Loop-Y-ness! (yes...it's spelled wrong on purpose!)

Did you know that the World does a full rotation in 24 hours? Crazy huh!  Did you also know that in 365 days, that the World will go all the way around the Sun? Wow!  When water turns into a vapor, it evaporates and goes into the sky, only to form clouds, and form back into water again and fall to the Earth, and start over! No Way!?  Yes way!  Did you know that in 1 week, we will be back in school, AGAIN, and it is something that is just going to happen, and truthfully, IT IS A GOOD THING!
School starting is inevitable and can sometimes seem like a drag (which we understand actually, can be), but as with most things in life (as demonstrated above), go round and round...kind of "Loopy" and actually gives us a new start without having to really start over!  It brings on a new and sort of "REFRESHING"start over...it's why we continually do summer miles every summer, and prepare for the XC season, then Winter, and Track and so forth...not because that is just simply what we do, but because THAT IS WHAT MAKES US SPECIAL!  It's not about "here we go again" or "it's just what we do" or even "same old, same old"...it is literally a part of us and who we are!  As fast as the Summer has seemed to have gone (and it would be nice to have it be a little longer), IT IS ALSO VERY EXCITING TO BEGIN THE SEASON...THE NEXT CHAPTER IN OUR STORY...TO DECIDE TO TAKE THE CRAZY "LOOPS" OF LIFE AND BE HAPPY ABOUT THEM AND LOOK FORWARD TO THEM, instead of dreading them!  Our DECISIONS really will DETERMINE our DESTINY and how not only this Season begins and ends, but for a lot of things that will go round and round in our lives...HOW WILL EACH OF US LOOK AT WHAT'S AHEAD WITH EXCITEMENT AND A POSITIVE CHALLENGE to take the seemingly mundane "Loopyness" of life and make it something special!?  We for one, are looking at the upcoming season with ABSOLUTE EXCITEMENT!  All the miles, time, effort, sacrifice, even heartache, and bonding have all been worth it and will be a blessing for this upcoming year!  

We have already begun to witness that with our first race on Saturday!  We know that we tell you not to compare yourselves to other people (and you shouldn't), but you also need to know that as we look to others who have lead us before (in previous years), that we can sort of use a "measuring stick" to gauge a little, of how we are doing and more importantly, where we are headed! We understand that our girls team has felt somewhat "unsure" of what we can do, and that is ok...but we also need to understand that we have still done the work, that we need to trust that work, and realize that we are capable of doing amazing things! Believe it or not, we actually had 6 girls run faster than our top 5 girls from last year at this very same race.  We may have "lost" some amazing girls in our top 5, but we also have gained some strength in our depth, in each other...and YOU DIDN'T EVEN KNOW IT!  Use this to keep setting high promises to each other...to yourself and even though we have a lot of work to do...we are headed in the right direction!  For our boys, we know that we have some amazing depth...in fact, we had 8 boys this race, run faster than our 3rd place boy from the team that took 2nd at State! There is going to be a lot of competition (which is very good, as long as WE KEEP IT POSITIVE WITH EACH OTHER), that there will be more changes on Varsity than ever before...but every single one of YOU makes this whole team better!!!!!!!   But remember, feeling complacent with the "STATS" aren't worth anything.  Anything can happen from here till Region, or State, and Nike, and so forth!  What matters is that, even though the Earth will "begin" again and the Sun will come up in 24 hours, WE TAKE THE DAY IN FRONT OF US AND MAKE IT WORTH IT...WE MAKE IT COUNT...WE DECIDE TO KEEP MAKING OUR DESTINY SOMETHING SPECIAL...

BECAUSE WE CAN!  WE WILL!  LETS LOOK FORWARD TO THIS WEEK...NEXT WEEK...AND EVEN MORE IMPORTANT, TO THE TIME WE HAVE WITH EACH OTHER!!!!!

You can check out the results of the race by clicking on the link (or copy and paste into the web URL).  There are a few names we still need to edit, but it was an amazing START to our SEASON!

http://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/Results/Meet.aspx?Meet=118361#30259

Be INSPIRED!...Be the INSPIRATION!

The summer is quickly coming to a close, and what better way to spend it, than continuing the GREAT RUNNING that we are doing and to catch a glimpse of Inspiration by watching some Olympics!  The truth is, even though the media will portray perfection or all dreams come true...the reality of what you will see, is nothing more than people who have given their BEST, Sacrificed much, to have a chance at their dream! There are many who are at "home" watching the same thing that we are, that had a chance to be there, but for some reason, it just didn't work out.  Why bring this up? Because we are "home" watching it as well...so what does that say about us?  Are we not good enough, strong enough, are we not giving our BEST?  These are all good questions, and we feel it can be answered BEST like this...we may not be at the Olympics, we may not have the talent (quite yet!), to be there, but the same drive, the same perseverance, the same work ethic, the same love for the sport, CAN BE IN ALL OF US!  So, as we get INSPIRED by these amazing athletes and watch dreams come true...what we feel is even more amazing, IS THE INSPIRATION YOU CAN BE FOR EACH OTHER!  Let's make the end of this summer, the BEST end of the summer we have ever had...no matter how the rest of the summer has been, WE MAKE THE REST OF OUR SEASON BECOME INSPIRATIONAL BY WHAT WE CHOOSE TO DO NOW!  Remember the Big Picture and all that we have done to this point...see the amazing things that you have done and keep wanting more!

Here are a few short videos, to hopefully inspire you...help you realize that YOU are part of the Inspiration...to get excited for what is coming!

Just around the corner...Be of Good Cheer!

Believe it or not, we are just around the corner from starting our season! A week from this coming Saturday and we will be having our first race up Settlement Canyon! Yippee!  We know it can also seem like there is still so much to do (WHICH THERE IS!), but we have been doing some great things this summer, and we have been building our Foundations (and we will continue to keep building up the foundation), but now it is time to start working on the rest of our "masterpiece!" It is all part of the process, and we need to look at it with excitement, and not worry!

This is also a reminder to all of us...those going to HARC and those who may not!  We are a team, and even though this week, we will not all be together...WE NEED TO TAKE THIS WEEK AND USE IT TO EVALUATE OURSELVES AND WHERE WE ARE AT AND ESPECIALLY WHERE WE ARE HEADED!  Take the time to see the good things that you have done so far, and make or adjust your "DECISIONS" on where you are headed, and what you are going to do this next week to keep going in that direction!

For most of you who are not going to HARC this year, you definitely still have future chances...you know what you probably need to do a little better at next time, BUT DON'T LET THIS STOP YOU FROM REALIZING THAT YOU MATTER TO US AND THIS TEAM! I have had many kids who didn't realize at first, the abilities they had deep inside, until they took a chance on themselves and on their teammates and we are here to tell you, that we have seen amazing things happen...IT ALL DEPENDS ON HOW YOU ALL LOOK AT IT!  Let this time of year bring us together (even though we will be physically a part this week)...let it be a chance to regroup personally and re-evaluate where YOU personally want to be!  CHOOSE TO SEE THE OBSTACLES YOU/WE HAVE OVERCOME AND HOW WE ARE GOING TO KEEP DOING MORE TO BE BETTER!  Choose to be HAPPY! Either way, YOU are a part of this amazing FAMILY!  Remember...we are just around the corner from starting our season adventure...but be of Good Cheer...because we have lots to look forward to doing!  We love you guys!

CHOOSE to see the Good!

Hopefully short and simple for this week...at least that is how we feel we should focus for the upcoming days!  There will always be things that we can improve...should improve! We should never stop looking for ways to be better, but we also need to spend more time seeing the good things that we are doing.
For some, you have been doing unbelievable, consistent miles! It is not easy to get out there and DECIDE to get that run in because your goals (individually and as a team), mean more than the desire to stay inside (where it is cooler), or because it sure seems better to just not go.  For some, you have extended yourselves more than you ever have before, and that is so cool, because many of us can see the difference it is making for YOU! For some, it might be that you have ran more miles than any time before (even this summer), and that is amazing! Maybe you finally pushed yourself in a workout like you never have before and even though you thought you might "die", you realize that the pursuit of something bigger and better than you, is so worth it! For some, it might be that you showed up for practice one day, with an attitude that it was going to be a good day...and it was! Not necessarily because you ran faster (sometimes Canyon runs don't always have a faster time, but sections were done better), and it helps you see how you can do better next time...all because you CHOSE to have a better attitude.  For some, it is just showing up because there is sooooo much going on in our lives...whatever may be your "thing", let it be a good thing that continues to help you BECOME what it is you are doing this crazy running thing for!  Don't let going or not going to HARC determine what kind of runner or person you are...let that process just help you evaluate what needs to be done better next time or what needs to be continued, in order to see the good things that you are doing! Strive to see the good this week...Let it MOVE YOU!

We still have UNFINISHED business to take care of...!  :)

Moving Forward!

There are many thoughts going through my head, this morning.  It's one of those moments where I feel that what needs to be said, has already been said in previous posts and that we just need to continue to move forward.  But the truth is (and yes, we need to keep moving forward), is that this summer has had it's up's and down's (just like any other summer), but we feel that there has been a deeper desire by some of you, to really make a difference...that it really matters to you to be giving your BEST and to show that in your actions! It may feel that no one really notices, but you would be surprised at how many really pay attention and that the sacrifices are not in vain.  And of course, there are still some of us who can realize that we can improve in areas that we may have lost a little focus on...OUR CHALLENGE TO ALL OF US IS TO TAKE THIS WEEK TO REALLY FOCUS ON THOSE LITTLE IMPROVEMENTS!  Maybe it might be to get more CONSISTENT mileage this week, for others it might just be showing up to team practices, maybe it is to improve on our attitudes toward hard things (or even running in general)...because the TRUTH is there are NO SUBSTITUTES FOR GREATNESS!  You must put in the time, physically and mentally! This life is not going to sit back and be easy on any of us...it is up to us to rise to the occasion and step it up!

1. For those of you who have been CONSISTENTLY putting in high mileage (and you know who you are! This includes kids who are doing a lot more miles than they ever have consistently), this is one of those weeks where we want you to stay consistent, but don't look for those "extra" miles that you sometimes get...you need to run around 10 miles less this week (total), to allow your body and mind, to adapt to all the running you have been doing! This really is a key to improving your ability to run faster, in the future! Trust us with this concept.
2. If your mileage has been inconsistent, then still use this week to increase your mileage, because overall, we are trying to reach certain mileage goals, and even though you might still be feeling beat up, your body and mind still has room for improvement and adapting and it will pay off as we get closer to the season (which is not far away!).
3. Many of us are truly feeling beat up (myself included), but I have done this enough times to tell you that this is part of the process! We are monitoring you closely, I've even had conversations with some of you, telling you that we feel pretty beat up and tired and it seems like it might be too much...but we are here to tell you that we are about to take all this work and it is going to go to another level...we have hit a "plateau" and it feels like not much is happening, but we have seen many people get PR's on Canyon runs feeling dead tired, we have seen amazing workouts from feeling beat up!  It is the mind that holds us back at times, and we need to keep working on that also (which is why this week, for those who have been really working hard, the mental side needs to adapt also, with a little less miles).  We hope this all makes sense to you...it matters to us that YOU know how much we really do all of this because of YOU...no matter what level you may be at!  You all make a difference and we can feel that this TEAM is "turning a corner" and we are so close to making our DESTINY become a REALITY by the DECISIONS that we make NOW!

Now a little HARC chat!  HARC considerations are here.  HARC is the very epitome of what we are trying to reach and become as a team and individuals.  It is a very special place, not because we make it some "Elite" only camp or anything like that...it is special because of the sacrifice, the drive, the hard work, the unique requirements to be there.  If we took everyone, it would lose it's ability to be special and make a difference.  Saying this, does not mean that if you don't go (THIS TIME!), that YOU are not those things...that you haven't sacrificed or don't have the drive...it just means that there are a few things that you may need to keep working on because we had so many show just a little bit more...
whether that be the amount of miles that they put in, or their communication with us Coaches about situations, or how much they showed up to Team workouts, and especially their ability to just handle HARC at this time.  HARC is a reward for those who are ready for it at this time!!!  Not a punishment for those who want to go also, but need a little more.  Believe us, we have thought a lot about taking lots of people vs. just the amount that we do take (and we already take more than we should, but maybe we are too nice...I am a softy!), but I have also talked with a few of my good friends that Coach and that do a camp also (most of the few great programs all have a camp)...and they feel the same way with how many go and how they get there!  So please know, that deep inside, this is not about favorites or only talent...there are just plain and simple, certain requirements that need to be met and there are no substitutes for not doing what is asked.  But with that said, if you don't get an invitation and you feel that you may have been overlooked (we do make mistakes), contact me and I would be glad to explain why or realize that we messed up...most of the time, you are pretty aware of the "why."  Either way, we move forward, we keep improving upon where we are and where we are headed!  D3!
We have sent out the HARC invitations to those invited, on your dailymile accounts in your INBOX. HARC will be August 1st (Monday) through the 4th (Thursday).  Please check that out and respond.  Please remember, not getting an invitation does not mean you are less or not good enough, just that you need to improve in some areas that are required to make it meaningful to you and others there! Plus, we really can take only so many, and you have to be able to show through your actions that you wanted it...through your mileage, your communication, your attendance, and your ability to handle HARC runs. Please talk to me if you have any questions...it matters to us Coaches!

Run Hungry!...and not the "food" hungry!

Another week gone.  Another week closer to the season. Have you given your Best up to this point? The truth is, every single one of us could probably say that there is something that we could be doing better with where we feel we are with our running! For some, your mileage could be more quality miles instead of just miles...for others it could be just more miles...for some it could be a better attitude or perspective, no matter the situation...and others it could be to believe in yourself and each other better.  Whether it may seem to be a big change or a small change...IT MATTERS!  I finally went over all the total miles for our team today, and here was my first observation.
1. Wow...we have a good handful of people who are above the 500 mile destination (as of right now). We have about 20 boys above that and around 11 girls, who are doing some good running! It makes it really hard to limit our numbers to HARC (its a good problem to have!).
2. Second thing I observed...Your Coach has the second most miles on the team!  Now I know that I seem to have this insatiable love to run, but the truth is...I just have some high goals and I want to feel like I gave all that I could, SO THAT WHEN I LOOK BACK, I WILL HAVE NO REGRETS!  Truthfully, I haven't exactly put up staggering miles week to week, but only one of you has more miles than I do!  Now, that doesn't exactly worry us Coaches, but it does make me feel to ask one question!  Are you giving your BEST?  Which comes down to...How Hungry are YOU?  A good rule of thumb is that Varsity level runners are shooting for around 700-750 miles for the summer.  Not many can get around that number and be successful (there are a few exceptions, because we have seen it quite a few times with some of our injured kids who couldn't get those miles, but still trained like a 700 miler mentally!!!!).  For most of us, 500 miles and more is absolutely amazing and great...it definitely paves the way for the potential of Greatness!  But potential is not US! WE know that we are capable of doing better than "potential", and sometimes LIFE just hands us obstacles or struggles (or just lots of things on our plates), that tend to distract us and we lose a little sight of the big reason for doing all of this...WE STOP BEING AS HUNGRY as we can or should! But please remember not to focus on what you haven't been doing, but WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO DO BETTER!  

I guess I got a little excited and caught up on that 2nd observation!  :)

3. My last observation is that we really have so many great kids!  We know that no matter how many miles you all have, that we have lots of kids who are trying so hard to balance it all and challenge themselves in ways that they never seemed possible...yet YOU ARE DOING IT!  We just want to help you all take that next step to being more than just a good runner or good student, or good family member...WE ARE ALL MORE THAN THAT...WE SEE IT EVERYDAY IN YOU AND WE FEEL IT IN YOU! 
So...GET A LITTLE HUNGRY AGAIN! GO MAKE THIS WEEK THE BEST WEEK YET! It doesn't matter what "obstacle" is in the way...YOU CAN MAKE THIS WEEK BETTER...which leads into the following week to be BETTER and then the next week and before you know it, little by little, the HUNGER has created something GREAT!

I just love cool running videos!  They just help inspire!  Watch as many times as you need to this week...let it move you...let it keep the "Hunger" alive!  Enjoy!

Every Second is a Gift!

Sometimes we don't realize the impact we have on this life, on each other, until we "look back" and see what kind of mark we have left...so far!  I had a moment of reflection this last week (as a funeral will cause you to do this), and it got me thinking about what they would say about me, or even, what would I honestly want them to say about me, if I went suddenly?  And even though running is a simple task that we are striving hard to improve together, it is something that is very spiritual and powerful to me...that connects me with the things that matter most to me in this life (my spiritual lessons, my family, my running kids, etc).  So it got me thinking about what goals or desires that I have had throughout my life, if I had pursued them with honor, with passion, with a love that can only be described as selfless and inspiring to others...if I had given my Best, even when it seemed tough or darkest.  This just made me realize that every moment, every second is truly special!  It made me realize that even the simplest of things, like treating others better (whether just smiling or saying hello), or seeing the good in every experience, to seeing the little miracles that happen around us DAILY, to even the pursuit of being a great runner...all made a difference, an impact on who I am and what I am still becoming!  We coaches, talk so often about what we can do for all of you, what is the status of our team, and how are we pursuing excellence, that we hope that sometimes a somewhat "off the wall" Post to you guys on every second is a gift, will come across as something that can hopefully help at least one of you, if not help all of us be just a bit better than before!  :)

I came across this youtube video awhile ago, and it just seems fitting with the moment, to share with you!  Let's have an incredible week and take the time to see the good that we have done, and what we are going to keep doing better!

Take a Moment

Just take a moment to reflect on how your first full month has gone for you.  We are sure that there have been some ups and downs for all of us...we have seen some great goals set by many...we have seen some struggles with motivation for some...we have seen some who have nagging injuries or setbacks that can be frustrating...we have seen lots of little things that constantly come up and deter us from being as consistent as we would like...we understand that it never seems to work out perfectly like it does in our heads when we start this adventure.  We are here to remind you that no matter what has been going on, don't lose sight of what you are trying to accomplish!  Running really is just a simple task, a natural desire of our body and mind, but we still have to work at it and push it (mostly we just have to push the MIND!).  We worry and fret over the things that we seem to NOT have done, instead of focusing on what we have done to this point.  Sure, it may not be as perfect as we had hoped for, but here is the cool thing about all of this! We can start a new day! A new week!  It's not too late to get back "on the Train" and join us and believe that it is all worth it, that YOU can make a difference, because YOU CAN!
We mention this because a little reality check must also be mentioned to help all of us not only reflect on where we are, but WHERE WE ARE HEADED!  To be considered for HARC, you should be around 144 total miles so far for the summer.  We have a good group that are on track for the amount of miles required, but many might be surprised.  We only bring this up because unless you have had an injury (which we know about and are in constant communication about it), or other circumstances that we Coaches know about, there is no guarantee to go (it doesn't matter if you are or have been a Varsity runner, or if you have been before, or anything else...We have Standards to help you learn how to have high Standards!  Yes, HARC is a special place, but whether you go or don't go, doesn't change who you are or why we try to achieve a higher level to attend HARC!  We have plenty of other things that we do as a whole team that are special, but this camp, due to its toughness and standards, require that you not only have the miles (which don't guarantee you will go), but also the ability to handle the runs (there is some major liability involved, even for those who are some of our fastest).  We tell you this so that you can DECIDE whether you are where you want to be...so you can continue to aim HIGH or make adjustments, so that you are heading in that direction.  You can either choose to be discouraged by your obstacles or you can choose to take the Challenge!  Your miles aren't everything (although we haven't seen too many people NOT do their miles and be as successful as we know you all want to be), but your ATTITUDE and CHOICE to be YOUR BEST, are Everything!  So if you have concerns, then you should be communicating with us to help you get where you want to be intelligently.  Even if you don't have concerns, you should be communicating with us so that you can be where you want to be!

We want ALL of YOU to be successful!  It matters more to us how many of you truly realize the power you have inside of you...that you realize that your Destiny really is Determined by YOUR DECISIONS!  Decide to keep going for it.  To overcome any obstacle that plants itself in your path!  TOGETHER, WE WILL DO AMAZING THINGS!

Just a side note: We all must get our physicals and registered on registermyathlete.com (how to do that are on the blog links), before the season starts, but something new that needs to be done is YOU WILL NEED TO HAVE THOSE ITEMS DONE IN ORDER TO GO TO HARC!!!! So get it done.

PURSUE!

I was reading a book this past week and in it, this guy was in a horrible accident (an accident that nearly took his life and was told that he would not run again)...and that accident happened while training big time for this huge endurance race of a lifetime!  He had put in countless hours, days, and even years, to make this dream come true.  So he was confused why this moment had happened to him...right now!  He felt lost.  But his dear wife, while at the hospital, could see the look in his eyes and simply asked "THE QUESTION".  "So if that was it, would you be satisfied with how you pursued your life?"  
Isn't that really how we should pursue all the things that matter to us?  When we look back, at the end of the year, or even years ahead...what will we say about how we PURSUED life, our passions, even our trials, and of course, since this is a running team...how did we PURSUE our running goals?

Just to finish off the story from above, this guy did go on to not only competing in an event called the Ultraman, he WON it.  He mentions in his book, that the accident put things into perspective for him...that he still trained hard and trained smart, but he didn't lose sight of what mattered most to him...his kids, his wife, his work, and it allowed him to really focus on the "little things" (which we now know aren't really LITTLE, but are HUGE in our choices that we make.).  It allowed him to make powerful DECISIONS that affected his life in the NOW and the FUTURE!  We hope that is what you can see and do through this little thing called running, and being a part of this amazing team!  Continue to DECIDE that your DESTINY is DETERMINED by YOU!  It doesn't matter what has happened up to this point!  If your miles have been going great, than keep up the positive talk and help others.  If your running has been struggling here and there...DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED!  DECIDE today that you will begin today, doing the things that you have chosen to do for this upcoming year!  It is never too late, no matter what has been going on, or if you are struggling with something...it is worth the time, the sacrifice, and the work, to be a part of this team, and to PURSUE the things that matter to YOU!

We ask that you trust us, that we are trying to do what's best for ALL OF YOU!  But don't hesitate to ask about things that are personal to you, like if you have concerns about YOUR mileage or your obstacles and how to adjust, or how to help others...please talk to us or your teammates!  We need to be here for each other a little better!

So here are some adjustments for this week...it's one of those TRUST moments (but don't hesitate to ask if you have questions about this).
1. If you have been consistently running high mileage (50 + miles a week because you haven't had many things come up for you YET), then for this upcoming week, we want and need you to back your mileage off by about 5-10 miles total for the week.  So if you have been running 50 miles or more a week, then you need to run about 10 miles less, total for this next week.  Trust that sometimes doing "less" will be more!  It will help you recover a bit from the first few weeks of high miles, so that the following week, you can feel stronger to go back up on your miles.
2.  If you have been doing 30-50 miles a week, then you will want to focus on making sure you don't go over that this week, and really focus on making those same amounts of mileage are QUALITY miles! Really push on the intense days and make them great, not just physically, but ESPECIALLY MENTALLY!  If you have been gone for stuff, and this is a week for you to get caught up a little, then that is ok to do!
3. If you have been struggling, then regroup and DECIDE now that this week is going to be a fresh week and that you are going to get back on track, not just physically, but ESPECIALLY MENTALLY, and treat this week as if you haven't been struggling and that its just another week of going after your goals!  
4. If you are injured or hurt, then please continue to talking to us and let us help you.  Stick to what we have already been telling you to do and you will be amazed at what can happen!

Be strong this week with what we are asking of you.  I will be at Trek on Monday - Wednesday, but I will be back for the Wednesday night run!  This is my last crazy week for stuff (that I know of...haha!), until HARC!

Just real quick...

I have very limited service, but I wanted to leave a quick note.  I never stop being amazed and in awe with the things that I see and am around, daily!  This trip across the country has helped remind me of the things that matter most!  It has helped re-inspire my desire to be my Best and to see the "AWE" in even the seemingly mundane things around us.  Hopefully I will get a chance to share my thoughts with you all on Monday, but for now, this will have to do...we are in South Dakota right now and hoping to make it home late Sunday night!  Until then...can't wait to see you all and help you in any way that we can!  Even though the things of your week might seem mundane, the truth is, they are not and you should be in AWE of what you are accomplishing!

What COUNTS!

What a week!  I have seen so much this week that I can't believe that a week has already gone by...it probably feels the same for many of you, with all the running you have been doing.  If there are a few things that we have noticed over the years is that A LOT OF PEOPLE DO REALLY WELL THE FIRST COUPLE OF WEEKS.  Everyone has high goals...everyone is "gung ho"...and everyone is still mentally strong to keep going.  What is really interesting is what will happen after those couple of weeks...for some reason only a handful will stick with it (except for those who are injured or banged up...that situation is adjustable)!  I only bring this up for a couple of reasons...

1. On this trip that I have spent over 2000 miles of traveling (so far)...I have had the wonderful opportunity to visit many historical sites and witness stories of unbelievable courage, toughness, and most of all, faith!  Many of you are familiar with early pioneer stories and being persecuted and kicked out of their homes and so forth (and those stories should be enough to inspire any of us to want to be better), but what has really stood out to me as I have stood where others have stood and lived, and envisioned what they may have felt, it has inspired me to realize that I can do better, that I WANT to BE BETTER!  I don't have to just think that it would be cool to get a certain amount of miles, or make varsity or not...it is about realizing WHETHER I GAVE MY ABSOLUTE BEST WHEN IT COUNTED!  So the question is...AM I GIVING MY ABSOLUTE BEST, AND WHEN DOES IT ACTUALLY COUNT?  Every place we have visited, the guides would absolutely love what they were sharing with us and their passion made you feel like where you were at that moment was the most sacred spot that happened in history...now how could every spot be the most sacred?  Simple...every spot is sacred!  One thing that happened led to another thing happening and on and on it goes, so in reality EVERY MOMENT COUNTS!  Now, every day is not going to work out perfectly, but our attitude and desire can still count! You can't obviously replace your miles with just good thoughts, but it sure beats thinking miserably about the situation (as many of the historical places we have visited, the people could have definitely said "forget this!" "I've had enough," but they stuck with it, they believed in what they were working for...they had FAITH that in the end, the work, the attitude, the time, the sacrifice, that the DREAM was worth it...no matter the situation!

So, to make it beyond the first couple of weeks, or a crappy day, or an injury, or a struggling teammate, just focus on making the moment COUNT...AND GIVING THE BEST YOU CAN WITH WHAT YOU CAN!  What else can or should you ask of yourself!?

2.  Lots of things come up in the summer and easily "distract" us from sticking with it!  Now we use the word "distraction" only because it can seem like that, but it is not always so negative.  For example, on my trip, it has been very hard to just get in at least one good run a day, which "distracts" me from getting my goal mileage.  But I am not stressed out about it...I know that I am doing my BEST and that there will be opportunities to increase my mileage and AT LEAST RUN GOAL MILES IN FUTURE DAYS or weeks, and so forth.  Don't freak out with difficult days, but be willing to adjust and minimize "distracting" days as much as YOU CAN CONTROL.  Everything else will come...but not without a little sacrifice also...we don't mean sound like or to diminish the high goals we should all have (FOR THAT IS THE ONLY WAY TO TRULY GUARANTEE SUCCESS), but we just need to take one day at a time and STRIVE for the BEST we can be...and as we do this, each day will add upon the next and THEN...BAM!  GREATNESS!  :)

Now, a little story time from our trip so far!  Some experiences that I have encountered along the way!
1. Don't hold your breath while traveling down long tunnels made through the mountains...if you are the DRIVER!  I didn't really do that...the whole way, but some of those tunnels are FAR!
2. While running on trails in new places, know where the trails are going (or at least keep track of the time), because a simple 3 mile run will turn into a 7 mile run! (which I didn't mind anyways!).
3. While driving through Missouri, don't listen to your brother in law when he says to drive through the corn fields to chase a Tornado!  We did witness a Tornado touch the ground just football fields away from us...we could see the ground flying debris and all!  Sorry, I didn't see any houses, cows or witches flying around in it!
4. When leaving Kansas, it is actually fun to say "We're not in Kansas anymore!" Guess you had to be there! :)
5.  Flat tires are not fun in OHIO!
6.  Our Country is BEAUTIFUL!  Every place has something special and unique about it!  I couldn't see myself living anywhere else, but I have been in "AWE" as we have cruised across the landscape!  It is also interesting to drive by other high schools and of course, I always check out their Tracks...I am also intrigued by the marquees that mention State Champions in XC or Track!  Running is amazing everywhere!!!!!  Some cities are more friendly to running than others!
7.  I have come to realize (again and again!), that I am BLESSED!  I have amazing kids, wife and I miss my running kids back home!  Soak up every moment you have!!!!!  The summer has only begun!!! Yahoo!

How Bad do YOU Want it?

It's a fairly broad statement..."How bad do YOU want it?"  But with this first week of miles being mostly on your own and really getting a start on your goals...it can be tough to see the BIG PICTURE!  It is also to have this first week on your own, so that you can really see how bad do you want it...and to also allow our newbies a chance to work their way in to this new adventure!

Please know, that US Coaches, believe in YOU and Trust YOU and want the Best for YOU!

Advice for the first week (and probably for the first few weeks):
1. Our more experienced runners, you still need to be careful about how much miles you put in...avoid getting injures by balancing how much you do (DON'T DO TOO MUCH TOO SOON OR YOU WILL GET INJURED).  Pay attention to your body and if it is feeling a little beat up, you can still get good miles, but back off a little if you need to (from day to day).
2. Our inbetweeners...we know that you have high goals also and want to get high miles, but our concern is that you will run lots of miles but do them all too slow.  The truth is (and this goes for everyone), it is better to run quality miles than quantity...for example, it is better to run 3-4 miles faster than run 6 miles slower.  If you still want to get your mileage goals, you may can run in the morning and evening and a possible afternoon of a mile or 2, so that you can run them QUALITY!
3.  Newbies...make sure you work your way up and if you have any questions, please ask your coaches or even any of your teammates!

Make this first week a memorable one! Which will help you get off on the right foot and BEGIN your  adventure in the right direction!  Let it be a great week to show how bad you want it!

The Power behind our CHOICES!

No matter what may happen in our lives...no matter how difficult, beautiful, or complicated it may seem or feel, the CHOICES we make, the DECISIONS we CHOOSE to make, will determine WHAT we will accomplish in life (and beyond)!  Not how many medals we win, not how many PR's we get, not trophies, will determine our destinies!  But the way in which we CHOOSE to face our challenges, our fears, our "moments", are more powerful than any obstacle we could come across in life!  The really cool thing about RUNNING is that we can use this tough, yet beautiful action, to find the BEST in US!  It helps us learn how to CHOOSE our Destiny!  We hope that you DECIDE to discover what's inside of you...through RUNNING!