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." 😁
