Ready...Set...Here We Go!

Even though it sure seems like the summer has come and gone...the truth is that everyday was still 24 hours long, and every week was still 7 days!  And so, here we are!  About to embark on our "JOURNEY" for this season, and honestly...I AM TOTALLY EXCITED!  I know that we may still feel a little unsure of what may happen, but that is also what makes it so exciting...there are no guarantees as to how this story will play out!  But one thing is for certain...WE HAVE AN AMAZING TEAM!  From everyone who has been with us since day one of the summer, to those who have tried to make it often, to those who don't even know that they are on the team yet..simply because school hasn't started and they haven't been brainwashed yet!  j/k!  Hahaha!  :)  

We have our first race this weekend, and it will be nice to finally USE all the foundation building that we have been doing, up to this point, and just simply go and RACE!  To simply go and push ourselves with an actual purpose in the moment!  But as we get ready to go on this journey, please remember that ALL OF YOU  BELONG!  Whether you belong on this team, or whether you belong with the front group...YOU all belong!!!!!  So go out there and keep training like you belong and help others see what is so amazing about this team!  Let's get excited!!!!!!!  I know I am!

It's getting close!

We have spent so much time this summer, really shooting for some amazing things!  I can't believe how fast the time has gone (no pun intended on time going fast!  Haha!).  But even though it has gone by fast, it is also nice, in some ways, to finally be able to get out there and put all the hard work, and quite honestly, ENJOY the Experience!  This is also a very critical time to make sure we keep up the "pace" and keep an eye very close to our goals and make sure that we keep moving forward!  Amazing things are coming, but it is up to all of US to make it happen!  All of us need to keep doing our part...we are in this together!  It's getting very close to being able to really enjoy all the work...Remember...YOU GET WHAT YOU GIVE!  :)

Rise Up!

It's time to show what we are really made of inside!  HARC considerations are done and those who are going have been contacted.  It truly is one of the hardest decisions we make as Coaches, but we believe that what HARC represents, what makes it special, it must be kept with the numbers that we have, as much as it would be great to allow everyone. 
So what do I mean by Rise UP and that it's time to see what we are made of inside?  This is the time to show how much this really means to YOU personally!  WE have been talking as Coaches the last few days because we see so many great things happening from so many people!  We also know that being complacent and satisfied, or going through the motions will only result in missed opportunities, frustration, and always wondering "what could have been."  Whether you made it to HARC or not, this is when we see who really steps up to the plate and shows what they are made of...if they were doing all this for positive/good reasons or for some of the wrong reasons.  If this season is going to be amazing...and believe us, we can absolutely feel that it COULD be amazing...it is going to take ALL OF US believing in something bigger and better than any individual!  No matter what happens, are you the type of person, who deep inside is willing to RISE UP when the day seems tough, or things appear difficult?  We believe YOU are!  Now go and Prove it!  :)

Story Time

There is a true story about a man named Ben Yosef, who trains some of the most remarkable Arabian Horses (which are a type of Stallion...by the way!).  These horses are known for their toughness, service, and obedience.   They are the most sought out horses in the world.  What separates these horses from all the others?...well, from the time they are able, they are trained to do special tasks everyday, in the heat, at any time,  and then at the ring of a bell, they are trained to immediately to go to Ben and he rewards them for it.  This training goes on for years, until the true test comes.  The Horses are taken to a corral and locked inside, away from everything, left in the heat, with no food or water, for DAYS, even weeks!  After awhile, he returns to gather his prized horses, to bring them back to the desert ranch, where there is water and food.  As they get closer to the watering hole, he lets the horses go.  They immediately run to the water...just as they are getting close to the water, Ben rings his bell!  All the horses ears perk up...most keep running to the water...a few slow down, look back and continue to the water...and a select CHOSEN ones, slow down, turn around without hesitation, and slowly walk back to Ben!  They are then rewarded with all the water and food that they want and need and are given the best tasks any horse could have in this World.

I share this story because, sometimes it is hard to see why we go through all these runs, miles, waking up early, hydrating, monitoring your sleep, trying to eat well, pushing yourself on the same Friday run :), and still try to be normal!   I guess, the key to GREATNESS, is NOT to be NORMAL!  It requires something special, some sacrifices I suppose, and a willingness to separate ourselves from others, just like the amazing Arabian Horses, mentioned in the story.  It's about willing to do what others aren't...NOT so we can appear BETTER than others, but to improve ourselves...and the greatest thing about Arabian Horses is that they are used mostly as Service animals...helping and inspiring others, to want more!  We should want to improve ourselves, while HELPING others to be willing to "return at the ring of the bell", even when it seems the HARDEST!  The Bell could represent so many things...tough moments in a run/race, days where you feel really tired and just want to sleep, and on and on!  When you "hear the bell", what will you try to do from now on?  Let's ALL work on it!  :)

EVALUATION TIME:  Which type of Arabian Horse are you right now (the great thing is, that we can change...its a CHOICE!)?  Are we just the perky ears and still run to the water horse...perky ears, look back, and still run to the water...or perky ears, turn around, walk back, and become the CHOSEN (which by the way was a CHOICE that the Horse made, not Ben)!
                                           I just love story time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   :)

Keep on Running!!

Hello everyone and greetings from Alaska!! Keep Running! Keep Focused! Keep believing that what you are doing WILL make a difference not only for you but for the TEAM!! GWYGIT!! I know for me being up in Alaska and working LONG hours that it makes it tough to run!
Each time I feel like I don't want to get out and run I think of ALL of you and I will not let you all the team or myself down!! I miss running with the TEAM and seeing all the amazing improvements that each of you are making! As coaches we all want you to know how much we CARE about EACH one of YOU!! We are ALL in this together!!!!!! Leave your COMFORT zone NOW!! and discover a new one!! Love your Coaches!!

Lesson's Learned

Running has taught me many things, but one thing that has stood out to me this week while I was gone, was how much I really do love the CHALLENGE of pushing MYSELF.  I am sure there are other ways to learn this aspect in life, but none so much as running!  I do understand how hard it can be to get out there and get in your runs, when there is so much to do, or so much is required of you from running and other important things in your life.  I spent the week trying to balance traveling, hiking with my family, spending quality time with my kids (like getting climbed all over in the swimming pool, after hiking for hours...heehee!), getting the rest I needed, oh, and eating in there somewhere, and still get in a run.  Some mornings, trust me, I would rather have continued sleeping, but as I laid there in bed, I would just think for a moment at how much better I would feel if I would just get up and overcome the lazy side of me and stick to my goals.  Plus, I want to be able to be a Coach that practices what he teaches...literally!  :)  
The challenge is not to just get out there and do the miles, or set high goals, but to SEE BEYOND the REASONS for doing this!  The Challenge is doing this, day after day...run after run...even on days when it seems impossible or there is a lot to do!  Kiddos...there will always be  A LOT TO DO!  The impossible is what makes this "CHALLENGE" so amazing and worth it!  I guess, to make this really easy and simple for us, on those really challenging days, IS IT COMES DOWN TO TRUST!  Do you Trust your Coaches to help you, guide you, lead you, inspire you, talk to!  Trust your teammates to encourage you, push you, BE THERE for you!  Trust Yourself to get up when you're down, to lift others, to see beyond what's right in front of you.  In the week that I have been gone, I just need you to know that I missed you.  I know it is a challenge to always be what you want to be, to be what you think others want you to be, but what I want you to know is that this group can bring out the BEST in you...if you let it!  These challenges you face in your life, right now, truly SHAPE you for how you will face the real challenges in life, so don't back down...lean on each other...go out of your way to help someone else...it will only improve YOU!

Most of you know that I use a saying in my classroom that says, "Life is Loopy!"  Well, it is true, in every sense of the saying.  The Challenge here, the lesson's learned are simple...Trust and realize that what goes around, comes around!  YOU GET WHAT YOU GIVE!  As I had time to contemplate the challenge we face, while running in foreign places, I realized that TIME is simple...it never changes, it doesn't speed up or get slower...it is constant!  We seem to never have enough time...but YES you do!  Choose to make the TIME for YOU...for your goals...for your Teammates (like I thought of you guys when I wanted to just lay in bed), and if for anything else...for the CHALLENGE!  Life is full of them, so you might as well start learning how to overcome them...and what better way than through running with a bunch of crazy people like yourself, aiming for the same, amazing things!  Make it happen...it's up to YOU!

Moment of Truth!

This week will be a "Moment of Truth" for our team!  For You individually!  YOU will be on your own as a team this week...Coachie will be out of town all week with his family (much needed, by the way!).  I have left it up to YOU to help each other this week...of course I have told the older kids what to do for the workouts (or at least I will tell them...heehee!), but I am going to watch and see on dailymile how everyone responds to ACCOUNTABILITY for each other, and for yourselves!!!!!  I say this so that you HELP each other, not nag each other...to LOOK out for each other, not babysit each other...to PROVE to each other that you can and will do it, not "have" to do it because you feel guilty...by the way, if you are feeling guilty about your running...then do something about it!  Apparently I have a way of making some feel guilty about what they are "not" doing, when all I am trying to do is tell you the truth so that you don't miss out on things!
Speaking about missing out on things and being honest...those of you who had the chance to race on the 4th...I saw some great things happening!  We are definitely heading in the right direction, but I honestly feel that there a few "lulls" that will hold us back as a group later!  I mentioned this last week a little, and if you are all serious about your goals (individually and as a TEAM), then we need to continue to move forward...even possibly do a little more.  MORE does not mean necessarily more MILES (even though it could be for most), but MORE on the little things, whether it be a little more focused on eating right, resting, and focused on EVERY RUN.  Guys...the social aspect of this team is all NATURAL!!!!!  You do not need to work on your social skills while being on this team...it automatically will happen and even get better!  We could use a little more of you showing up to the team runs.  Now I know that there are a lot of things going on...but I get very little communication from people who don't show up...I have no idea why, and others ask where they are, and some of these kids are really good runners that other kids look up to!  I would like to be able to tell others why...even better, I would just like to see you make it to the run...going back to the guilty thing...if you feel guilty about this, then change it...if you don't, then don't worry! :)
Being Honest again...our boys have been doing pretty good of helping each other, holding each other accountable, and we have many boys that will fill up the spots on the HARC roster (even though, there is still room for improvement...the little things!)...but the girls!  There are about 4-5 girls that are doing what is necessary to earn a spot at HARC.  Once again, I am not trying to make anyone feel guilty, I am just trying to open ALL of YOUR EYES!  HARC is not for mediocrity, and we will not take anyone who doesn't step up to the plate and earn it!  SO I CHALLENGE ALL OF YOU TO REACH HIGHER...ONE DAY AT A TIME...ONE WEEK AT A TIME...BUT STOP PUTTING IT OFF!  For some, it may be an increase in miles, for some it might be coming to practices, and for others, it could just be increasing speed (which usually improves by running with your team).  We all have a choice as to how we will accept this challenge, but please be positive instead of down on yourself...see the greatness in you...WHICH IS WHY I AM GETTING AFTER YOU...WE ARE NOT GIVING UP ON ANY OF YOU!!!!!

These next couple of weeks are like the 3rd lap of racing the mile...it seems the least significant, it also hurts the most, it feels like it will last forever, but we all know...THIS LAP MAKES THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE IN THE RACE!  The MOMENT OF TRUTH is here!

What will it be for YOU?

A Work in Progress = SPECIAL

We are all a work in progress!  It takes time, patience, perseverance, perspective, determination, toughness, awareness, and I could go on and on, but the question is, "what word (or words), stands out in your mind as you search within yourself, within each other, about the progress we a making in this adventure?
Many of us are finding that it is not as simple as we thought it would be, YET, the PLAN (the goal), is pretty simplistic...follow it, do it, stick with it, adjust it, evaluate it, CONTINUE IT!  I feel that we have hit that figurative wall (as a group), and that some are feeling a little down, or unsure of what and why they keep doing this...or at least, how much they are going to do this!  First of all, I am here to tell you that it is ok to feel that!  What matters is what WE CHOOSE to do with that as we encounter those moments.  To put a little perspective on this, because sometimes it feels like the goal is sooooo far away and that if I miss today's run or back off when I know I should be going (unless Coach has told you to do so for a GOOD reason!), that it is alright and I will catch up!  I am here to tell you that there is never a good time to have that attitude, because before you know it, "IT" is here!  At the end of this week, we will be HALF WAY through the summer before our FIRST RACE in August!!!  Can you believe that?  We are still building the Foundation for a great year...but it is still in progress!  It is time to evaluate where YOU are at to this point and decide whether you are gonna keep moving forward, keep up the pace, keep improving, keep BELIEVING...or get off the so-called "Fence" and start moving forward, keeping up the pace, keep improving, Start BELIEVING again!  (If you didn't notice...I didn't mention anything about quitting!).
As you have noticed, we have had some large groups at our runs, which is totally awesome!  And I know a lot is going on, always, in the summer, but I know that most of you can see that there is beginning to be less and less coming...why?  It's nothing new to me, I see it every year...but why?  You are all better than that...do not settle for mediocrity!  To be great, to be special (and it doesn't matter what level you are at on the team...special is something that is EARNED), WE must be willing to do what others aren't!  There are others out there, teams pushing themselves and each other, to be SPECIAL!  So the question is...How SPECIAL do you want to be?  And when you figure that out...REALIZE THAT IT IS "A WORK IN PROGRESS!"  One day at a time, one run at a time...and before you know it...The season is here, and "SPECIAL" is what you will always remember!

"Down the Road"

Down the road from now...days, months, even years...what will you remember most?  What kind of "moments" do you feel will have an impact on you...down the road?  I kind of feel reflective at this moment, only because as I spent some time with our graduates this weekend at the Wasatch Back Relay, and I had the chance to just hang out and run with them.  We had some great laughing moments, some tough running moments, some lack of sleep-I'm losing my mind moments, but most of all, we just had a moment together.  When this is all said and done and you look back, will you remember the little things that you did to get where you want to be?  I know this may seem weird, but if you can imagine trying to explain to your OWN Child someday, what you feel could make the biggest difference for them as they pursue things that matter...what would you say?  What COULD you say that YOU DID, that helped make that difference.  I guess what I am saying is, don't waste a moment, don't waste the chance to make something great happen for you and your team.  Now with that said...RUNNING is not your life!  What?  Did Coachie just say that?!  Blaspheme!  Haha!  There are many things that are important, and you need to spend time doing them...balancing life at home, family, friends, church...all of those things need to have PERSPECTIVE...balance what matters most.  Running is not my life, but it has been one of the most powerful things in my life, along with other important things!  For example, I would never sacrifice time with my kids over running...but I do try real hard to make sure they can BOTH be done...it just takes work and balance, but both "moments" make a difference in my life.  Stick to your PLAN, but sometimes the PLAN can be altered to fit what matters!  This is not a post to say that you should skip running or back off your intensity...in fact, quite the opposite...I am saying that we need to step back sometimes and evaluate where I am at and then move forward again!  I hope this all made sense!  :)  Trust me...I want nothing more than to keep pushing it, and go beyond what I FEEL I should be doing, but stick to the PLAN and EACH OTHER, balancing the important things with the little things...cherish the moments (like I was able to with the Graduates this weekend), because before you know it...You are "Down the Road!"  Literally and Figuratively! 

P.S.  Also know...this has been one of the Greatest running summers that I can remember, with a group of runners!  You have all been striving to be the BEST, and it takes a lot of sacrifice and determination!  This is our 5th week and I am truly amazed to see so many still pushing themselves and sticking with it!  This is a "virtual high-five" that I am giving you all right now.  Your Coaches notice the time and effort you are giving and it only makes those around you want to do more also...those are some of the most important ingredients to a SPECIAL team...something that you will share forever!  Ok...enough babbling on my part!  Have a Great Week!

You definitely "GET WHAT YOU GIVE!"

I hope you take the chance to read what we put here for you...It really can make a difference if you will listen and learn.
We know that after these first few weeks, that many are still adjusting to the mileage.  But as the next couple of weeks go by, WE ALL will start to see great changes...IF WE STICK WITH IT!  That is really the hardest part!  Here are a few things that I have FELT and noticed and I want to share it with you.  I hope you find some comfort, strength, and continued DRIVE to keep going with these words!

YOU have the CHOICE to be exactly the type of runner and person you want to be.  No matter where you live, no matter what job you may have, no matter what your running experience..."DAYDREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE!"  Embrace the discipline required to go after that "impossible" and try it.  But here's the truth...realizing this "impossible" is Great!  If you succeed, fantastic.  Place that trophy on the shelf, hang that medal with a smile, frame that picture crossing the finish line.  How long will those feelings last with you though?  I remember winning State when I was in High School, and it was amazing, and I can recall the way I felt, but that did not SHAPE me into who I am.  You want to know what has shaped me?  Good...I will tell YOU!  :)    It's the "CLIMB" that has changed my life.  The one where you work "the PLAN" day after day, sticking to your goals and desires.  Putting in the time that others aren't willing to do, and then doing a little more, because there are others out there doing it also. Concentrating on form, doing the "little things"(like eating good, resting my body, helping others, HYDRATING!), getting up and running your scheduled runs (even when you would rather sleep), skipping that yummy dessert, pushing beyond what you thought you could do...YOU begin to realize how much happiness you draw from the "CLIMBING", that you will want more and more!  Soon enough, you will achieve one, so called"impossible", only to move onto the next one because you want to feel that way again!  Let go of the "Can I do it?" and replace it with "Can I do it Today?"  Happiness comes from the "CLIMB", from the up's and down's, from the STICKING WITH IT!  Let's have a great week and continue to push each other...encourage each other.  Don't give each other any excuses, especially yourself...be willing to do what others aren't...
                                                          RUN your "impossible!"

Stay the "Course"

Stay the course...(no pun intended!!)!  Now that we have been going for a couple of weeks, I can start to see "ADJUSTMENTS" that our bodies are having!  Most are good adjustments, but some may take just a little bit longer, and so we say to all of you...BE Patient...BE Strong...BE Consistent...BE Believing...BE What you want to be by the end of the season by sticking with it!  Talk to your Coaches if you feel that you need some extra help or encouragement!  YOU GUYS AND GALS...continue to look out for each other and if you see someone struggling, or not showing up as much as they use to...help them...it will only help yourself in the process!

We had a great first Canyon Run on Friday!  We had people get times (from our fastest to our slowest), that we don't normally see until latter on in the summer.  I put the times on a new Link on the blog, with a new idea of showing the top 5 boys and girls times combined and average, on the last page of the Link.  Check it out!!

It is still early in the summer, so if you have struggled a little...no worries, just get back into it and rededicate yourself.  If you have been pushing yourself (which is awesome!), hang in there...be tough...talk to your coaches if you need to make some slight adjustments!

But be positive and STAY THE COURSE!

Here We Go!

Great first week!  It is Awesome...Blossom, to see so many excited to be apart of this amazing season!  A little reminder to be PATIENT with yourselves and don't compare yourself to others...let your body adjust these first couple of weeks, and we promise that if you will do this,  you will see amazing things happen!  If you want to do a little more without going crazy on the miles, make sure you are doing some CORE WORKOUTS!  Focus on FORM this week...more than anything else.  ONE LAST REMINDER...MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE...BE CONSISTENT!  Try not to miss any scheduled days to run, no matter how much time you have...just run less if needed.  Let's have a great week!

Ok! Everyone keep up the great work! Continue to be there for each other, support each other! We are ALL a part of the Stansbury Stallion XC Family!! We can do this! we WILL do this!!

Ready...Set...Let it Begin!

For those of you who made it to the Benson Mill 5K...you all ran great!  Whether it went really well or not for you...it was a great chance to see where you are at, and where you want to improve...that is ALL!  :)   
Whether you are experienced or a Newbie...please remember, to be patient with yourselves the first week or so!  We always seem so EXCITED at first and then too many drop off from running!  We know you have amazing goals, but it is only done by ONE STEP AT A TIME!  Be Strong, but be Smart!  Let's have a great week and "pace" ourselves, as we look towards the BIG PICTURE!
Go Stallion XC!

Welcome to Stansbury XC Running!

It's time to begin! Make sure you check the blog every Sunday to check for upcoming items for the week and for the end of the week updates.  YOU should check everyday to make sure something hasn't changed.  This is a great place to check for minor changes in the week!

Enjoy the Running!