The Standard

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!