Visiting upon the coaching theme again. Two things any coach worth his/her salt should possess is a Sound Philosophy and an Inspirational Credo. My credo is duly credited as originating with Andy Palmer, Phd. He running the ethereal and eternal trails in the great beyond for so many years now. He also shared my philosophy and birthday, I miss him still.
The Mind is the Athlete. Anyone tries to tell you different give them a good imaginary sock in the nose, smile and nod, and keep running with The Truth. Only that can make you reach your potential.
I wish I would have met Andy earlier in my career. My own True Potential most likely pissed away by 10 years of my prime chasing my Own Truth’s training tail. All of my early lessons came from the school of hard knocks, trial and mostly error. Do As I Say, Not As I Did! Might be a good credo right there.
Andy taught me to slow down. He once told me the hardest mile I would ever run was the 9:00 pace he prescribed for slow base miles. Which segues into our Shared Philosophy. Lydiard based. High Mileage, developed over time, appropriate to one’s individual ability. The Strength of Years the surest way to championship level running. Well thought out goals, short term, mid term, and long term. And how to achieve them. Speed Work. Long Slow Distance. Real Racing. Group Training.
All for naught without The Mind. The cognizance and acceptance of Real Truth, embracing that the Closer it Cuts, the more Painful, the more Dear, the Id, Ego, and Super-Ego, the Greater the Enlightenment.
Across all talent levels. Give me someone that is Honest with Themselves, and I will make them their Own Champion.
A well thought out garden is like a well thought out training paradigm. Bountiful. Three varieties of eggplant just beginning to set fruit. Patience, hard work, and attention to detail, despite this Spring’s hard knocks, bringing the Best Chance for Success.
About Author
