse than any of us could ever imagine. That is when they get PSTD. I could never handle what they do, or do what they do.
I believe that they should get more respect. People just don't give them the same respect that they used to. It is something that is really upsetting to me. I am related to many people that have served, including my father, and I look up to him and respect him more than anyone else in the world. He worked with intelligence so fortunately, he came back unharmed, most aren't that lucky. I just have a strong believe that we should have a strong respect to ANYONE who serves our country. Men or women, black or white, young or old. Everyone.
This means that even though the man in the article, Andrew Brannan, killed a police officer, I don't believe that capital punishment was in order. That is not to say that he should be let off the hook because he is a vet with a mental health disorder. I think that he should have gotten at least 50 years to life in jail. Or, depending on how severe his disorder was, mental health therapy. I do not know much about his condition, all I know is that in my opinion, anyone willing to serve and protect our country should be exempt from execution. I believe execution is wrong in all cases. I believe in life in jail. But when we execute someone who fought for our country and was mentally ill because of it, what is that saying? It is taking away all respect for our Veterans. I believe that capital punishment is a big deal and it should be looked at and examined extremely closely before decisions are made. And I believe that each case should be looked at individually. Overall, I just believe that it was wrong to execute someone who served for our country.
Word Count: 467
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a horrible mental disorder, and those who suffer from is experience terrifying and often unwanted flashbacks and dreams from their time in war. Veterans that serve our country already put their lives on the line to protect our rights, and then they often don't return the same as when they left, losing limbs, skin, and mental sanity. The things that they see and experience are worse than any of us could ever imagine. That is when they get PSTD. I could never handle what they do, or do what they do.
I believe that they should get more respect. People just don't give them the same respect that they used to. It is something that is really upsetting to me. I am related to many people that have served, including my father, and I look up to him and respect him more than anyone else in the world. He worked with intelligence so fortunately, he came back unharmed, most aren't that lucky. I just have a strong believe that we should have a strong respect to ANYONE who serves our country. Men or women, black or white, young or old. Everyone.
This means that even though the man in the article, Andrew Brannan, killed a police officer, I don't believe that capital punishment was in order. That is not to say that he should be let off the hook because he is a vet with a mental health disorder. I think that he should have gotten at least 50 years to life in jail. Or, depending on how severe his disorder was, mental health therapy. I do not know much about his condition, all I know is that in my opinion, anyone willing to serve and protect our country should be exempt from execution. I believe execution is wrong in all cases. I believe in life in jail. But when we execute someone who fought for our country and was mentally ill because of it, what is that saying? It is taking away all respect for our Veterans. I believe that capital punishment is a big deal and it should be looked at and examined extremely closely before decisions are made. And I believe that each case should be looked at individually. Overall, I just believe that it was wrong to execute someone who served for our country.
Word Count: 467
Sleeping Away Your Alcohol Abusing Odds
In a recent study, it was proven that teens who achieve less sleep a night are more likely to abuse alcohol. I find this interesting because so many kids, with all of their busy schedules, are often getting reduced sleep, especially during the school year.
As a high school student, I know that parties and alcohol happen. I myself have never had experience with it but I know plenty of people who have. It seems like the norm nowadays. I was actually surprised however to see that it was linked to lower amounts of sleep. However, when I think about it, it seems right. Most students who are at high risk to drink and party are the same ones that stay out late on the weekends and are maybe "too cool" to go to bed at 10pm during the school week. That may be a contributor to the problem.
Honestly, I think that the whole thing is sad. If it true that students getting less sleep are more likely to drink and get drunk, then we are all in trouble. Many of my peers are getting less and less sleep as we go through high school. With sports and homework and work and other extracurriculars and family and friends, where does sleep come in? It is hard to balance a school life and a social life and also get a solid 8 hours of sleep every night. This means that we are all increasing our odds to abuse alcohol.
I think that a lot of the responsibility however, falls on the parents. Parents are really busy with their lives and full time jobs and are sometimes worn out when they come home at night. So tired that when their child wants to go out, they let them, no questions asked. Because of this, kids get themselves into bad situations, they abuse alcohol, and often they drive drunk. Parents need to make sure their kids are home at a decent time, and that they are being careful when they are out. They should set guidelines and their kids should expect consequences if they don't follow through with them. They should be aware of the short term and long term consequences of alcohol abuse, and their parents should be monitoring them, to make sure they aren't abusing it.
Low amounts of sleep are such a common thing in high school, parents are more important than ever. Because reduced sleep increases the odds of alcohol abuse, parents should decrease it. Parents need to take responsibility for their children and make sure that they are being safe.
Word Count: 433
As a high school student, I know that parties and alcohol happen. I myself have never had experience with it but I know plenty of people who have. It seems like the norm nowadays. I was actually surprised however to see that it was linked to lower amounts of sleep. However, when I think about it, it seems right. Most students who are at high risk to drink and party are the same ones that stay out late on the weekends and are maybe "too cool" to go to bed at 10pm during the school week. That may be a contributor to the problem.
Honestly, I think that the whole thing is sad. If it true that students getting less sleep are more likely to drink and get drunk, then we are all in trouble. Many of my peers are getting less and less sleep as we go through high school. With sports and homework and work and other extracurriculars and family and friends, where does sleep come in? It is hard to balance a school life and a social life and also get a solid 8 hours of sleep every night. This means that we are all increasing our odds to abuse alcohol.
I think that a lot of the responsibility however, falls on the parents. Parents are really busy with their lives and full time jobs and are sometimes worn out when they come home at night. So tired that when their child wants to go out, they let them, no questions asked. Because of this, kids get themselves into bad situations, they abuse alcohol, and often they drive drunk. Parents need to make sure their kids are home at a decent time, and that they are being careful when they are out. They should set guidelines and their kids should expect consequences if they don't follow through with them. They should be aware of the short term and long term consequences of alcohol abuse, and their parents should be monitoring them, to make sure they aren't abusing it.
Low amounts of sleep are such a common thing in high school, parents are more important than ever. Because reduced sleep increases the odds of alcohol abuse, parents should decrease it. Parents need to take responsibility for their children and make sure that they are being safe.
Word Count: 433
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Run Wild at Running Wild
As you all know, track season is quickly approaching. This means new shows! Whether you need to throw out your oldies from the fall cross country season or last track season, or it's just become time that you need a new pair, Running Wild has got you covered.
I have been getting my running shoes from running wild since I started running in the seventh grade. Every shoe I have gotten has been a great fit and has me covered on support. I have had very few injuries in my running days and I owe that to the staff at Running Wild. Now you may be wondering what is so great about Running Wild and why I always choose them.
To start, their staff is very well trained. When you go in, make sure that you bring your old running shoes, because they will look at those and ask you how well they worked for you. They can use that information to figure out what shoe you should be in. Something else unique that they do is watch you run. They watch your form and take not on what part of your foot strikes the ground while you are running. Based on these two things, they decide on a few different shoes that could work for you. After trying each shoe on, and testing them out on their in store treadmill or outside, you can decide on which shoes you like best, if any, and make your purchase.
Not only do they have great staff and a great variety of shoes, they also have other sportswear. They have everything from tanks to tights to Under Armour and socks. They stock all of the latest brands in any color you could ever imagine. Their prices are also really reasonable. I have not bought much active wear from there myself but I have bought a few things, all of very good quality and I was very satisfied. A lot of my friends also buy products from there, and they have also been happy with their purchases.
Lastly, they give you discounts. I receive a discount just for being in my current school district. So not only is the staff talented and easy to work with, but they are always looking to please their customers. This is why I have always and will continue to buy my running shoes from Running Wild.
Word Count: 399
Expression Through Art
Can art therapy help children's behavior and self-esteem? A study began in 2002 in the UK says yes. In a recent article, I read about the many benefits of the art school and the Art Room. I was not surprised about what the studies found, I was surprised that someone finally figured it out. I have always believed that art and a creative environment was the key to children's development and growth, so I am happy that they are finally figuring this out.
Ever since I was young, I loved art and drawing and painting. It helped me express things that I felt as if I couldn't express in words. It often calmed me down when I got upset or angry. I was also say that I was and still am a fairly well behaved child (or at least that's what I like to believe). Also, a lot of my friends that enjoyed art class and art in general when I was young were also well behaved children. I am not saying that there is necessarily a cause-effect situation, but just from my experiences, it has always seemed to have some sort of correlation, and now studies are out that prove it.
As the article explains, the art schools set up for behavior are all located in the UK. Because they have been proven to be successful, I think that they should be set up around the world. The amount of kids that could be helped would be amazing, not to mention the teachers and parents. My mom is a teacher and she has to deal with unacceptable behavior from her students all the time, and I'm sure that the parents and guardians struggle to deal with it too. If there were art schools set up in every country, where students that struggle could get the help that they need, it could result in a lot less stress for many. It is something that cannot happen at home, it needs to be done at a school with trained professionals. But if kids around the world had access to these schools, then they could shape their behavior and be helped not only in school but for the rest of their lives, in jobs and interactions with others.
The research they have done is great and useful, if they use it. They have discovered things that could be helpful and could be applied around the world to help children not only in the UK but everywhere. They could also apply their research into regular schools, helping to make schools a creative environment so that children feel like they can express themselves in more effective ways.
Word Count: 443
The research they have done is great and useful, if they use it. They have discovered things that could be helpful and could be applied around the world to help children not only in the UK but everywhere. They could also apply their research into regular schools, helping to make schools a creative environment so that children feel like they can express themselves in more effective ways.
Word Count: 443
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Embrace the Pace
I recently read a blog post by High School Health Freak called 2.5 miles to 3.1 (Cross country course change), discussing the recent change to the women's high school cross country racing distance. The author of the post is devastated by the change, I on the other hand am excited for the new challenge.
For as long as I've known, the course distance for girls cross country has been a 4k or 2.5 miles and the boys' distance has been a 5k or 3.5 miles. I always wondered why this was the case, I always thought that the girls were just as capable of a 5k distance as the boys are. Now, Iowa officially decided to make the change, girls will now be running a 5k as well as the boys, starting in the fall of 2015. Many girls around Iowa are sad, upset and angry about the change in distance. However, I just see it as a new challenge to conquer. Not that cross country isn't already difficult, but being a senior in high school next year I am excited for a change. It means that we will all have to work a little bit harder but that also means that we will be in better shape than ever before.
I also have a strong belief that sports should let girls off the hook. I believe that we are just as capable as everything the boys are. It was almost an insult that the girls' race was shorter than the boys. We may not get times that are quite as fast as the boys, but that does not mean that we should have a shorter race. So, I am happy that this new distance allows us to measure up against the boys.
Lastly, girls in Iowa might be upset about the change but we are actually one of the last states to make the change. The only states that still have cross country girls running the 4k distance as of the 2014 season are Wisconsin, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Oklahoma, and Iowa. There are 10 and there will soon be 9. That means that 40 other states have already made the change. We really have nothing to complain about, times change. That just means that we are being seen more as equals which is actually something to be really happy about.
So to everyone who is only looking at the negatives of this change, look a little bit closer, because there is so much good that will come from it. It's a new experience and challenge, and it shows that girls don't need a shorter distance, we can be just as good without it.
Word Count: 450
For as long as I've known, the course distance for girls cross country has been a 4k or 2.5 miles and the boys' distance has been a 5k or 3.5 miles. I always wondered why this was the case, I always thought that the girls were just as capable of a 5k distance as the boys are. Now, Iowa officially decided to make the change, girls will now be running a 5k as well as the boys, starting in the fall of 2015. Many girls around Iowa are sad, upset and angry about the change in distance. However, I just see it as a new challenge to conquer. Not that cross country isn't already difficult, but being a senior in high school next year I am excited for a change. It means that we will all have to work a little bit harder but that also means that we will be in better shape than ever before.
I also have a strong belief that sports should let girls off the hook. I believe that we are just as capable as everything the boys are. It was almost an insult that the girls' race was shorter than the boys. We may not get times that are quite as fast as the boys, but that does not mean that we should have a shorter race. So, I am happy that this new distance allows us to measure up against the boys.
Lastly, girls in Iowa might be upset about the change but we are actually one of the last states to make the change. The only states that still have cross country girls running the 4k distance as of the 2014 season are Wisconsin, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Oklahoma, and Iowa. There are 10 and there will soon be 9. That means that 40 other states have already made the change. We really have nothing to complain about, times change. That just means that we are being seen more as equals which is actually something to be really happy about.
So to everyone who is only looking at the negatives of this change, look a little bit closer, because there is so much good that will come from it. It's a new experience and challenge, and it shows that girls don't need a shorter distance, we can be just as good without it.
Word Count: 450
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Finding Your Fitness Niche
Many people avoid working out because they always associate it with running. While running is a great option for a workout, it is not the only option. You need to find your niche, something that you enjoy doing a stick with it. There is such a wide range of activities that are effective workouts and I would hate for someone to give up on working out just because they believe that running is the only way, because that is so wrong.
This is something that I have looked at before, because I used to hate running and I know a lot of people that do. I know that strength training like abs and lifting is very effective in getting fit and into good shape. However, there are so many things that I found that are great for building fitness and also sound really fun.
One thing that I found that I would like to try myself is piloxing. It is a mix between Pilates and boxing and while is sounds really tough it also sounds fun. This may be something for you to consider. Even if you aren't looking to get into shape this may be fun for you.
Another thing that I found was Pound. Pound is a sort of dance that you do while holding 2 pound weights. I love being active through dance so that sounds like something I would really like. It is much like Zumba. You may want to start with Zumba before advancing to something like pound. However, pound is currently only offered in 11 states, so you would have to do some research on whether or not it can be found where you live.
You could also do sports in place of running, get a group of people together and play a game of baseball or soccer. Go to the pool and go for a swim. All are great alternatives to running. When I am older, I may decide to try something other than running, because I know that running can be long, and often times boring.
It is hard to stay motivated to work out if you don't like what you are doing. Enrolling into a class is not only fun but is creates a support system. So, I hope you are able to find your niche and have a good time with whatever fitness route you decide to take.
This is something that I have looked at before, because I used to hate running and I know a lot of people that do. I know that strength training like abs and lifting is very effective in getting fit and into good shape. However, there are so many things that I found that are great for building fitness and also sound really fun.
One thing that I found that I would like to try myself is piloxing. It is a mix between Pilates and boxing and while is sounds really tough it also sounds fun. This may be something for you to consider. Even if you aren't looking to get into shape this may be fun for you.
Another thing that I found was Pound. Pound is a sort of dance that you do while holding 2 pound weights. I love being active through dance so that sounds like something I would really like. It is much like Zumba. You may want to start with Zumba before advancing to something like pound. However, pound is currently only offered in 11 states, so you would have to do some research on whether or not it can be found where you live.
You could also do sports in place of running, get a group of people together and play a game of baseball or soccer. Go to the pool and go for a swim. All are great alternatives to running. When I am older, I may decide to try something other than running, because I know that running can be long, and often times boring.
It is hard to stay motivated to work out if you don't like what you are doing. Enrolling into a class is not only fun but is creates a support system. So, I hope you are able to find your niche and have a good time with whatever fitness route you decide to take.
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