Uncommon

           It seems very uncommon to do what we do.  It appears uncommon to run so many miles throughout the summer, during the season, in the cold winter, in the thawing of the spring, and then do it again!  Many would say at the end of this summer that "it is another summer gone by," (that would be the "common" way to see it), but I would argue that "it is another summer moving forward...improving, getting better, LIVING!"  So all this work and time, definitely seems uncommon to regular folk, but what about other running folk?  We have been to a couple races now, in fact, Highland invitational had over 2500 runners there from High School!  Did you feel "uncommon" there?  Maybe not initially or directly, but here is where you might be wrong in thinking like that!  Being uncommon is not about having to be different or to be noticed...IT IS ABOUT REALIZING AND DOING THE LITTLE THINGS TO BE BETTER THAN BEFORE!  All the miles, the time, the mornings, the night runs, the canyon runs, the sacrifices, the communication, the ups and downs, the heat, the sweat, the discomfort, the nerves, the smiles, the MOMENTS...that we have spent together...make us uncommon!  Not because we are trying to be different, but because we love and trust what it is we are really doing..."MAKING THE MOST OF WHAT WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN!"  Even among runners, we are uncommon because of what we are willing to do to BETTER EACH OTHER, and BETTER OURSELVES!  The Little Things, the Dreams, the Attitude, the Heart...are all things that matter to us, that help us to take something as common as running, and make it into something...

REMARKABLE!  MEMORABLE!

Crazy enough, Remarkable is one of the definitions of "Uncommon!"

Here's a little video to help remind you of the POSSIBILITIES!

First "MOMENT" of the Season!

It is always nice to have that first race under our belts!  Of course, we have spent a lot of time together, building and working for this Moment...but that is the nice thing about MOMENTS; there will be more to come!  We cannot tell you enough how AMAZING Saturday was for our Team.  We saw so many working through their uncertainties, working through the discomfort, supporting one another, taking a chance on yourself and just trusting the work!  Honestly, we are not surprised at the outcome...we have witnessed the growth and determination by all of you (experienced and our newbies!).  There is no doubt in our minds and HEARTS, that what we have started here will only continue to get better...AS LONG AS WE FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS!  THE "MOMENTS"!  
We just need to continue to take every MOMENT we have and enjoy what it has to offer!  We need to take every MOMENT and choose to be excited about what the workout might be or what race we are running and have a smile on our face and not dread.  We need to take the MOMENT and realize that what we have is special and worth it!  Not every MOMENT will be optimal...maybe your race wasn't ideal for some of you...that doesn't mean that it was a waste or no good; in fact it can be more powerful for you to know and see what you want and can do better next time...how you might be able to tweak certain things to keep bettering yourself!  And even if your MOMENT was outstanding (which is was for soooo many of YOU), the real beauty behind this "First MOMENT" is that there are so many more to look forward to!  See what you did well, see what positive things happened for you, and keep realizing that the "big picture" is about ALL OF US TOGETHER!  Look past each others faults and encourage the GREATNESS is US!  Help each other recognize that this "First MOMENT" of the season is just that...the FIRST!

It was so fun to watch you RUN!  Then again, everyday is fun to watch you RUN!  :)

 

"The VIEW from the TOP!"

Never has the Moment been Greater!  We have spent this summer running, planning, laughing, talking, pursuing, teaching, and did I mention a little running?  And now that the summer time foundation is nearly complete, sometimes we feel a little lost, or overwhelmed with "was it enough" or "is it possible?" Maybe you know you are prepared, but lack the confidence to realize that the JOY in all of what we do, is rather simple...THE TIME WE HAVE SPENT PURSUING THIS TOGETHER IS WORTH IT!  And the reason why we bring this up, is because we don't want any of YOU to feel a lull in what it is we are pursuing...that we realize that we have so much more to keep doing and that just because school is starting and we have some races coming up, that we are still "BUILDING SOMETHING AMAZING AND BEAUTIFUL"!  As we reflect on what we have done so far, and what we are running after, I can't help but think of HARC and all that it represents!  Taking on steep mountains, reaching summits that seem unthinkable, encouraging others even though you feel absolutely dead, believing in something bigger than yourself, to keep going even though you didn't feel you had another step in you, and making the impossible...Possible!  Hopefully, as we keep moving forward, we will continue to pursue the "FOUNDATION" that has taken us to this point...that as we keep running towards the top of the mountain (no matter what comes our way), just like we did at HARC, we will look back and realize..."I did it...WE DID IT!"  The view from the Top of each run, was absolutely stunning and worth it...no matter how high it was, or hard it felt...when we were all there, if you payed attention YOU could feel something different!  That is where we are right now...keep pursuing the BEST in yourself, in each other! Realize that when one chapter ends (summer miles), we can't wait to see how the next chapter begins and what happens (just like a really great book!).  Let's make the next chapter even more exciting...Let's imagine climbing any "Mountain" in front of us, with determination, character, love, and even excitement...because YOU know if you do...

the "VIEW will be MEMORABLE!"

Let your Actions and Attitude reflect this simple truth..."The View is always most beautiful, from the TOP!

The summer foundation is coming to a swift end! I am amazed every year how fast it goes by, but my amazement is not a negative one...it is an exciting one! We have spent a lot of time and miles, building up for this very reason...not to dread that school is around the corner (ok, I can understand a little dread about that!), but we have worked for this time of the year that is upon us! Let's make sure our attitude matches the effort that we have been putting forth all summer! Just remember, we never stop building the foundation! We will begin adding or tweaking parts of our training, but we always work on what's most important...our foundation!

It is HARC week, and that means that this week is mostly on your own.  WE REALLY WANT TO REMIND EVERYONE, THAT WHETHER YOU ARE GOING OR NOT, THIS DOES NOT LESSEN WHAT YOU MEAN TO THIS TEAM...OR WHAT KIND OF RUNNER YOU CAN AND WILL BE! Just like it was a choice to balance your own personal goals, time, and effort for running and other things this summer...it is still a choice to continue to keep improving, want something better for YOU, and know that all will be well, if you will keep trusting and working!  We have great things to look forward to this season!  WE REALLY FEEL THAT SOMETHING SPECIAL IS ABOUT TO TRANSFORM AMONG OUR TEAM...EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU ARE A PART OF THAT!

Every Moment Matters!  Just like YOU!
M&M's

The Difference...

Sometimes, the day or the moment or even longer...just doesn't seem to be flowing like it should! You are giving your Best to have a good attitude...You are trying to keep your miles up...You are coming as often as you can...You really want to improve...and sometimes it just doesn't seem enough!  If you have ever felt this way, then congratulations...YOU ARE HUMAN!  Here is the beautiful thing about the struggles we have or the "up's and downs" that we encounter in life (or even daily!).  Those type of MOMENTS really allow us to be so much more! Some of life's most powerful MOMENTS come from learning how to ADJUST to anything that comes our way! And running is one of the Best ways to figure this out...if we let it...if we really use it!
Saturday, as I took some of you out to "the Beach" (more like bug infested swamp, it sounds like from your dailymile posts), I watched you guys run off, and I sat there on one of the rocks, I was just wishing that I could be out there! I was having a little pity party about my foot and how would I be able to run my marathon on Monday, or still keep my miles up, and even be able to run at HARC...when it just simply hit me (maybe it was just the Lake smell clearing my head!), "STOP SULKING!" EVERYONE HAS MOMENTS of frustration, MOMENTS that don't make sense, MOMENTS that seem to hold us back...NO ONE gets out of this from happening in our lives, so what do we do?  We have a choice...a choice to do something about it or just keep having a pity party (which changes nothing!).  I truly felt inspired as I continued to watch YOU RUN in the distance, that I really wasn't alone...as much as I wanted to be out there, I felt blessed to have come as far as I have come...to have had so many great MOMENTS up to this point (yes...all the up's and the down's).  So I felt inspired that I would not worry about how long it might take to take care of my "problems" or if I had to postpone certain goals for the MOMENT...I would make new ones and pursue the original ones, in time!  I felt excited to do what I could do...I would go home and bike and not pout about it, but feel blessed that I could still do something!  I felt honored to just be with YOU, as we do most days (even the simple, mundane days...or are they just "mundane" days?), because we are together and those are the MOMENTS that really make it worth it...that make it fun!  So CHOOSE to make the MOMENTS something more than we think they are...CHOOSE to make every day count, because you never know when you might be just "sitting on a rock watching everyone else" and wondering what you should do.  CHOOSE to do something about it...whatever it can be...that is

"THE DIFFERENCE!

Just a little side note: HARC considerations have been sent out this last week.  Please, if you did not make it this time...DO NOT LET THIS DETERMINE WHAT YOU CAN BE!  Most of the time, YOU realize why you may have missed out (your mileage, your attendance, your communication, you are still really new at all of this, etc.)...but that shouldn't stop you from realizing what you WILL still accomplish! As much as HARC is a special place...it is just that because we require it to be absolutely earned and a reward for doing just a little more.  We are not about "punishing" people for not doing the requirements or whether you are the fastest or slowest...we are about REWARDING the EFFORT that is required to make it to HARC...it really is some of the little things, the little sacrifices that we make...just like we mentioned above in the post, those are the things that make THE DIFFERENCE! So keep CHOOSING to do something with this running thing...CHOOSE to take the MOMENTS we have right now and make them something to REMEMBER! 

YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

What are YOU Running Towards?

Instead of asking "Why are you running,"...because YOU are obviously running, we felt it was more appropriate to ask, what is it that YOU are Running Towards?

It appears easy enough to set some goals in the beginning, but sometimes things just don't seem as "smooth" as we assumed they would be (notice, we didn't say "easy"...we all understand that work, some sacrifice, picking yourself up, were all going to be part of it! At some point, WE must realize that in the daily grind of doing this day in and day out, that getting back up when we struggle, that being a part of something bigger (like this Team), that choosing to see what you are Running Towards...that is what allows us to keep going, to want just a little more, to keep doing the workout even though you may have felt like sleeping in...to take a step back sometimes (see the great things you have done, soak it in, and then start up again), to believe that in the end... 

 IT IS ALL WORTH IT!  

I recently read a very profound quote by someone that really reminded me of what makes Running to US, so special.  We tend to look at others, each other, and compare.  We think that someone has extraordinary talent, well beyond your own, and that there is no way YOU will ever become "that!"  Sure, there are people with more talent than US, but that does not make them extraordinary!  What we need to realize is that ALL OF US ARE ORDINARY!  Being human is an ordinary thing...we are all made similar, we all have similar opportunities, we all struggle, we all love doing well, etc!  So what makes something "ordinary" become "EXTRAORDINARY?"  IT IS SIMPLY A CHOICE! We are ordinary people CHOOSING to do EXTRAORDINARY things with what we have been given! That is what separates the GREATS from the goods.  That is what allows even the back of the pack runners to experience bliss by improving MINUTES off their times...to help the varsity level runner realize that the Little Things (times, attitude, perspective, each other), are combined TOGETHER to make something just ordinary (LIKE RUNNING), and make it EXTRAORDINARY!

So...we ask YOU to remind yourself about what it is YOU are really Running Towards?  Take that "ordinary" Moment (of getting to practice, showing up when you're tired, encouraging someone else, getting back up, taking a step back if needed to reset, to go a little farther than last time...etc!), and make is Extraordinary, simply by CHOOSING to make it that way!  Running in the mountains this last week, with no technology/service, I was reminded that the BEST way to make this running thing EXTRAORDINARY, is to simply just ENJOY what I was doing...it didn't matter how fast I went...I just went...and I loved being able to do just that!

Better than YOU used to be!

I have been reading a book for the last few weeks about what it takes to be Great!  Amazingly enough, it talks a lot about HOW WE CHOOSE TO LOOK AT OUR SITUATIONS...OUR MOMENTS!  Do we worry, doubt, and have fear about the things we are pursuing?  Even when it comes to simple things like running?  We often compare ourselves with each other too much, or with the last time we ran it, or if we ran with certain people, or well enough in our minds.  And, you need to know, that it is ok to want to get better, to pursue getting faster and working with your teammates, to help get EACH OTHER there!  But the first step to REALIZING that it is all POSSIBLE, is to CHOOSE TO LOOK AT THESE MOMENTS AS ANOTHER CHANCE TO IMPROVE...not being scared about what MIGHT happen...but to Focus on thinking, doing, acting, and being your BEST!  ATTITUDE!  Instead of looking at your teammate as your competition, look at them as an extension of yourself, because when we finally get out there and compete, WE NEED EACH OTHER!  Look to bettering YOU from where you have started...and that doesn't mean that every run or race, you have to get a faster time (life doesn't always work that way), but YOU will definitely know, when you cross that finish line, or that long run, or whatever type of run it might be, THAT YOU DID WHAT WAS REQUIRED, AND POSSIBLY EVEN MORE, by having a Great ATTITUDE! By being Better than YOU used to be!  This is one of those weeks where we start to separate ourselves...not because we don't want to be with each other, but those who are really committed, decide to keep showing up to practice (but with a renewed desire to better themselves and each other), they communicate regularly with Coaches about situations (their running, their schedules coming up, etc), they understand that what we ask of them, is for the BEST reason possible, they make the little sacrifices of what is asked of them from things like the Run Vivo Project, they go out of their way to check on each other and compliment each other, they do what the Coaches ask of them, because they have asked "why" so that they can learn, they DO what is required...EVEN WHEN COACHES AREN'T THERE!  You see, Running summer miles is not an advantage, but all the items listed above ARE! Let's CHOOSE to have Great ATTITUDES and keep moving forward!
You need to understand that time is going by faster than we imagined (even though it hasn't sped up in any way!)...HARC considerations are just around the corner (less than 2 weeks)!  There are 3 things that we look at really hard to make HARC such a special place.
1. You must be on track for 500 miles for the summer, which means that dailymile is up to date and your mileage is above the required amount (this still does not guarantee you are in, but it is the first thing we look at).
2. We then look at your attendance at practice and/or your communication with Coaches about your schedule!  There is no substitute for improvement than running with your Teammates! There is also no way that, we as your Coaches, can know if you are capable and ok to run the intense HARC runs, without being physically at practice and doing the full runs.
3. We then look to see if the person is truly capable of doing HARC (ability and for Safety!).  This is not about leaving people out...HARC IS THE MOST SPECIAL THING THAT WE OFFER IN OUR PROGRAM...so it is not about favorites...but it is definitely about EARNING it and sometimes, that just means it requires the BEST from you.  If you haven't been giving your Best to do these 3 things, then you probably know the outcome. 
With that all said...NEVER, EVER, STOP TRYING!  Always Believe that it is worth the effort to be your BEST! It doesn't matter if you got a late start, or if the obstacles seemed way too high...YOU REALLY ARE THE REASON WE HAVE THINGS LIKE HARC AND THIS PROGRAM!  So, keep working hard, keep wanting...make this week Amazing...with unbelievable ATTITUDE!

Keep it Simple! Winning is a byproduct of something bigger!

Either we are beginning to realize that we WANT and are WILLING to do what it takes to reach our goals in this running thing, or we are realizing that it's not as "high on our list" as we thought.  That doesn't mean that someone doesn't care about this Team or that it doesn't help or inspire them to be better...but the truth is really SIMPLE...here is how we keep it simple!  Sacrifice means working around the "obstacles" that ALL of US have and DECIDING which things must matter more to each of US.  Just because someone doesn't put running first, doesn't mean that they don't care about running...but in keeping this all SIMPLE, one must realize that if it isn't high on the priority list, then you will get out, what you put into it!  We, as your Coaches are not here to punish anyone for how much more or less someone puts into this endeavor...but YOU must also realize, the REWARDS are different for everyone, based on what you do put into this.  For those of you who have been with us for awhile, look back and see how far you have come...just your thought process alone, has probably DRASTICALLY changed from when you first started.  Realize that there are newbies who are feeling that same way right now...trying to figure it out...whether this is really worth the time or effort! We have kids who came to our summer miles mtg, ran for a few days, put a few miles on dailymile and when they saw how many miles others were putting, they haven't tried since...will we go out of our way when school starts to still try and help them to be with us?  Just think about what someone did for YOU when you started and how that MOMENT changed YOU!  I know I didn't realize the true need to sacrifice (prioritize what mattered to me!), when I began this journey many years ago!  Even now as your Coaches, we are constantly learning more and more about what really matters most to US!  Of course we want to WIN! We want to be State Champions, but we have realized that...

WINNING IS A BYPRODUCT OF SOMETHING BIGGER!  IT'S YOU! 

By focusing on the little things, on helping someone get over their fear of belonging, or belief in themselves, or being a part of this Team is worth more than any individual accolade, trying to hold yourself to a higher standard (like the Run Vivo project), and more...AUTOMATICALLY ALLOWS US TO DO GREAT THINGS...that includes Winning!

So our challenge to you this week, and every week...ARE YOU PERSONALLY GIVING WHAT YOU EXPECT TO GET OUT OF THIS?  It's that SIMPLE!  Be happy with what you have accomplished so far, and if you are not, then little by little, start changing that...communicate with us, with your teammates, and that will start a fire, that may seem small at first, but will take off and begin the change into something much bigger and better...no matter what level you may be at right now!

Here is another great reminder of why we started this...for some of us, this started a long time ago, for others, it has just begun..."but what really matters is that we remember that the Moments we have now, are what we will remember when it really matters!" - Coachie

 The video can seem a little "dramatic", but the point is powerful to remember! 

 

Memories!

Just got home and pretty tired, but not tired enough not to share some thoughts with the running family! Once again, I had the chance to experience some amazing stuff this weekend while RUNNING! I knew it would be fun and tough doing this relay (I've done it before), but this time, I was able to do it with my wife and kids!  And it was fun and tough, but I had no idea how truly amazing it was really going to be! I won't go into all the details about all the runs, or the amazing scenery, or all the people who were amazed at all my young kids doing this ("what about the old fart here doing it also"...aka ME!), or the miles, or the rope swing (all on video!), or the camping, or the awards, or the slip and slide, or the cool early mornings and the HOT afternoons, or the popsicles, or the dips in the river, or the time together...I wouldn't want to bore you with all that! What really matters are the Memories that will ABSOLUTELY last forever!  I mention all this, because what matters most to me as a Dad is that my kids know that they are loved and matter...that we did things together that were fun, hard, tough, beautiful, crazy, important, magical, etc!  Then it hit me during one of the most spectacular sections of the race, in the heat of the day...that WE really feel the same way about our RUNNING FAMILY!  Sometimes we just get caught up in how many miles we are getting (which is a great place to start with...high goals for our miles), but what about all the OTHER things that really make the MOMENTS into Magical MEMORIES!?  We have to really notice them and find the good in WHY we are doing all of this!  Here is my final thought to try and wrap all of this up...
What would matter more to you...
1. Giving a mediocre effort, so that you don't "hurt" as much, but finish feeling like you missed out on something or...
2. Giving your Best effort, feeling like your legs or lungs might explode (even though they WON'T), but knowing you gave it all when you finished!

It's quite obvious...but interestingly enough, as humans, we miss out way too many times on all the MEMORIES simply because we felt like being mediocre in the MOMENT! As your Coaches, we are really trying hard to give you a well balanced attack for your summer miles (good, strong, lots of miles), with opportunities to build yourselves and not "RUN" ourselves into the ground (SO MAKE SURE YOU ARE COMMUNICATING WITH US ABOUT HOW MUCH YOU SHOULD BE DOING OR IF THINGS ARE AFFECTING YOU).  As long as you are not injured or sick, we need to overcome the "mediocre" MOMENTS, and realize that every single practice, run, time together...is really quite Magical, Special, a Blessing...something that we WILL look back on and Remember!

These MEMORIES will last forever!

The Horizon

Running definitely has its MOMENTS that bring out the Best in US! There are times when you feel that you could go and go, or that you want it to never end because of the Joy it brings you...especially from the people that you are with! Those type of MOMENTS make it all seem worth the time, effort, sweat, frustrations, sacrifice and on and on.  But those true "Blissful" MOMENTS don't happen all that often, so what will keep us going?...what gets us out there day after day, when we feel tired, beat up, unmotivated to go to practice, to see the good in the run?  Maybe we can paint a picture for you to help you realize the power behind what we are doing, and why YOU make a difference.

I personally love trail running!  Most of the time, that involves climbing a mountain (which usually "hides" the full view of the scenery), or it involves following a winding course, that hides ones view of what might be around the next "bend".  The "Trail" may seem long or steep and tiring, and not a whole lot can be seen from time to time...so why keep going?...why keep climbing?...why keep going around to the next "bend"? (why show up to practice...EVERYDAY, or why encourage someone new, or why hold yourself to a Higher Standard?)?   As we were running Saturday out on the Island run (which I have done countless times), I realized this time that I really looked forward to the next possible "bend" in the trail...to see what the VIEW might be...to see others across the way, pursuing their MOMENTS in running!  It didn't matter what pace everyone was doing...everyone was pursuing it differently, but what was amazing was the DRIVE we had to see what was possible around the next "BEND"...to see THE HORIZON!  That "HORIZON" is what makes it all worth it...sure, we were tired and still had to go back the same distance we had just come, but the HORIZON was beautiful and satisfying, so much, that we forgot for a MOMENT, how tired we were, or even how far we had even gone! The miles and the time and the distance, didn't really matter...we knew we would make it back.  That is why we "CLIMB", we run to the next "BEND"...to see what the HORIZON has to offer! It may not seem unbelievable every time, BUT THE ONLY WAY TO KNOW, IS TO PURSUE IT EVERY TIME AS IF IT COULD!  Showing up to practice when we don't feel like it,  when we break down the selfish walls we put up and help others...involve others, when we look forward to the time together as exciting and not just another run...that is when we start to have those MOMENTS bring out the Best in US!

Run to the "HORIZON!"

Here is a little video that I came across awhile ago...seems fitting for what we are doing right now, and what we are shooting for!  (there are a few scenes of non running stuff, but the idea is about pushing our own limits...whatever it may be...to the HORIZON!)

So many things...

There will ALWAYS be many things in our lives...it will seem like we are pulled in so many different directions, and most of "our stuff", will be worth and good things that are important to us.  Sometimes we may need to evaluate how many things we really can and should do...BUT THAT IS NOT THE FOCUS OF WHAT WE ARE THINKING, TO HELP ALL OF US BE OUR BEST!  What we are thinking is..."How can we help every single one of YOU realize HOW to become your BEST, no matter how many things MIGHT be on your plate."  

It seems that every week, we get bombarded with kids telling us, that "I have this," or "I am going to be gone for this,"  PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE IS NOT A PROBLEM WITH THIS...but we are concerned that YOU feel there is a problem with this.  We love that you all have desires to be great at Running...we cannot tell you enough how much we know this running program will change your life if you are willing to give and sacrifice a little, to DISCOVER YOURSELVES AND EACH OTHER!  But also remember, that YOU can definitely work around Running and all the "things" that matter to you!  The SACRIFICE for some of us just might be to plan a little better...for others it might be to not stress out about exactly how many miles I got, but were all my miles AWESOME, QUALITY MILES!...and for others it could be to focus more on others on the team and their struggles, and accomplishments (I can't tell you enough how much we need ALL of your help to really reach out and talk with others on the team...especially new faces...DAILY! I love seeing newbies beginning to realize that they are doing something great and when they realize that they belong somewhere...that does not happen WITHOUT YOU!  I love seeing our kids who have been around for a bit, really start to realize how GREAT they really are and still can be...all from this simple thing called RUNNING!).

We really need to just keep it simple!  Enjoy all that you are a part of and do!  Including your Running!  It is fun and really something to look forward to, to show up to practice and be with others who are striving for more than being the next best runner, but BEING MORE THAN WHAT THEY INITIALLY THOUGHT THEY WERE!  Of course, we can, and still need to do better at balancing all these "things", but the SACRIFICE needed to achieve our goals in running, really are simple...plan ahead better...see the good you are doing...help each other better...realize that the the real ADVANTAGE IS NOT IN JUST THE MILES, BUT IN THE LITTLE "MOMENTS" WE TAKE, EVERY SINGLE DAY, TO BE BETTER...

Even in Running...ESPECIALLY THROUGH RUNNING! 

Do your Best this week to not make excuses, but to focus on being your Best with what you have!  Those are the Moments that will make lasting Memories!

We've only just begun!

We've only just begun is a pretty cool song by the Carpenters (way before your time, but a classic)!  We say that because we saw so many of you have a great first week! We have also seen many great first weeks and then people begin to trickle off!  Help each other to not let this happen!  Encourage each other...don't look at it as someone trying to out do you for bragging rights...in the end, the miles SPEAK for themselves on WHO really did them and WHO gave their best!  So this is just a reminder to PLEASE be honest with your mileage, but also be excited for those who are stepping it up a bit and help others to want more BUT TO BE SMART AND PATIENT AND BUILD UP TO WHAT YOU WANT TO BE!  Nothing...and we mean NOTHING, comes easy or in just a short amount of time...it takes dedication, consistency, belief, and much more...THANK GOODNESS WE HAVE EACH OTHER TO HELP, INSPIRE AND REALIZE THAT ANY THING IS POSSIBLE!  I am excited for the CHALLENGE!  I mean good grief, my awesome vacation has left me a little behind a lot of you, but I am looking forward to gradually working my way up...to keep being inspired by your efforts!  Please...take the time to notice what others are doing (including yourselves), and talk to them about how good they are doing or give some advice and acknowledgement...it will go a long ways for all of us!  The post is short and sweet this week (just got home and I am dead tired...from driving 12 hours!...would have killed a lesser coach! 😜).   Let's have another great week!

Younger Runner Me

Dear Younger Runner Me,

            There is a lot that you don’t know, and that is ok.   A lot that you think you are pretty sure you understand, but honestly, you possibly couldn’t wrap your hands around it all. Because the most important things in life, the things that you will REMEMBER, are the MOMENTS that you lived doing the simple things…the things that you enjoy, the things that challenge you…the things that truly make you happy.

So Younger Runner Me… hear me out, because time goes by very quickly, and we only get one opportunity to do this MOMENT, one chance to do this thing the best we can…take it from me, do what others aren’t willing to do because YOU are worth it!

            Younger Runner Me…when you wake up, be thankful for the shoes on your feet, the house you live in, the life you lead, the people in your life, the chance to be a part of something special, because if all you do is focus on the things you don’t have, or the next milestone, happiness will seem like a mirage. Live today!

            Younger Runner Me…the world as you know it isn’t something that just happened, it’s a wonderful place, full of people no different than you, but you must have the courage to face your fears and live up to the challenge that life has to offer…that is how greatness is born!

            Younger Runner Me…it will always be easier to play it safe, to stay comfortable, but I want you to understand something…that’s not where you will find the good stuff! If you don’t take chances on you, you’ll spend your time wondering what could have been.

            Younger Runner Me…believe in your greatness! This world can be a tough place, and if you don’t believe in yourself, no one can do it for you…no one will hand you the sky…Be CHAMPION MATERIAL EVERYDAY! It’s there, I promise!

            Younger Runner Me…don’t get distracted by the small stuff, the little things that so easily consume our energy, our emotions. Don’t lose sight of who you are and what means the most to you. Everything else is background noise.

            Younger Runner Me…you don’t have all the answers but somehow, you are exactly what I need you to be. You created a map, a guide, on how to overcome obstacles, but realize, that you didn’t do it alone! Recognize and appreciate the special people and MOMENTS in your life.

            Younger Runner Me… know that change can’t happen until you take risks on yourself.  Confidence and Attitude aren’t automatics, they are a choice to seek after and better every day!  If you don’t allow yourself to possibly “fall,” you will never discover who you truly are! 

            Younger Runner Me…20 years from now when we meet again, I know that you will have given me everything I need… because time goes by very quickly, and we only get one opportunity to do this MOMENT, one chance to do this thing the best we can… take it from me, do what others aren’t willing to do because…

YOU are worth it!

And I promise you, Younger Runner Me… that it will be worth all the MEMORIES!

It's that TIME!

Another season...another year, is upon US!  This is just a quick reminder that all the info for where, why, and how we become AWESOME this summer, are all located in the links to the left.  Check them out for reminders and for updates.  The schedule will be up just before our XC summer meeting in May (even though most of the dates won't change the overall schedule).

Get excited and ready to go!  We are pumped for another Grand Adventure of Stansbury XC!