In the latest laughable attempt at injecting politics into every facet of life, Tim Walz’s daughter, Hope Walz, shared some philosophical musings on running that have left many scratching their heads. Apparently, running is not just about lacing up your shoes and hitting the pavement—it’s a political act. That’s right, folks. The simple, age-old activity of putting one foot in front of the other has now been swept up into the whirlwind of political discourse. Such is the environment in which even a leisurely jog becomes a soapbox for progressive ideals.
Hope recalls her father’s teachings that every runner should consider themselves privileged to take part in the activity, whether they enjoy it recreationally or competitively. This, according to Tim Walz, is where the political nature of running stems from. What’s perplexing is how anyone could tie something as straightforward as running to a political statement. One might wonder, does asking a kid to enjoy the outdoors and improve their health have to come with a lesson on privilege?
In typical fashion, this point of view misses the more grounding lesson running teaches: perseverance, dedication, and the pursuit of personal excellence. Telling kids that running is a privilege instead of reminding them about the values of hard work and consistency, seems an odd priority. It’s as though basic life skills are being overshadowed by an unnecessary focus on perceived injustices.
Of course, injecting politics into running is likely just a symptom of the broader issue. More often, it seems every activity, hobby, or pastime is being dissected through a political lens. Games on the playground, community sports, and now even running are tied into complex ideological narratives instead of simply being what they are—opportunities to learn, grow, and, most of all, enjoy.
The Walz family’s view of running serves as a reminder that sometimes, a run is just a run. Parents should focus on encouraging their kids to pursue their interests, build a sense of discipline, and set goals without muddying the waters with politics. After all, shouldn’t kids be allowed to be kids before they’re burdened with the complexities of adulthood? Perhaps it’s time to jog back to common sense and leave the politics out of playtime.
