Well, it’s September 1. Even though it signals the end of the summer, I have very fond memories of returning to school when I was younger. My grandmother used to take me to the store every August to buy me a new lunchbox and it was always great fun to pick it out. I’d get my lunchbox, new clothes and pens, pencils and notebooks and I’d be all set. I was a very organized kid and I’ve never outgrown that. I recall my teachers marveling, even when I was in college, at how neat my notes were. It didn’t always mean I understood everything but I always had very detailed, organized notes.
Being an athlete requires a bit of organization as well. Unless you’re just in sport for the love the game, whatever it is, anyone training for any race or tournament or match or event has to plan the march towards the proverbial finish line. I use a notebook (of course!) in which I write out a daily running plan for the week. I do this on Sundays and it allows me to take into consideration what’s going on in other parts of my life that week and plan my time on the road and in the studio accordingly. It also allows me to diary about aches and pains, good runs and dietary issues. It’s always inspiring to look back at all the week of training that have been accomplished when you’re feeling tired and worn out.
Today as kids start to collect their things to return to school this week, I look ahead to the next 6 weeks of training until the 19th of October: marathon day. I will continue to use my resources to train ( coaches, friends, books, weekly plan) but will also tap into what I loved as a kid; the unexpected, the feeling of a fresh start and the opportunity to do my best
Enjoy this, the last official day of the summer and write down some goals for the weeks ahead. It’s never too late to start a plan.
Peace.