The DIFFERENCE is...

              

WHAT AN AMAZING WEEK!   See the GREAT things that you have done and recognize the Difference in YOU!   Here are some thoughts that we have, after this weeks training!

You never know...whether that is every day at practice, or the next race, putting in the time NOW for future things, and then you just do the work!  What really makes the difference?

We crazily do this running thing for lots of different reasons.  To go after that goal, to be together, to challenge the soul, to be fit, to win!  Whatever the reason or reasons, one thing is for certain...THE CHANCE THAT SOMETHING SPECIAL CAN HAPPEN, IS WORTH IT EVERY TIME!  Isn't that we really do this?  I can't think of a better reason to really keep going...chasing the dream...putting in the time (despite the ups and downs!)...and keep smiling after it's done.

The truth is...just getting out there and doing it, bettering yourself (even when you don't feel like getting out there...especially when you don't feel like getting out there!), is what gives us the chance to do something special!  Running in itself, is a very unique "beast" that either you choose to be one with it and let it TEACH you about YOU, or you simply just don't get it!  That's why many don't do it, or even try, or possibly even stick with it...but if you are reading this, there's a good chance that there is something that Running has taught YOU, even though you might not be able to understand exactly why...YOU FEEL IT! 

THAT IS WHEN THE "CHANCE" THAT SOMETHING SPECIAL CAN HAPPEN!  

That is why we keep showing up every day...running in any weather...working on that attitude to be the Best!  You just never know...and that is what makes it worth it!

And even though we may not know...WE KNOW ENOUGH!  And so we keep going!

You want to know what makes the difference?  It is YOU!  YOU making the choice to stick with it...to keep going...to trust...to take a chance...to make that goal...to want more for each other than yourself!

Take the time this week to be THANKFUL!  Realize all that has been done on your behalf, the sacrifices, the Love, that people have given for you so that you have this chance to be apart of this Team!

What is the Reward?

  

In life, there always seems to be a demand for immediate gratification or rewards!  Don't get us wrong...rewards are wonderful and worth pursuing, but with all the ups and downs in life (and in running!), there has to be something bigger, something more worth the possible failures (that will happen), to keep us going! 

You need to discover that the effort we give doesn't always translate to the perfect race.  There are days that we could be giving everything, and it just doesn't quite turn out the way we pictured or wanted.  So was it worth it?  We would tell you that it absolutely is, but only YOU can really decide if it is!  Sometimes the reward is simply getting out the door and being with others who have the same mindset, goals, desires that you do and lifting each other through the moments!  The reward is rarely the outcome of any race or performance...it is every single opportunity to stick with it...to dream big...to do the little things...to trust...to encourage others...working through it TOGETHER!   

Recognize the REAL REWARD!  Then you will be motivated all the time!

Yesterday + Tomorrow = TODAY

  

Believe me...I'm not trying to be all philosophical with some sort of cute saying to scientifically prove the magical equation that changes our ability to all of a sudden bypass the necessary work to achieve GREATNESS (at least that was a "cool" opening line!)!!!!!  😜  

The title is a simple way to demonstrate the steps to staying focused on the BIG GOALS or BIG DREAMS.  Even to help us overcome the disappointment or let downs that we experience every now and then.    So listen up! Because we understand that we are at a moment that seems like not much is going on.  We have a couple of races left but they are in the future down the road.  Some of you are Seniors and might feel that it's all "behind you".  You younger ones, may feel you have all the time in the World, but it comes fast and if you can't tell with distance/endurance running, the consistent time needed to become better, takes TIME and every day truly counts!  

So...

1. Take what you have learned: Remember what you have learned from your experiences, from others, from the highs and the lows.  Yesterday has a lot to offer us if we will only allow the moments from yesterday to better us...not fester or overthink about what has happened...but choose to let it light a fire within us to be even better!

2. Looking forward with excitement:  Anticipating the GREAT things ahead can be motivating but also draining!  We obviously need to work towards something...but is that "something" worth it?  Is it challenging enough?  Is it selfish?  Is it impactful to not only YOU, but to others (like your teammates)?  Tomorrow gives us the "window" to decide to either give what it takes, or stay in the middle of the pack (comfort zone).

3. So the main ingredient in making all of this "magical equation" become meaningful, exciting, worth it, motivating, is to take what we have learned + decide what we want to become = DO WHAT IT TAKES TODAY!  Take care of TODAY!  Don't let things get in our way TODAY!  If Today is struggling...that's ok!  See why and then make the next day better which will eventually become...TODAY!  

Just because we have a wonderful moment to not race right away...to reflect a little...to explore long term desires...keep the drive going!  Keep working for something bigger that is just around the corner!  Those that "Stick With It" are the ones that eventually see the "magic equation" get solved!

5 Things...about GREATNESS!

  

The most difficult part about competing at such a high level (like a State), is underestimating YOUR ABILITY!  Sure, sometimes we over do it and go out too fast or think that “we got this” and then have a wake up call that brings us back to earth.  BUT, IF WE CAN HAVE THIS BALANCE OF PEACE, TRUST, FUN, ENJOY and still RECOGNIZE THE NEED TO PREPARE FOR “HARD THINGS” (like racing and competing), THEN WE HAVE THE CHANCE TO FEEL THE ABILITY TO PERFORM AT OUR BEST!  That is GREATNESS! 

I honestly love that there are no guarantees when we race!  Just like in life, there are no guarantees, that all will go as WE PLAN!  That doesn’t mean that all the work and effort are possibly a waste, it just means that giving the effort, putting in the work, doing the little things and trusting that process…WILL ALWAYS GIVE US SOMETHING BACK!  We still get to show up on race day (as does everyone else), and work through the doubts, the uncertainties, the nerves, and OVERCOME THEM THROUGH DOING THE LITTLE, SIMPLE THINGS!    HOW?

1. Focus on your love for what you are doing!   2.  Focus on what you can control.    3.  Have confidence and trust in the work you have done.   4.  The fun comes from preparing and then go enjoy doing something really hard!  Most people shy away from tough things, but if we can change that outlook, then it becomes fun when we show up for hard things!   5.  As we “Brace” ourselves for tough things, we must remind ourselves of the good things also, that we have done…the things we have overcome!  Having confidence in our ability but still realizing that I need to give even more for myself and my team, is the recipe for GREAT things!

I know that we have mentioned before (many times), that being a part of this Team is special.  What you may not realize yet (not fully), is that Running is a beautiful way (not the only way, but a great way), to FIND WHO YOU ARE!  TO BECOME SOMETHING BETTER!  TO DISCOVER!   We wish more could see that this is more than simply running (which many don’t realize that it’s not just running)…that being together really changes us!  We have watched ALL OF YOU grow and improve and become the BEST version of yourselves and we know that Running, this Team, this Program, has at least been a part of that process!  This is why WE ARE HONORED AND GRATEFUL TO BE YOUR COACHES!

Do the 5 things listed above and this MOMENT will be not only a GREAT MOMENT, but even a life changing one!  It’s just Running kiddos!  But it takes us to “so many  GREAT places!”

Great, relaxing video and good reminders of what's in YOU!

Better Together

  

I have been running these streets and hills, for over 20 years!  You would think that I would get tired of them...seeing the same places over and over.  The cool thing is that I've never really thought about it much.  I rarely feel bored about the same routes, or country road, or trail (the only thing that maybe bothers me is the increased traffic!).  And the reason is very simple as to why I still look forward to running the rabbit loop, or bayshore church area or the school loops that we do, or Erda adventure...THE PEOPLE THAT I AM WITH!  The things that we share as a TEAM are beyond any records, or trophies, or PR's (don't get me wrong, those things are awesome!), but all the "EXTRA's" come from doing and enjoying the simple things that we do together!  Our chats, the dumb (I mean innovative) things you might say, the pasta party's, the stretching, the ice baths, the endless miles!  They all mean so much more than just running around so that we might do something special...because WE ARE DOING SOMETHING SPECIAL!  Hopefully you all can see that!  It definitely is BETTER TOGETHER!

Thank you 57

 

There is just something about this RUNNING thing that keeps us coming back for more and more!  It can’t always be explained and even fully understood…I mean, we put in all this work that especially seems “torturous” to the world, and yet, we keep doing it, in hopes that we have that “MOMENT” where it all lines up and you feel unstoppable!   The truth is…that “unstoppable” feeling seems to rarely happen, but after each race, key workout, or just a “dumb” run around school, there always seems to be A CHANGE!   This is the beauty that most don’t see, or get (many times we don’t even notice it!), but RUNNING creates an opportunity to open us up…get out of the comforts of life…challenge us to reach deep more often then we would like…trust that the process WILL teach us something, even if the outcome isn’t always ideal!

We want you to know that we are very happy for all of you and how you performed at REGION!  Sure, it may not have been “ideal” for everyone, but even through the struggles, there were still MOMENTS of strength and courage and toughness that will be key for even bigger and better things to come!  We witnessed so many of you not just improve, but really kick some booty from the last time we ran on this course (even those who had less than ideal races, still ran right around previous times)!  Of course, some of the other teams had some kids run amazing and really made it tough for us…but honestly, THAT IS WHAT WE WANT!  We can’t control how others perform, but we saw it really help you to push yourselves even more, to go after every moment until you crossed that finish line and have big PR's!  So many times in life, you will be asked to GIVE even though it might feel unsure, scary, tiring, maybe even pointless, but we are here to tell you that every OPPORTUNITY to get out of the comfort zone (which is what running does everyday!), is worth the chance that you WILL CHANGE for the BETTER!

My last thought has to do with the title of the blog!  May seem a little weird, but stick with the story and you might actually like it!  No matter how many times we CONSISTENTLY work at this…Running every day, believing every day, trusting every day, it may not always turn out the way we want or expect!  But that is truthfully the reason to keep doing it!  Sure, it would be nice to recreate every single Great MOMENT we ever had…especially in our races, BUT THE STRUGGLES, THE PAIN, THE BLISS, THE HEART POUNDING, THE BUTTERFLIES, THE SMILES, THE FRIENDS, THE CHANGE…they are all worth every single CHANCE to BECOME the very person you want to be!  I have run 57 marathons now!  And as I was running my 57th at St. George this weekend, I had some “TIME” to think about so many of my experiences and how most of my marathons were all different from one another!  Believe me, I have tried to recreate some of my best marathons…train the same way, prepare the day before the same way, think the same way, and have completely different outcomes!  Except for one thing seems to always be the same…I AM BETTER FOR IT!  My “A” Goal for this marathon was to see if I could qualify for the Boston Marathon (not because I need to go back to Boston), but because I need a reason to keep “CHANGING” and challenging myself!  The time for my age is 3:20!  Over the last 2-3 years, I wasn’t even sure if I would get to do what I love anymore…my knee (and the rest of me!), had some struggles…it’s called LIFE!  But as I have stuck with it and “weathered the storm” I have found myself so GRATEFUL for all that I went through!  It still doesn’t all make sense to me, but I FEEL the CHANGE in me because of it!  So even though the “A” goal was much more difficult for me, I still worked and believed like I could do that!  Now here is where the story I think can benefit YOU!   26 miles can give you a lot of time to have your mind wander!  Moments of powerful positive thoughts to get you through, and other times, there is doubt and just waiting for everything to just crash…sound familiar?  I had made up my mind (awhile ago), that I was going to stick to the plan and if it fell apart later on, then I would deal with it (try plan “B” which was just finish!).  But even while running the first half, I was feeling ok and breathing relaxed, I couldn’t help but wonder if I could stick with it!  What if my knee falls apart, or maybe the pace was just a little bit too much for me to really handle for that long and "I hit the WALL" and the list goes on, but then I would think of you guys, my family, my love for running, and immediately “shake it off” (there’s my Swifty reference!), and remind myself that I was strong and my mind wasn’t going to be the one to hold me back from fighting to the end!  I remember at the half way point, and my legs were already feeling the beating of being on the road for 1 hour and 40 minutes (right on pace still), and telling myself I now needed to do what I just did, AGAIN, but definitely more tired and beat up though!  It was going to be a long stretch but once again, reminded myself to just be in this moment right now!  I can tell you, I had multiple moments of thoughts cross my mind of me “Bonking” with several miles to go and wobbling across the finish line miserable (which I still would have been grateful), but then immediately reminding myself to stop thinking like that and be positive…to trust, to hang on…to be better than that!   Crazily, by mile 16 I felt a little fresher, and picked up the pace just a little!  Maybe it was because I passed one of my graduates who noticed me and we chatted for awhile and it was so nice to realize that running had brought this amazing connection to so many for me!  At mile 18 I was passing so many people, I felt like I was flying (even though I was just sticking to the pace and they were starting to fall off their paces).  I remember a very enthusiastic guy cheering and saying I only had 52,000 more feet to go!  My brain couldn’t fathom that, yet I couldn’t help but smile and appreciate the distraction!   Around mile 21, my hammy started to get really tight…I could work through it, but I knew that it was going to limit me from really going after it and pushing my body to the max!  But I kept the pace and was really happy to be in this moment!  As we got closer to town, and only a 5K left, I still believed I could do this…in fact, I knew that if my hammy would hang on, I would get my “A” goal!  But then mile 24!  Just 2 miles to go, I made a turn on the road and my left hamstring just knotted up!  I grabbed my leg and had to stretch it out…I could feel the golf ball sized knot in my leg as I tried to stretch it out!  As I would try to start to run again, it would just knot back up and I would stretch it again.  Then my right calf twinged on me and now the frustration came flooding out!  “I was so close!”  I was almost there!  I stood there for about 1 min trying to get this under control only to watch the Pace Setters for the 3:20 pace going running by!  I had come this far, I was not going to let it end like this!  I started off slowly and caught up to the 3:20 group.  I would slowly pull ahead of them, because I knew from previous races, I was going to need to stop and stretch my hammy at times, to make it to the end.   Sure enough, at mile 25, I stopped for a few seconds and stretched my hammy to help it feel “LOVED” and relax it, and hopefully get it to the end…the 3:20 pace group passed me again and I started running again and hung on to the back of them.  When you make the final turn to the finish line, there is about half a mile to go!  I managed to change my stride a bit to look like an old man, shuffling his legs, barely lifting my feet off the ground but it allowed my hammy to stay in check and I begun to pick up the pace!  I was getting closer and closer, not looking at my watch, just focused on what I could do!  And you know what I enjoyed?  I loved that I was in a moment that mattered to me…that I was pushing for a chance to be close to my goal!  I crossed the finish line, stopped my watch and walked a few feet before I checked the time!  It said 3:18!  I ran the last half mile at 6:52 pace (not sure I want to see the form on that video!  😂).   As much as that was hopefully a story that was entertaining and fun to read, the main reason for sharing it is so that you can see that throughout the race, I had moments of doubt, questions, uncertainty, but I just kept working on replacing it with things that were important to me, and being positive and loving the chance to just be there!   As insignificant as RUNNING my seem (especially to the rest of the World), just maybe you are starting to FEEL the CHANGE that is and has happened in you!  You were already amazing!  Running just helps us dig a little deeper, and bring out the hidden treasures that help us BECOME more!  57 marathons now and interestingly, the story is different every time!  The one consistency of it all (and the reason we preach about consistency), is that after the “Finish line” I realize I am better for it... each time!

Your BELIEF is just that...YOURS!

 

We could spend hours and days, trying to get you excited and motivated for the “ADVENTURES” ahead (and we will always keep helping you get and feel ready for the MOMENTS coming), but when you are in that “MOMENT”, it is what matters to YOU that will get you through anything!  How much you are honestly willing to give, fight, or do, is a decision you GET to make and hopefully have been training your mind to CHOOSE the “Road Less Traveled!” (Read last weeks blog).  

For Region this week, we will have you ready…ready to run, be fast, know what strategy will be most effective…but what matters most, is what you are willing to do for YOU…for YOUR TEAM!  Only YOU can decide what you are willing to give and how much BELIEF YOU are willing to go after at this race!  How much discomfort are you willing to go through?  How much do YOU realize “that discomfort” is for only a short moment in time and the chance to fight or work through the whole race will last FOREVER!  

So, spend this week building yourself up!  Reminding yourself that YOU are worth it!  That we have worked very hard to not only run our BEST and FASTEST, but to take a chance on ourselves…on EACH OTHER!

SIVAKO!  Rise To The Challenge!

Don't "WALK/RUN" Right On By...

  

With all the things going on in life, we sometimes "MISS" the beautiful things that CHANGE US!  We don't realize the MOMENTS we have IMPROVED ON and the chance to take the ROAD LESS TRAVELED!  Not because we have to or need to be different, but because our HEARTS long for doing the right thing...the LITTLE THINGS THAT MATTER!  Helping someone and making them SMILE...looking back and seeing the improvement you have made...taking the CHALLENGE and looking forward to it instead of dreading or worrying "IF" or "WHAT" could happen (make it happen!)...working on your perspective and realizing that ATTITUDE changes the perspective!...doing your best to be prepared, but ENJOYING AND BEING IN THE MOMENT!...

We all have MOMENTS that doing the LITTLE THINGS have changed us!  Just don't let life pass you by without realizing that having a BALANCE of...

ENJOYING...CHALLENGE...PERSPECTIVE...TOUGHNESS...SOCIAL...INTELLECT...CONNECTION...we will miss out and "WALK RIGHT ON BY" the things that matter!   

We believe that RUNNING has helped (and will keep helping), all of us find this balance and discover the ROAD LESS TRAVELED!

PURPOSE AND PEACE

 

You may not always realize it or even see it...but we are sure that most of you have FELT it at times...but we, your Coaches absolutely care about you!  It may be hard at times to make sure every single one of you knows that your thoughts and feelings about running, school, life in general are heard, but we try really hard to let you know that we see/watch you and hear you often.  We talk with you at practice, on the bus, at warmups, at the starting line, cheer for you, talk after your runs, after your races...we witness the ups and the downs that you all face!  We see the smiles, the heartache, the tears, the sweat, the desire, the missed chances and we just want you to know that we really do understand!  WE HAVE BEEN THERE (we still are in our own challenges), WE HAVE FELT IT, WE HAVE LIVED IT (once again, we are still living it!)!  We just want you to realize the greatness that we see in each of YOU!  

These 2 words kept sticking with me as I thought of where we are at as a Team and where we still want to go!  PURPOSE AND PEACE!

If we have a PURPOSE...it give more meaning and reason for "working through" any type of situation or moment!  Just simply stating what you are trying to accomplish that day (at practice), or getting to bed earlier, or at a race...saying and knowing what you are doing it for gives YOU a much deeper power to overcome obstacles and less likely to waiver in the moment of distress or when it gets hard (and we know that IT DEFINITELY GETS DIFFICULT...no getting around that)!   So having a REASON, a PURPOSE every day for what you want to accomplish, gives you meaning and a drive that you might be missing!  Look at the schedule and whatever the work out is that day, decide what your PURPOSE is for that day and make it happen!

PEACE!  As we talk with many of you, we notice that every now and then, it doesn't seem to go your way and our first instinct is to be too hard on yourself!  First of all...we are simply RUNNING!  Sure, we hope that it matters to you and that you don't think that running isn't a big deal, but it's just running!  What really matters are the EFFORTS that you put in every day...the DETERMINATION to give even when you don't think you can or sometimes even when you don't want to...the CHANCE TO IMPROVE is more important than whether you actually did improve that day!  It is hard for us sometimes to see you frustrated and upset when a race doesn't go your way or when you feel alone or you feel like you are just going through the motions...REALIZE THAT YOU MUST FIND PEACE IN THE PROCESS!  Be excited and happy for the things you have done...maybe it is even as simple as you are still here trying instead of being done!   Finding that PEACE with your PURPOSE will give you the CHANCE to BECOME something you never knew possible!   This is why we admire YOU...this is why we keep doing this...YOU ARE THE REASON WE HAVE A PURPOSE AS COACHES and why we care!   Find some deeper PURPOSE AND PEACE this week and you will be amazed with the outcome!  

BE HAPPY!

ADMIRATION!

  

As I sat here thinking of this week and the summer, and the race, and the things to look forward to, I couldn't help but FEEL this one word...ADMIRATION!  

We know it is not easy in this World, let alone in Running (and school, work, life, etc).   But we also know that being a part of this Running program is an absolute DIFFERENCE MAKER!  Not just because we have had great success in the past, and have high goals/expectations...but because we CHOOSE to surround ourselves with such GREAT PEOPLE and do HARD THINGS Together!   We look at you, and watch you and can't help but feel blessed and excited to keep helping you, to see you overcome your obstacles, to want to keep getting better...that is part of the recipe for success in LIFE!  

We admire your determination, to see the good in you, to be upset with "down" performances or days but get back up and see the "LIGHT" and move forward!  To work through the "distractions" of life and believe (AND TRUST), that there is GREAT THINGS AHEAD!  

We see this in YOU and we just wanted you to know that we notice it and YOU matter to US!  YOU guys are absolutely amazing to us and we don't say this to get too confident but WE SHARE THIS WITH YOU SO YOU GAIN MORE CONFIDENCE  in what we see in YOU!  And to realize the GREATNESS in YOU!

Confidence!

 

As we talked with many of you, and watching you race this weekend, we felt there was a common feeling among you guys with how it went or maybe, what was missing.  CONFIDENCE!  It's natural to second guess ourselves or think that "we don't belong" or "it's too fast" or "I'm tired" and who knows what else... so how do we gain CONFIDENCE?  Well, I'd be a rich man if I knew the perfect answer for that!  But what we can tell you are 2 things that you can easily focus on right now that can help.

1. Keep doing the "Little Things!"   What are the little things?  Honestly, they can be different for all of us because we all have strengths and weakness.  The "Little Things" are those areas that help you improve the weaknesses.  For example, in order to gain more confidence on having a more consistent pace, then how could you work on that?  Possibly in practice, you could take a couple of days during the week and really focus on hitting the same pace for every mile on a recovery run...see if you can FEEL the pace and be more confident in keeping it.    Another one could be gaining confidence to actually run faster than you think you are capable of doing.   A little thing to try and do for that would to start more runs (not necessarily every run), with people who are faster than you (or at least people who seem a step ahead and you want to get there), and begin with them.  When and if, it becomes too much, then learn to back off (or it will affect your future runs), and you will see that you will become better and better over time!  Great way to build CONFIDENCE!

2. Write down things about your run or race, every day!  Just like in the book, "The Fearless Mind" the recipe for having a fearless mind is to write down a couple of items you did well during the run/practice/race and 1 item that you want to improve on.  It would be best to say HOW you will improve on that item...that is how you build CONFIDENCE!

YOU ARE AN AMAZING GROUP OF KIDS!  SOMETIMES WE FEEL THAT YOU DON'T KNOW THIS ENOUGH...not to get a big head or anything of course...BUT YOU ALWAYS WORK HARD, YOU CARE ABOUT EACH OTHER, YOU LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER, YOU HAVE GOOD IDEAS AND INTENTIONS (about most things! 😉), YOU DON'T GIVE UP!    Recognize the good things you are doing and keep working on doing the 2 things above...well, if you want to improve your CONFIDENCE!

WHAT CAN RUNNING DO...

 

What can RUNNING do for YOU?  I can tell you that whatever you are willing to give to running, IT WILL GIVE MORE BACK!  We know it can be a bit much with school starting back up and still trying to keep your mileage goals, and mentally preparing for more racing (which really should be moments you look forward to), but with all of that, the pressures of the World can start to feel heavy.  That is the beauty of running...if you allow it, it can be a breathe of fresh air, a moment of letting the World go, a chance to free your mind and body and focus on something simple.   Of course, running can be hard at times, and requires some toughness, but you have proven that running can TRANSFORM YOU if you let it...if you will learn to realize that the times you feel the most "dead", are actually the times you feel the most ALIVE!  Because when you give to running...it seems to always give back more!  Let this week be about recognizing what Running does for YOU!   See the power it brings to you, the good it does for you, the strength that it builds in you, the drive that changes you! 

I tweaked this video years ago to fit our Team!  It feels right to share with this Team right now!  Listen to all the things that Running changes in us!  The change that helps us become the BEST US!

Have a GREAT week!  Remember, it's all about HOW you choose to view this week and the weeks to come!  Make it great or you can dread it.  Sounds like an obvious choice, right?  Make it GREAT!  

Your Biggest FANS!

 

It was wonderful to finally have a race under our belts and get out there and compete!  It can be a little "scary" because it's the first race and so many of you have put in so much time and effort and you are not sure what might happen.  So we understand the "jitters" and the possible hesitancy in believing you can go for it.  But what we want you to know is THAT WE ARE YOUR BIGGEST FANS!  We are and will always be behind you...giving you all that we have!  It doesn't matter what the outcome is, we will always care about how you are doing...encouraging you to overcome the barriers that hold you back at times, to see the good things that you did!  So please listen to what we have to share with you next!

It's the first race of the season!  With the amount of work and running we have done over the summer, it is easy to sometimes feel "comfortable" with how well we do as a program...that we will automatically do well because of how much we have done.   And the truth is...PHYSICALLY WE HAVE!  Maybe some of us could have been a little better at being consistent, or maybe doing the little things...maybe we struggled with understanding what it really means to give our all or be truly dedicated to being a Champion!  There are lots of "maybe's" and that can make the outcome feel a little off!  Look, we are not here to make excuses and say "it's just the beginning of the season, so don't worry" (it's true though)...all of the other teams were running the same "beginning" as we were, so obviously there are no excuses to give.  But what you may not recognize is that THE FOUNDATION IS THERE!  THE CHANCE TO DO AND BE A PART OF SOMETHING REMARKABLE AND SPECIAL IS STILL IN THE MAKING!  It's up to YOU to decide what to do with all of this!  

I love to watch how people react to situations and I watch how other teams handle themselves, and you can tell which Teams really believe in the work that they have done.  We feel like many of you want to do something amazing and special with this running thing...YOU talk about big dreams, and awesome expectations!  YOU show at times that you really want to give your all that you are willing to what it takes, but when it gets to the "nitty gritty" there seems to be something missing!  The Great ones don't mind the "Nitty Gritty!"  Here is the honest truth!...YOU GUYS GET THE SAME CHAMPIONSHIP TRAINING AS ANY OF OUR TOP TEAMS HAVE RECEIVED...AS ANY OTHER GREAT PROGRAM IN THIS STATE... HOW you choose to use it is and always has been about whether YOU grab it and hold onto it and love it and embrace the discomfort!  It feels like sometimes (as a Team), that we are just "hanging on for the ride" and running to run, instead of realizing that the FUN is in doing the extra little things...in having to have your Coaches tell you to back off because you want so much more that you are excited to do more...THAT IS WHEN IT'S FUN!

When this season/year is over, what will you remember?  What do you think will stand out to you?  Did most of you do so many miles just for the sake of doing miles?  WE BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A MUCH BIGGER REASON AND YOU JUST NEED TO DECIDE HOW YOU WANT TO DO IT!     I went to a concert on Saturday (that's right...your Coach is cool enough to hang at concerts! 😂), and one of the songs just really hit me hard!  It's a song you all have heard many times, and are familiar with!  But I want to have you read the lyrics from the point of view as what you want to get out of this running thing!  What do you want to FEEL when you step out there into the NON-COMFORT Zone!  How does it apply to making you a better Runner...a better Person!  We share this with you because in the end...WE ARE YOUR BIGGEST FANS and we just want to help you discover the JOY in life...and Running is a great way to apply and find that JOY!

Here are the lyrics!  With my little insights about how to maybe apply it to US, in red.

Hope when you take that jump
You don't fear the fall (It can be scary to go after it...but Trust and Listen and it will surprise you)
Hope when the water rises
You built a wall  (being prepared for the tough things, like summer miles just means that you are ready for what WILL come your way)
Hope when the crowd screams out
It's screaming your name
Hope if everybody runs
You choose to stay   (When thing seem hard and "uncomfortable", you will stick through it!)

Hope that you fall in love
And it hurts so bad  (The only way...THE ONLY WAY to know that you "love" something is to take a chance and lay it out there...can lead to getting hurt, but at least you will know!)
The only way you can know
You give it all you have  (The more you give...the more you get!)
And I hope that you don't suffer
But take the pain  (discomfort does not have to be suffering...taking the pain and learning how to work through it is how you discover the FUN in life)
Hope when the moment comes you'll say

I, I did it all
I, I did it all
I owned every second that this world could give
I saw so many places
The things that I did
Yeah, with every broken bone
I swear I lived   (The chorus is something we should all ask ourselves every time we pursue doing something important)

Hope that you spend your days
But they all add up   (one thing leads us to the next thing...it's about the PROCESS!)
And when that sun goes down
Hope you raise your cup
Oh, oh
I wish that I could witness
All your joy
And all your pain
But until my moment comes, I'll say

I, I did it all
I, I did it all
I owned every second that this world could give
I saw so many places
The things that I did
Yeah, with every broken bone
I swear I lived

If you truly want to have a Championship mindset, attitude, belief...then FEEL the words above!

SAYing YES means...

 

I was listening to a top athlete mention what it meant to "SAY YES" to being the Best.   Saying YES means saying NO to other things...things that will deter you from believing or striving for the YES!   For example, saying YES to Nationals, or placing at State, or reaching a certain time on a course...means saying NO to late nights, eating unhealthy, being scared to sacrifice for the little things, missing practice, making excuses, and other little things.   Every decision you make should be steering you towards your goal, not taking away from what matters to you.

It doesn't mean that your life must avoid FUN...in fact, it's quite the opposite!  But the World's fun is different than ENJOYING THE PROCESS of doing what it takes to go after your goals...your desires...your dreams!  In the end, doing what it takes to sacrifice for the big picture, brings the JOY, the FUN, the SMILES, the LOVE for what really matters to you!

If you really believe what you SAY (and we have heard a lot said lately about what we believe and want to do as a Team), then SAY YES through your actions, your thoughts, your talk, your outward appearance!  If you want to be a "Champion" then we need to act, think, talk, look...like a Champion!  Not just in running, but in all we do...our MINDS need to know that we truly are what we want to be...even if we aren't quite there yet!  But you gotta start somewhere!   

This same top athlete said at the end of his interview..."if everyone on the team was doing what you were doing (the good things and the not so good things), WOULD THE TEAM BE BETTER?"   This is how every single one of us can contribute to being GREAT!

I love this video because it reminds me of all the THOUGHTS can go through our minds and that sometimes it can be overwhelming, but if we can learn to Trust, keep working, keep believing...SAY YES, then we can allow the mind and body to TRANSFORM into the BEST US!

Overcoming…

 

 

When we hear or read or even learn of a GREAT story…what do you think makes it GREAT?  I realized that most amazing stories have something in common…THEY OVERCAME SOMETHING!   So what is the big deal about that?  It’s pretty simple…life is going to give us many ups and downs.  And it doesn’t matter if your obstacles are insignificant to the World or if they are life threatening…what matters is that they are real obstacles to you and that YOU ARE WORTH FIGHTING FOR!   We know that you understand that life is about getting back up when you are knocked down, but we wanted to share a possible other perspective about OVERCOMING the obstacles in our lives.   Because, your obstacles probably aren't that people don't believe in you...its that YOU doubt YOU!  You could be afraid to take a chance on YOU!  You don't recognize the power and ability in YOU!

We talk about sacrificing and giving our all for something GREAT to happen.  The “story” doesn’t always turn out perfect (rarely does it), but the chance to fight for something bigger or better ALWAYS RESULTS IN SOME AMAZING CHANGE!  What you may not notice is that the World is a very distracting place…it has so many tantalizing things about it, and it is easy to get caught up in what we think is important (including even running), and we miss out on the little things that “CHANGE US!”   Now, if our goals involve something amazing in our Running, then we need to find ways to “OVERCOME” the distractions that are holding us back from missing the mark of attaining those goals.  It could simply being and having consistency, it could be attitude, it could be belief, it could be example, it could be comfort zone…obviously, there are many things we could work on.  But instead of dreading or pointing fingers (even at ourselves), let’s once again just keep it simple and work on OVERCOMING the obstacles that we can control and can influence!  Believe it or not…YOUR STORY IS JUST AS GREAT AS ANY OUT THERE!  And any Great story involves what?…OVERCOMING!   So, “get back up”…reevaluate, refocus, change, decide, and then DO!  Because, that is what you can control!  

Our story is still being written…what will it say?

TRUST

 

 

Trust seems easy enough to understand, and probably it feels like we do Trust, but maybe the word Trust...it is over used and we don't really realize the huge impact that TRUST can have on us and for us!   

We need to improve on TRUSTING the Process!  Never have we said or promised that pursuing Greatness would be easy.   When we set goals, YOU do a pretty good job of making them BIG (and we love that)...what we tend to struggle with is that deep down, YOU don't truly believe that YOU are capable of achieving it!  There is an easy response to that mindset...SO WHAT!  Of course, it's good to recognize reality with our Dreams, but do you TRUST the Process to do what is asked of YOU?  Do you TRUST your Coaches to guide you there...do YOU TRUST yourself to communicate with your Coaches or Teammates and want to sacrifice a few things to at least take that chance on YOURSELF?   

We have finally seen that last little while, that the Team is starting to come together a little more...that YOU are beginning to see the CHANGE that is or can happen due to the WORK that you are putting in!   WE NEED TO KEEP WORKING ON TWEAKING OUR PERSPECTIVE ON THE "OLD VERSION" OF OURSELVES AND WORK ON WHO WE WANT TO BECOME!   Take a chance on YOU...on EACH OTHER...sacrifice just a little bit more (which doesn't mean you need to run more, but maybe give up other things that distract YOU from becoming the BEST YOU!).   Do YOU TRUST the inner voice in YOURSELF...do YOU put yourself down or unsure of what YOU can really do?  We all need to do better at "LISTENING" to the right things and telling ourselves the right things to BECOME our BEST US!  

There is no better way to do all this than to TRUST!  Trust the Process...TRUSTt each other...TRUST your Coaches...TRUST the communication...TRUST the Love (for running, for life, for Parents/family, for trials, for Moments)!   We know it is not easy to deal with all that life throws at YOU...and what you want or need out of running is different for everyone...but we can promise YOU that all we want for you is to see the good in YOU...recognize the improvements (not just in running)...Know that the works pays off (some of you can't believe how much you can do and what it has done for you so far)...Remember that the "Hard" is what makes all of this GREAT!  But YOU gotta TRUST it along the way!  What version of yourself are you TRUSTING (the old you or the one YOU are pursuing)?

The DIFFERENCE is...

How many times have we asked ourselves, "what is the difference?"  The difference between being good and great...the difference between a champion and the rest of the pack...the difference from a big goal vs a Dream...what is the difference for us?   Sure, there are many "safe" answers we could give, and maybe it is very specific for every single person, but as this thought stood out to me this week, I felt very confident in this simple answer!

THE DIFFERENCE IS BEING DIFFERENT!

Different thinking...seeing the possibilities vs the obstacles.   Different attitude...believing that the work is worth it (no matter what level you are at!).   Different understanding...realizing that being mediocre or "getting by" is NOT the way to go!  For example...many have a desire to go to HARC (and we are not here to punish anyone...WE WOULD TAKE EVERYONE WHO EARNED IT!), but for some reason, we try to just "get by" or do the minimum AND YOU ARE BETTER THAN THAT!   A Different type of Love...we must LOVE the lack of comfort that comes with improving ourselves!  It's not easy to get past this, but once we do, we crazily want more because we want to be better!  It doesn't mean you have to be the fastest or varsity or always get a PR, but it is a pursuit that DRIVES us to seek out the discomfort because it feels so good after!   The Difference is simple...BE DIFFERENT!

THE SCHEDULE IS NOW LOCATED IN A

LINK AT THE TOP OF THE BLOG!

We Underestimate ourselves way too much!

 We can't tell you enough how much we try to make these Posts, to be moments that can hopefully help you or inspire you!  It's definitely not something we plan or know exactly what to say...in fact, this week, I have felt a little down because I personally feel like I am not reaching kids like I used to and helping them WANT to dream bigger.  We have already started looking at HARC miles and I was feeling down because we have less people than most years, even close to the required miles.  We won't back down from the standards, but it doesn't mean that things can't change or that you can talk to us about what you want to accomplish. So hopefully this letter can help all of you, but especially some of us who may be feeling down or unsure of the "WHY!"

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE what you can POSSIBLY do!  This post can seem a little personal to some extent only because I will share a little of how I felt this last week (and the weeks leading up to this week).  I only share my story, to help all of you know that WE struggle and work through this process just like the rest of you!  Like many of you, I ran a race this last 4th of July weekend in my hometown of Riverton.  I have ran this 10K many times (since I was a HS runner).  I kind of know what to expect and how tough it can be.  I know that we have been training hard and putting in quite a bit of miles...I know I have been putting in some miles that I haven't been able to do for years (because of my knee).  So I know I have been putting in the time, but like most of you, I wasn't really 100% confident of what I really could do...and the human side of me was nervous that trying to push a decent pace in the 10K would result in just suffering the last couple of miles and hanging on for dear life!  I am trying to push myself more and more each week to see what I can do because of my knee and I have been feeling quite tired on some of the runs (like a lot of us)...in fact, some of the runs I could barely muster out 8-8:30 mile pace for half of the run, so I was really unsure of what I could do on this race.   

Let me share a little something with you right now that I haven't said out loud to many people.  I am running the St. George marathon in October.  Long story short, I signed up or I would lose my entry from 2 years ago (covid).  Even though I am so happy and thankful to be running again, I don't want to just run to run...I still need purpose and a challenge and I love practicing what we preach because either it is true or it isn't.  I have set a goal of trying to qualify for Boston at the St. George marathon.  Not because I plan on going to Boston again, but because I honestly never thought I could run again.  And now that I am, I want to keep challenging myself and see what I can do (even though I know it will never be the same for me, and I'm ok with that), I still need to SIVAKO...Rise to the Challenge!  Honestly, qualifying is not a real possibility for me right now.  Running that pace is very much beyond my ability today, BUT I AM OK WITH TAKING THE CHANCE TO HAVE SOMETHING GREAT HAPPEN...EVEN IF I "FALL FLAT ON MY FACE" trying to do it.

Enough of that story...This is where the Underestimating part takes place!!!!!  We have told you many, many times to TRUST the TRAINING or the PROCESS...even I, who tells you this often, had to be reminded to do the same!  When I started the 10K, I felt if I could just run around 7:30-7:40 min mile pace (which is roughly what I need for the Boston marathon), and still feel ok at the end, then it would be a success.  I was just going to go out, and FEEL strong but be relaxed and not get caught up in the race.  I wasn't going to look at my watch until the first mile and then see how I was doing compared to how I FELT.  Normally, in this race, I am up in the top 10 to begin with (like I said, I've done it many times), but I wasn't worried about place, I wanted to be smart, have fun, be grateful to run this but still push myself.   We came by the 1st mile and my watch said 6:40 mile pace!!!!   Aaaahhh!   I was a little shocked, I was going a little faster than planned and also, of course, it was still only the first mile!...I reminded myself to be patient, but to also stay positive and that I could keep pushing but maybe back off a bit!).  To make a longer story short, I averaged a 6:59 mile pace for the race...reminding myself that I was strong and that I was capable of doing this!  Of course, by the last 1.5 miles, I was feeling tired and quite spent from pushing a pace that I haven't even come close to in training at (ALL SUMMER!), but I truly UNDERESTIMATED myself and what I can do!  Now, this is not to say that you will automatically run much faster pace times, then what we have been training...but what it does say is that putting in the TIME, EFFORT, MILES, PATIENCE, TRUSTING THE PROCESS, UNDERSTANDING WHAT WE ARE BECOMING...is going to get us where we want to be!  BELIEVE in what we are doing...support one another, especially in our struggles because, even though YOU might have some success, it is so much more FUN TOGETHER (that is why I am sharing this and not keeping it to myself...to hopefully help you all see the great things we are doing!)!!!!!

In the famous words of Michael Scott from the office, "instead of underestimating me, maybe next time you'll ESTIMATE ME!"   ESTIMATE YOURSELVES MORE!  Take a chance on yourself a little more.  Run to that "EDGE" a little more and if you're not sure when or if you should do that, TALK TO YOUR COACHES!  That is why we are here...to help you!

Keep working like you have so much more to do (because we do...we haven't arrived anywhere yet!), but TRUST what we are doing, be there for each other, do the little things (hydrate, read the blog, update your miles, be to practice, communicate, keep doing just a little bit more for the chance to BECOME the Best YOU!

July 10 - July 16  Summer Miles

Week 7

Get your miles updated on the BLOG NOW!

Weather:  It’s another HOT one this week (100’s all week)!  PLEASE, PLEASE, take 

good care of yourselves...HYDRATE!  We know that running is NOT the only thing 

that you do so it is important that you do all that you can to take care of you!

We also know that many of us are feeling tired, or sore, etc.  We want to remind 

you that this is ok!  YOU are working hard, and running a lot of miles and 

balancing that with all the other things of life...but don’t be discouraged if you are 

feeling tired or beat up...you honestly should feel this way (tired, not 

discouraged!).  The Best of the Best all go through this and feel this way...there is 

NO other way to be the Best!  If you are HURT, then that is different and I should 

know about it and talk to me about how you are doing and what we will do to keep 

moving forward.  Hang in there...see the “Little Things” (read last week’s post 

again)!

Just want to remind you that there is NO SUBSTITUTE for doing the work and 

sacrifice required!  The workouts are set up (from YEARS and YEARS of fine 

tuning and figuring out over the years), to maximize your fitness and get you 

ready for what really matters.  Missing too much will hinder your progress, but 

some is better than none!  Our challenge to you is to try and look at the big 

picture and recognize that TODAY matters (READ THE BOOK YOU WERE 

GIVEN!).

THIS IS A MUST FOR ALL OF YOU!!!!!!

Get on registermyathlete.com and you must get registered for the XC 

2022 season!  

I have a WHOPPING 9 boys and 4 girls registered!  

This must be done in order to compete this year (and for HARC).  YOU MUST also 

get a physical done (this must be done every summer for the new school year).  

Everyone needs to get on there this week and register.  Those who may go to 

HARC...CAN ONLY GO IF THIS IS DONE, so don’t put it off!  Start talking to mom 

and dad (or do it yourself), and get REGISTERED.  And get those physical 

appointments made (if you haven’t done it yet)!      I will be checking daily to see 

who is getting it done!  You can turn in physicals to me when you have them.  

Registering is a must...physicals, you still have time before it is critical.

Just a heads up, I will be out of town Wednesday through Saturday (due to 

TREK).  Please follow the workout (on the blog), and be there for each 

other!  I will tell you again...it shouldn’t matter if I am there, or if any of 

your coaches are there or not...this is your TEAM and YOU should want and 

expect the BEST from one another.   

A reminder that HARC is very specific on what is expected!  We feel like a broken 

record sometimes, reminding you what is necessary if you really want to go.  

THERE ARE VERY FEW EXCEPTIONS if you don’t have your miles.  This is NOT 

about punishing anyone of you, but helping you realize that most great things in 

life, require overcoming “obstacles”.   And if the obstacles are too much, then 

COMMUNICATE WITH US!  There is nothing wrong with falling short IF you will 

reach out and talk to us…explain to us…make a plan to earn it still!  But you must 

talk to us (ASAP by the way!).  

This program is soooo much more than just about running and winning!  We 

share with you how to do that, but the BEST experiences are hidden in the doing 

and sacrificing for those big goals! 

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: Night run @ Tennis Courts 8:30. 

Tuesday: AM Girls Choice (3-6 miles) come early if you want to get extra miles  

before. Strength workout AFTER the run!  

PM: Night run @ Tennis Courts 8:30.

Wednesday: AM: Meet at the HS and do the August/Clayton/Gravel pit Adventure.

Get there a little early to do a 2 lap warmup. 

2 pushes on the run (1 up Bates hill...droubay to August), and 2nd push on gravel 

pit road to village light) @ 5K pace effort.  

Performance push (2 laps at our performance run effort: 1:20 sec 400 boys and 

1:35 sec 400 girls).   

Short route is to run to Droubay and back (take gravel pit road and push on the 

gravel pit road to village light.  = 4 miles (with Performance push on the Track)

PM: Night run @ Tennis Courts 8:30.

Thursday: AM: Boys choice (3-6 miles) at HS.  

PM: Night run @ Tennis Courts 8:30.

Friday: AM: CANYON RUN! Meet @ HS at 7am (or just meet up there). 

NEED HELP WITH DRIVERS (Parents are welcome to come and enjoy a run and 

help drive, if possible). 

We really want everyone who wants to come, to be able to do it. Please be willing 

to help.  PLAN AHEAD KIDDOS AND SET UP RIDES!

We have 2 Canyon Runs left, after this week.!

Mile warmup

3 mile loop

4.2 mile loop

2 mile cooldown

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

Saturday: CAP run 7am at the HS: 

The BBC loop.  Head up the BBC section and then go North along the bench road.  

There are several cutoffs that you can take, depending on the mileage you want 

(the first turn off along the bench road will give you 7.5 to 8 miles from the school 

and back down). 

You can shorten any of the route to fit your needs.  (to droubay and back is 3 

miles.  To the railroad tracks and back is 4 miles.  You can add horseshoe and/or 

gravel pit or Swag loop, to any of the route to add what you need).