13.5.2008.
Hi,
I had finished with the kids at King David School this afternoon and had some time to
go for a run in this awesome Autumn weather. I took
myself down to one of the favourite ones – Koonung Creek, in the Box Hill area
– no snakes and it brought back memories of the time I spent at Koonung Primary School in 1993. The School was shut down
during Kennett’s time, but it was a valuable time for me in terms of preparing
for Hawaii 1996 – I rode too and from Malvern and Koonung Heights every day for
18 months along with having to visit my disabled son at Royal Talbot Rehab
Centre on the bike on the way home, in Winter – I had no choice, I had no car.
I have fond memories of that time as tough as they were.
As I bopped along the track a few things came to mind. Here
I am revisiting yet again runs I did 15 years ago and still enjoying them. I’ve
seen many a change in the environment which has actually improved the whole
scenario.
As I bopped along the word ‘perseverance’ came to mind. So I
went to the trusty Oxford and this is what it says – “steadfast
pursuit of an aim” – well, well, well – how would I have known. So
maybe, that’s why the Craig Mottram’s, Chris McCormick’s of the world
succeed. The
whole process is about being patient, failing along the way, getting back on
track and being determined to ‘make it happen’. I remember an old saying – “try,
try again, if you first don’t succeed, try, try
again”. How true that is.
Just think, if you didn’t try again, what a waste. There are
plenty of examples of those who have ‘tried again’ – Mohammad Ali, George
Forman, Jana Pitman, even Jeff Fenech, Kerin Perkins and a whole heap of others
that have survived - cancer victims, road trauma victims etc, etc. It’s not
about giving up; it’s about dealing with who we are and where we want to be in
the scheme of things. We have to persevere in everything we do – studies,
relationships, work tasks and so on. Our problem with this sport is I guess,
the amount of time we have to spend at honing skills in three disciplines,
doing the fitness work and finding time to fit it in. That’s why it is
important to be disciplined in our time management and our attitude to
perseverance.
Competing at any level has always been about; perseverance,
persistence, patience, learning and the process will never change. So for those
that think it will happen yesterday – forget it and see you later.
The week that was.
·
Matt Mahon raced at Byron Bay on the weekend and had a wonderful
time. Great swim 23 mins, then got a flat 500m out, but had no pump and as Matt reflected – the six P’s came to
mind. However he sorted it out and went on to have a great time. So well done Matt – now that’s ‘perseverance!!
·
We
were lucky with the weather over the weekend, so the S&C session went
without a hitch. Great turn out and I’d say a few would have had a few sore
spot on Sunday. More of that to come. Ideas about how the session can be
structured are coming in and I’m happy that that is happening because the more
input people have in improving sessions the better.
·
I’m
sure all the Mums had a marvellous day on Sunday.
The week ahead.
·
Unfortunately
the weather may well be against us this weekend. However we will press on with
given plans for Saturday and Sunday. If it does rain on Saturday we run anyway,
so bring gear to cover all bases. I would like everyone to attend the session
at Studley Park Loop on Sunday so that I can deal some issues regarding bike
skills before we take to the roads proper on the following Sunday.
·
You
need to be easing into our current program by now. Remember, our aim over the
next few weeks is to improve our skills and start developing our ‘fitness
factor’. We are moving into our third week and I’ll be emailing everyone
separately or meeting up with people separately to ‘review’ progress so far.
I’ll be looking at – goals, schedules, nutrition, injuries, commitment,
attendances and any issues. This will happen every 3 to 4 weeks.
·
We
will be doing the good old ‘beep’ test in two weeks time on the Saturday
morning before the S&C session. This is going to be a very consistent
process this season – you know, the ‘perseverance’
thing. The purpose being – I want everyone to understand where they sit in the
scheme of personal readiness for doing the best they can be when the time
arrives. Those that don’t avail themselves of the opportunity are not doing
themselves any favours.
·
Camp – unfortunately Jamie won’t be able to do this Camp, so
we don’t have a ‘hands on’ Cook – I need some help. I have finalised the
program and am looking forward to what is going to be a very constructive
weekend. There are two places left if anyone is ready and willing to spend the
weekend away. I’ll have time table / maps / menu and other info out to those
going next weekend.
In the meantime, chip away at the program and look ahead to
being the best you can be.
Cheers,
Oscar.
