pm--7.25 Grass loops at the SC Rugby grounds. I decided to make this an afternoon run, and, truly, it was pleasant. The best preemptive strike for a warm afternoon run is constant hydration throughout the day. Granted, it wasn't exceptionally hot today. I've also noticed over the last few weeks that the pace of my runs is about 45-60 seconds faster than last year. The training we've been doing over the last year really does build a nice aerobic engine. RHR--50.
On the book front, I finished another one--Reach for the Summit by Pat Summitt. It's a great book for teachers and coaches. A few things I like about the book:
1) She was successful in helping female student athletes grow as athletes and people. Any coach worth a grain of salt would hope to do something similar.
2) Success, although defined differently by different people, is hard-fought and takes a commitment. Pat talks about success at Tennessee being a national championship, while success for her son is sleeping in a bunk bed.
3) Attention to the mental aspect of life and competition is just as important to team building as the physical, perhaps even more important. Pat had some great coaches to help her with this.
4) The anecdotes were scary, sad, and funny but all contributed to the lessons. We learn through stories.
5) Pat was an in-your-face disciplinarian. I grew up with one of those. He is my dad. It wasn't always easy being the only son of a sergeant and coach, but I'm thankful for the lessons he has taught me. I continue to realize he was right most of the time.
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