Tuesday, December 10, 2024 – Proud coach

Hi Everyone!

Wow – what a weekend of running! In the Holiday 10K we had: Cindy (sub-40 and PB!), Chris (sub-39 and PB!), Eleanor (first in age group!), Cheryl, Laura, Erin, Carolyn and Ian! And out in California at CIM a bunch of us ran the marathon – Brianna (PB, BQ!), Steph (PB, BQ!), Amy (PB, BQ!), Shauna (BQ!), Madalyn (PB, BQ!), Carol (BQ!), Myself (BQ!) and Nir (BQ!) (also honourary mention to Madalyn’s friend Leah who joined our crew and ran her first ever marathon!) I know that’s a lot of exclamation points, but they’re all well deserved!!!

It’s hard not to feel proud as a coach for all of these great results. But I am reminded of why I got into and why I love coaching: I am not an artist or a musician or a doctor or an engineer. Those are not my skills or what I put out in the world in order to try to improve it or make it more beautiful in my little way. I am a coach. There are a number of nuanced roles wrapped up into what this means, but to me, it doesn’t mean I’m trying to make people run fast. To me, it means I’m trying to help to make the world a better place one runner at a time. Because I do think runners are special people, and I do think the world would be a better place if we were all runners. I truly believe that there is so much growth and meaning and community and bravery and humility and mutual support, and respect for others, and so many other great qualities that come out when we run. And if I can play a small part in someone’s running journey, even if in passing, I am always more than happy to assist where I can because I believe in the outcome.

The reason I bring this up is because there are a number of athletes who this season or in the past, have either had rough races or not even made the start line. And sometimes it is these journeys where I see the biggest growth. How does your character show up when you’re struggling publicly? Can you be there for others when your own heart is breaking into pieces for losing your own dream? Can you be happy for your friends and teammates who are doing what you want to be doing? It appears from the previously listed results that our crew had a very successful running weekend. But there are a number of our team who are struggling or have struggled this season for one reason or another. And I am almost more proud of those athletes. You know who you are. The ones who cheer and support others when things aren’t going their way. This has happened or will happen to most of us at some point. And I can speak from experience to how hard it is not to just look away and disappear and pretend you don’t care to save your own ego. But people in this group don’t do that, and we all see you. And we’re so grateful for you. These are the people and actions that help make the world a better place. And as a coach, I am so, so proud of you.

On to tomorrow’s workout – HILLS + Tempo!

(please take my word as I speak from immediate experience – run your hills they pay the bills!!!)

Let’s do sets of: 1 full, 1 half, 4 min tempo. I really like this combo and I think it gives just the right amount of hill stimulus before reminding your legs to turn over afterwards. 2 sets if you’re newer to hills. 3 sets for the vets. 4 sets have been done but I’d wait for later in the training cycle as that’s a lot.

I won’t be there bc even walking is a challenge! But I’ll be sending you poz vibes from home. Pottery Crew meet at the top of Potter anytime from 6:10 onwards (or earlier if you need) and Beach Crew meet at the bottom of Glen Manor when it works for you!

Have a great one 🙂

xo

Seanna