Email #11 from Coach Don

Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go. . . T.S. Eliot

As if you haven't noticed, the training has picked up a little bit. Longer miles (9 last week/10 this week for Novices, 13/14 for Intermediates). As we do longer miles we will invariable start doing courses that will involve a few more hills. Although you may mutter unfavorable things about the guy who designed the course while running it, remember this is about Training. What you are doing now is building strength in your legs. Strength that will carry you through the rest of your training and through the marathon. So carry that thought with you this weekend.

No man is ever whipped until he quits in his own mind... Napoleon Hill

The body cannot achieve what the mind cannot conceive....

Remember these to as you run. Running distance is not about speed, it is about endurance. You are building on your ability to run longer and longer distances. And being able to maintain you running speed for that distance. And as we get into these longer miles, not only do your legs need to get stronger but your mind does too. So much about distance running is putting into a corner of your mind the thoughts that you have when struggling on a run and putting strong mental images of you succeeding to the front. Think that you can do this run. You will do this run. The mind is a wonderful thing and it can help the body wonderfully if you just let it.

It is not about the destination, it is about the journey...

We have all in our lives become goal oriented. This training is about achieving a goal. But while we all have that goal in mind and we cannot, should not forget that goal, we do need to remember the journey. You will remember a lot about the actual race on marathon day. You will remember more about the training. Your new friends. Certain routes that came on good days or bad days. So make sure you are take time to enjoy the journey.

Administrative: On August 19 & 20, we are going to have another fun day. It is team dress up day. So start thinking of a running outfit that prominently features your team colors in you running togs. Same rules as 4th of July...Prizes will be awards.

Note: Because we are the "Rocky Mount Team", we do not have a color. Don had recommended that we all dress in our favorite school's colors instead. Sounds like fun if you are interest.