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.

Attitude is everything

My teammates in college used to say this all the time: "Fake it 'til you make it". What does this mean though?
Until you've got yourself put together, act like you already have the talent. It's a confidence on the field and off-- being sure of yourself (not bragging), but an air of confidence.

Bring out the old cliches and really live them:
"When you believe it you can achieve it." "Your attitude is youre altitude."
There is actually truth to these; the people who believe they can do something are most often the ones who can.

So if you want to succeed, you're going to have to set some goals, and confidently pursue these goals. Walk proudly my friends.

Trust your coaches

Today I step back and think to my time as an athlete. I remember how my coaches would plan practice. I hated running and conditioning the most, but I had to do it; like going through my daily living... There are many things I absolutely hate, but they are a small potion of my day.

In reflection I can see how the running and conditioning segments of practice pushed me to becoming the fastest girl on my college team. Wow--what an honor that was. But I would not have earned this reward if I ignored my coaches orders. See, they had a specific goal in mind. And only my coaches knew the best route. I had to trust then like I trust God, daily. He's my head coach, and he has so much in store; I can even imagine, not in my wildest dreams, what my life will turn out like. But I know it's going to be exciting, blessrd, and very rewarding.

So trust your coach. He knows the way; just hold on for this grand adventure.

Preparation

Isn't it funny how there is such a parallel between sports training and life? I am the girl who wants a full map of what's going to happen. But even when I set a goal (sports or life) two things are clearly apparent: 1) I can only put 100% into today doing everything possible to prepare and 2) my coach/god has unimaginable glories in store that I haven't even considered.

Athletes: your coaches can see potential in you that you can't even imagine. We see you going beyond your wildest dreams if you will just apply yourself 100% to our training plan for you. I as a coach get so frustrated when a girl's talent is cut short, because they only can see one way--when I see grander glories... Isn't this how God feels when we don't follow his "practice plan?"

Step back and think about it.




"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord , “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)"

Practice needs to be part of your training

Why do we train for a competition? Essentially it's those daily "deposits", banking in good throws, shots, or pace times. While its creating muscle memory, moreso daily practice is installing confidence in what we do- so we may perform our best (with confidence) on the day it matters. I see how this so deeply matches faith; I read this today and see a connection between practice and trust to reach our goals.

Purpose driven living

Having a goal is our main training tool as athletes. But finding purpose in our goal is essential to setting the "right goal", and making connects to the work that will help us reach that goal.

As you enter the new year I encourage you to read into this Bible verse as you seek your purpose in 2013.... "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope AND A FUTURE.'"

I am drawn to the last portion of that passage... If I already know I will win, well I am more inclined to continue working toward my goal.
What would your training look like if you knew you were going to win? I'm telling you now--you will win if you set the right goal, and train accordingly.





*Need help developing a goal or training plan? I'm here to help if you'll ask...

Löfte: Commitment

Commitment:

How important is Commitment? You may answer "important", as the common-sense answer. But if you think about this questions deeply, it's more than a simple one word answer. Commitment is everything; it is action - from the efforts you put into practice, to the schedule you keep to balance team and personal training, to the skills you develop to help push you to that next level.

So as you enter 2013, I dare you to analyze your "commitment" by answering these questions:
1.) How does my schedule show commitment? 5 days or more each week
2.) How do I "look" during practice? am I fully involved
3.) What am I doing outside of practice to improve? personal training

Maximize your summer

Using the summer months to maximize your game is a tri-fold approach.

Part 1: Athletes who are serious ahould be using this time to train, for example I host morning boot-camp style workouts with exercises focused specifically to the athlete/sport. This begins with essential cardio to build stamina to then transition into strength, speed, and agility training. It's all about power, not so much skills in the summer.

Part 2: Using the summer to get your name and skill set to prospective coaches is an essential element to this season. Most college coaches like you, don't have school so it's heavy-recruitment time. It is essential to send your summer competition schedule to coaches NOW (May) so you can get on their travel list.

It is helpful to have a video to se d along with your summer games to entice coaches to come recruit you.

Part 3: Competing in the summer is essential because during your high school season these prospective college coaches were also competing. So they likely didn't get to see you play. **Make sure if you are playing in a recruitment tournament that you not only send your game schedule to coaches you like, but each of these tournaments typically has a list of "attending coaches". Scan ths list, even look into some of the schools you have never heard of and email and additional coaches your cover letter, video, resume, and game schedule.


Good Luck, ***make it your goal to get the most out of THIS summer.