Triathlete Kids: K5 Running the 5K?

These kids today. Such little underachievers. Just look at this piece from The New York Times about kids doing triathlons. They waited until they were 3 years old to do it. I mean, jeesh, lazybones, lollygag around with your sippy cup and call it day, why don't you?

But really, the notion of triathlons for children is one that has some velocity behind it. The Silicon Valley Kids Triathlon in California, the NYT reports, is one of the largest with 850 children, ages 3 to 15 participating in (modified) running, swimming (water wings/floaties anyone?) and biking.

There are, of course, varying opinions on whether or not these young children are ready for the physical stress of competitions. While they can be fun-filled, family-bonding experiences, some doctors question if their little bodies can handle it, which is why you should first check with your pediatrician before sending Janey or Johnny off to the races.

And, remember, too, to instill in those impressionable young minds that it doesn't matter who wins or loses, it's how you play the game that counts.

Read the full piece here.

Photo courtesy Alberto Ramirez@sxc.hu