Get out there

Spring is just around the corner. For some of us that means spring sports, the start of race season, or simply time to think about getting into a bathing suit. Whichever has you on edge; the answer to your jitters is "Get out TODAY!"

For those, like me right now, just getting back into training, it's about setting a goal. And just getting active. (I haven't run in 17months due to a difficult pregnancy, 86 day hospitalization, and then being a new mommy to twins).

Yesterday was my turning point, the day I chose to stop making plans and just get out and run. I was extremely fearful to run after so many months off, plus learnjng how to push 40lbs in twins and stroller, and the weather still isn't "warm". Can you just hear the whining excuses...

Step 1: I made a goal, I signed up for a race April 17th. Figured I had to have a goal to push myself.
Step 2: I had to quit making workout plans for myself and just go out. I even forgot my hat and my ears were throbbing in the cold. But I just had to go immediately!
Step 3: day two is just as important as day one! So today I just went out in the same mindset, to get going and not worry about time or pace.

Reaults so far? I actually ran twice as far in less (pace) time as yesterday.

So the moral of this personal story is: no matter where you are in your journey; today is the day to just get out!

Player versus Coach

As a player isn't it so often that you think (and even say) things like "I can't believe he started her!" Or "she doesn't even try, why is she in the lineup?" If you took a moment to ponder you might recognize these thoughts are popping up either when you're not in the game, or when "she" made a gametime mistake that cost the team an important score.

But when YOU are the player who bobbled the ball, missed the free-throw, or shot on goal... you're thoughts might go to "the game as a whole was bad." "We (rather than I) made many mistakes..."

*As a player it's time to stop trying to take over the role of your coach. Let coach deal with coaching. You deal with keeping positive, mentally-verbally-and in action.
*You as a player are responsible for putting your all into the role coach feels YOU will best contribute. Take pride in that.
*Let this be an EMPOWERING day, and stop trying to be someone you are not. You are player. Coach is coach.

When the game is on the line, you GET to play the game while coach has to consider every decision.
*So GO PLAY; fulfill you're role as a player by being...
- active in the game
- encouraging to your teammates
- constantly earning a spot in the lineup

Take pride today--you get to be an ATHLETE.

Problems

I read a great passage today it said "Give up the illusion that you deserve a problem-free life... This is a false hope!" While it may seem harsh I absolutely love this message. I struggle with the struggles in life. And I can truly relate this message to sports, how I wished once I was on a roll-that I would just continue to produce stellar results. But the reality is we all face highs and lows, wins and losses.

So recognize the battle will not be won forever, so each day is a new battle a new fight. So take yesterday as it was, without bearing on today, and go win today's battles.