Todd Smoot
Charles Barkley is one of the more famous basketball players in recent history. A few years back, he caused controversy through stating that he did not want to be a role model; he was a basketball player. People on both sides of the argument had valid points — however, the bottom line is, he is famous, seen often and youth particularly wanted to have his success. Whether he liked it or not, he was a role model.
Role models are people who have an influence and effect on our development and lives – what shapes us. Positive role models lighten a path that offers a successful end. There are certainly role models who we learn from, through their example, that we know we never want to follow in their foot steps.
Think back to the people who have shaped you, the positive and negative influences you experienced as a youth. Put those influences in the context of who you have become. No one is perfect — we all have our little crosses to carry – but on the whole, are you more like your positive role models or the negative ones?
It is my contention that if your role models worked hard, revered a good education, ate a proper diet and exercised regularly, you are following those foot steps. On the other hand, if your role model smoked, I venture to say that you have smoked at least at some time in your life. Do you give much credence to a physician who smokes, a teacher who watches many hours of television a day, a public servant who steals, or an overweight running coach? These people have authority and influence, but who make poor decisions that contradict what they preach.
The point is, like Charles Barkley, you might not want to be a role model, but you are. If you are a parent, teacher, instructor, coach, public servant or a whole host of other positions, you influence what children entrusted to your care experience. If you smoke – whether in front of the children or off to the side – you are influencing the children you care about. If your diet consists only of fried foods, you are teaching others the same. When you decide to overlook proper regular exercise, others will overlook it, too. In short, realize that your actions influence others. You are a role model to someone.
Be a positive influence to the people who look to you as a role model. Reap the rewards for yourself and know you are helping shape others to do the same. You never know when people are influenced by your behavior and actions, so be at your best all the time. Make good decisions.
Are you up for influencing others in a positive fashion, by leading through example?
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On Thursday evenings, listen to Talk 92.1 FM for the radio program that will offer an interview with recognized experts concerning the benefits of an active lifestyle. This Thursday, be listening and call in with your questions. In the meantime, start a program to be proactive and preventative – rather than reactive. Listen in and become involved on Talk 92.1 FM between 6-7 p.m. You will learn from this program.
The Valdosta Grand Prix circuit for 2009 started on Jan. 1 and continues throughout the year. There are five events throughout the year: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving Day. In each of these events, points can be earned towards overall and age group categories. Four of the five events will have an entry fee of $5 and a cap for a family of $20; however, no t-shirts will be offered. Awards will be given out to overall, masters and the top two in each of 16 age groups, both male and female. The way the points are awarded should keep everyone close in the standings. Be a part of the 2009 Valdosta Grand Prix. In conjunction with this Grand Prix is one designed for the younger folks who run the 1-mile events. Get the family involved in either the 5K or 1-mile runs. You will feel the difference.
May 25 – The second event of the Get Active Grand Prix will be presented with a 5K and 1500-meter run (the metric mile). Make plans now to participate in the event on Memorial Day in Valdosta. Only $5 per entry – applications are available now. Finish line is presented by Valdosta’s own A Course/Line, LLC.
June 6 – Child Advocacy Center presents the second annual Run for the Children 5K in Valdosta. Finish line presented by A Course/Line, LLC.
July 4 – The Valdosta 5K is the new and only Independence Day running event in Valdosta, continuing the tradition. The Valdosta 5K is part of the Valdosta Grand Prix circuit.
July 16 – Barnes 100 Years 5K – a new event – celebrating 100 years of service Barnes has offered the Valdosta area. Applications are out, so enjoy the extras the event offers the participants.
If you have questions about your walking, running or other training, drop me an e-mail and I will do my level best to answer your questions. Check out www.getactivevaldosta.com to get connected. Become a member of the GetActiveSouthGeorgia yahoo group with over 133 other people. Listen to the Get Active radio program on Thursday evenings from 6-7 p.m. on Talk 92.1 FM to receive additional information or to ask questions.
