https://wokq.com/scarlett-little-foot-hikes-all-48-of-nhs-4000-footers
Alex and Sage has some competition
Alex and Sage has some competition
Need to install one of those ruler signs at all the trailheads like you see at carnivals: "You must be this tall to hike this trail".This is exactly the problem, all these darn kids tramping all over the 4Ks!
I agree. I also question how much of the goal is the parents' versus the child's. Getting kids outside is essential, but is turning them into peakbaggers before kindergarten a healthy way to do so?Unpopular opinion, but I'm never in fan of any "youngest" or "oldest" records. The eventually of all of them is they will end up in a tragedy. I started hiking young, doing my first peaks only a little older than her when she completed. It's an incredible accomplishment for her, not trying to take anything away from it. I couldn't imagine doing some of them that I did later on when I was so young.
However, at what point does someone try as a 3-year old? 2? As soon as they are walking? Are they really walking? Same with aging out....Being the oldest to do something just means the bar is set for someone else to try, and at some point they will fail. And, the "well they died doing what they loved" can be a selfish take.
Just me...
I think you nailed it when you ask if it is the goal of the child or the parent. I think it is definitely the parent's goal, using the opportunity to brag on social media in the age of "look at me". Let's face it. The kid is probably getting carried a lot, doesn't carry gear, etc. So exactly what kind of accomplishment is it really? I think it's kind of ridiculous actually, maybe even irresponsible.I agree. I also question how much of the goal is the parents' versus the child's. Getting kids outside is essential, but is turning them into peakbaggers before kindergarten a healthy way to do so
I'm the parent of a competitive athlete in college currently and I've seen that type of attitude often over the years. Kids who were pushed really young more often than not faded out earlier. At some point kids need to do what they want to do and no amount of pushing can make that happen. The difference is there is a possibility of a carrot at the end of the journey through financial relief in college, so too many chased that through any means possible. They forgot the #1 rule: have fun.I think you nailed it when you ask if it is the goal of the child or the parent. I think it is definitely the parent's goal, using the opportunity to brag on social media in the age of "look at me". Let's face it. The kid is probably getting carried a lot, doesn't carry gear, etc. So exactly what kind of accomplishment is it really? I think it's kind of ridiculous actually, maybe even irresponsible.
I'm sure there has been no study of any kind done but I wonder how many of these kids who are dragged all over creation stay with hiking or burn out. All the driving, the walking, bugs, rain, hot sun, sweating, etc, etc. I could see most kids getting sick of this pretty fast with the kind of volume they are exposed to.
Sadly many kid athletes will not get a bite of that carrot because they are merely good, not great..... The difference is there is a possibility of a carrot at the end of the journey through financial relief in college, so too many chased that through any means possible. They forgot the #1 rule: have fun.
This ^. You absolutely nailed it. There are amazing personal stories associated with these lists. The story is the achievement, not the checkmarks or the patches. I immediately thought of the woman not so long ago who finished the list in honor of her son who died right after they started the 4k list together (I think it was on PBS on that old guy's show whose name I can't recall; Mike Cherim from Redline Guiding had a role too I believe). I love the "Paul's Boots" story too of a few years back and the people associated with that on the AT. I'm sure a lot of those people finished the AT but I suspect they reflect back on their "part" with Paul as a noteworthy part of their through hike., then someone who overcame something monumental in their life and does the same route, just not as fast or as often, and barely anyone acknowledges them.
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