Is it okay for Nikolas to run marathons at his age?
The big question. Nikolas's health and safety is our absolute top priority. No one else is going to care more about his health than his parents.
Honestly, as his mother, the idea of Nikolas running marathons and going to other countries worries me all the time - I’m his mother. It took me a long time to become comfortable with the initial idea. Believe me, we are NOT making him do this!!! When Nikolas first suggested this (see below), his dad and I had lots of questions ... We had the same questions and many more that others have asked, “Is he too young?” “Will he hurt himself?” “Is distance running okay for his long-term physical growth?” We resolved to address all of our concerns before allowing our son to embark on such a fantastic and unique odyssey.
In order to determine whether this is something that is a healthy and safe choice for Nikolas, we have reviewed a considerable amount of research and literature and have taken him for extensive medical examinations and have had Nikolas go through comprehensive evaluations and consults with medical experts, including Pediatric Cardiology and Sports Medicine Specialists. The medical doctors who have evaluated and examined Nikolas concluded that they have no reservations with Nikolas’s participation in distance running based on Nikolas’s training regimen.
Nikolas also continues to be monitored by both medical experts and by his father and me. Days after his first marathon, we sent him for additional tests. The tests came back fine and Nikolas’s doctors maintain that Nikolas can continue to participate safely in marathons.
It’s important to convey that Nikolas plans to complete and NOT compete in these marathons. There’s a big difference from our perspective. While Nikolas ran in many races prior to his first marathon and is even a champion race walker, his idea in regards to the marathons was not about running as fast as he could, but more the satisfaction of completing the marathons to help others. So that is the way he trains: to be able to complete them at a safe, comfortable pace.
In Delaware during his first marathon, was he capable of running faster? Yes, but that wasn’t the goal. He finished just under six hours and literally had his trademark grin from beginning to end. He was so proud of his accomplishment (as he should be)!
One of the most important factors is that Nikolas absolutely loves to run. He is having so much fun and he is doing it in a healthy way! We have told him over and over, you can stop at anytime. If this isn’t fun anymore, he can stop, but so far, he continues to be excited to keep “running” ahead with his goal!
Is Nikolas prepared to run marathons?
Nikolas’s training regimen is carefully and thoughtfully prepared by both sports medicine professionals and his father, who by the way runs almost every step with him. His father is an experienced marathon runner and has trained Nikolas exceptionally well in a slow and cautious manner. From nutrition to comfort to willpower, all things have been considered to prepare Nikolas.
When did Nikolas start running?
“Well, I can't remember not running!” has been Nikolas’s response when asked this question. He completed his first 5k at the age of 5, mostly on his father’s shoulders. When he was six, he was on his own two feet and started training for a 5k with his dad who was preparing to enter the Air Force Reserves.
How did Nikolas choose the Seva Foundation as his cause?
Nikolas’s father is an eye doctor who has volunteered countless times all over the world to help provide eye care to people in need. So, this has been something that Nikolas has been aware of while growing up.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes, all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Will my donation really make a difference?
Absolutely! Your donation, regardless of size, enables us to ensure our work continues and that children are given hope where there may have only been despair. Thank you for considering a gift of sight through the Seva Foundation. Donate by clicking here.
The big question. Nikolas's health and safety is our absolute top priority. No one else is going to care more about his health than his parents.
Honestly, as his mother, the idea of Nikolas running marathons and going to other countries worries me all the time - I’m his mother. It took me a long time to become comfortable with the initial idea. Believe me, we are NOT making him do this!!! When Nikolas first suggested this (see below), his dad and I had lots of questions ... We had the same questions and many more that others have asked, “Is he too young?” “Will he hurt himself?” “Is distance running okay for his long-term physical growth?” We resolved to address all of our concerns before allowing our son to embark on such a fantastic and unique odyssey.
In order to determine whether this is something that is a healthy and safe choice for Nikolas, we have reviewed a considerable amount of research and literature and have taken him for extensive medical examinations and have had Nikolas go through comprehensive evaluations and consults with medical experts, including Pediatric Cardiology and Sports Medicine Specialists. The medical doctors who have evaluated and examined Nikolas concluded that they have no reservations with Nikolas’s participation in distance running based on Nikolas’s training regimen.
Nikolas also continues to be monitored by both medical experts and by his father and me. Days after his first marathon, we sent him for additional tests. The tests came back fine and Nikolas’s doctors maintain that Nikolas can continue to participate safely in marathons.
It’s important to convey that Nikolas plans to complete and NOT compete in these marathons. There’s a big difference from our perspective. While Nikolas ran in many races prior to his first marathon and is even a champion race walker, his idea in regards to the marathons was not about running as fast as he could, but more the satisfaction of completing the marathons to help others. So that is the way he trains: to be able to complete them at a safe, comfortable pace.
In Delaware during his first marathon, was he capable of running faster? Yes, but that wasn’t the goal. He finished just under six hours and literally had his trademark grin from beginning to end. He was so proud of his accomplishment (as he should be)!
One of the most important factors is that Nikolas absolutely loves to run. He is having so much fun and he is doing it in a healthy way! We have told him over and over, you can stop at anytime. If this isn’t fun anymore, he can stop, but so far, he continues to be excited to keep “running” ahead with his goal!
Is Nikolas prepared to run marathons?
Nikolas’s training regimen is carefully and thoughtfully prepared by both sports medicine professionals and his father, who by the way runs almost every step with him. His father is an experienced marathon runner and has trained Nikolas exceptionally well in a slow and cautious manner. From nutrition to comfort to willpower, all things have been considered to prepare Nikolas.
When did Nikolas start running?
“Well, I can't remember not running!” has been Nikolas’s response when asked this question. He completed his first 5k at the age of 5, mostly on his father’s shoulders. When he was six, he was on his own two feet and started training for a 5k with his dad who was preparing to enter the Air Force Reserves.
How did Nikolas choose the Seva Foundation as his cause?
Nikolas’s father is an eye doctor who has volunteered countless times all over the world to help provide eye care to people in need. So, this has been something that Nikolas has been aware of while growing up.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes, all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Will my donation really make a difference?
Absolutely! Your donation, regardless of size, enables us to ensure our work continues and that children are given hope where there may have only been despair. Thank you for considering a gift of sight through the Seva Foundation. Donate by clicking here.