Integrity: n. the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished
Popeye
always says, “I am what I am. I’m a sailor man, I flight to the finish ‘cause I
eat’s me spinach. I’m Popeye the Sailor Man.” Who knew Popeye was teaching us a
critical life lesson? This is an immeasurable lesson for personal development
and the achievement of your goals. KNOW YOURSELF. Be honest with who YOU are.
Popeye knows who he is, a sailor man. We are not all marathoners or 400m
runners. We all react differently to different stimuli. This is SO important in
running. There is no generic training plan to follow that will make you the
best you can be. The best you can be lies in doing what is best for you.
This is a
great lesson for coaches as well. Listen to your athletes. Listen to what they
don’t say. Listen to their training logs. Listen to their sleep patterns.
Listen to the enthusiasm or dread in their voices. Listen to how they react to
your training. Know your athletes and coach them accordingly. Some athletes
want structure some need the freedom of input and some need lots of miles and
some need lots of cross training. It is as much mental as physical. Be
intuitive and have integrity. This requires diligence and unwavering
dedication. Be a great coach not just a good coach.
The same is
true for athletes. The difference between good runners and great runners lies
in their ability to know themselves and train accordingly. Yes I know talent
plays a huge role in greatness, but if talent could be leveled then self -perception
and integrity would be the distinguishing factor between good and great. Why is
this? If you know yourself and your body you will do those things which work
for your body and mind. You will only put your energy into those things that
make YOU better. You are not Ryan Hall, Sonya Richards-Ross, or the guy on the
starting line standing next to you. Why would you lie to yourself about it? We
all react differently to training both physical and mental. Be the best version
of yourself by understanding and being confident with who YOU are. This takes
time, but your efforts in this pursuit could not be better spent on anything.
If you are new to running or still haven’t quite found the best version of
yourself and want to know yourself more quickly, get a great coach that aligns
with YOU.
To know
thyself is the greatest weapon for capturing your goals. Be honest with yourself,
eat that spinach, get strong, get confident, get YOUR goals.
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