Life's Swell

Josie, you're an amazing runner and an even more amazing person and Holt is right: you earned your spot on the team. You've already proven time and time again that you're tough and dedicated and you deserve to be here. That being said, there will always be ups and downs. It's a part of life. I know the road race didn't turn out how you wanted it to, I know you're disappointed, but you've got the right mindset: not to dwell on it and move forward. And just so you know, Coach definitely sees the potential you have. He can see how hard you work, how motivated you are, and how much you want to be here. I've talked with Coach a lot recently, all he wants is to have a team full of hard workers who actually want to be here. Who are grateful for the opportunities given to them instead of feeling entitled to everything. I know you're one he wants to keep around, I can see your drive and determination and I'm not even the coach, I'm not looking for it. It's already evident so don't even worry.

As for the road race, it was one performance and it doesn't define you. Coach is more understanding and patient than I think a lot of us give him credit for. He takes into account everything, not just the times or places we get. He looks for the deeper dedication and commitment to the team and to the sport. If he didn't, I would've been kicked off the team long ago. But I'm not a good example. Maddy would've been kicked off her freshman year due to her being injured the whole time. Sharlie was almost kicked off the team, too, but since my freshman year she's become more dedicated, and look where she is now. Don't you think Coach is grateful he was patient with both of them? Now they're some of our top girls and are killing it. That's why Coach is, in my opinion, one of the best coaches in the NCAA. Other coaches would not have been so lenient, would have cut both of them and missed out on developing them into the amazing athletes they are. That's why Coach is so lenient. That's why you're here: because he believes in you. He sees your potential. He knows you can rise just like they did.

My advice would be to look at the positives. What did you do well? Even though you felt awful, you still finished. Not everyone would. And even though you felt like you were gonna pass out, even though you were forced to slow down, you still finished ahead of where other girls in the past have finished. Remember: this year is the best women's track/xc team SUU has ever had thus far. To be a part of it is an honor. But don't get so caught up in comparisons with our current teammates, because the truth is they're all really, really great runners, most have had more experience than you, more time to develop. It's a process, and with time you can get there, too. But if you get caught up in the moment, in being good right now, in having to prove yourself every day, every practice, every race, you'll be disappointed. Take them as opportunities to improve, not as evaluations of your current fitness. The workouts we do are meant to help us improve, to raise our thresholds. We get out of them the effort we put in. If you're doing your best that's all that matters. Sure the road race is a way to see where our fitness is at, but like you said: it's obviously not an accurate measurement in your case and Coach knows that. Not every race or workout can be a stellar one. You're going to have bad days just like the rest of us. But as long as you're giving your best, that's all that Coach can ask of you, and all you can demand from yourself.

Life's Swell

April 19, 2024