The CHALLENGE!

Yobo here!  What an interesting first week to summer miles.  I see that many of you are digging in and getting back to the fun business of running.  Some of your weeks may have gone like this though!  There I was yesterday on my way to a nice run up on the Runner Coaster—before picking up a truck full of gravel for yet another addition to the backyard—and my trusty truck stops running, out on SR 36!  It stopped running so I did no running, just many hours of truck tinkering which spilled over into Saturday— another day of neither of us running!  (The good news is the truck is now at the mechanic and I won’t be tinkering on Monday which will allow time for running!!)

So here’s the deep meaning behind the story...Having a plan is a great idea!  Occasionally, life intervenes and our plans must change.  That doesn’t mean we made a bad plan.  In many instances, like this one, we do everything we can to overcome the setback, and then put the plan back in motion!  In this case that motion will be me running again!!  That is what we do...all of us.  If this week wasn’t great, make next week better!!

YOBO



"The Challenge" is not always a physical one!  Sometimes the "Challenge" can be simply an obstacle that stands in our way that is trying to hold us back or deter us from seeing the "Big Picture" of what we are trying to do!  During this time (from spring to now and who knows how far into the months to come), we are obviously dealing with some "up's and down's!"  SO WHAT!  Now, easier said than done...it might be easy to say "SO WHAT", to still get out there and do your miles with uncertainty if there will be a season or not.  It might be easy to say "SO WHAT" even though some of this running might need to be on your own more!  It might be easy to say "SO WHAT" even though you might have to work around transportation issues, or get to runs on your own, or feel uncertain about your goals!  We to have experienced these "obstacles" changing the direction of where we wanted to go!  I was just informed this week that the Boston Marathon has been officially cancelled for 2020.  It got postponed in April to September, but now it is not happening (for the FIRST time in 124 YEARS!!!!).  So all that work and time and effort are for nothing?  NO WAY!  Of course I would rather be looking forward to racing, but the "CHALLENGE" is to see who is willing to do what it takes...to stick with the things they Love, to Believe in the reasons for doing it (whether they happen or not).  So, during this time...realize that the "Challenge" is more than just getting in your miles...it's about perseverance, trust, togetherness, being selfless, enjoying the moment...and yes, still getting your miles though!  😉

WE are here for you! We truly care about YOU and this TEAM!  To reach the "SUMmit" of this summer (and years to come!), we need to do this TOGETHER!  Be Passionate about your running and goals for this summer.  Be Tough and Strong to stick with it, especially when it gets tough out there...GRIT!  Be Invested!  Be willing to give your Best to be the Best!

Thought it would be good to post the video again for this week!  Can't see it enough to remember what we are doing this for...why persevere through the "CHALLENGES" of Life!

Coachie

The SUM of Everything!

Things you NEED TO DO and MUST KNOW for this Summer!

Please read from Top to Bottom.  We know that there is a lot of information, but these are changing times and if we still want to be able to be our BEST and make this a Great summer, then we NEED to understand and be strong through these CHANGES.

1. The State of Utah and our School District require certain restrictions for the summer.  Here is the list of them.  Below are the rules:

• Superintendent has asked all activities and sports to stay in moratorium until June 1st.
• We must keep a student monitoring log of all students at each activity.  All quesitons on the form must be answered when entering the practice.         Anyone answering "Yes" or above "100.3" temp can not attend the activity.
• All activities need to be done with a 6 feet distance between each individual.
• Masks need to be worn whenever possible, especially during indoor activities.
• No more than 50 individuals are to gather in any outdoor space. However, the 6 feet rule still needs to be accomplished in the space you are using.
• If equipment is used, the equipment must be sanitized between each students' use.
• Students are not to share towels, water bottles, or clothing of any kind.
• All students must wear shoes and socks at all times. No exceptions.
• Locker rooms are not to be used. Students need to come dressed for the activity.
• There will be NO away from school camps.
• There will be NO competitions.
• School camps at SHS can be held as long as the above guidelines are followed.
• Weight room can be used. It is a good idea to use a 2 spotter technique (one person on each end of the bar) so the spotters can maintain their distance.

There are some obvious precautions that all of you have been already practicing (6 ft distancing). There are some "uncertain" and "cloudy" restrictions that we will look into more and get clarifications (like camps), but honestly, it is your job to simply Trust what is asked of US and YOU! Everyone (and their Parents), may see this differently than you personally do! PLEASE DO NOT make anyone feel less or dumb for their thoughts or reasons for doing or not doing a workout.  We need to be respectful of how others feel about what has and is happening in our World. So here are some simple guidelines from us Coaches.

• If you are sick, ill, or not feeling very good (it is obviously different than feeling just tired), DO NOT COME TO ANY PRACTICE OR WORKOUT!  You are probably just fine, but it is so much easier to not have to worry about it, it keeps everyone safe!  Do your workout on your own at home!  Communicate with us about what is going on, so we know, but STAY HOME!
• If you are “High risk” or you are close to someone who is “High risk” then you probably should not be at practices.  The safety of people who are High Risk is really what we must deal with and help right now.  The majority of us should be fine with meeting and doing our routine, but we must be aware of those who are at “High risk” and know that the “fight” right now is to help them!

2.  We know that this virus has made some difficult hurdles for us to deal with. And even though it might seem dumb or ridiculous to have to deal with some of them, we have no choice but to do our BEST to overcome them. This SUMMER WILL TRULY SHOW (Test US!), WHO IS WITH US OR NOT! BY THE WAY YOU HANDLE THE OBSTACLES AND YOUR ATTITUDE WITH DEALING WITH THESE CHALLENGES!  The cool thing, is that the type of workouts and mileage goals we have, do not change because of this...but how much we can meet, or where we can meet, how to transport people around, will be different and something that YOU ARE REALLY GOING TO HAVE TO WORK AROUND AND FIGURE OUT! As a school employee, we are not allowed to transport kids to different activities (like taking you to the Canyon Run in Settlement Canyon).  Hopefully, things will change throughout the summer (and of course, it will be up to your parents and you about how comfortable you feel with traveling with others...so MAKE SURE YOU TALK WITH PARENTS ABOUT CARPOOLING OR HAVING A WAY TO TRANSPORT YOURSELF TO AND FROM SOME OF OUR WORKOUTS IF NEEDED).  No workout is required for you to be present, but most of you know that there is NO SUBSTITUTE FOR TRAINING WITH YOUR TEAM AND FRIENDS!  So work on planning ahead and knowing what you will do (or can do), when it comes to transportation.

3.  CHECK THE BLOG WEEKLY (if not DAILY), for workouts and information about what we are doing.  The "links" on the blog, give great info about how we do certain days, and why...also how to use the "WAVE PATTERN" for running summer miles.

• MWF Runs: these are designated Team Runs. Most Mondays we will meet at the LDS Church by the Benson Grist Mill (you must bring your own water bottle. The Church WILL NOT BE OPEN for us to use the bathroom or get water).   Wednesdays will usually be a Hill workout (with some possible Tempo pushes as the summer goes on...the focus is a strong foundation!).    And Fridays will be our Key Workout doing the Canyon Run at Settlement Canyon.  Some Wednesdays and Fridays might switch just to change it up a little.
• Night Runs:  We have been mtg on the golf course behind my house this last summer (thank you lovely neighbors). We meet at 8:30pm behind my house for an easy, simple, and relaxing evening run on the golf course. PARKING: Park at the tennis courts by my house and then walk down, or you can park on the road by the maintenance building which is just a simple 200 meter walk across the golf course to my house (you can see my house from the road).  Please don't park by my house as I don't need to make any other neighbors feel crowded or uneasy (most of my neighbors, and people in general, are AMAZED at what you do! But we still need to be understanding and considerate of others around us...not everyone gets it!).
• Summer Miles Log:  YOU MUST PUT YOUR MILES ON THE BLOG, WEEKLY (link is located on the top of the "Links" section)!  To be considered for our Running Camp and just to show your dedication to this Team, please put your miles on every Saturday evening or Sunday.  All workouts MUST BE ON STRAVA!  You need to be showing your workouts on Strava and be on our StansburyXC group/Team on Strava (if you are not, check the "links" on the blog for how to use Strava and get signed up...it's free! and you don't have to have a GPS watch...manually put in your run).  If you have any questions about these 2 items, please contact us!!!!!!
• Tuesdays and Thursdays:    Typically, Tuesday are Strength days (we do a strength workout on the Track).  We have also had Tuesdays be a "Girls" choice run afterwards and Thursdays are "Boys" choice runs (with a foot strength workout...will be on the blog soon).  We will still do that for those who will be at the school for practice.  I mentioned last week that I am doing a small change for these 2 days in the summer. During this quarantine time, my family and I have enjoyed doing runs in the foothills around the valley on these days...AND WE WANT TO KEEP DOING THEM!  So, we are going to keep doing that. I will let you know (through the remind/Team texts...if you aren't signed up for them, then check the blog "FYI" section and get signed up), where we will meet (like at Bates Canyon gate, or Churchwood gate, etc). I will put a pin drop on a map and send it on the text so you can know where exactly to go. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO COME TO THESE! We would love anyone to join if you can make it there (plan ahead and talk with each other...get your name on the email/phone list on the blog...or parent, about rides).  Please know that Parents are definitely welcome to come to any of our runs! Don't make them feel bad about driving you or wanting to run with us! These will be a great, fun change to our summer running and we hope that you will be able to join us for these.  If not, meet at the HS or do a run on your own.
• HARC:   This is our running camp and the epitome of what we are about in this amazing program!  It is not easy to get there, and not required to have to go to be on our Team, but anyone and everyone who has shown they are committed and capable, gets to go (details on the "link" section of the blog)!  With the restrictions we have, we may have to make some adjustments about how this might happen or work, but we will figure it out (some type of HARC WILL HAPPEN!).  YOU just keep running and training like you want to get there, if that is your goal.
• To get your Team Book "How Bad Do You Want It" will be something you EARN!  To receive your book, you need to run consistently and update Strava daily, FOR 2 WEEKS!  So the earliest you can get the book is 2 weeks from Memorial day (actually, June 5th on Friday: because I will be out of town on the 6th and a few days after).  Once you have accomplished 2 weeks straight of running on Strava (we need to SEE your dedication), and update your weekly miles on the blog, then you can stop by Coach Allen's house and get your book (or at a night run).  We will have guided questions and thougths (on the blog), to help you get the most out of this amazing book! YOU will absolutely love it! We will also spend some time on future blog posts talking about certain points in the book...something to look forward to!

We know that there is a lot of info we have given you! We aren't able to meet together to discuss each of these things with you in person, so we needed to type it up for all of you. Plus, it will be nice for you to look back on this POST and reread any guidelines for this summer.

Now, a few words from your Coaches!  Then the New Theme!

Hey! Yobo here (that's Coach Lund in case you have forgotten me..haha:).  This is a most exciting blog-post!  Normally, Coach Allen speaks for both of us--and very well I might add.  We are pretty much always on the same page. We definitely are on this post, but I wanted to share just a short thought with you as we get ready to begin again...new theme, new year, new way of thinking and even doing for a time. In my reasonably long life, I have never encountered so many obstacles at once that impact us all in so many different ways.  So why is that a reason to be excited?  I am glad you asked!

Again, in my reasonable long life, I have NEVER accomplished anything worth achieving without overcoming at least on obstacle. So, the opportunity to achieve more greatness, more success, more meaning in everything we do is at an all time high!  We can barely turn around or change courses a little right now, without running into something that can challenge us and make us grow and become better as individuals, families and as a team!  There is a legacy of overcoming on this XC team!  We all have a strong foundation to wrk from, veteran runners and newbies alike. We hope you catch the vision of this year's theme and hold steady on teh trail this TEAM has blazed before us all.  Bring on the obstacles!

- YOBO (Coach Lund)

As we thought about what our TEAM needed this year, this summer, this very moment, it was very fitting that this thought and idea is our Theme!  Every year, we try to “FEEL” what YOU might need to be the BEST YOU!  Much like Coach Lund said, the obstacles that we have faced and will still face, are either going to make us “normal” or help make us stronger!  What is required of YOU to be Great, hasn’t changed!  No matter the obstacle or challenge that we face, we must pursue something bigger than ourselves!  It requires us to combine ALL THAT WE HAVE LEARNED and keep moving forward with it!  To bring everything that we have been through, will go through, and create something special within ourselves and especially with our Team!  There is no secret “easy” way or bypass some kind of training...it requires THE SUM of everything that we have done in the past, and keep adding it to the future!  Sometimes “adding” means taking a step back, only to take 2 steps forward later (it depends on how you look at it and talk about it!)  It requires that every day, every workout, every moment, every year, every attitude...all ADDS up to REACHING SOMETHING MUCH BIGGER AND BETTER THAN OURSELVES!  That is ultimately the Best way to overcome any obstacle...see the good, help each other, and you ADD it all up...SUM up the total, and the RESULT is quite AMAZING!

- Coachie

Enjoy the Video

The Video is made with footage that I put together. The very beginning has just words, no music, so don't fret for the first 30 seconds. The first half is running footage with one of my favorite inspirational speeches, along with it. The second half is even more great running footage with our message to you and the theme revealed!

LIVE it!

Who know's exactly how this summer will play out!  Our mindset is "Greatness does not go looking for YOU...YOU must go find it!"  So no matter what the situation may be or how different our "routine" may get at times, we still believe and will act that what we are striving to achieve...what our program HAS ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT...WILL NOT CHANGE!   We will still Believe and go after the possibility of winning a State Championship.  We need to "act" like a Champion, "run" like a Champion, "talk" like a Champion, "LIVE LIKE A CHAMPION!"  We should never stop Dreaming of the Great things in our lives!  Dreaming is a big step in Becoming who we are...to REACH THE TOP, THE SUMMIT OF THE MOUNTAIN!  But it really hit me that instead of just Dreaming of what we want...

LET'S LIVE IT!  

Go make it happen, put in the time and effort, the dedication, the positive attitude, the looking out for each other (I mean really care about others...being Selfless!), and really

LIVE IT!

 So, we will do our best to explain a few things that will help prepare you for the right "MINDSET" for what's possibly coming ahead.

1. As for a "Normal routine", we have already explained to you that "Normal" is not who we are!  Sure, we will do our best to have a Championship mentality and routine...the workouts will be set up to get ALL OF YOU ready for your BEST season yet!  But of course, with the corona virus, we will still need to be careful and prepared to HOLD OURSELVES ACCOUNTABLE TO DO THE WORKOUTS, OR DO THEM ON OUR OWN (or in small groups that YOU communicate and make).  There are lots of different "Feelings" about the the virus and what is has done to us and how serious should be worry about it...putting all that aside...I HAVE NEVER BEEN THE TYPE OF PERSON TO LEAVE ANYTHING TO CHANCE!  If there is a chance that any of us could get sick (I don't care what the disease is), I try to do everything I can to stay healthy!  
We don't leave giving ourselves a CHANCE to WIN State by simply just thinking about it, or kind of putting in the Miles, or maybe helping each other do the WORK!  We get out there and put in the Time, the Effort, the Sacrifice!  Why would it be any different in handling this virus!  So even though, it looks as if we should be able to have a "type of practice" after Memorial day...YOU NEED TO KNOW THAT THE "NORMAL" type of meeting will need to slightly change and will look different.  Don't complain about it, don't assume that doing your part is less...as crazy or difficult as it has been (and could be), what has been good about what has happened to us so far is that IT HAS TRULY SHOWN WHO IS READY TO RISE TO THE OCCASION!  WHO DOESN'T LET A CHALLENGE GET IN THE WAY!  So, no matter what has happened, START and decide what you want!  We will keep this simple...EITHER YOU ARE WITH US, or you are not (meaning you are willing to do your part...BECAUSE YOU WANT TO...no matter the situation!).  So who cares what we think should be the "normal routine", read the blog (and ALL FUTURE BLOGS), to know what YOU can do to be your BEST and make this quite honestly, ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE SUMMERS EVER!

2. Summer miles officially starts NEXT MONDAY...Memorial Day!  This is usually the week that is off (especially for those who competed at State Track), but we obviously haven't had any real intense workouts or races, so we have already had the so-called "down time" for Track.  The truth is, for a lot of you, Summer Miles has already begun (without officially counting the miles).  No matter what has been your situation, THE BEAUTIFUL THING ABOUT SUMMER MILES IS THAT IT IS LIKE A "STARTING OVER" BUTTON!  It's a chance to reset and begin fresh...to keep going with a new drive and goal to go after!  The first week of Summer Miles will still be on your own.  Meaning, there will not be official practices (We still don't know exactly what the guidelines are yet for handling the new "Yellow" phase for the virus), but we are certain that we will be able to have practices, we just need to be smart and keep a smart distance from each other...IF YOU ARE SICK OR UNDER THE WEATHER IN ANY WAY...STAY HOME (remember, we are not leaving any of this to Chance!).  Night runs can begin, and will start from my deck (parking and details will be coming next week).  Just get excited that ALL THAT HAS GONE ON...the "reset button" of Summer Miles will hopefully give you the chance to "reset" yourself and decide that YOU ARE WITH US, or not!

3.  Like I said before, there will most likely be some small changes to how practices go.  The blog will tell you where or when or at least the type of workout we will have for the day, for the week.  YOU NEED TO BE BETTER AT READING THE BLOG SO THAT YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO!  We may need to sometimes just tell you what the workout is, and then it will be up to you to meet with others or go on your own, so that there isn't a mass gathering of kids at one time.  You will still be able to count on Team practices on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (with one of those days being a key workout..."Challenge run" for the week...mostly the Canyon Run!).  Tuesday and Thursday will be about Strength workouts and getting out to run!  Truthfully, my kids and I have enjoyed me taking them up to the foothills multiple times a week during this quarantine time...we do not want to stop that!  So even though in the past, Tuesday and Thursday have been girls choice and boys choice (which will still happen), there will also be a Coachie choice, which means that I will let you know where I will be (in the foothills somewhere), and ALL ARE WELCOME TO JOIN IF YOU ARE ABLE!  I won't be driving anyone up to these runs (we will even have to see about being able to drive you guys to the Canyon runs...YOU MAY HAVE TO FIND YOUR OWN WAY FOR NOW!), but you can meet us there...more info to come!  Even though this might be tough to work around driving or having smaller groups in different areas, what matters is that we are willing to do these things to BELIEVE in the bigger picture!  Remember, EITHER YOU ARE WITH US, or you are not (that doesn't mean you have to "physically" be there to BE WITH US!). 

4.  One thing that must improve, is your communication with us Coaches!  There is no excuse to not be able to talk to us, send us a message, a text, or an email...we can even have a zoom meeting so that we can talk face to face (I really would love to have more one on one type chats with you and that can happen at any time online!).  But it is up to you!  We might try to set up Coach Chats, but honestly, YOU SHOULD BE THE ONE TO SET THOSE UP BY ASKING US FOR ONE!  If you want more, then YOU SHOULD  ask for more...not the other way around and US doing that!

5.  We decided to do something a little different this summer for EVERYONE!  Usually, those who put in the time, the miles, the effort and have shown their ability to run at HARC, have received a BOOK for the camp.  Well, we decided that we want to give this years book to EVERYONE!  How you can get the book is that you will SHOW US through your dedication and doing your part on Strava, by putting in your miles on everyday on Strava (making sure that you are on our StansburyXC group so that we can see everyone on the leaderboard), for 2 weeks straight (the earliest you can start is on Memorial day).  When you have done this for 2 weeks straight, YOU CAN PICK UP YOUR BOOK FROM COACHIE'S HOUSE for free (of course, you should keep doing the miles after the 2 weeks)!  The book is one of our FAVORITES!  We first used it when our recent graduates were Freshman in HS.  Many of you may have heard us talking about it or the stories in it, but it is one of the BEST Endurance/Motivational books around!  It will give you an "Edge" and Strength that YOU definitely want and need!  There will be guided questions or statements to help you get the most out of the book and some of our Blog Posts will be about assigned topics from parts of the book!  So we are excited to be able to give EVERYONE, and give this book out earlier than "normal" so that YOU ALL can get a head start, get excited and really benefit more from this Summer!  The book is:

"How Bad Do You Want It!

Even our recent Grads can earn it (if you weren't at HARC as a freshman) by committing to the summer (staying in shape, helping out others...especially us Coaches), and doing the requirements to Earn it!  

If any of you are not on Strava (especially the StansburyXC group...see the blog links for how to join Strava and steps to get on the Team/Group), your 2 weeks don't start until we see that happening!  Communicate with us if you have any concerns or if a day or 2 has some issues...JUST COMMUNICATE and we will always be able to work things out!  We just really want to help ALL OF YOU and we are excited to do this little change for this Summer!  We hope you are excited also!

6.  HARC!  Yes, the plan is that this will still happen!  It is still a few months away and who knows what everything will look like, but we will continue to LIVE and RUN like it is happening!  It is a very special place and will continue to be treated as such, so every "step and run" counts, every moment is earned, and you must be able to prove your desire and dedication to be there!  More to come...the dates are August 3-6.

7.  The New XC Theme for 2020!  We will reveal the Theme Sometime this week!  We will not tell you exactly which day...just one day this next week, we will send a Team/Remind text (WHICH YOU NEED TO BE GETTING...talk to others if they are not getting them! Instructions are located on the FYI section of the blog).  The TEXT will let you know to check out the blog and the Theme will be REVEALED!  We believe that it is exactly what we need right now!  It is what we have evolved as a Team to Become and will help us remember why we do this...what we are doing it for...and to decide to either BE WITH US, or not!  😉

8.  To really see who has read all of this.  We want you to go to the links on the side and click on 2020 TEAM Summer Mileage Log and add your NAME to the list!  We want to see who is ready to BE WITH US, or not!  This includes any Grads who are serious about still running with us!  This, along with Strava will be what we use help us to give out books also.  So go add your name!  😀

Also, ADD your Name, Email, and Cell phone number to the Team Email/Cell phone list.  This really helps us to contact you if needed and other runners to get a hold of you to join on runs!  You don't have to do this, but it would be really helpful!  I only deleted Grads off the list, so double check to see if you are on the list first.  Grads, can re-add your name if you would like to so we can still all be in contact.

PLEASE DO NOT ALTER THE SPREADSHEET or Phone list once you added your stuff!  You have the ability to edit the page so that you can add mileage to the chart, but it also allows you to change anything.  PLEASE DON'T!  Us Coaches might move some names around (like we might move the Grads who sign up to a grad section), but we will inform you if we do that!  Just add your name and mileage (miles when we start doing the miles).  THANKS!



YOU matter to US...or we wouldn't put in this time to help EACH OF YOU!  To make and do these things (like the blog, summer miles, workouts, HARC, Canyon runs, Night runs...all of it!).  Just know that YOU ARE WORTH IT!