It has been about 17 years since I ran regularly. My freshman through Junior year of high school I was on the cross country team. I was never one of the top runners, but I worked hard. My freshman year I had two coaches. One of them said to me, "you'll probably never be a fantastic runner." Ouch. Now was he being mean? Not really-it was a truthful statement. I will never run for living, and Nike won't be sponsoring me in any events. But 17 years later I still remember him saying that. The assistant coach, who became head coach after that year, had a different style. He focused on training each team member to reach their absolute best-even if that wasn't considered fantastic in the running world. He would give you tips on how to run better, faster, and smarter. He didn't focus on what you weren't-he focused on what you could be.
One of my favorite meets was the Eastern Invitational. Both my mom and my dad were there, which was special. Dad didn't always make it to the meets. I remember my dad saying to me, "If you run a 24:00 or less, I'll milk for you this afternoon." That was a tall order. At the time I was running between a 25:00 and 26:00 5k. It was worth a shot.
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| Dad and me-do you see the deal in the making? |
I had a fast start-my fastest mile time ever, a 7:06. I remember focusing on trying to pass people, one at a time. I come up to another team member, Kelly, and together we passed about three girls. Then I went on. I was feeling great. In my head I could hear Coach Sackrider yelling, "lengthen your stride!" "get your breathing under control!" "attack the hill!" and other phrases he said regularly. The best part though was when I came around one of the last curves. He started jumping up and down, yelling really loudly, "Go, Terri Go! You want to run a 23????? You want a 23???" That was what he said, but his face said "Holy crap girl where did you come from?" To say he looked surprised is an understatement.
I didn't run a 23:00-but I was close. I ran a 24:01. My best time ever. And guess who milked that afternoon? I did.
When I run, I have a choice. I can listen to my first coach, or I can listen to my second coach. I can focus on what I will never be, or I can focus on doing my best.
Who will you listen to? Better yet, which type of person will you be?
Our county fair is coming up shortly. I have spent hours upon hours with the boys and their prospect beef calves. I have given them tips, suggestions, demonstrations, and shared with them every thing I know. We took them to the practice night so they could hear everything the leaders know. No matter how much coaching they receive, they may never be the top showman. They could go their whole 4-H career without a trophy. But I will not say that to them. I will always leave that door open in their mind, with encouraging words to help them reach their potential. I told them all I wanted them to do was their best. No matter what happens on show day, they won't have to milk in the afternoon (ha ha ha- I had to throw that in there, Dad).
Like the old saying about a horse and water....you can take them to the county fair, but you can't make them win.
Good luck to all the 4-Hers this week. No matter what you do in life, listen to the people who believe in you and lift you up with encouraging words and helpful hints. I am 34 years old, and running again. I'm running a 26:18 5k and as soon as Rick says he'll milk for me, I just might run a little faster!
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| I'm second from the left. My last year of showing I won Grand Champion Senior Showman for Prospect Beef. Sometimes, when the kids don't want to listen to you, the photos come out. :) |
