How are you doing?
How are you doing? It’s a question you are probably asked nearly every single day. It’s a question you may answer honestly or in a way to appease whoever is asking. Last week our Spewak Training staff linked up for our monthly virtual meeting. A question I posed for our coaches was, “Has there ever been a harder time in coaching for you?” This question hit home with nearly every staff member. Most answered agreeing to the fact this is the hardest challenge they have faced in their coaching career. It’s no secret our athletes are struggling in a lot of ways right now. Our team is made up of a lot of unique individuals. Some of these folks have to deal with the adversity of overcoming virtual learning and parenting right now. Others are health professionals fighting on the front lines while maintaining a running schedule. And other athletes are simply doing their best to push forward despite most races going virtual. There has never been a more important time for our running groups and teams to come together and support one another. (in a socially distanced manner) We need to consistently check in on each other and be honest about where we stand. Admittedly, I am someone who doesn’t always truthfully answer how I am doing in fear of not wanting to sound like I am complaining or for the sake of not wanting to put my problems on other people. What’s apparent is that my staff, athletes, and fellow runners need support right now. As we head into the holiday season, a lot of uncertainty faces our society and the state of racing in 2021. As a coach, I know nothing more than the rest of us. I can’t guarantee to any of our runners that their race will remain live, virtual, or canceled. What I can guarantee is that the sport of running if done in a healthy manner has a positive mental effect on each and every one of us. At the end of the day, running PRs and live events are nice but the satisfaction that comes with distance running is priceless. I encourage all my athletes, staff, and friends to remember why they got into the sport in the first place. If we want to be able to be the best person we can be for ourselves and others, it’s absolutely critical we maintain healthy habits such as running in our daily routine. If you are feeling overtaken by stress, take the pressure away from running and simply focus on making exercise a priority. It’s my hope that the next time I am asked or ask someone how they are doing that we all answer honestly so we can help each other continue to dig through whatever is in front of us. I send you all the best!