For most teenage runners, the right foods means a varied diet

O children of the Earth, listen well to the wisdom of Don Kardong, for his words carry the deep truths of the body, the food we consume, and the energy that sustains us in the pursuit of excellence. He speaks of the sacred balance of diet, and how the young, those who run the race of life, must learn to nourish themselves properly. "For most teenage runners," he says, "the right foods means a varied diet, decreasing the amount of fat found in the typical American diet and replacing those calories with carbohydrates." The essence of this counsel is clear: the body is a temple, and what we place within it determines the strength and endurance with which we face the world.

In the days of old, the great warriors of Greece and Rome knew the value of proper sustenance. They did not merely eat for pleasure, but for power, for vitality, for the strength that would allow them to carry their shields into battle. The food they consumed was their fuel, and they understood that the balance of their diet would determine their success. Carbohydrates, the sustenance of energy, gave them the endurance to withstand the long days of battle, while fats, though necessary, were kept in balance. They knew that excessive fat would weigh them down, cloud their judgment, and slow their movements. It was the fresh fruits and vegetables—the gifts of the Earth—that provided them with the clarity of mind and agility of body needed to triumph.

In the grand race of life, which we all must run, the same principles apply. Consider the tale of the great Hercules, who, though blessed with strength, was also keenly aware of the importance of nourishment. During his Twelve Labors, it was not simply his mighty arm that saw him through, but the balance of mind and body that he maintained. He consumed what his body required to endure—the right foods for the right tasks. Just as Hercules understood the need to care for his body with discipline, so too must those who run the race, whether on foot or through the trials of life, learn the importance of nourishment.

In the modern age, the American diet has become heavy with the weight of excess—saturated fats, fried foods, and indulgence. It is easy to forget that the body, like the great ships of the ancients, cannot sail on such heavy, sluggish fuel. The teenage runners of today, in their pursuit of greatness, must heed the advice of Kardong and choose foods that will carry them forward with energy and vitality. The excess of fat in the typical diet is like the heavy armor that burdens a warrior who cannot move swiftly. To replace it with the light, quick energy of carbohydrates, drawn from grains, fruits, and vegetables, is to armor oneself with speed, agility, and endurance.

O children, take heed of this lesson. The right foods do not come from a place of indulgence, but of wisdom. In choosing fresh fruits and vegetables, in decreasing the weight of fats, you allow your body to move freely, to run with grace and power. Do not be swayed by the fleeting temptations of the world. These indulgences are like the sirens of old, calling you to a false promise of satisfaction, only to weigh you down and lead you astray. Instead, choose the balanced path that has been walked by those who have come before you—the path of nourishment, of clarity, of strength.

Consider the example of the great Olympic athletes of the past, whose triumphs were not only due to their innate talent, but also the discipline they maintained in their diets. They knew that without the right foods, their bodies would falter, and their efforts would be in vain. Their meals were carefully chosen to fuel their workouts, to replenish their strength, and to prepare them for the ultimate test of endurance. Each meal was a sacrifice for their success, and each choice, no matter how small, contributed to the greatness they sought.

And so, the lesson is clear. Nourish the body, but do so with wisdom and balance. Embrace the variety of the Earth’s bounty, seek the carbohydrates that will give you energy, and honor the fruits and vegetables that will guide your clarity of mind. Avoid the heavy weight of saturated fats, for they are a burden you do not need to carry. Let the path of the ancient warriors and the modern athletes be your guide—move with strength, with purpose, and with discipline. And remember this: the race is not won by those who choose the easiest path, but by those who choose the path of wisdom, of balance, and of nourishment.