Pockets to Chin Sam Taylor

My nephew Sam is embarking on his first cross-country season. Only a sixth grader and this guy has already run first on the team (which includes seventh and eighth graders), done a number of road races successfully and wore me out on a "fun" run. This post is personal and although the theme is running, I want him to know whatever sport, activity, interest or talent he pursues I am forever proud.

I have an incredible feeling that Sam is meant to be a shining star and really already proves this in so many magnificent ways. I suppose we all have a bias toward our loves ones, those kids that just light up our world, so hey I know many reading this can relate. Sam's heart, his smile, uncanny wit and humor, his empathy toward others and natural athleticism make him a likely show stopper. I want to tell him this not to cause undo pressure but because I think my day of that "something" passed. Of course I continue to strive to be better, to give back more, to be a supporting friend and family member. But my shining, personal moment was really a mere flicker. I believe my running potential was vast and I alone became the reason my running career fell rather flat. I had the talent and work ethic but a part of me felt it might be a little easier to fail, instead of meet those expectations. I believed only then the pressure to win could subside.

I simply want Sam to know, my own boys to know and others out there with a big dream to recognize it. If you have a chance to be great at something, anything (of lawful value) do it all the way. Running is still a part of my life, it changed my life only for the better but I never gave it my full attention, not like it or I deserved. Too many other things to do, too many people to meet. I did love the diversity of interests I had growing up but early and more often I didn't make running a big enough priority and this I regret immensely. Of course we all need balance in our lives but there are times, when you have a moment, a window of opportunity to place your bets on that thing that you naturally love. This will be the very thing that can change your life--I really believe this. It may be a knack for bringing people together, a skilled kick of the ball or swing of the bat, a fine strum of the guitar--whatever it may be--don't fight it or waste it.

I only have what ifs and what might have been to ponder regarding my running career and that makes me sad. If I help Sam understand anything in this world, leave him anything in this life--understand that second chances rarely come, and those with true grit and determination are the few who don't have to look back because they always gave it all.

For my postscript here are my favorite running tips or tricks, helpful hints (you get it) I gathered over the years. These have stuck and never failed me. I have likely forgot several so maybe I will keep adding to this (yeah more to come!).

From my junior high/high school coaches, Dick & Carolyn Tucker:

• Use the hills. Make them your strong suit because so many others will fall back and let the hills win. So use those arms (pockets to chin, I can demonstrate later) and let the hill be your advantage.
• Enjoy the rain. No one else is happy about running in the driving rain or having the mud slow them down so embrace it and take part in the nature of it all. My best times were in the pouring rain.
• Remember to eat a good breakfast before you race but stay away from anything too sweet.
• Stay out of the sun as you are waiting for the race to start, it will deplete your energy quickly.
• Cross-train, it does your body good to do something a little different now and then. Swim, dance around your living room, bike, play basketball (Sam has this one covered)...anything that can still give you some aerobic increase but teaches your muscles to react and relax.
• Replace your shoes, only so many miles a shoe can handle. When your shins start aching, probably time for a new pair of kicks.
• Run your own race, keep improving your time and yourself--that is all that really matters, not first or last.

From college coaches:

• Intervals, intervals, intervals
• Ice packs and more ice packs
• Cease your opportunities, they will not present again
• Be proud to wear your future alma mater uniform--the time literally flies.
• I never felt a team spirit more than during my time at Butler, running is a very individual sport but when you lift up others and cheer on your comrades--do it with vigor. My injuries really bogged me down, continuing to support my fellow bulldogs healed me--I only wish I would have done more. You will never regret doing more in the face of adversity.

From my dad

• Pace yourself like the horses, you essentially are like a race horse. Preserve a little energy, I never did this enough.
• Run backwards. Its amazing how a few strides backwards at the end of a training run or workout can do for your hamstrings. Keep those hamstrings happy.
• If you left everything out there on the trail, the course, the track---that is all anyone can ask.

From my brother (yes your dad Sam!)

• Josh didn't run for long but he has a coaching component to him and a solid knowledge of sport in general. He told me never to get behind someone who was slower than me, rather find someone your pace or slightly faster--seems so simple but much of the time we head out way too fast or forget to just tuck behind someone who is going to push us slightly and let them do the work for awhile.
• Count your strides when you are feeling the pain. It takes your mind off the typical ache running and especially racing can create. Oh and during a few races he added, "Megan you are too slow, start counting a little faster."

From me I think (if someone else told me these I apologize for lack of acknowledgement)

• Find your own ritual or routine, it always helped me to know there were a few constants on race day or pre-race day. I almost always had peanut butter toast before a race and never could listen to headphones or music--I needed to hear my thoughts, surroundings--do what works for you.
• When you don't feel like running (or whatever the task) especially those summer runs or holiday breaks (when no coach is right in front of you making you accountable)--that is exactly when you should remember your competitors. I always imagined they were putting in more miles, running faster, doing more and so I laced up and headed out the door.

I did not begin this post in letter format but feel it appropriate to end with proper conclusion.

And good luck buddy. I love you always.

Yours in running,

Aunt Megan