On most days my coaching job takes up a few minutes in the morning (blog, workout plan, communications with A/D, etc.), and 2 hours or so in the afternoon with practice. This morning it's been 4 solid hours of track related work. That is by no means a complaint, merely an observation. An observation which arises based at least in part on a change in the manner in which grades are dealt with, but primarily on the grades themselves. In the past, students were motivated to improve their grades with weekly progress reports being issued and penalties for not completing assigned work. This policy was changed to eliminate the progress reports and with that went the motivation to improve or suffer the penalty of being ineligible to compete. Under the current policy it is often too late to recover by the time we coaches can make a difference. That said, my belief is, and has always been, the most important issue for school age children is academic achievement. Sports, clubs, cars, even friendships pale in comparison. Because I am there this is not a bold prediction but yet another observation - what you do now with respect to your education will impact every aspect of your life as long as you live. Do NOT lose out on the opportunity you have before you. If you need time to study or get extra help, my policy will be to continue with "academics first." Your policy should be the same. Consider it the wisest investment you can make in YOUR future!
Now that I'm off that ledge, I'm hoping we can get outside today for an Easy run with our Distance/Mid-Distance kids. On days like this I recall completing my daily run in the snow-covered silence of Wompatuck State Park. No people, no cars, no headphones; just footsteps in the snow. Can you spell "melancholy?" Enough - see you at 2:30 ready to run!
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