We tend to write off men who participate in sports outside the mainstream, but joggling and its world records are the real deal.
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Joggling.
It’s a thing.
I observed my first joggler several years ago while running a marathon. I passed him early, and besides the initial curious glance, didn’t give him a second thought. To me, he was like those runners who wear costumes–someone out to participate but not necessarily to compete (my apologies to anyone who attempts to compete in costume).
The recent Fairfield Inn commercial brought back the vague memory of my joggler friend. Canadian Michal Kapral, featured in the video, is not just a record holder in a niche sport. He holds running records that most men would not be able to achieve minus three balls.
Here is a flavor of his achievements. Kapral currently holds the joggling world records in the half marathon and full marathon while juggling three objects.
Half Marathon: 1:20:40
Full Marathon: 2:50:12
Not only is Kapral’s world record time a Boston Marathon qualifying time, but it places him among a small percentage of individuals who break the three hour mark over 26.2 miles. He’s running close to 6 minutes per mile while constantly keeping three objects in the air with every step.
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If distance running isn’t your preference, then consider the joggling world records in the sprinting realm. American Owen Morse currently holds the 100 meter record with a time of 11.68 seconds. His record dates back all the way to 1989. To put that into perspective, the year before, Carl Lewis won the 1988 Olympic gold medal in the 100 meters with a time of 9.92 seconds.
How about the 110 meter hurdles while joggling? The world record honor goes to American Michael Hout with a time of 18.9 seconds. That’s running 110 meters, juggling three objects, and hurdling ten hurdles that stand 3.5 feet tall.
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We tend to write off men who participate in sports outside the mainstream. Kind of like I originally wrote off the marathon joggler participant. But in that moment we’re ready to dismiss what may seem odd to us, perhaps a deeper dive into what we’re seeing will uncover both appreciation and respect.
Joggle on!
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We also tend to write off men who don’t participate in sports.