Tuesday July 24, 2018

The primary purpose and main focus on any summer training program is PREPARATION!  I can't say it enough.  I can't illustrate it enough.  Your success in the sport and the success of our team depend on it.  Preparedness is critical in achieving any goal whether it be in academics, athletics or life itself.

As an example, I have recently been asked to write a recommendation for a Rhodes Scholarship for a young woman who I had the privilege of coaching during her 12 seasons at another local high school some years back.  Julianne McShane was a very talented athlete and a kid who came to practice (literally) every day and put in her best effort on every one of them.  She was also a gifted student, very highly ranked among her classmates.  She went on to graduate from NYU and has worked as a journalist for numerous publications in New York City including the New York Times.  We spoke recently about a particular article she had published and which you can access at the following link:  https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/latinas-motion-founder-encourages-healthy-habits-through-running-n730166   Perhaps because she was so involved in high school running or maybe because Julianne has become a very good adult distance runner competing in numerous half-marathons and marathons, much of her writing includes running themes.  Virtually all of her writing however emphasizes social justice issues and inequalities, particularly as they effect women.  She is a terrific young journalist whose best is yet to come.  But Julianne's accomplishments thus far have not been achieved whimsically, they came as a result of hard work over an extended period of time; a commitment to ideas and ideals and serves to point out we are all capable of greatness if we prepare for it.

In the linked article one woman launched a "nationwide movement" with a single text message to her friends.  (I mentioned this story at last week's strength and conditioning session.) That woman ultimately achieved greatness through preparation, and by influencing others like her to prepare she assisted in helping them achieve greatness as well.  Like you are being asked to do, she started out slowly, building toward the goal of creating a tremendously successful organization.   If you make the effort, you too can be a positive influence and motivate others.  If you have not yet started, today is the day!  Why not send that text message.

Truth be told, I would have to research Julianne's times if I was asked for her best 5K or Mile.  It was not her results which made a lasting impression on me.  It was her effort, her determination, her commitment and her sacrifice that I recall best. Make your own mark on the world by putting forth your best effort in all you do, every day . . .