15 is a bit young to be running 100 Milers, but I suppose he could be doing drugs or breaking some other kind of law.

Just hope he doesn't get burned out by college!

When I lived in Arizona I used to run ultras with Paul Bonnett (well, I didn't run with him, we just happened to be registered in the same races) and he was 15 at the time as well. He now runs for North face and holds the record for the youngest sub 24 hour finish at Western States (I think he was actually under 20 hours). In an interview he credits his lack of burnout to the fact that his parents supported, but never forced, his running. It sounds as if Michael Kanning is in the same boat.

If anything he can create an "Ultra Mom" bumber sticker to replace the overused "Soccer Mom" bumper stickers that are obligatory for all suburban minivans

"I just remember at 15 I was just starting to develop myself as a high school miler. Trying to run under 4:30."

Wow...I was just trying to hide the fact that I still played Dungeons and Dragons

This part of the interview really stuck with me...
"I mentioned before that my mile is 5:04, which is good but not particularly special. My goal is to break 4:45 by the end of the track season this spring. I enjoy XC and track greatly, especially the team aspect of it, but ultimately my talents do not lie in that area. Working to improve in the shorter distances certainly helps me cardiovascular-wise when racing much longer distances, but my primary focus is with ultras because, frankly, I?m a lot better at ultras than XC or track."

........For a 15year old, 5:04 for the mile is certainly very respectable and leaves lots of room to improve. However, there is no way that you can improve to your maximum potential in mid-distance when you are running ultras. I highly doubt that he has given it a fair chance at the shorter distances. Michael has gotten plenty of recognition, which is great but I hope isn't a primary motivator for doing ultras at such a young age. For his overall development as a runner, both potential AND injury wise, I definitely think he would be much further ahead concentrating on the shorter distances first. I understand that if it's what you enjoy doing, and you get some success, it's tough to think long term and run distances you might not enjoy as much, but that is when it would be great if Michael had a mentor (ultra runner or other runner)who would step in and help to paint the big picture for him.

I guess the one line that I keep looking back at is "I enjoy XC and track greatly, especially the team aspect of it, but ultimately my talents do not lie in that area." ...It seems like Michael is maybe focusing too much on his current ability level and not looking to the future, which I realize is a very difficult thing for a 15year old. I was the same way in high school as I was running half marathons. Looking back 26 years ago, I really wish I had someone who would have told me, "Look, you have plenty of time to run longer distances. You should work on your speed right now while you can, and it's safer for you".

Many may disagree with me, and I'm not trying to offend, but I think we may actually be doing a bit of a diservice to Michael by giving him this kind of recognition.

I think it's great that he loves to run and loves to run a lot! I just still maintain that he needs to have someone help guide him and look out for his best interest. His body is still growing and you'd hate to see an injury have a major impact on his ability to enjoy our sport for many years down the road.

I honestly don't think that any 15 year old should be running more than 60-75 minutes as a long run. I also agree that 18yrs should be the minimum age for entry into an ultra (by race directors) .


http://This message has been edited by spaff (edited Nov-30-2007).

I'm surprised at (but totally respect) those people who would think he's too young, esp. in this sport. The whole point of ultra running is to push personal boundaries. Some of the races (Barkley, Badwater) are clearly a bad idea to most, but they are there to challenge people, and what they think is possible. I'd say, "go for it" even if he were two (and had parental consent, of course)!

Chris

Wow. Michael, you'll be happy to know that your post certainly does NOT make you sound like a typical 15 year old. In the least.

Sheesh. I look back at what a little twerp I sounded like.

Congrats on your successes!