WHY...

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."  😁