As we look back on this last week and at our races (like yesterday), You can do 2 things...
1. You can feel discouraged, beat down, over-heated, because it was a slower race, or it didn't go as well as anticipated and the first week of school was draining...
or
2. Realize that the Process REQUIRESyou to overcome the "Monsters" that stand in your way of what you expect!
We have high expectations, I do for myself and for our Team! So we understand when the "result" doesn't seem to fit the effort or the sacrifice given, it feels like a downer or we ask ourselves "WHY" doesn't it seem to be clicking? Many of the times in our SEARCH for the answers, we tend to be the reason or the "Creator of the Monsters" in our way. You can either pick 2 more choices...
1. Assume that your goals are too high and expect to feel this way in the future, and lessen your expectations (which means you're ok with mediocre)
or
2. Keep working for those HIGH EXPECTATIONS! Find new ways to overcome, defeat, or not even "create the monsters" in the first place.
Sounds easy enough, right? It really can be though...simple as learning to count...one number and then another and so on.
It's not over...this race is not the end. In fact, it's just the beginning! Of course we want and expect to be competing better, but as a Team, we just aren't there...yet! But if we keep wanting it, believing in it...little by little at practice and every new race, we will keep getting there! It's the ONLY WAY to get to the SUMmit! No shortcuts, or easy way. We know that you want to overcome the mental "Monsters" that hold you back, that stop you from being at every practice, or even giving your BEST every day, or cause fear on race day (or any day)! But if you really want to conquer them, then you need to work on it every day! How? Good question! How do you get better at anything? PRACTICE...Practice defeating the "Monster!" It truly is a little different for everyone because we all react differently to pressure and anxiety and we never want any of you to feel discouraged about your running!
If we could, we would take all of us and just go on a trip and run somewhere and not worry about racing. We would take away all your worries, your heartache, your anxiety, your aches and pains, your injuries...your "Monsters"...
...but the truth is, we need all those things in order to understand and feel the Great things in life...in Running!I'd still take you on that trip because spending time with people like you means more to me than the possible accolades or the PR's or the trophies or even the races.We love heading up to the hills and just running through the trails and trees and enjoying the scenery and company, or on the roads and witness the changes (the little ones happening every day and even the changes over the years!)...there is nothing quite like just wanting to push myself with the people who love doing the same. I just want to go for a run with those who realize that running is kind of a cool thing (even though others don't understand it...sometimes we don't either! 😉)I just want to be with my friends, family, my peeps...enjoying the trails, the trees, the hills, the mud, the loops, the parks, the air, the seasons, the canyons, the Peaks, the experience of being a RUNNER!
The TRUTH...Little do we know, we actually are already doing this! If you really think about it, the races should be the FUN part of just seeing if there has been an improvement, or a possible breakthrough, maybe a stronger finish, a better start, a new friend even, better understanding (of ANYTHING REALLY!)...while doing all those things listed above!
Our JOY comes from the EXPERIENCES THAT WE HAVE TOGETHER! I want you to know, that I really do love my job...I enjoy being a Teacher and a Coach...but since this covid has hit us, it really has reminded me of what matters most! So continue to go after the PR's, the trophies, the places, and the races (even figuring out the "Monsters!")...BUT NOT AT THE EXPENSE OF MISSING OUT ON WHAT MATTERS MOST! Figure out what your "Monsters" might be...could be your commitment, or your attitude, or your consistency, or your anxiety on race day, or your internal belief, or your love (or non love) for running, or your expectations, or your reason for running, or your lack of understanding the process...there are many little things that can be the reason for our struggles.But the really important part is to know that it is worth it to US to keep working on it, to keep showing up, to expect better and really believe this, through our actions!
We love racing and the chance to leave it on the course, but the real JOY comes from ALL THE LITTLE MOMENTS TOGETHER, facing the "Monster(s)", every single day! THAT IS WHAT MATTERS MOST...THAT IS HOW THE PROCESS WORKS!
We have all become a bit comfortable with our summer routines.Things are about to change for all of us as school reinserts itself as a major portion of our lives.We are ready to adapt...it is part of our mental toughness (which we really saw on the DPC).Here is an adaptation that we must make as a team....
Our circle of contacts is about to increase on a massive scale.To keep each other safe, physical distancing and mask wearing will be very important.You have all kind of hung out together through the summer and thankfully everything has really been so far so good.Starting Tuesday you will all be around 100’s of other people that you haven’t seen for months.So, do what you need to do to keep your team and your coaches as safe as we can make it!This is just another bit of a challenge we all need to conquer together!
Coach “Yobo” Lund
So...it is a good REMINDER to be aware that with school starting, we are going to be around A LOT OF PEOPLE. If we will keep working at staying healthy, wash our hands, avoid hanging out in large groups of people that we don't normally hangout with (you just don't know much about their habits, etc), and realize that it might seem like a sacrifice to be a little more cautious, but it will go a long way...not just for our Team, but to hopefully get to keep our season and just do our part to keep others healthy.
Another REMINDER...if we are looking for things to "go back to normal" then you will miss out in the great things ahead. We live in a World that is and will constantly change! Don't overwhelm yourselves with feeling like you must know all the changes, but let us help you (let parents help you), to understand those things while YOU spend your time focused on going after your dreams! Be excited to go back to school to LEARN. It may not be perfect, but it's better than not "stretching" your mind to become better and challenged with new ideas! Realize that the "new normal" is simply adapting to the changes around us and that it is ok to be careful, but at the same time, keep pushing for the BEST to happen! Don't look back and wish you would have done it better, when you have to chance to do just that, RIGHT NOW!
Another REMINDER...The Habits of a CHAMPION! Let's revisit the ones we have shared with you.
1. Self-Talk: How do you talk to yourselves? What you say to yourself FEEDS your self conscious and then it affects your ability...especially when it gets tough. For example, in a race when the moment gets tough and you're feeling tired, and its hot (or cold), and things are hurting...you might be telling yourself that you are strong, confident, that you can do it, but nothing is changing...why? Because the other 98% of the time (when you are not racing or hurting), you may not be telling yourself and training your brain to really know that you are strong, confident, that you can do it...ALL THE TIME! Also, stop telling yourself that something is Hard! Duh...life is hard! Start calling things that we would say are hard with other words that can change our brain...call it a CHALLENGE! Have the mentality of "So What, Now What?" Things are going to keep changing...so what! And then have the attitude of Now What...find and work on a solution to improve the situation, not bring it down (that includes you and others!).
2. Process Oriented: What are you doing right here and now, in the Present, that is getting you one step closer to your goal? Focus on what is right in front of you! Let the big picture guide your desires and motivation, but take care of today, and let the PROCESS of taking care of today, automatically lead you to tomorrow, and the next day, and so on. If you do all you can today, then when the "day" comes, you will know that you are ready to give it...if you slack off here and there, or only push it now and then, then you will most likely be or feel unsure of "tomorrow."
3. MY WHY: Do you know why you are doing this? Is it a good reason? We can tell you that simply being a part of this Team, this Program, is a good enough reason to keep going, to keep trying, but when you know "WHY" you are doing this, or want to do this, even if it still isn't perfectly clear why you are RUNNING, you can know that every day is worth sacrificing a little for, it's worth maybe NOT doing something for the sake of protecting yourself and/or your teammates, family, etc to keep being a part of this Team. Your "WHY" is the very reason you get out of bed and keep going (even if your "knee" is not working like you want it to but the LOVE you have for others, the sport, REMIND you that it's worth it!).
4. Visualization: Being able to look ahead, be prepared as best as you can, SEEING in your mind the GREAT things you are capable of doing, is more than half the battle! If we can SEE ourselves really doing something, when we actually go to do it...it's not as scary, or it doesn't hold us back as much, or it gives us confidence to take the CHALLENGE of the moment and look forward to it instead of feeling uncertain if you can! Oh...YOU CAN! Visualizing the possible outcomes, is a way of "Bracing yourself" for the unknown...to prepare for all different circumstances before they could even happen. Of course, you can over do this and think about every single outcome and drive yourself nuts about "what if this happens" or "what about this". But visualizing what you WANT to Become and HOW you will do it...ALONG WITH THE WORK, are HOW you SUM up all the parts to give yourself the CHANCE to succeed! Visualizing is how to minimize stress because you are prepared and it strengthens the MIND to be able to react positively to your situations.
5. GRIT: Do we have the courage to keep moving forward...to recognize the "Toughness" within ourselves...to FEEL HOW BAD YOU WANT IT and use that to overcome obstacles? Grit is simply a Toughness and a Passion for what you are doing! In the MOMENT, are we more timid towards a Challenge, or do we accept the Challenge? Do we find ourselves willing to possibly "hurt" a little to know that as soon as we are done with the "moment" (like in a race), that the hurt will be gone...do we have the courage to work through those moments? That is GRIT! And we all can get it...just take a chance on you and each other, and when we cross that "Finish line", you will know!
6. and number six...we haven't shared with you yet. Are you COMMITTED or Interested? Do you give your heart to what you are invested in or just give it here and there...go through the motions? Have you decided to take OWNERSHIP in this journey! Champions choose to be "OWNERS" in the PROCESS! Remember that you control the choices that you make! OWNERSHIP is someone who says "I DECIDE..." to do this or to be a part of that, to hold themselves and each other accountable for what they want to really go after! Don't pretend to want to be a CHAMPION...either you DECIDEto be like, act like, train like, talk like, eat like, hydrate like, THINK like, a CHAMPION or you won't. And YOU ARE ONE!
It's hard to know for sure, what all the work you have been doing...will it pay off...will it make a difference...will it help?
The simple answer is ABSOLUTELY YES! The actual answer is ABSOLUTELY, but when?
In my life and running experiences, the effort I give and all the training I have pursued, didn't always SEEM to line up perfectly; it didn't always FEEL like it matched up with what I was aiming for. BUT I ALWAYS CAME AWAY FROM ALL MY EXPERIENCES BETTER! I tell you this because after our FIRST races this weekend, I feel that overall, many of us are wondering how this season might play out...all those miles, will they pay off, will they get me to my destination? We were very pleased with the efforts you ALL gave this weekend. When we have told you to TRUST the WORK, those are not just words to make you feel better! Every year, with each new group of kids, we pay attention, we keep track, we watch, we see, that our TRAINING always pays off! How we do summer miles, how we build on strength and then speed and working the MIND all through out! You need to remember it's not exactly how you start that's most important (it does help and does affect the outcome), but its how we FINISH that we are aiming for! And the ONLY WAY TO FINISH is by recognizing the STEPS that are needed to get there! So, take advantage of every MOMENT you have to keep getting better. Remember to enjoy the PROCESS...the chance to keep getting better...as an individual, but especially TOGETHER! Every new day is the opportunity to do something better, to improve, to feel the excitement of recognizing that TODAY is the chance to get closer to the "FINISH". We can't explain in exact words how it FEELS to LOVE what you do...it is one of those things that must be lived...tried...experienced...sought after...wanted...hoped for...and if we will just continue to LOVE the pursuit of our dreams, goals, beliefs, and the CHANCE to do something GREAT...
then something GREAT WILL HAPPEN!
I couldn't sleep this morning, so as I sit here on my deck, watching the Sunrise and the sky start to light up...typing away on my computer, hoping to share something that might help you recognize that there is soooooo much to look forward to, to keep moving forward, to STILL BELIEVE IN THE BIG PICTURE, to want to keep going after those beliefs...FEELING the SUNRISE reminds me that in the simplest way...its a new day, and there is soooo much to keep fighting for!
IT IS ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT...IT WILL PAY OFF...IT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE...TOGETHER!
The only way...and I mean the ONLY WAY, to GREATNESS requires a price! The "Gateway" is about that "price"and it is about the time we put in...it can be the attitude we MUST adjust and/or improve...it can be the daily drag of getting up for practice...it can be just getting to practice...it can be the extra miles, the 2 runs a day, the little things of hydrating, eating better, sleeping enough...on and on! Those who are willing to BELIEVE in the "Big Picture"...I say BELIEVE, because sometimes we don't know exactly WHY we keep doing this, other than we FEEL and BELIEVE it is worth it...never let go of that feeling and TRUST that...
LIFE BECOMES WHAT WE ALLOW IT TO BE!
It's a CHOICE on how we react or handle situations in life! Life WILL throw lots of curve balls or massive punches to the gut when you least expect it (or even when you do expect it...like in a race), but the power of our CHOICE to keep going or working through it, will change your life!
With the possible CHALLENGES ahead, there is no better attitude to have than to be EXCITED for the CHANCE to do GREAT things! Worrying about the uncertain things in life will not change them, so we must look to working on the things we can do! Remembering WHY we do this...WHAT we are doing it for...the FEELING of pushing the limits...and being EXCITED to go after it! If we will keep working on seeing the good in ourselves, in this Team, in our goals for the end of the season, and in especially just BECOMING BETTER...then we will recognize that the PROCESS of "climbing" to the TOP of the Mountain "SUM"mit was all worth it, and all we really need!
After all these years of running and coaching, you begin to recognize the many little things that have CHANGED over time. You notice how every year, we seem to be willing to do just a little bit more, or go a little bit farther, or dream a little bigger. I remember when we first went to HARC 17 years ago. Most of our runs are still the same as back then...EXCEPT we run twice as far! Not because we are trying to "punish" you or make you...the STANDARD has just CHANGED! Just 6-8 years ago, a 4.5 mile run after school was a big deal and now that is the STANDARD for our Newbies.
Sometimes we forget where we have been and how far we have come. Have you noticed how your STANDARD has improved? And the real question is "How far can your STANDARD still go?" Do you still have more to give? Are you really giving your BEST or do you think that there might just be a little more in you? If you really take the time to focus on the PROCESS (the day to day things that you do), to know that you are giving ALL that you can at this moment...then you will begin to recognize that
WHEN THE STANDARD CHANGES, THE PERFORMANCE WILL ALSO!
That STANDARD can be more than just doing more miles, or being a varsity runner, or doing 2 runs a day, or showing up for practice...it's about becoming stronger mentally (reading the book "How Bad Do You Want It"), about focusing and enjoying the very MOMENT you are in! Recognizing that TODAY is the most important day because it will take me to the next day, and the next, and the next...BY TAKING CARE OF TODAY!
We hope you realize that your STANDARD has CHANGED! But the important step is to know that the STANDARD needs to CHANGE constantly! Simply Recognize the good that you are doing and keep wanting to improve upon it!
Do you know if you have more to give? Evaluate your STANDARD and see!
This short 3 minute video reminded me about how important the PROCESS is over any other part of our focus! Michael Phelps is the Greatest swimmer of all time! His STANDARD was as high as anyone could make it...but that was not the focus...the workout for that day was the focus! Which eventually led to the confidence to pursue the Dream!
I have shown this video before, but it really seemed to be the perfect time to REMIND each of us to see the PROCESS of where we have come, and where we want to go...and how to get there! CHANGE THE STANDARD!
Saturday, July 25 at 1 PM. (I know I won't have time to write this on Sunday so I'm taking the time now...just sitting here thinking of YOU!)
After 3 days of "SUMMITING" peaks and conquering "fears", I am sitting here at a trail head admiring the massive peaks above me. I have some time to admire the surroundings while the Boyz bag one last 14er (a 14er is a peak that is above 14,000 ft. and we bagged one earlier today but my knee just can’t do more and i promised myself to back off a bit today...right! 😉).
There is nothing quite like being in the mountains or in nature where it’s peaceful and majestic, you just can’t help but feel close to something much bigger than yourself. I don’t want to spend too much time talking about what I went through or how my knee feels or how far I ran, what I want to share are the things that seem to always teach me more about myself and why I love coaching, but especially why I love being a dad and a husband and a runner! I knew on this adventure that the plan was to run some amazing trails in the amazing San Juan mountains, but because of my situation, I thought that I would probably not be able to do a whole lot, one because my body is not 100% but also because I didn’t want to make it worse of course. So I figured on that first day even though the initial loop we had discussed was going to be about 15 miles, I figured I would do about four or 5 miles up the canyon and then turn around and come back down to the truck and let the other “Boyz” keep going to do a little more while I waited. I guess this is where the lessons learned come in, because I would evaluate how I was doing along the way, and I seemed OK, and since a lot of the trail so far was pretty much uphill, its easier on my knee. Then you take into account the amazing views in the mountains in the valleys, it was just so breathtaking you pretty much just could not stop!
Once we got up there about 8 Miles to the top of some peaks (higher than Kings Peak in Utah which is 13,000ft...a 13er), I figured “might as well keep going, I’ve come this far and I’m doing OK so let’s go for it.”
No it wasn’t as easy as it may sound, in fact I was pretty beat up, my knee was in a little bit of pain, my quads were shot, my IT band was screaming at me, my right big toe wanted to pop out of my shoe, and this was just the first day...needless to say I was loving it! After having run 25 miles (yes, we just kept going and looping to see other awesome peaks and views), i was ready to be done! But crazy enough, I love that feeling of knowing that i gave it, of feeling so sore, that I trusted my inner “Wild Man” and pushed my limits! I was with amazing friends, enjoying absolutely crazy and breathtaking views, but many times on my adventures, with my legs screaming at me, with my head mad that i couldn’t run like i want to, even with all these great things, a lot of the time I couldn't help but think about my wife and kids and you guys and how much you all would love being out here also. This is what running has done to me and for me...to love and appreciate so much more than just a fast time or PR or get a certain amount of miles...it's about "MILESTONES!"
So the point I am trying to make, is not about how many miles we actually go or what the destination may be (even though there are some amazing destinations), it’s about getting to the “top” of whatever challenge we are facing...to get to the “SUMmit” of the challenge you are facing and truly love, appreciate, and even be grateful, for the little things in life that matter...each other!
I hope this next week can be about seeing where you have been, how far you have come, and where you are still going! Be grateful for EVERYTHING! Because every chance to “Reach the Peak”, is worth it! Don't "regret" what you could have done...DO IT NOW! Take the Chance on yourself!
Where is Yobo (Coach Lund)??The answer is of course I am still here!I will have to say this summer has not played out in any way that I might have expected.But, it has been a great summer to this point and looks to continue to stay that way!However, a brief explanation is in order...My wife Anne and I are right on the edge of the be more cautious age group.Yes, I am THAT old!Anne also suffers from asthma, so my job, where she is concerned, is to be extra careful!So I have been pretty invisible—which is quite a trick!!
But enough about me.Here is a quick thought for you!A couple nights ago Anne and I decided to find the comet that is currently passing through our amazing solar system.We did a little research on-line to figure out when we should look, but to really figure out where we should look we broke out a printed book that Anne has had since she was your age!When it was dark enough, we stood in the middle of our back yard and while I was trying to figure out where to look my wife says “There it is!Right where its supposed to be!”I said “Where?”Anne said “Right there...”. I looked right there with the binoculars and BOOM, there it was! Remember I am old and I had never seen a comet before.That’s what the BOOM was for!Absolutely amazing!!Our theme as you of course know is SUMmit.Every new triumph along the road is a piece of our individual summit.A little bit of preparation followed by the right effort is THE recipe for success!Without the preparation, we all end up trying to figure out where to look, while someone else is saying, “There it is, right where its supposed to be!”
- Coach Lund
Conquer, or maybe a better word is, Overcome! The important thing is to understand that in the "unknown" (which is what we live in today), THERE MUST BE SOMETHING BIGGER TO WORK TOWARDS, TO FIGHT FOR, TO BELIEVE IN AND BE A PART OF! I don't know if you think about how much time and investment is given to you through this program. Just putting this blog together takes hours of my day to help you FEEL or SEE that life has so much to offer, and we try sharing that with you through RUNNING. Now I don't say this so that you can be amazed at what we do for you...in fact, I don't really think too much about how much time I spend doing this...it's just what I do. It feels natural to me to want to help, to improve, to give my best to those I care about! It doesn't feel like a big sacrifice (even though, yes; there are sacrifices made), but the point is to know that no matter the obstacles, the struggles, the injuries, the ups and downs, the disappointments, the possible cancellations, the changes, the "unknown,"...is TO KEEP LOOKING AHEAD...TO KEEP MOVING FORWARD! One of my most favorite scenes from a movie comes from one of the more recent Rocky movies, where Rocky is talking with his grown up son and reminds him of what's really important in life...
Just because there are uncertainties in life (including in what might happen for the school year, the XC season), doesn't mean we don't keep working for those things that matter to us...that we keep believing in the good around us, in ourselves...that we conquer/overcome the doubt, the fear, the chances that it might not work out or that we might fail, with the mindset of a CHAMPION! Now I know, that we (us coaches), have had a lot more experiences than you, that our perspective is a little different (we've been around the block a few times), but it doesn't mean we don't feel upset, or scared, or frustrated...just like you! But there are a few things that keep us going...no matter what, because there are more powerful things in this World than the negative that we see and feel and KEEP US GOING!.
LOVE...PASSION!
The Love we have for YOU, helps us overcome the feelings of the sacrifice we give, the time invested, and makes it feel like a Blessing to be a part of this instead of "just more time to give." Love what you do!
PERSEVERANCE!
To keep going, when all seems bleak or scary. Recognize that it is worth it!
GRIT!
To have the courage to keep moving forward...to recognize the "Toughness" within you...to FEEL HOW BAD YOU WANT IT and use that to overcome obstacles.
GRATTITUDE!
Are you grateful for what you have? Do you really appreciate the ups and downs? Recognize that with all the "unknown", that we are still blessed!
THE LITTLE THINGS!
Are you "Invested"...are you "Becoming" better than you were yesterday...are you "Enjoying the Process"...are you making the "Moments along with the Memories"...are you truly "Giving your Best"...are you "Transforming" you into the best version of you...are you only focused on yourself and not "Each Other"... are you doing the "Little Things" everyday to see and feel the Greatness in YOU and Others?
IT WOULD PROBABLY BE GOOD TO BE REMINDED OF "WHY" WE ARE DOING THIS! Watch this and be REMINDED!
This is WHY our themes is about the "SUM" of it all...to reach the SUMmit of life, the Best of what's in US and this Team...we gotta keep striving to conquer the "unknown"...the unknown in ourselves, in school, in running, in LIFE! This week, I must also take the chance to conquer/overcome some of my personal struggles. Sure, it's been tough with my knee situation, but I am also learning (still!), how to work around the "unknown" and struggles of disappointment and seeing the good in what I can still do. I am going on a little adventure with da Boyz on Wednesday to Sunday up in 14,000 foot mountains (a mini HARC of sorts). I tell you this, because I need you to be your best while I am gone and help each other! I need to work on overcoming some of my struggles and I hope you can understand that, and still be there for each other for the second half of the week!
The past weeks chapters in How Bad Do You Want It, focused on Bracing yourself (the story of Jenny Barringer Simpson and preparing properly for tough things), and the next chapter on Time is on your side (the story of Greg Lemond and his "WILL" to overcome his obstacles and give just a little bit more than he thought)! Whether you have read these chapters yet or not, reread them or look back on them. See YOURSELF in the situations you will face, and HOW you can and will improve through the process of this summer and season to come. It ties in beautifully with the Traits of a Champion (there are 6 of them)
Trait #5 of a Champion: Visualization
Visualizing the possible outcomes, is a way of "Bracing yourself" for the unknown...to prepare for all different circumstances before they could even happen. Of course, you can over do this and think about every single outcome and drive yourself nuts about "what if this happens" or "what about this". But visualizing what you WANT to Become and HOW you will do it...ALONG WITH THE WORK, are HOW you SUM up all the parts to give yourself the CHANCE to succeed! Visualizing is how to minimize stress because you are prepared and it strengthens the MIND to be able to react positively to your situations. Remember, these are all the most common Traits they have found in ALL Champions! Keep working on these little by little! Let's tie in the Books chapters and this trait by watching the video clips of Jenny's races and Greg Lemond's time trial race! YOU SHOULD READ THE STORIES FIRST BEFORE WATCHING THE VIDOES.
Life is not about "Barriers" but about looking at it with UNLIMITED OPPORTUNITY!
Then just 1.5 years later...
The ultimate idea of giving all you have, and then even more...
Like the above picture shows...when the unexpected happens, we gotta learn to adjust, stay upbeat, and definitely...KEEP GOING.
There are just so many CHANGES that are happening in our World today, that it is obviously difficult to really know how to "respond" to Challenges, or how to "react" to the news, or how to move forward with certain things. What we can tell you though is that there are 2 things that matter to us the most with this running "thing."
1. This program will get you where you want to be (IF you Give).
2. That you are all safe and happy!
Reason #1: I just finished watching a USATF episode of the Bowerman TC team trying to break 5K records. With races and competition cancelled (for everyone), it would seem really hard to keep working for something that feels "out of reach." So the Bowerman TC has been putting on some intrasquad races to help them keep working for their dreams. You can go on youtube and watch some the these races, but it was really cool to see the women's American record get broken (by 2 women), and then 1 of the guys broke his Canadian record (by 14 seconds and be the 10th fastest ever in the World)! But what really stood out to me (and this is why I am writing about this), was watching them after the race, and in their interviews. Multiple people on the team helped pace and run with them, and at the end, I could just see their excitement that they had for each other...they know each other and how hard they are working for their goals (even though they seem uncertain right now). They were genuinely happy and excited for what they did. And then in the interviews, all they could talk about was their Teammates and how they help each other keep going and pushing each other. It just made me feel honored, blessed, and happy to be coaching YOU! This program, this Team, this crazy thing called Running...it really is such a wonderful thing! On Friday, as I watched you (and that was hard to just watch), I couldn't help but feel proud of all of you! It was not easy to "extend" yourselves and feel vulnerable, to the extent that you had never felt so exhausted (at least not like that in a long time). But yet you still kept going, you wanted to TEST the body, but the real TEST was the Mind and Heart! Your bodies will bounce back (even mine will sometime also!), but the next time you feel TESTED or CHALLENGED, you will know that you can keep going...you will know that it is really worth it, even if the "reason" may feel unknown. We may not all be best of friends, or even understand each other perfectly, BUT WE ARE PURSUING THE SAME GOALS, DREAMS, AND THE ONLY WAY TO GET THER IS TOGETHER! See the good in each other, help each other, get excited for each other (and it doesn't matter what level someone is at...LET THEM KNOW YOU NOTICE THEM!). With all the unknown with covid and life as we know it now, the things that matter most are very simple...EACH OTHER! (even if you have to do it alone...we are still in it TOGETHER!). The time spent doing what we love (or at least trusting that the Process will teach and show us), "how" and "what" we do TOGETHER, makes a difference! Friday was amazing to be a part of that and CHALLENGE ourselves to be more! Don't worry, there won't be a Challenge like that (at least mileage wise), until next year!
Reason #2: Speaking of covid...how things use to be will never be the same! We need to just understand that and be ok with the CHANGES that are happening and be GRATEFUL for what we get to do. We mention this because even though we had some GREAT news from UHSAA that we will be having FALL SPORTS (as long as we stay in the yellow or better), there will be significant changes (for now). We must be able and willing to ADJUST to CHANGES and learn to be ok with it (better mental attitude and not get down about unforeseen obstacles, when they come). For example...we just got word from my brother in Colorado (who we just went to visit), that some close friends of their's, just tested positive for covid, and they had been with them just days before we came to visit. They are getting tested, and so now my family and I are unsure of what that exactly means for us. That's the hard thing about this disease...we just don't know. But I will tell you this...I DO NOT regret going to Colorado to visit family! I know that we have been diligent in being safe, and taking precautions (and my brother and his family has also), but there is just no perfect way to 100% contain the virus. But that doesn't mean, we don't do our part to be safe and be safe for others. Reason #2 is one of the things that matters a lot to us...ALL OF YOU BEING SAFE and HAPPY! We would never want to put any of YOU in harms way and so we must be on the safe side when it comes to the unknown of this virus. To keep you all "safer", my family and I will not be at practice's this week. I know...it's stupid all this back and forth of "is it a big deal" or "we need to live our lives"...this is how our World is right now and WE NEED TO BE OK WITH IT (and be ok with other people's feelings)! "Roll with the punches", as they say...and let it help us to become better!
Trust me...I know how frustrating this whole thing has been. I question everyday if we are doing the right things for all of you, with practices and HARC and Challenge runs and so forth. Especially HARC right now. We are being told, no overnighters and no camps (and it's hard to balance the possible risk and my job with the things that really mean a lot to us). But then I think of you guys (each one of YOU, my own kids, seniors...), and how much you have been working so hard to get your miles, and to get to HARC, and go on trips, and be at practice, etc...I can't help but feel like the most important thing to do is make the things that matter most to us happen (as best and as safe as we possibly can...like we did for our Colorado trip), and realize that doing our BEST is the key.
We will be moving forward with HARC because there is just no substitute for that wonderful experience, but there will be some CHANGES that must happen and will happen to allow the risk to be ok. So even though there are constant CHANGES that are happening (like being careful this week for practice and to keep YOU ALL SAFE from the Allen's 😂), we need to be ok with it...we need to be there for each other...we need to do better at practicing our distancing from each other (distancing shouldn't be too hard for us...distancing is what we do...literally! Get it..."distance" running? haha!). We need to know that when the fall comes and school starts, there will be CHANGES... masks WILL BE worn at all races (the only time the mask is off is when you are racing. This is a new rule from UHSAA...if you want to compete). To be on a bus...you must wear a mask. These are all a few of the CHANGES that are happening and instead of getting upset or bent out of shape over it, just be our BEST...let's do our part and be a positive influence so that we can keep doing the things that we LOVE...TOGETHER! YOU are what matters most to us in this wonderful Running thing that we do!
Practices will be normal and the schedule will say what to do (I will still probably be there at the beginning of most practices...keeping my distance with a mask, to help get you going and because I want to see you!). But the truth is, you should be able and want to do the right things, whether we are there or not! Night runs...you can still meet in my backyard, but please do not meet on my deck or front yard...meet on the new basketball court(or on your own), so that you all have a meeting place and keep the wonderful routine of our night runs. We know we all love our routines, but once again...we must be able to adapt and adjust with CHANGE!
We hope you can understand all of this. We know that we have thrown a lot at you with this. We would rather spend our time sharing more motivational stories and thoughts with you (we didn't even get to talk about the book or Traits of a Champion, this week...next week we will pick it up again!), but we all needed to have this chat and know that no matter what comes our way...WE NEED EACH OTHER (in one way or another)!
Just know that a lot of what we do is because of YOU! Not because we have to, or it's our job...we WANT to! Watching those races of the Bowerman Team were really cool...records being broken, pushing the limits...everything that we are trying to do also...but what really stood out was how they talked about EACH OTHER...how they cared and were excited about EACH OTHER'S accomplishments. TOGETHER is what made the difference! This reminds me of a new song from SIA. The chorus goes:
Come now, set the past on fire Stand up, raise your face to the sky, my love Together, we can take it higher Ooh, together, we can take it higher Come now, set the past on fire Stand up, raise your face to the sky, my love Together, we can take it higher Ooh, together, we can take it higher
Just to remind all of you! HARC considerations will be happening very soon (checking your miles this week to see if you are up to date and have the miles). In talking with our Seniors a couple of weeks ago and with our current situation with the virus...In order to make HARC happen, extra steps must be involved to ensure safety and ability to go. Here is your kind reminder of what is even necessary to go
You must be on Track for 500 miles for the summer (on the blog miles, you should have a total of at least 216 miles by Sunday...6 weeks X 36 miles a week = 216...TO BE CONSIDERED...NOT GUARANTEED A SPOT).
Not having your miles updated on the blog automatically takes you out of the running to go...it does not matter what level of runner you are or if you actually have the miles...as Coaches, we can't see the miles because they aren't on the BLOG!!!!!! Don't assume that you get to go unless we see this first step done!
Exceptions to the miles we should already know about (due to injuries and so forth).
MOM and DAD must be aware of you possibly going so if you get the invitation, you will already know that they are ok with it.
TRANSPORTATION will be different this year. Due to the circumstances, we CANNOT transport you to and from the HOME BASE (I can't even call it a camp so that we avoid any possible obstacles). We have a few parents who are coming up and are staying with us to drive to the runs and help transport. We will need an ok from parents that they are ok with those parents and myself, taking you to the runs. But you must line up Transportation to get there and back.
HARC will be Aug 3-6.
Not everyone on the Team is able to go to HARC (we have other full TEAM activities), but ever since we started this amazing camp, EARNING it and doing the little things to get there, make it one of the most amazing things we do. Ability is something we definitely consider, but is not what necessarily holds one back from being able to go...the miles, the effort, the dedication, etc. HARC is about rewarding, NOT punishing those who aren't quite ready for the experience! That aspect really matters to US because EVERYONE on this TEAM matters to US!
Hope that helps clear up any uncertainties about HARC. I guess we will find out who really pays attention and reads the BLOG to know this important information. IF YOU REALLY CARE ABOUT EACH OTHER, I SUPPOSE MAKE SURE YOUR TEAMMATES KNOW ABOUT THIS AND MAKE SURE THEY READ IT! And then DO IT!
Now, for this weeks thoughts!
How Bad Do You Want It: A race is like a FIRE WALK! This chapter sets the tone for everything else we will gain from this book! I love the stories, the scientific insight (which allows us to know HOW it can be done for ourselves!), the simple change of HOW WE SEE THINGS (Perception of Effort!), that allow us to become our Best! We challenge you to go back and read the last 2 pages (starting with the first paragraph on page 35 to 37). I could "SUM" it up with one sentence on page 37..."if you accept as fact that the only limitations you ever encounter in your sport ARE MENTAL, then you will become a better FIRE WALKER!"
For this next week: Focus on how to BRACE YOURSELF! The guided questions will help you get the most out of it. The story about Jenny Barringer-Simpson, is one of the Greatest lessons that WE ALL NEED TO LEARN! Most of our kids who have learned this lesson and recognize the importance of Bracing yourself, really are able to take things to the next level. Of course, youtube has the video of Jenny's races that they share in the book (her senior year championship race, and the 1500m World championships). Look them up AFTER YOU READ THE CHAPTER!
Trait #4 of a Champion: Know your WHY!
Remember, these 6 Traits that we are sharing, have been found in most ELITE athletes (the common things about all of them). These are Traits that we can improve also...but the only way to do that is to really figure out HOW you can do them better. This TRAIT of "Knowing your WHY" is one of the most important traits that we have. And what's beautiful about it is that ALL OF US CAN REALLY DO THIS ONE! We must understand WHY we are doing it...WHY we want to go after it...WHY we get up in the mornings...WHY we do the little things...WHY we care!
Instead of rewriting all of this, We already said it perfectly in a previous Post! So here is what you need to do. On the right side of the Blog...go to the BLOG ARCHIVE. Under 2020, go to June and click on "The Dangling Carrot". This you must read again and better understand your WHY! Watch the videos again also!
You are doing such amazing things! Our greatest Moments as Coaches, are watching so many of you CHALLENGE yourselves and actually start to see the improvements...to FEEL the CHANGE happening. Not every day (or even every week), always turn out perfect...we sometimes feel the "Human" sides of our lives and it can be difficult to keep going or we feel discouraged. We can tell you that it will pass (as long as you keep going!). The beauty of all of this lies in the consistency, in the fighting for the big picture, in the Trusting, in the passion and love for this Team, for Running, for your Dreams! Now go and read that POST on the "The Dangling Carrot." 😁
We would love to be spending time just talking about the introduction of the book...about "Perception of Effort" and about the traits of a Champion, but we feel we need to take some time to help you see and understand something that maybe you don't realize. So we hope you read all of this and take it to Heart!
We have been doing summer miles for 5 weeks now. There has never been a substitute plan or shortcut way to be Great in this sport. Summer miles and putting in the time and sacrifice sometimes can feel daunting and tiring and can leave you feeling unsure if it really is worth it all.
The TRUTH is that there is NO substitute or short cut or other way to GIVE YOURSELF THE CHANCE TO BE GREAT...TO BE YOUR BEST!
As I have looked over the miles so far, there are some of you who are really extending yourself, really challenging the mind and body. We have noticed that in the last week or so, more of you are starting to pick up the miles...starting to show up to practice more consistently...we see more of you really trying to put in the miles and the time (whether you are new, a veteran, or have been injured). So after 5 weeks of "getting our feet wet" and slowly moving up the miles, we feel it is important to share a secret with you! If you really want to be a Varsity type runner (that doesn't mean you have to be or will be a varsity runner, but are striving for that...acting like that...thinking like that), Then summer mileage goals should be going for 700 miles for the summer. There is just no substitute for this goal. There is a definite and very strong difference between those that go after 700 miles (or more), than those that get 500 to 650. People who get 500 miles to 650 miles, have really good seasons and find themselves being competitive and strong, but they find out that they only had a "Good" season (which is good, by the way). But if you want more...the ones that go after 700, have a "Great" season! Now, none of this is a guarantee (nothing in Life is!), but like we said earlier...it's all about GIVING YOURSELF THE CHANCE TO BE GREAT!The reason for sharing this, is not only is this program about being your BEST for the season, but going after things like HARC. Looking over your miles, many of you are just barely getting it...some of you don't even have the required miles to go (and it's not because of injury...or at least we don't know about it). HARC considerations are going to have to happen earlier (due to our "situation" with covid...we must have ALL precautions in place and there are extra steps that we must ensure the safety of everyone, so don't assume you have time!). Another little secret...You will not get invited to HARC if you don't have the miles (exceptions are those who have talked to us about injuries or situations)! We can see those who's abilities are borderline to go, but are putting in the miles and really extending themselves in their running...they have a better chance than someone who is naturally talented but isn't putting in the miles (or maybe just need to put the miles in on the blog...either one is a REQUIREMENT!). Life is not going to take it easy on you, and neither is getting to HARC. We are not about punishing anyone...that is not what we are about! We are about rewarding those who have EARNED it! It's a PROCESS, which is why not everyone gets to go...but everyone has a chance to make it EVERY SINGLE YEAR! Prove yourself!
With that said, we are not saying to you must get 700 miles for the summer (or 500 or 600 or whatever you are going for)...but our thoughts are that starting from right now, this week, start doing the weekly miles (using the wave format) as if you were going for those goals! In the end, it may not equal 700 miles (or the total you are shooting for), but it will be close, and it will CHANGE your mindset, your ability, your confidence, and your chances for Greatness (prove yourself for HARC). Please don't take this that you are not doing enough! We are here to Challenge you, to help you see what it really takes to take this crazy thing called running and use it to better yourself in SOOOOOO MANY WAYS! If you feel and know that you are already doing the Best that you can, AWESOME...keep going! If you feel and know that you can make a change, that you can do better, that you have been tentative or uncertain in your ability...TAKE A CHANCE ON YOURSELF!We are! That's why we spend so much time with you every summer, every week, every day! We know deep inside that it is worth it...every single one of YOU! Not all of us will be Varsity runners, or possibly make the "Canyon Club" times, etc...but the point is about LIVING (and running), like a Champion...giving your Best, no matter the possible outcomes! The Greatest Moments over the years has been witnessing those who went beyond what they thought possible in themselves! To overcome the obstacles (self doubt, uncertainty, the worlds view of what is great), and worked on the little things that hold us all back a little! Those are the things that really stand out about YOU...And that is the TRUTH!
Now for some additional motivation!
There are a few things that I love about the Introduction to the book, "How Bad Do You Want it" (if you haven't received your book, either you need to get your miles on the blog and strava up to date and/or ask me to get yours! It's FREE to all those who have earned it by keeping your miles up to date on strava and on the weekly miles on the blog!). I love the experience he had as little kid, to recognizing his own struggles and weaknesses as a teenager (being out kicked in the race simply because he felt he didn't want it as much...it carried over to later things in his life!), to understanding the reasons (personally and scientifically), why he felt that way as a kid and even as an adult. The key statement in this (and through all of the book), is PERCEPTION OF EFFORT! Our minds and bodies have this "feeling" that we "think or feel" we are giving our best or that the effort we are giving is the MAX we have available. But in reality, it is just our minds telling our bodies (kind of like a protective mechanism), that this is far enough or fast enough, and we really have the ability to do more. It definitely is a process to learn how to recognize this and work through this, but the wonderful thing about this book, is that it is going to help us see how to do that! If you haven't read the introduction yet...GO DO IT! The next chapters only get better! This next week, we need to start reading Chapter 1...A Fire Walk! I love this first chapter as it will help you start to see the barriers that hold us all back (not just in running, but in everything!). The story about Sammy is really cool to see that there is a balance between being mentally tough (the Trait for today...read below!), and being a good person/runner! At the very bottom, I will put the race from Sammy's story that is in the book, that is on youtube. DON'T WATCH THE VIDEO UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THE STORY FIRST IN THE BOOK. It's very exciting!
Trait #3 of a Champion: GRIT
The Toughness that is required to just get through life, is something that we must work on every single day! We don't just "arrive" one day and have the GRIT that it takes to overcome anything and everything! But working on this trait is something that really needs to be done DAILY! The book we are reading really focuses on this trait, GRIT (it may not say it directly, but you will see the underlying theme of GRIT and Toughness in the book constantly). Maybe this is why we felt it was important to talk about what we did at the beginning of the post. We hope you take this all to HEART...that it helps you recognize little by little, all the pieces that eventually (yes, eventually!), come together and create "the Masterpiece" who is YOU!
The Grittiest people have the ability to recognize WHY they want to "FINISH" and the Process doesn't stop them (no matter how scary it seems or long or hard it may be). This is a great TRAIT to work on every single day! Ask yourself every day "what you will do to be just a little Tougher today...to have a little more GRIT!" I will tell you this...I would take a Grittier person over a more Talented person, EVERY SINGLE TIME! GRIT can be learned, can be improved, can be worked on...please take the steps to try and better yourself in every way...being a part of this Team is part of that Process!
Cool 2 minute video to help you FEEL the desire to reach inside yourself just a little bit more!
Here is the video on Sammy Wanjiru. Don't watch it until you have read the story in
