“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step,” goes the popular saying. This week begins a journey that I’m very excited about – the journey of this website, Road Runner Coaching. The vision and purpose of this site began some time ago, and I wanted to share some of that here.
This idea was born out of a dream to do something greater with my God-given talents and abilities. I had big ambitions when I was younger of playing soccer at an NCAA Division 1 university. Was it a bit short-sighted? Of course! After all, I was only in high school! But my thoughts and actions were strongly driven by this goal – to do something GREAT – and I went to great lengths to achieve it. I was firing on all cylinders and it brought out the best in me.
Fast forward a while, after my soccer career was over and the rest of life began – job, marriage, family. Not all the cylinders were firing anymore. I found that even when I invested my energy and love into my wife and kids, I still had something left to give. I still had desires that were not yet fulfilled.
USING YOUR GIFTS
Throughout my soccer career, I came to realize that motivation came easy to me. As long as the goal was in mind, it was easy for me to put in the work – running in the off-season, working hard when no one was watching, taking care of my body. I firmly believe this was a result of my lack of talent! I simply HAD to work harder than everyone else because my natural skill set wasn’t as strong.
Naturally, being inclined to self-motivation, I have always gravitated towards the idea of coaching. If you want to see me get emotional, pop in anytime the IRONMAN World Championship special is on NBC! I am truly inspired watching others achieve their goals after enduring struggle. I was challenging myself in so many ways physically, I knew it was time to challenge myself in other ways too. Fast forward several months and Road Runner Coaching was born!
BUT WHAT CAN I OFFER?
Feeling inadequate is something any coach feels from time to time. After all, it takes humility to be a good coach, and part of being humble is acknowledging that you sometimes don’t have all the right answers. My approach, however, is the same as my approach on race day: control what you can control. I can control my commitment level and my energy. I can control my attention to detail and how hard I work. These qualities will be the hallmarks of my coaching style.
As Magic Johnson says, “Talent is never enough. The best players are the hardest workers.” I couldn’t agree more, Magic!
DAY ONE
Day one of a new training cycle is always the most special in my opinion. You have a blank canvas before you, ready to paint a masterpiece! You have the goal clear as day in your sights before any stain or blemish can happen. If all goes well, there’s great potential to do something special.
This is my same thought and wish for this website and for every athlete that I will meet. If all goes right, with hard work and determination, there is great potential to do something special!
