Mike Keller,Fritz Seyferth,Jack Youngblood and Mental Health

"Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens."– Carl Jung

Did you know that mental health disorder diagnoses are on the rise among American children? Findings at the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 13% to 20% of American children aged 3 to 17 experience mental disorders each year and that percentage has been increasing. The article stated that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has troubling numbers. For example, this statistic / diagnosis among children in the south are approximately 10% while in the west it is 20%.  A European psychologist noted that this diagnosis is much higher in the US than it is in Europe.  He wondered if the pharmaceutical industry had something to do with or perhaps is contributing to an over diagnosis? This article was found in the May 25-26, 2013 edition of the Wall Street Journal.

While interviewing Mike Keller, Mark Falcone and Tim Twietmeyer, it was very apparent that these three men spent their time especially in childhood and adolescence involved in sports and activities outside the home. They were not confined to some electronic device and spent their time highly involved in the outdoors. Perhaps, many of the children of today ages 3 to 17 have different experiences. I know the issue of mental health is complex. I also know that child-rearing, parental modeling, and kids exercising their mind and body are important as well. These men, found natural highs as opposed to chemical highs. Further, it is known that that doing well especially with positive human interaction builds self-esteem as contrasted to spending time alone. Do not forget that some of the recent crazies all had impaired interpersonal relationships.

 Currently, I have been interviewing Mike Keller, Jack Youngblood and Fritz Seyferth regarding mental toughness for my upcoming read.  These men are approximately the same age and have a number of things in common. A few of the similarities include but not limited to the following: 1.Participated in individual and team sports growing up 2.  Spent time in the outdoors 3.  Excelled at sports 4. Were good students 5? Were leaders and could take direction (coachable) 6. Worked at becoming the best they could be 7. Excelled after football 8.Have a variety of interests.

It is no coincidence that these young men (Tony’s age), are living a healthy lifestyle and are doing and following my prescriptions found in “It Has Nothing To Do With Age.” I’m thinking of interviewing Dan Dierdorf, Walt Garrison and Jim Brandstatter  as additional interviewees regarding mental toughness.

I am enjoying finding out what makes these men so successful both on and off the field.

In the October, 2010 issue of Trail Runner, there’s a great article regarding trails in Yosemite National Park. The article points out that Yosemite Falls at 2425 feet is the tallest waterfall in North America and El Capitan is a 3000 foot granite monolith. The writer of the article suggests that runners/hikers could consider the Valley Loop Trail which is about 13 miles or so as well as the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail which is about 16 miles. There’s also shorter trail called the Four Mile Trail which is actually 4.8 miles. Another trail worth exploring because of the wonderful topography and breath taking views is the Half Dome round-trip trail which is 14.2 miles. This run has nearly 5000 feet of climbing up and back. This has been called” a must run.” If you haven’t been to Yosemite National Park, I suggest you consider it. And a good time to visit is when school is in session. Forget about it. during summer vacation. There are just too many visitors.

Keep moving, laughing, smiling and belly breathing. Also, check out Thursday's ACT television show with Race Director Craig Thornley.