If you're lucky enough to be in the mountains, you are lucky enough.

When something bad happens, you have three choices: let it define you, let it destroy you, or let it strengthen you.

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Another day.

Brrr, it's freezing out today...After last couple of days of sunshine, I underestimated the weather and underdressed. But I was set out to go for a track workout at 5 am, and that is what I did. After warming up for a couple of miles, I did 3x1 mile repeats at high school track, and surprisingly for me, it felt pretty good. 7:32, 7:22, 7:21. No complains. I expected much worse. Cool down took another 3 miles, and by the time I got home I was bot feeling my naked legs or hands. Point taken.

Yesterday I went for my first unofficial (yet) coaching thing. It's pre-season, and there were about 15 kids out there. Head coach Gabe gave them to work on different drills, some I never even thought of. The way they run is also differs from what I was thought for a marathon - they drive their knees up high and their arms go straight forward (I use somewhat have them across the center of the body as I run). Then they moved to a stadium for stairs, and did every step, every other, every third 3 sets. I tried to go every third and couldn't even reach! Granted, only tallest boys were able to do that. You could see how some boys are serious, and are good, but some are just trying themselves out, what is great too. One of them was on the track this morning repeating drills at 5 am!

Then there was a coaching meeting. There are so many rules and regulations, and I have no idea about any of it! The athletic director pointed a very important thing about coaching: when you teach somebody something, there is an art, and there is science. Some kids come only to learn new technique and drills and regime. Some need the encouragement and a kind word and a "go for it, you can do it" type of training. What makes a great coach (vs a good one) is a combination of both. What do you remember from your first coach, or first teacher, or first mentor? Not the 8x400m or "keep your head up and back straight", but "you are doing fantastic, you've got so much potential, dig deep and find it". I was thinking about Lisa. She believes in me, in all her clients, even when we don't believe in our selves. I know for me it's very important as I never had enough confidence in myself. Whether or not I really CAN do it is a whole another story, but at least someone thinks I am capable of it and so I am trying my best.

Hope you didn't take me wrong on a family stuff. I tend to overreact when in fact life is not all bad. It's just I get sucked into a moment, and that was a moment when we were quite (obviously) depressed. We went for a dinner last night, and I even wore a skirt:) Considering the fact that you can only see me in running shorts or cargo pants, that was a huge improvement. We talked and outlined some of the changes we need to make. We plan some runs together (though I am scared of it unless it's a 30 miler - Oleg is much faster, but we've done it before)and some movies and nights out, time with Stephen and how to plan Alex when he comes back. The night turned into a date with nice ending...Thanks for all your concern, the candle does have flame or flicker depending on circumstances (like Lady Lurker said). We're OK, how can we not be?

6 comments:

onepinkfuzzy said...

glad to hear you're feeling better!

Christopher said...

thanks for your advice on pacing at the RR100, Cheryl came in at about 22:30, and hadnt even planned on breaking 24 so that made it even better!

Ben, aka BadBen said...

You are better now. Go kick some butt!

psbowe said...

I totally know what you mean about the coaching thing..been coaching soccer, granted I never really play it myself. I had to do a lot of research before I took the offer, but glad I did.
Sweet, it's nice to go on dates!

Unknown said...

I think you need to get one of those hot pink running skirts. What do you think? Oleg would definitely slow down then so he can run behind you.

Donald said...

Hi - I'm just finding your blog now (and thanks for your comment on mine). Good golly, you've done some amazing ultras! Get healthy and have a great racing season.