What I've Learned About Coaching So Far

It's not always about knowing every single rule for each event.  It's not always about knowing how to split times and remember every single athlete's personal record.  It's not always knowing about the history of an event or even having a long personal history in the sport.  I work with coaches who can do this and so much more, and I am in complete awe of their knowledge and compassion.  It's a little overwhelming, and sometimes I wonder if these athletes are being coached by me at all.

But I've learned that coaching is sometimes letting the girls take selfies on my phone.  Sometimes it's about letting athletes cry on my shoulder while I tell them that they deserve to be at the meet.  Sometimes it's telling one of the best sprinters in the nation that his bronze medal is an accomplishment, not a loss.  Sometimes it's cheering and yelling until my voice is raw.  Sometimes it's challenging an athlete to be mentally tough.  Sometimes it's getting back late at night and being completely exhausted the next day.  Sometimes it's leading your girls in prayer with the other teams' girls before a race.

The parents have been instrumental in helping me realize these things.  And while I'm trying to take away all the statistical knowledge I can from a distance-running standpoint as well as a sprinting, I'm also going to continue doing what I do because it's still coaching.

December Favorites

I rang in the New Year with a terrible cold.  I'm still not quite sure if what I had qualified as the flu, but it sure was miserable.  The rest of the December had been mild; mild weather, mild happenings, nothing too crazy.  As I wrapped up the first semester of teaching, I couldn't believe that time had passed so quickly.  I felt busy, as usual, but thankful to see another year fly by without any large incidents.  May the new year be just as wonderful for all.

Dr. Teal's Body and Bath Oil in Lavender | After a shower, this has helped ward off dry skin.  The soothing scent has allowed me to fall to sleep quicker (I think).  Even if it's tricking me into thinking that I'm not as exhausted as I feel, I don't mind.

Mucinex | Because when I was sick, this is the only thing that could help. Medicine-wise.

Soup | All I craved this December was soup.  It wasn't the fact that the weather has turned slightly cold, but the comfort of warm flavors and a filling meal had me turning to soup more than once.

J. Crew Sweater | When I went home, a trip the outlets was necessary.  Thank goodness for soft, warm, gray sweaters that pair well with anything. And that are on sale.

Urban Decay Lipstick in "Fiend" | Sometimes, the one thing you need in order to feel put together is a rosy-colored lipstick.  I found one that doesn't dry out my lips, goes on smoothly, and is the perfect color for me.

New Year Resolutions

I used to think that I was good at making resolutions.  I liked to think about things I resolved to do in the morning, then during my planning, and then at night.  But then I realized that truthfully, I liked making "lists," not resolutions.  And typically not personal ones.  Because bettering myself is a year-long struggle; there's no reason to pressure myself in just January.

I would like to say that I resolve to take more "me" time.  But I fear it's a resolution that will be broken again and again.  So instead, I resolve to take more "us" time.  That "us" is Karl and me, my friends and me, and my family and me.  I've gotten so steeped in all things revolving around coaching and teaching, I've sacrificed some relationships. Maybe I haven't sacrificed them completely, but I've most definitely let some go or relied on quick catch-ups and hurried notes.

I would like to take the big trip that Karl and I keep alluding to, but we have made no move to actually go.  In fact, the only thing we've done is save, so it's not like our excuse is lack of funds.  But we need this, whether it's just for a week or for two at most.  Lack of time should not be our excuse.

This resolution seems so insignificant, so easily accomplished by just saying "no, I can't today" or "I've got this other thing planned," but for a "yes" woman, I'm already overwhelmed and anxious about the possibility of telling others "no."  But this is a new year.  All I can do is try.