Bernard Lagat is a 35yr old professional runner. He's won several medals in World Championships and Olympic events at races from 5K and under. His personal best for a 5K is 12:59:22 Putting that another way the average runner does a 5K (3.1 miles) in about 30-40 minutes. Anyway, the guy is fast and he continues to be fast which is what is so inspiring about him. He defies the logic that at over 30 he can still win events.
So I'm reading the latest issues of Runner's World and Lagat's story doesn't really grip me right away. I'm not really interested at this time in being fast, but just as I begin to flip away to another section a certain word catches my eye. That word is a scary word. It's (say it in a whisper) ....circumcision! AHHH! yah cutting flesh off the penis. Sure I don't remember it, but it still brings about horrid painful images right? So here's the story right from Runners World.
Lagat grew up in Nandi Kenya. The Nandi had the custom of ritual circumcision. For Lagat to 'become a man' he would have to declare himself ready for circumcision sometime between ages 12 to 20. I can see that conversation now in 7th grade. Hey man, you gunna do it this year? I don't know man. My parents said they'd get me an Xbox if I did it!" lol
And here's the kicker. A boy has to do it in front of a council of warriors and old men and 'command himself to remain stoic'. If he shows any signs of pain or blinks, or betrays his feelings, then he is dubbed a coward. This is such a huge disgrace he may never be allowed to marry or own a house! yah man no drivers license for you, you wussy!
It may seem primitive, and sound painful as hell, but does it perhaps make a more meaningful impact than a Graduation?
pic is by Peter Read Miller/sports illustrated
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