I read a great training tip from running coach and author Hal Higdon today:

Tip of the Day: I believe in undertraining runners, rather than overtraining them. The upper limit for my advanced marathon training programs falls somewhat below 60 weekly miles. I do not tell runners not to run more miles weekly; I simply believe they better know what they are doing before pursuing a more aggressive program. Those who regularly run more than 60 miles a week and whose systems have adapted to that high load, may not be at increased risk. Instead of being overtrained, they may be well trained. - Hal Higdon

Most endurance athletes have no trouble finding motivation and drive.  We set long term goals, map out a plan and then execute the plan.  We know there are no short cuts or "magic workouts".  It is about doing the work.   Training for endurance events stresses the body.  It causes tremendous fatigue and a steady dose of aches and pains.  The key is knowing when to back off and allow the body to recover and prepare for the next key workout.  A half-marathon or marathon training program is not dependent on ONE workout.  The key is staying consistent and healthy over the course of the training plan.  Missing a workout occassionally or taking an extra day off will NOT ruin your race.  It can actually improve your fitness over time by allowing you to arrive at your next run fresh and energized.   Ignoring your body's warning signs and continually running yourself into the ground week after week leads to injury and illness.   Stay focused on your goals but do not become so fixated on reaching the finish line that you fail to ever get to the start!

Ya Gotta Believe

Coach Kevin

"Olympic Champion on Aisle Four..." (My Favorite Runners, episode 27)

I love the Olympics. It is still the grandest stage for an athlete. I can't fathom the dedication and drive it takes to focus on an event for years and years. It comes down to one race, one chance, no errors or mistakes. On that day one athlete rises to the occasion and is the best on the planet at their particular event. That is special: Olympic Gold Medalist. I have had occasion to meet a few Olympic Champions and it always leaves an impression. This is my favorite:

1972 Olympics in Munich. This is the first Olympics I remember watching on tv. I was 8 years old and there were only 4 TV channels. The Olympics were a BIG deal. This was the Olympics that produced Gold Medals for Frank Shorter in the marathon and Mark Spitz in the pool. It was also marred by the slaughter of Israeli athletes by terrorists. One race in particular stands out. The men's 800 meters. I clearly remember my dad yelling "here comes the American kid in the golf hat!!" That American kid was Dave Wottle and he ran one of the more memorable races in Olympic history. Despite world-class credentials he was clearly not a favorite.

I heard Dave give a presentation several years ago where he showed the attached video and then walked us through the story. I still get chills every time I watch the video and hear Jim McKay's classic commentary. Dave spoke of being right in the middle of the Olympic Village during the Israeli hostage ordeal and of hanging out with Frank Shorter and Steve Prefontaine. When his Olympic opportunity presented itself he ran one of the most perfectly paced races in history. The video shows that he quickly goes to the back of the pack and appears to be out of the race in the first lap. Then he makes an amazing kick to win the gold in the very last meter of the race. In reality he never changed gears. He ran almost dead even splits. Everyone else went out very fast and faded. Dave stuck to his own race and it worked! On that day he was the best in the world.

Now to my "brush with greatness". Dave lives in Memphis and has worked at Rhodes College for years. I was walking through Target and I see a familiar face sitting in the lawn furniture department obviously waiting on his wife to retrieve him. Holy cow... that is Dave Wottle, Olympic Champion! I could not pass up the chance to say hello and tell him how much I enjoyed his presentation. And how many times do you run into Olympic Champions in the lawn furniture department? He was as gracious and friendly as you could ever hope. I told him that he was mentioned in a book I had just completed, "Bowerman and the Men of Oregon". It is about Bill Bowerman, legendary track coach at Oregon, co-founder of Nike and 1972 Olympic coach. Dave went on to reminisce about Bowerman, Pre and the Olympics. I was in heaven. I could have sat there all day and listened.

Need to get motivated? Watch this clip of his Olympic race and listen to Jim McKay announce. Classic.

Dave Wottle 1972 Olympics