Thanksgiving - a time for memories

This Thanksgiving holiday, many of us are planning to lace it up one more time at whatever Turkey Trot is in our area.  I've always enjoyed these "end of year" races - the heavy lifting is over, we're burning calories in advance of the biggest meal of the year, and this is a victory lap of sorts.  It's also about friends, family, and tradition.

Of all the races I've done, the most memorable are the races I've done with my 11-year old daughter Ripley.  She's not much into training, but she can crank out a 5k fun run on a whim.  She's learning the ropes, and it's been a joy to teach her a few things.  She has selective memory, though, as she occasionally likes to go out too fast, power up hills, and drink too much water before the race starts (then it becomes a race to the closest bathroom...).  She's competitive, and gets frustrated when she gets a cramp, blister, or side stitch.  We'll make a goal to pick off other runners, gradually improving our placement in the field.  We have a tradition in our house to pin our race bib on the wall in the garage, and she will proudly point out hers and tell you stories about each race.  I remember and cherish those experiences as well - running may not end up being one of her passions, but it's been something we've been able to share.

We remember moments, and there is one in particular that I'll always remember.   We were running together at a 5k fun run fundraiser race a couple of years ago.  It was a hilly course and a hot day, and lets just say it wasn't "fun" 100% of the time.  It gave us an opportunity to chat about practice, patience and perseverance. Fortunately the half mile was downhill, so our spirits dramatically improved.  With about 150 yards left in the race Ripley saw the finish line and took off.  It was the first time we ran apart all day.  I ran after her and proudly watched her raise her arms above her head as she crossed the finish line and proclaimed herself "the winner"! 

She did cross the line first, and for that she claimed bragging rights.  For me, have never been prouder or happier to finish in second place.

I wish you and your families a very happy Thanksgiving. Travel safe, and enjoy the moments and memories you share together.

James

Coaching - unlocking your true potential!

“All coaching is, is taking a player where he can't take himself.” – Bill McCartney

One of the most important things I have learned with from my coaches has been the ability to look beyond a single moment, goal or achievement, and focus on the bigger picture.  I was reminded of two important lessons in the past couple of weeks – one with my professional coach, as well as another my running coaches. 

1.        Align positive energy with what is important right now, rather than waste negative energy on worrying about what may happen.

We have a lot to worry about in life, and that element of worry burns a disproportionate amount of positive energy, and often creates negative energy.  Mike, my professional coach, reminded me of that this week, and it helped reset my mindset and priorities.  More often than not worry stems from things we cannot directly control, and staying focused on what we can control will yield greater (and more positive) results.  We have a finite amount of energy, and we should invest it wisely!

2.       Little things today mean greater success tomorrow.

Ten days after a tough marathon I returned to my weekly track practice with my running group.  I was clearly violating the “1 day of rest per mile raced” rule, but I felt like I needed to start back sooner with some light activity.  Years ago I would have gone on an eating binge and exercise moratorium, but I’ve realized some great benefits from not just finishing a race, but doing my best to live a healthier lifestyle.  I’m inspired by my team and my coaches, and while the formal race training for the season is over, we've got a plan in place for even better achievements next year.  

Can you achieve great things on your own?  Absolutely.  But I would argue that coaching - at the right time and place - can provide you with an honest assessment of where you are, and plan a path for the future.  Whether it's a momentary mental reset, or sitting down to focus on goals and strategy, effective coaching can catapult you to the next level, helping you achieve things that may have previously seemed out of reach!

 

Remembrance

Today is Veterans Day (Remembrance Day in Canada, my home country).  Around the world we honor our Veterans and the men and women who currently serve.

As a runner I am proud that the running community takes time to celebrate our heroes, and we do so regularly.  I remember my first ever race - the 1999 Bolder Boulder - seeing the team of runners in military fatigues running the 10k course in formation.  If that wasn't tough enough, they did a series of pushups in front of the finish line, then they crossed.  The crowd went crazy!

On Memorial Day weekend this year I entered a Memorial Day Run and March in my hometown of Castle Rock, Colorado.  There were 5k, 10k, and 30k events - I ran the 5k, but finished up to catch some of the 30k race.  The 30k race (actually it was a march) was primarily run by military members, and was administered by a Norwegian Army Officer.  Here's the kicker - the military members were in their full fatigues, and they also had to wear a rucksack filled with 25 pounds of food throughout the race that would be eventually donated to homeless veterans.  The Norwegian Officer presented each qualifying military marchers with the Norwegian Foot March Medal worn by the Norwegian Army.  It was a truly eye-opening and inspiring event!

We are touched by the sacrifices of all of the men and women in our Military here at home and around the world.  As runners we occasionally have moments like these to help celebrate their service, and we will celebrate their service today.  On this special day, we celebrate and remember all of our military heroes and their families.  Thank you for your service!

Looking for inspiration? It may be closer than you think!

Sometimes looking back can sharpen our focus for the road ahead.

I recently took a trip down memory lane - I tuned in to ESPN2 on Sunday to watch the 45th running of the New York Marathon.  Few races - or events period - compare to the New York Marathon.  The broadcast brought back a lot of great memories. It was exactly one year ago that I was one of those 50,000+ runners in New York, and it was the most memorable (and fastest) marathon of my running career. Walking out of Central Park on a cold and windy afternoon never felt so good!

Fast forward one year, and I’ve all but wrapped up another season of racing. I ran eight races, achieved 3 new PR’s and logged another marathon. A successful and fulfilling year, but it is hard to beat the excitement of last year in New York.  Facing a long and cold winter season, I needed something to get me fired up for what is ahead!

 Watching the race and following my friends and teammates conquer NYC brought back so many great memories – including the thrill of a marathon PR on a tough course on a tough day.  I've heard inspiring stories from friends who ran the race this year, and another chapter of inspiring stories and cherished memories has been written.  For me, I'm still in "recovery mode" from my marathon a couple of weeks ago, but after connecting with the New York experience this past weekend and hearing all of the great stories from this year, I'm inspired, energized, and planning my 2016 race calendar!

One of the most important lessons running and racing has taught me is the value of drawing on past experiences.  Whether they be lessons learned, remembering great events, or sharing accomplishments, looking back can help set you back on course with priorities, goals, and inspiration.  It's a lesson that applies in so many facets of life.  Sharing and celebrating these moments in life is a great way to recapture that energy and passion!