The Reason...The Target!

 The Reason...the Target may not always seem clear!   I don't want to share my woe's with you...because it's not about me.  I share my thoughts only so that you can see, that we feel just like you do and that we are trying to help you understand and know that we are with you every step of the way.  

I can't seem to understand why my knee just won't heal...why can't I just go for a simple run and enjoy the way it makes me feel inside...to be with you guys on the pavement, or on the trails...why?  And I was reminded just today, that it's not always about "why" something is happening or not happening...my focus needs to be WHAT am I doing with what I have!  WHAT is my reason?...WHAT is my Target?  Even though I miss doing what I love, I will keep fighting, I will keep smiling, I will keep believing, I will keep doing my best with what I have!  Because when it is all said and done...when I look back (which is often at my age now! 😉), I simply want to know (or be known) that I GAVE!  I don't have to be the fastest, I don't have to be the smartest, I don't have to have all the answers, I don't have to even fully understand the  "why"...I just need to know that it's worth it!  And in my HEART...it is worth it!  You are all worth it!  Please know that as we keep working for something bigger...as we aim for goals/dreams that may seem way out there...WHAT we do and HOW we do it, is what we will remember!

August 8-14  Summer Miles

Week 11

Lots of announcements: READ THEM ALL!

RACE WEEK! We finally get to do some racing!  Remember, we will still prepare you to race really well for this weekend, BUT WE ARE STILL TRAINING THROUGH (getting your miles in), because we are still working for the Big Picture...the end of the season!

YOU MUST FINISH GETTING ON registermyathlete.com AND GETTING A PHYSICAL DONE IN ORDER TO COMPETE.  If you don’t do this, then you WILL NOT be able to race yet.  As long as you have the online stuff done and I have the physical in my hand (or turned into the school), then you are good to go!  Please take care of this...I don’t need additional things to worry or figure out before Saturday.

Race Schedule:  Boys Varsity: 8am.   Girls Varsity: 8:45am.   Boys JV: 9:30am.   Girls JV: 10:15am.   The bus will leave at 6:15am...we need to set up the course when we get there.

I haven’t had a chance to talk to everyone who might be running the varsity races, so I don’t have the list finalized (plus, I can’t remember who can’t make the race...read all announcements below!!!!), so please be patient.  But most of the list is based off the Canyon runs right now (for the most part).  Thanks for understanding!

A reminder to all of you...I will not be here MONDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING (Family reunion).  PLEASE, follow the schedule for the week and HELP each other!  Be there for each other...Want the Best for each other!  For the night runs, REMEMBER TO BE RESPECTFUL (of the community and of my HOME!).  

Something we want you to do this week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday).  We want you to run an easy and simple mile on those days in the middle of the afternoon.  We need to start feeling the HEAT of the day, so that it’s not a huge shock to the body when we race and train at that time!  We won’t over do it this week, but if you don’t work on this, it will be a big deal to you when you start racing...it will help!

We hope you are excited for this season.  We have done some GREAT work over the summer and now we get a chance to start going after some big dreams!  Remember that I won’t be here Monday - Wednesday.  Please help each other...get out there and keep doing the running!  Don’t let up or let “LIFE” slow you down or get you down!  You are doing GREAT things! 

I know that a few of you will not be able to run at the race on next Saturday...but I can’t remember EVERYONE who told me.  Will you please send me a text with your name, so I can make sure I sign up the right people for the race.  TEXT ME THIS WEEKEND PLEASE!!!!!  8019104080.

The air quality should be better by Monday to Tuesday.  If you feel unsure, then make sure you take care of yourself and find a way to keep up your running indoors (treadmill or something).  

Keep HYDRATING very well as it will be a hot one this week!  Get to bed at a good time EVERY NIGHT this week (to start good training for the season)! The races on Saturday will be in the morning when it is cooler, but still need you to be prepared for it to be hot when you run.

Pasta Party on Friday night at the BEAZER’s!  We will have signups for you to bring something.  Everyone is invited, but invitation is based on bringing something (an item per household).  I will have signups at Thursday morning practice.  It will be around 5:30pm.

Monday: AM: Meet @ the LDS Church (by the Grist mill at 7:30am).  3 routes this morning.

1.Cell tower loop (backwards)   6

2. Elbow turn (out and back)   4.7

3. Railroad crossing  3.5

PM: Night run @ Coachie’s 8:30.

Tuesday: AM Girls Choice (3-6 miles) come early if you want to get extra miles  before. Strength workout AFTER the run!  ONLY DO HALF OF THE STRENGTH, FULL CORE. 

PM: Night run @ Coachie’s 8:30

Wednesday: AM: Meet at the HS 7:30.  Here is a list of what we want you to do 

(Remember, I won’t be here)

1. Run Stansbury Elementary school loop easy.

2. Run 1 mile on the Track at 5K pace (if you are not sure what that pace is...run it like you have 3 miles to push that pace)  Be SMART!  Start with others that are about your ability (to help each other).  

3. Run Rabbit lane and back cool down.  (Newbies don’t run Rabbit lane)

4. 5 X 50m pickups on the grass

5. Elevate, core, and stretch.

PM: Night run @ Coachie’s 8:30

Thursday: AM: Boys choice (3-6 miles) at HS. We will do the Foot Strength workout first, together at the Track.

PM: Night run @ Coachie’s 8:30

Friday: AM: Everyone meet at the HS at 7:30am.  

PM: Pasta Party @ 5:30pm at the Beazer’s.

Night run (optional for everyone). 8:30.  Just a 2 mile run (to loosen up for Saturday’s race)

Saturday: RACE DAY!  Finally!

Be at the school at 6:15am (slight change from the schedule on the blog). 

We moved the races up so it’s cooler temps.

2 more weeks before school starts!!!!  Take advantage of this time!

Why Stick with it!?

I am not sure why the blog would NOT let me edit the announcements, so I had to delete the section and the ANNOUNCEMENTS AND SCHEDULE ARE DOWN BELOW THE POST!!!!!!!

I will keep this short and sweet for this week (getting ready for HARC can be a wonderful handful, if you know what I mean).  Before I go on, it is important FOR ALL OF YOU TO KNOW that whether you are going to HARC this time or not, it does not diminish what you have done so far, or what you are still aiming for this year!  Hopefully, as time goes on, you will see how much more capable you are than you thought and make it a goal to get to HARC next time (both those who have gone and those who haven't).

Quick thought for the week:  Please know that we truly understand "most" things that you are going through or dealing with, in your running.  It's not that we have all the answers or been through it all, but we really care about how YOU handle your ups and downs in running and your life (we believe they can be very connected to help you become better and stronger).  We understand that not every day is going to go as planned, and that you must be able to adjust, but what usually happens is that when things get tough or feel "off" from what we think it should be, we back off more than we should and then we get upset that we did, and then we shut down and sometimes it takes days to bounce back.  It definitely is a process to continually work on.  First thing is we need to be ok with "off days."  Learn to deal with them and then go get it the next day or next time (it could even be off in a race and the first mile is off and we can turn it around by sticking with it and next thing you know, the 2nd mile is better).  I share this because last Friday after the canyon run, I went to my cycling class to get my workout and miles in.  I know what kind of miles I can get because I have been doing it for some time.  After the warmup and then about 10 minutes of really pushing it with the routine, I felt exhausted! I did not have my normal pep or desire to push through the workout.  It felt like the resistance number that I normally use was just soooo much harder than ever before.  I remember thinking after those 10 minutes that I just hoped to survive and that I might get 16 miles and I would be happy with that (16 is the lowest I have gotten when doing a 60 minute workout).  I mean, I still had 50 or so minutes to go and so part of me was not looking forward to this.  But as the next song started and we worked into the routine, I remember telling myself that I try to remind you guys to KEEP STICKING WITH IT...that a lot of the time, if we stick with it, things can turn around and we will be surprised at what can happen.  So I kept trying to push through the "offness" of the workout.  I definitely couldn't get my resistance up to where I normally am and the speed was lower than normal (at least according to the display), but I just took it one song at a time.  I took a little longer rest in between songs but then got right back up into the routine and worked hard at it...I had a purpose to keep getting better!  As the workout was coming to an end and we were on the last song, I looked down and saw that my mileage was at 18.5 miles!  I couldn't believe that I had surpassed 16 miles based on how I felt.  We still had 1 minute left on the song and I immediately told myself that I was going to to get 19 miles before the song was done.   So I just cranked up the resistance and gave everything I had!  I thought I was going to collapse as I watched the miles go to .6 to .7 to .8 and then there was 10 seconds left, and the bike said .9!  As the song ended, it still said 18.9 miles, but I kept going...and 7 seconds later, I passed 19 miles.  That was the best cool down I have ever done! (I could barely sit in my seat!)  😜   To put this in perspective a little...the best  I have ever done is 20 miles in a workout (that's about 1 mile every 3 minutes).  I couldn't believe that by STICKING WITH IT as best as I could, I still was very close to my best...even though everything felt off!  Don't ever underestimate yourself or count yourself out.  

Most of the time, we do this to ourselves before we even start!!!!  Work on that...be a little more confident and strong before you even start the day or run.  

Take it one day at a time!  One run at a time!  Once race at a time!  One hill at a time!  One step at a time!  Stick with it!  You might just surprise yourself!  I guess this post wasn't as "Short and Sweet" as I thought it would be!  You guys just matter that much!  😁

August 1 - 7  Summer Miles

Week 10

This week is on your own!  We will still meet on Monday morning at the LDS Church.  We will then also meet again on Friday morning at 7:30am at the HS for a run.  We will then get to go to the Beazers for Breakfast, so EVERYONE come join us.  We will have some simple assignments to bring stuff (like juice, plates, cups, etc. so plan on it if you can!)

We have 2 weeks until our First race August 14th!   Let it be an exciting MOMENT and just enjoy your running!  I can’t believe it’s already here, but I am also pumped to finally get going!

Always a good reminder to keep HYDRATING WELL!

If you haven’t yet taken care of registering and IF YOU WANT TO RACE ON August 14th, THEN YOU MUST Get on registermyathlete.com and start registering for the 2021-2022 school year!  ALL of you must have it done before you can compete in any race.  EVERYONE MUST GET A PHYSICAL DONE! Turn it into me or the Athletic Director when you get it done!  If you have your physical done by that Saturday, you are good!  

The 2021 XC schedule is up and located on the FYI section down below.  Check it out!

MONDAY, AUGUST 16TH,  will be a Parent/Athlete mtg at the school cafeteria.  I wasn’t going to have one again this year (just do it like last year and let parents/students check the slide presentation).  And it is definitely ok to just check the PRESENTATION.  It is not required to come, but some PARENTS may want to come and have a chance to meet us Coaches so we are having the meeting.   (PLEASE TELL YOUR PARENTS! But don't worry if you or your parents aren't able to attend).  It will not take long...just giving out info, signups for Pasta Parties, and signup for UNIFORMS (if you need to order one...plus it can be done on the PRESENTATION SLIDES).   Come check it out @ 6pm IN THE CAFETERIA!

And Last item: We also only have 3 full weeks left before school starts.  Once school starts, our mileage begins to go down a little, so your summer mileage goals need to be at your best these next 2-3 weeks, because YOU CANNOT INCREASE YOUR MILEAGE ONCE SCHOOL STARTS (very counterproductive to what we are trying to do!) 

We will start running a mile or 2, at the most, in a couple of weeks IN THE AFTERNOON, to help adjust to running after school in warmer temps.

Monday: AM: Meet @ the LDS Church (by the Grist mill at 7:30am).  Cow Country routes today!  

1. Cow Country Adventure  6.33

2. Foothill Elbow turn   4.7

3. Railroad tracks Crossing  3.5

PM: ON YOUR OWN

Tuesday through Thursday:  ON YOUR OWN

Friday: AM: Meet @ 7:30 am at the High School.  Easy run! (3-6 miles)

Breakfast at the BEAZER’s after (EVERYONE is invited...but you need to come to the run!)

PM: You can meet up if you would like for an easy night run. Run VIVO!

Saturday: CAP RUN @ HS at 7am:  BBC loop

Next Week: Just to give you a heads up.  My Family and I will be out of town on Monday through Wednesday morning (a little camping getaway after HARC).  Details about workouts and expectations coming next week, but you all know the expectations...just be your BEST!

Feel the JOY!

 

  

As we look back over the summer, we will probably notice some very good things and also recognize some things we could have done better.  It's just natural to have those things happen.  Most of the time, we tend to only see the "Not so good" things and get caught up in "what we didn't do" or feel less because of an injury or back off our intensity because we had "life" get in the way of our goals (there will always be obstacles/distractions...almost every day!).   Even though we might get a little behind on our path or get suckered punch by an injury or life, ARE YOU NOTICING THE THINGS YOU HAVE OVERCOME?  Are you amazed by the dedication you have given to make things better than before?  Are you working on "RADIATING" Joy and excitement for the GOOD THINGS you have done?  I am pretty confident that most of us could do a little better at Radiating Joy!

As we continue to improve and work through the daily grind of running, keep working on the little things that will help get you over the obstacles!  We obviously have unfinished business/work to do!  I know that many of you "talk" about big things, and are really trying to go after those big things...but those big things really require some important sacrifices that have been kind of "hit and miss" throughout the summer (as a Team).  But instead of worrying about what we missed...WE STILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO KEEP WORKING ON THEM!  We still can reset the mind and body to keep working towards the Dream (especially if you feel that you are still missing something...from time, from injuries, from obstacles, from distractions, from anything at all!).    

When we talk about being Confident, usually it comes from within and radiates from us!  Some just have that ability, but most of us feel less or not enough and honestly, it is understandable.  But the real question is not whether we are confident as much as others, BUT ARE WE WORKING ON IT?   Confidence can also be worked on from the Outside in!   When we try to act more confident by simple, little acts that we can do, it can help convince the rest of the body (especially the mind), that you really can do it!  Standing as tall as you can before a run...reminding yourself the good mantra's or thoughts you have about running before you head out on a run...thoughts of "Bring it on" instead of doubts because you are tired.   OUR THOUGHTS FOLLOW OUR POSTURE!  If you really FEEL THE JOY that comes from working through the hard stuff, you are definitely one step closer to Good Things.  If you are struggling with the JOY at times...just keep working on it!  There is nothing wrong with you...just like the rest of us, we all need to keep working on it!  Stand a little taller...Smile a little more...Be a Pirate (if you read the book pages 90-99, you will understand that a little better!).  

It doesn't matter how close we are to the season, or how much time is left, or how many obstacles there seems to be...START TODAY TO KEEP DOING THE LITTLE THINGS JUST A LITTLE BETTER!  

RADIATE JOY MORE OFTEN...especially while Running!

The REWARD!

 

  

As we look forward to the upcoming season...it is easy to forget the real purpose of this all!  As a Team, we have some big goals...CHAMPIONSHIP TYPE GOALS!  But in the end, it comes down to something very simple for me (and it should for you also)!  

THE REWARD IS GOING FOR SOMETHING YOU DIDN'T THINK YOU COULD DO...BEING ABLE TO LOOK BACK OR WALK AWAY FROM IT ALL AND KNOW THAT YOU GAVE YOUR BEST!

I know that most of us are trying to "Dream Big" and aim high for Championship type aspirations.  But I have seen time and time again, what it really takes to be at that level, and as a Team, we are not quite there yet.  Many individuals have sacrificed here and there to achieve some pretty tough goals and I have HEARD MANY OF YOU TALK ABOUT THESE THINGS, but we have NOT come together to do it collectively.  Meaning, we seem to miss out on some workouts here and there...we accidentally get overwhelmed by the Distractions of the World (could be work, could be sleep, could be anything honestly!).   Either we truly believe, TOGETHER in our Goals and then ACT LIKE IT, or it's all talk, and that is not what this program is about!  

I love being my BEST...I love winning...I love pushing you guys to bigger things than you thought possible...I love taking the chance to Dream Big...

BUT IT IS UP TO YOU (Individually and especially as a TEAM!).  

I can say that our Team will be competitive and very good, based off our summer so far.  But to be a Championship Team will require a little more sacrifice, re-dedication, Belief that it can be done (BIF WIT), and CONTINUE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!  

I will never stop being amazed by all of you!  You have amazing stories from where you started and where you are now (and where you want to go)!  But you need to know that the STORY GOES ON!  Ask yourself if you really are doing the little things (last weeks blog), and keep working on it!  That is the beauty of this all...One "Finish Line" is only the next "Starting Line!"

I saw this video and felt it was exactly how I felt and what we all needed to hear (it's a new one)!  Take the time to watch the 4 minute video and enjoy!  Then go write your goal on the weekly goal link!

Little Things lead to BIG Things!

 

It's not easy!  We can probably say that about anything and everything we try to do.  It's not easy being a runner, a teenager, a student, an employee, a sibling...and on and on.  The point being is that sometimes it can be and absolutely feels overwhelming with all the things ("distractions"), of life coming over us.  Balancing it all can feel impossible sometimes...getting in all your miles to get to HARC or make your goals...running faster on the canyon run...believing that you are capable of so much more (even though the "results" don't always show it).  We bring this up because LIFE is not going to stop for us...it is not going to feel sorry for you or back off!  So why should we (as runners, teenagers, students, kids, etc) do the same?   

Instead of feeling overwhelmed with the burdens of our goals or expectations, we plead with you (again and always), to KEEP IT SIMPLE!  Work on just simple, little things that will get you through TODAY, or just this week!  You already know what you are ultimately working towards (Championships, mile goals, faster, make a difference, HARC)...SO WHAT ARE YOU DOING TODAY; THIS WEEK, TO MOVE IN THAT DIRECTION?   What are your "Little Goals" for this week that will help you look forward to something?  Do you have something to work on throughout the week that will help you?   Do you really believe that it's worth the effort to go after that PR (in the canyon run or weekly miles, or SHOWING IT MATTERS TO YOU TO GET TO HARC)?  You must understand that not every day will be ideal, which is honestly a beautiful thing (yep...tough days matter!).  Because the beauty behind it is that you get to look forward to the next day and focus on the "Little Things" that you are aiming for, for this week!  

The book talks about this (starting on page 68).  Read (or re-read) starting on pg. 68 and find something little this week that you will work on EVERYDAY!    

AND THE REAL CHALLENGE IS NOT TO BE SCARED TO SHARE IT!  

I guess we will find out who really reads the blog...I have added a LINK above the Team mileage chart.  It is titled "My little goal for the week".  Please share (overcome that fear of possibly failing or holding yourself accountable or going for a little higher than before), and put your goal for the week!   We are not here to make you (never have we made you do anything)...we just want you to realize WHAT WE SEE IN ALL OF YOU!  (doesn't matter if you are a current Team member or Grad...SHARE IT)   These are steps to help each of us (individually and as a Team), keep working on the things that will really matter in the end!  So when we look back on our EXPERIENCES, we can remember and know that we really did something amazing!  You will also see the things you overcame.  At least try it...what is the worst thing that could happen by sharing your goal with each other...you might actually get it and have fun in the process!  Pick something for YOU!

Remember...BIF WIT is about 

Believing, Belonging, Bonding, Balance, Becoming

Improve, Imagine, Include, Inspire

Faith, Forte (strong), Fearless, Fight, Family

Work It Together, Want It Together, Worth It Together!

The LIST could go on and on...and so will WE!

I BELONG!

 

There are multiple thoughts that have gone through my head this week as I have reflected on some of my past and current experiences!

It is our EXPERIENCES that truly allow us to BECOME who we are!   Some experiences seem hard...others appear unfair...more just feel "typical" and ordinary daily things...and others are unforgettable (for good and tough reasons)...but ALL OF THEM are a part of us.  Now...HOW we choose to handle any type of EXPERIENCE is on us!  WHAT we get from our EXPERIENCES is dependent upon the type of character we truly are...whether it's a great moment or a tough and confusing moment or simply a typical, mundane moment...WHO WE ARE WILL ALLOW US to either absorb the difficulties and keep moving forward (even though we don't understand why, quite yet), and also to realize that no matter what is going on, or what we are doing, that we really do BELONG!

What I love about Running, is not all about running!  In fact, most things that I love about Running has to do with the "Moments" I learn to work through or deal with, on a daily basis!  I am human and still struggle with things, but in the end, I recognize that I am tough enough to deal with anything that might come my way (whether it be during a tough run/race or whatever life might throw my way)!

The 4th of July weekend is great for many reasons...one of the things I love about it is being with my Family!  My parents are leaving on Monday to serve a mission and so all the siblings and grandkids where in town for the weekend.  We celebrated the 4th in typical fashion with some of us running races (which was a little hard for me since it was the first time I couldn't really participate like I would like to...physically, but still was one of those previous "moments" that has changed me!), and having our traditional breakfast at the park, and later having a barbecue and games, and then some fun fireworks together (mostly watching the little ones literally have a "sparkle" and be amazed at the lights in the sky)!  Being together allowed some great times to remember all the "little things" that have changed us forever!  Things that almost seemed forgotten or weren't a big deal in the moment or even ones that you never wanted to remember, but still have allowed us to BECOME the Best version of ourselves.   And as we spent time together talking about stuff (ok, mostly laughing at each other about all the crazy stuff that has happened...and is still happening), you just realize that YOU BELONG to something that means more than any pain, discomfort, heartache, disappointment, frustration, that could ever occur in life, because they all combine to make you into something BETTER!

This Team also allows us to have and feel similar "Moments" about what really matters most!  In the book we are reading, on page 56, the quote really reminded me of why we do the "daily mundane things" and the early mornings, and the typical night runs and the Canyon runs, the pushes, the core and stretching...they sometimes seem like NOT A BIG DEAL.  But the truth is, they all add up to the many EXPERIENCES that make us who we are!   So ask yourself, are you doing (or at least recognizing), the little things to BELONG?  We want you to know that you absolutely BELONG, but how much you belong and how much you get out of this EXPERIENCE, is truly up to you!

YOU ARE GOLDEN!

 

In the book, Kara talks about 8 confidence techniques that have helped her throughout her career.  I loved how she said that there wasn't a single "Magic Bullet" technique, that changed everything, but all 8 at different times (and using them often...daily) have changed the outcomes of her races BECAUSE IT CHANGED HER PERSPECTIVE AND TRAINING (which affect the outcomes!).  

The first technique is POSITIVE SELF TALK!  Nothing that any of you haven't heard of before.  It seems so simple and easy enough to do, but then...why aren't we doing it?  Or maybe we are doing it wrong, or not enough.  Let's find out some little "GOLDEN" nuggets that Kara shares with us (pages 44-55).  Read or re-read those pages to be inspired on some things that will help you!

Here are just a couple of things that have affected me!  

1. Focus on things you can control!  Tell yourself things that help you in a positive way...THAT YOU CAN DO IN THE MOMENT!  How many times have we talked ourselves out of something because we felt or thought inadequate?  We didn't run as far as we could have, or we didn't try to hit the times because it seemed impossible, or we didn't believe we belonged!  These and many more are simply thoughts and feelings that tend to "control" us, but we have the power to change that!  I love the story that she shares about her 2012 marathon trials race and her experience.  Go read it on pg. 48.   

2. What we say to ourselves has an incredible impact!  In Kara's words..."The happiest, most successful athletes are PURPOSEFUL WITH THEIR INNER DIALOGUE."   This means they use positive self talk to CHANGE things that work for them instead of bringing them down (trust us, there are plenty of things that will just naturally bring you down).   She gives 3 strategies to improve your "inner voice."  

3.  Last one was simply a quote that her Sport Psychologist said to her.  "THERE ARE A MILLION THINGS TELLING YOU THAT YOU CAN'T KEEP GOING, BUT IF YOU FIND THE THINGS THAT SAY YOU CAN, YOU'RE GOLDEN!"   

Find the things that keep you going!  It's not easy, and there are definitely plenty of days or moments that slip away from us because we feel like we don't belong, or are injured, or not the fastest on the team, or accidentally slept in, or are newer...honestly, all are just negative excuses!  Of course those things happen and it's ok if they do, BUT WHAT MATTERS IS WHAT YOU DO AFTER THAT HAPPENS!  CHANGE WHAT YOU SAY AND WHAT YOU SAY TO YOURSELF!  AND YOU ARE GOLDEN!

We missed those of you who weren't able to make it to the Stansbury Island run on Saturday.  But I had the chance to try out a new toy I got (a drone), and took some fun video of you guys running.  I decided to make a quick little video of it.  I wasn't able to get everyone that came (I biked around the island and came up the back side, so I missed some of you who turned back a little earlier)...I am sorry I couldn't get everyone, but hopefully you will remember the great things you accomplished and those who weren't able to come, hopefully you will be inspired to keep going after it and ALL OF US WANTING MORE!  

BIF WIT!

"YOU BET THERE IS ME!"

 

If you haven't had a chance to get the book (or earn the book...start putting your workouts on strava), then please talk to me...I want to give you one!  This book (like all the books we like to give you), have some really amazing insight and help, to get us over the "humps", the obstacles, the challenges of running and life!  This book called STRONG from 2 time Olympian Kara Goucher, is a very simple read but full of little positive reminders that YOU ARE STRONG ENOUGH AND THAT YOU BELONG (that you are BIF WIT!).  

The title of the post today comes from the PREFACE of the book.  Kara was trying to make her 3rd Olympics and as she pondered the night before the start of the race, she had thoughts go through her head like any of us have..."Look at all of them, they have beaten you before"..."they've been on the podium.  And then there's you."  She sat down on her bed and pulled out her "CONFIDENCE JOURNAL."  As she looked at it (she didn't even look inside to see what she wrote), she just smiled and and told herself..."YOU BET THERE IS ME!"  It wasn't a fairytale ending for her...she ended up taking 4th (1 spot out of the olympics), and even though it hurt to be so close, yet so far away, she wrote in her confidence journal, "I didn't make the cut. But I made darn sure the top 3 earned it!"  

IT'S WORTH TAKING THE MOMENT (WIT: Worth It Together!)!   We might think or feel that we simply aren't good enough or that we don't BELONG, or that it's a long shot...and truthfully, maybe it is a long shot, but I would much rather look back on all of this and KNOW THAT I TOOK A CHANCE ON MYSELF...ON MY TEAM!   YOU BETTER BELIEVE THAT THERE IS YOU!!!!!!!   So go do something about it!   Don't leave it up to chance...take the MOMENT and work at it ONE DAY AT A TIME!  You have already begun the process...take that leap of FAITH and take the next step...because it is in YOU!

BALANCE...Dream Big or at least Dream

 

 

You may have heard the saying..."Go Big or Go Home."  I want to "go big"...I want to go after something bigger and better than myself, but I feel the better way to say this would be to 

"Go Big or at least be Going."

Life tends to make us feel like we are not good enough or strong enough, or fast enough, or even special enough.  WE ARE HERE TO TELL YOU THAT YOU ARE!

When we start a new journey or aim for a goal, we obviously want to be REALISTIC about what we are shooting for...we need to know it's worth going after.  We also need to lean more towards the side of "Dreaming" versus "that's not possible".   "That's not possible" will only tell us that we aren't good enough or that it seems so far-fetched, what's the point in shooting for that.  "Dreaming Big" might lead us to have a false sense of reality and be more about "talk" and not really the ACTION.  SO WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT IT?  

Just like the title says...BALANCE!  What we can tell you is that it is worth taking the chance to Dream Big...but with the reality of putting forth the work, doing what it takes, taking a chance on yourself and each other, putting in the time, recognizing what the sacrifices are (and if they are worth it to you to do)...it just simply requires that you BALANCE all the GREAT things that you want to go after with good choices, and recognize that Dreaming Big with your goals WILL ONLY LEAD TO GREATNESS!  If we are only Dreaming just a little, it leads to being comfortable and even possibly being mediocre.   This very thought stood out to me while reading our book (the book you can receive most likely this week if you get on strava and put in your workouts, and make sure your miles are on the blog), and while thinking about HARC.  At HARC, our final run is called "the Impossible Run."  The run was started about 6-7 years ago.  It was a challenge to go beyond what we thought we were capable of...after already doing a tough week of running and then throw at you guys, a run that required more than you thought you could do!  Every single time, EVERYONE exceeded what seemed Impossible!  Why would we want to look at anything else that matters to us, any differently in life?  Either it's Possible or it's not...and if it matters to you, the question doesn't have to be "how is it possible" but rather, 

                                      "WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE!"

There is nothing wrong with "Dreaming Big" and BALANCING that with reality...what we want to avoid is not believing we are capable of tough things...goals that seem "impossible"...telling ourselves we aren't good enough.   YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH!  YOU ARE WORTH IT!  YOU ARE CAPABLE!  YOU ARE STRONG ENOUGH!  YOU BELONG!  Just work a little more at Dreaming the POSSIBLE!  And if you don't feel quite "enough" yet...at least keep Dreaming!

BHF WIT!

This video was about soccer, but the song was a good reminder of getting out of the comfort zone (your so called "lane"), and realizing there is more!

BHF WIT

 

I wasn’t going to share anything this week (since it’s the first week and most of you already heard at our meeting, what we are doing this week), but we also know how well “Everyone” remembers everything, so we will share a few reminders.

BHF = Believe, Brave, Bold, Belong, Hope, Heart, Hungry, Happy, Faith, Fortius, Family, Fun!

WIT = Work It Together, Want It Together, Worth It Together

All of those things will allow EACH OF US to BECOME better, to do things that we didn’t think were possible!  We will spend more time each week on each of these to help us explore how to BHF WIT!

Reminders for the Week:

1. Be smart about your miles this week!  More experienced kiddos can handle decent miles, and our Newbies, need to take it easy and build up slowly...DON’T OVER DO IT, ALL OF YOU!   

2. The Temperature is not going to allow us to “EASE” into the summer!  By Thursday, we will be at 95 degrees!  So you probably know what we are going to tell you already...HYDRATE and HYDRATE, some more!  Don’t put off your running to later in the day...do it in the morning...get in good habits now to get up at a good time and go to bed at a good time.

3.  Since this week is on your own, you can still meet up!  You can ask me to send a message to the group if you would like, or use the Team email/phone list to contact others.  Night runs...people have asked if they can meet at my house this week, and that is fine (8:40pm on my basketball court).  Please do not park your cars at my house...use the tennis court parking area or the maintenance building road across the golf course from my back yard.  BE COURTEOUS AND KIND TO MY NEIGHBORS by behaving and being respectful.  My neighbors do love you guys...so let’s keep it that way!

4.  GET EXCITED ABOUT WHAT’S AHEAD!  Be realistic but never underestimate the ability you have to do something special!  It starts ONE DAY AT A TIME...THAT DAY IS TODAY!