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!