Maybe It's Nothing...

Good morning.  Myles and I are at it again writing our blog.  He's in my lap and I'm doing the writing.  Someone got the good end of this deal.  At least I have some coffee. 

"Maybe it's nothing," I said to myself as I was walking down the stairs to our place last night.  I was walking and just immediately felt shooting pain on the outside toes of my left foot.  I've felt this sort of pain before and I know it's probably related to some nerve issues that may calm down in a day or two.  But...it's never felt like this...pain that prevented me from walking very easily and pain all the way into the inside of my left ankle.  This morning it felt a little bit better and I can walk on it, but it's tender.  It's tingly and numb and painful.  Again, I had this happen before for a few hours and it went away.  Here's to hoping it's nothing and that I'll be back on the road tomorrow running strong.  I've mentioned before that it's tough for me to write when I've not been running.  Heck, the title of my blog is "What I learned While Running."  But...I think it's so important for me to write when I'm possibly injured because I can help those of you who are new to running.  See, when I was younger I would have tried to run through this and just gutted it out.  However, often times that turns a day or two off into a month or two off.  Running through pain is sometimes okay, but mostly it's just going to lead to a major injury.  If there is one key thing I've learned in my 17 year running career it's that you have to know when to call it and rest.  Today was one of those days for me. 

All in all things are going well this week.  Work is fun and I am enjoying the work week.  Myles is as curious as ever and this week he really like to chew on power cords--what fun for us.  The Final Four is this weekend.  My gut says Kentucky will win.  However, I would not be shocked to see Butler or VCU win the whole thing.  While both UK and UCONN are good teams, they are not heads and shoulders above anyone in the Final 4.  So...why Kentucky?  Well, they clearly have the most talent and they have three NBA guys on that team--Jones, Knight, and Lamb.  They are loaded with talent and then some nice veteran leadership in Liggins, Miller, and Harrelson.  I will say on record that I think that this Kentucky team is Coach Cal's best work ever as a coach.  There are not a lot of guys on the team that just wow you, they don't out talent you like last year's team.  Yet, here they are in the Final 4 and that's in large part to them playing as a team and in large part to the development of Miller, Liggins, and Harrelson.  Development of players is the Coach and so I must give Coach Cal credit.  Who will I be rooting for in the Final 4 you may wonder?  I'll be rooting for the team that's behind at the end of the game and hoping they can come back and win.  That's who I'll root for.

Have a great day.  Happy running to you or in my case happy resting to you...

Sunday best...

Chilling w/ Myles

Good morning!  Ran a very scenic 7 mile run in downtown Indianapolis this morning.  Believe it or not I ran 7 miles without ever crossing a road and I ran on concrete, asphalt, gravel, dirt, and grass.  It's true.  I ran this route along the downtown canal, to the white river path, and then to the Monon access point off of 10th street.  Pretty cool run.  Had a nice week of running.

There is this concept of the three best that folks are doing on Twitter right now.  Basically, it's your three best parts of your day.  I have not participated, but I like the concept.  So...I'm going to have my own three best right here on this blog for the week.  Here goes:

One, the New Staff Welcome yesterday was fantastic.  It's great to pull the new group together and just really appreciate the talent that was in the room.  They are truly an "uncommonly" talented group and I'm looking forward to this year with them.

Two, sleeping in on weekend mornings with Sarah & Myles.  I love how the three of us get to just snuggle and lay in bed in the mornings and relax.  Most mornings are a sprint to get ready for work.  I loved the low key mornings over the past couple of days.  Much needed.

Three, a conversation I had with a student on Friday afternoon.  Her story is amazing, her talent is  immense, and her drive to succeed is remarkable.  So many students take their college experience for granted, and this particular student is fighting tooth and nail to be successful.  She is the definition of what going to college is all about and I was honored that she shared her story with me.

Have a great day.  I'm off to lunch with Sarah and then heading to the Cesar Chavez Dinner tonight!  Yeah!   Happy running to you.

Celebrating Running Tights...

Good morning universe.  Just finished up a very nice 6.25 mile run this morning.  It is brisk once again in Indiana proving that you can have winter and summer in the same week (mid 70s one day and high 20s the next).  I very much enjoyed my run today despite another cold run--but I was in my tights that I've had since 1994 and I love these things.  I cannot wait to celebrate the 20th anniversary of my black running tights.

My Aunt Grace & Uncle Brian (UK Fans) w/ Sarah & I at RUPP

You cannot really have a blog without mentioning March Madness.  Wow Butler!  I'm very excited for their team and fans and hope the can make the Final 4 again.  And...Wow UK.  Last year I thought they'd win it all and they stumbled.  This year I thought they'd lose in the first round and they end up knocking off Ohio State.  Great for UK and their fans.  As I stated a couple blogs ago, I've taken on a new approach to UK.  Rather than seeing UK as the enemy of Indiana, I've decided to see UK as a team Indiana competes against but can respect and be civil to the rest of the year.  I have a lot of friends and family who feel as strongly about UK as I do about IU, so I think the best thing to do is be competitors respectful of each other.  In many ways, this is a lot like the philosophy of running.  I've known some guys over the years that I really respected and got along well with even though we competed against each other in local races.  In running, it's about competing hard on the course or on the track, but being good to each other outside of the competition.  I've never really thought about applying the philosophy of running to being a basketball fan, but it makes sense.  Why not just really want to beat UK when they play IU, but be respectful friends outside of that one day?  For me, I'm so competitive and I let my basketball emotions get the best of me at times, but I'm working on it.  One day we will have kids and I'd want them to be good sports.  So...I need to do the same. 

Today is our New Staff Welcome event for our team for next year.  I look forward to this every year even though it's always with mixed emotion.  On one hand it's exciting to assemble the new team, but on the other hand you have to say goodbye to some of your current team members.  We have been so fortunate this year to have an outstanding team and it's humbling to have the staff give everything they have to our program and team.  I'm excited about the team we have coming in, but also EXTREMELY PROUD of the current team.  If you work in the Res Life and Housing World then you probably understand.  We become so close to the folks working in the Residence Halls and it's tough sometimes to let folks go.  One thing I'll be talking about today is the phrase, "people become what the most important people in their lives think that they will become."  In the Res Halls there are times when that "most important person" is the student staff member, the graduate residence director, or the RD for the building because they really come through for a student in a time of need.  We may not be that "most important person" all the time, but in Res Life you have the chance to be that "most important person" during a time in which a student may choose to stay in college or depart.  There are many times when the Res Life staff makes the difference in a person's college experience and there are times when Res Life staff make little to no difference.  I'm proud to say that in our program at IUPUI we are ALWAYS trying to make the positive difference in our work.  I know for me at IU, my RA made the difference just by asking me to get involved.  I know that our staff at IUPUI make the difference by connecting, encouraging, and supporting our students.  Very proud of them.  Maybe I'll show up in my black running tights and spandex shirt.  ;-)

Have a great day.  Happy running to you...

"I need a Doctor..."

Good morning.  Myles, who is sitting in my lap, says hello too.  Time for a short blog.  Ok, the title.  I rarely talk about the title because the blog entry usually speaks for itself.  But...I love that Eminem and Dr. Dre song that is on the radio all the time.  I love it. 

Had a great run this morning and on Tuesday morning as well.  I mentioned in my last blog that I was just feisty and grumpy on Sunday.  That continued into Monday and Tuesday as well.  I was sooooooo frustrated with myself for feeling so antsy.  So...on my runs today and on Tuesday I really concentrated on that negative energy while I ran and just ran it out.  I ran hard and the more I felt grumpy the harder I ran.  I know that this might sound strange for folks who do not use running as a stress management tool.  Me?  Well, I am competitive and I work hard and I am a perfectionist.  When I think things are not the absolute best that they can be then I get frustrated--even if I should not be; even if perfection is a silly goal.  So...I run.  And running really helps me burn energy and process information and feelings.  Last year I ran 40 miles/week for 40 consecutive weeks.  I am now only running about 20 miles a week.  So...I've got a lot more energy and less time.  So...I've decided to really push the runs--even if they are shorter.  Basically, it's run in the morning before work and then walk with Mr. Myles in the afternoon. 

We have our New Staff Welcome for our new student staff this weekend.  I've been working on a PowerPoint presentation that will get folks FIRED UP about being on our team.  I'm pumped about getting the undergraduate staff team together for the first time.  We've had an exceptional group this year and the future looks to be bright as well.  I'm so very fortunate to work with some of the most talented students in all the land!  We have a lot of "Prime time Players"--to steal another Dick Vitale phrase.  We continue to have a really good run of outstanding staff performance at IUPUI and it starts with the students and is really hammered home by our supervisory team. 

OK.  Time to go to work.  Myles is ready for a nap in his crate.  Happy running to you...

"I need a Doctor, Doctor, Doctor..."  (Good thing I have one)  ;-)

I needed a run...

Sometimes, I get inexplicably cranky.  It's odd that a normally calm and easy going guy can become a pain in the butt.  After my trip to Target today for weekly shopping, I came back and was just flat out cranky and I was driving Sarah crazy.  Finally, I told Sarah that I needed to run and she said something to the effect of "yeah, I think that would be good."  So...I headed out the door and went for it.



I love this hat...



My picture today is fitting as often times I do become much happier after a run.  Additionally, there are days when I'm running that I just have the biggest smile on my face as I'm running down the street.  Sometimes, I'm thinking about something that makes me laugh.  Other times, it might be a song that elicits a memory that makes me smile.  Currently, that's the "This is Indiana" song as I just cannot help but smile when thinking about how much I love the Hoosiers!  In either instance, the hat I'm wearing in the photo that simply says "Run Happy" often times describes me perfectly.  On a day like today when it was sunny outside and there was a nice breeze I just felt great.  And...I returned from my run a lot less crankier, which is good me and my ability to stay out of the dog house.  Thankfully, I'm married to a person who understands my inherent need to run.  I'm sure being married to a runner has it's frustrations and it is such a sport for compulsive and obsessive type individuals.  Those two traits can be great (as it helps get you out of bed to run) and bad (as you feel guilty and/or cranky when you don't run).

On my run today I was thinking about work and and just prepping mentally for the next two months.  It's going to be a sprint as we get ready for our day to day business, closing, and preparing for the summer.  I'm ready and excited as we will be recruiting two new professional Residence Directors and at the same time closing out the year with an outstanding group of graduating undergraduate and graduate staff.  I've got to make sure to remember to have fun, enjoy these two months, and "run happy" on a daily basis.  Happy running to you...

A Nice Surprise...

Hello.  Happy Saturday evening to you.  Just a short blog entry before we head to dinner.  It's been a great week.  Students were on Spring Break and I was able to get some tasky work assignments done that sometimes get pushed back by more pressing issues.  I have missed have the students around, so it will be nice to have them back on Monday.

Had a very nice run this morning.  The weather is changing to Spring and that's a great thing.  The winter has been especially harsh this year and I am looking forward to running in some shorts and short sleeves soon.  I've not made much headway on trying to break a 5 minute mile, but I'm hopeful to start pushing towards that here in a week or so. 

My Mom & Dad came in for a visit last night and we've had a nice time thus far.  We are headed out for dinner tonight.  Sarah and I had brunch with my Mom and then headed up to the Northside for some shopping.  Don't fall over, but I actually purchased some nice brown shoes.  Every now and then I do need some brown shoes that are not too dressy but nice for dinner.  The running shoes don't quite cut it sometimes.  Regrettably, I must wear dress shoes from time to time.  It's just a reality that I have to accept. 

Congrats to Kentucky and the UK fans who read the blog.  As many of you know, I'm not the biggest UK fan in the world--okay not a fan at all--but I am a fan of my friends and family who like UK so I'm happy for them.  Happy running to you and I promise a wing-dinger of a blog very soon.

Pacing myself...

My Little Blogging Assistant

Good morning.  It's become a habit of late to blog with my boy, Myles, on my lap.  In the mornings before I go to work he just loves to be close.  So...we are blogging together. 

I had a nice four mile run in the light rain this morning.  While on my run, I could not help but think about the importance of pacing oneself, both in running and at work.  This week is our Spring Break at IUPUI and it would be a good time for me to scale back just a bit--go in a bit later, leave a little earlier, and not work at night.  I have a tendency to go full throttle all the time in running and in work and I have to be careful.  In a race, if you go full throttle, then you look great in the beginning but end up sucking wind for the last part of your race.  Usually, the first race I run each season is like that--I forget sometimes that pacing is so key despite over 15 years of running.  In the Housing and Residence Life world on a college campus, you are in a full throttle sprint from July through September (training and opening) and then again from mid-January to Spring break (selection time).  I've learned that one cannot really control how much you have to work during those periods and the team needs everyone working hard like that.  I think that is why when you have a chance to scale back the pace--like over Spring Break, Winter Break, on certain weekends--it is so important to do so.  If you go full out all the time--both in running and in life--then you won't have the energy to really come through when you need it most.  Pacing, my friends, is key. 



I have applied this concept to working with my graduate students as well.  I have pushed them for the past year or so to get better, to work on their improvement areas, and to address areas that I know would hurt them long term if they don't get them fixed.  With all three of them, they have really answered the bell.  I had a great chat with one of our grads two weeks before The Placement Exchange and said, "you are ready and it's time to scale back, let you mentally prepare for interview season, and to make sure you feel great heading into TPE."  We had such a good chat that day and it was great for me to be able to tell that person that I thought they were ready to go.  I've pushed all three as much as they need to be pushed, and now it's time for them to reap the rewards of their hard work and dedication.  After the Oshkosh Placement Exchange and TPE, it's so clear that they are ready and I'm proud of all three of them beyond explanation!



Have a great Tuesday.  The teams I'll really be pulling for in the NCAAs are:  Georgia (for my wife), Louisville, Butler, Notre Dame, Belmont, Vandy, St. Johns, UAB (I wish Mike Davis well), and Michigan State (I love Tom Izzo despite thinking they will lose in the first round).  Have a great day and happy running to you...





Priorities...

Reunited after four days!

Hard to believe another week has come and gone.  It was a busy week for me and I cannot say I did a very good job running--only making it out for two runs.  But...I can say that I made very good decisions about my use of time--maybe something I would not have done a few years back.

We only have 24 hours in a day and if you are like me then you need every second of your 24.  For me, I'm juggling spending time with Sarah, spending time with Myles, work, fun, running, sleep, and relaxing.  Over the past few years, I've pushed hard with running and probably run when I was too tired or run at the expense of spending time with Sarah or making time for friends.  However, as much as I love to run at the end of the day life is about the people you give your time to more than the number of miles you run.  Sarah has helped teach me this lesson over the past few years and Myles has driven the point home.  For instance, on Monday and Tuesday of last week when I got home from work I had every intention of running.  However, Myles had been couped up in his crate all day and I knew I could not just leave my buddy.  So...he and I took a walk on both days to the park and ran around and just spent time together.  Myles is such a good dog and I feel so responsbile for him and I just cannot bear to ignore him.  Having a dog is a huge responsibility and dogs are meant to get out there and really enjoy being with their owners.  And...Sarah had long days of work and tests and I was not just going to up and leave for a run after walking Myles when I knew I was going to be gone Wednesday through Saturday.

This week I went to Philadelphia to The Placement Exchange to recruit talented new professionals for a couple Residence Director positions we just created for IUPUI.  While I missed Sarah and Myles, I had a great time meeting some talented future professionals, seeing old friends, and just hanging out in Philly.  Again, I could have stayed off in the corner and just been focused on getting some miles in, but I instead interviewed from 9a to 7p, ate dinner with friends, and slept in instead of running because I was tired.  I wanted to run and felt a bit guilty about not running, but I knew my body needed rest--as did my mind.  And...after thinking about it, I'm fine with it.  I'll pick up the running this week.  All in all, TPE was great and I genuinely feel like we found some individuals who could be great on our team.

I knew that the day would come when I would not be able to run 40-50 miles a week and run marathons or races all the time.  I told our undergraduate staff in August that we all have time to do 4-5 things really well and after we pick up 6-7, then we look average at them all.  For me, it's Sarah, Res Life, watching IU sports, and Myles.  Running is in there, but when it comes down to it it's really between running races and Myles.  And...it's not a choice for me.  Myles wins.  I will still be able to run (so long as I get up early) and I'll still race (during the late summer and fall), but at the end of the day when I decided to become Myles's Dad I committed to being the best Dad he could have. 

NCAA tournament selection is tonight.  Keep in mind I'm typing this before seeing the brackets.  I predict the four number one seeds go to Duke, Ohio State, Kansas, and Notre Dame.  I think that the teams to watch besides those four to be good in the NCAAs are: San Diego State, Kentucky, Louisville, Pitt, and Purdue.  Teams I would stay away from picking to go very far:  Wisconsin (too slow), Butler (everyone will be hyped to play them after last year), Michigan State (usually a good pick but Izzo does not have this team), UCONN (Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde type team), Florida (seem soft), and North Carolina (not tough enough and they have no player who just takes over).

Have a great day.  Happy running to you...

Perfect mornings...

He loves his Mommy & Daddy

It's the little things in life.  Truly, I believe that.  And this morning was spectacular.  My alarm went off at 5:30a and I shut it off quickly.  I laid there in the dark next to Sarah with Myles in his crate.  I knew I had to SLOWLY get out of bed as not to wake up Myles (Sarah was sleeping like a log).  Carefully, I stepped out of bed knowing that one misstep would wake up Myles and hijack my running plans.  To my delight, I snuck out of the room successfully and got ready for my run.

The run this morning was awesome.  It was windy, but the 90% chance of rain that was predicted for 6a was not there and the temps were in the high 40s.  As I ran step by step through the darkness I just felt terrific.  My right foot hurt badly after Sunday's 8 mile run so I took two days off.  I've learned over the years that resting when you feel just slightly sore is better than just pushing through it and ending up with a long term ailment.  I ran 5 miles this morning, into the wind and then with the wind on the way back.  I felt great. 

When I returned home I snuck back into the bedroom and sat down next to Myles's crate.  He raised up his head and stuck his tiny nose through the metal.  I opened the door and he jumped out and plopped right into my lap.  I picked him up, hugged him, and kissed the top of his head.  He returned the favor by giving me a little Myles kiss (lick) on my face.  And...then he just did that smell thing dogs do--they love their keepers smell--and he just smelled my neck and face.  As I held him, I just let myself be in the moment and totally focus on the joy that Myles has brought into our lives.  I felt this overwhelming sense of love for him and it nearly brought me to tears.  Yes, I know, I know, I know he's a dog, but he's our dog and I love him.

After a successful potty time for Myles the grand finale of the morning came when I returned, Sarah was awake, and Myles and I greeted here with a "Good Morning!"  Myles and I are both crazy about Sarah and I just love asking Myles, "where's Mommy" and watching him SPRINT to wherever he thinks she is.  As we got ready for work and then as Sarah left and we kissed goodbye, I just could not help but think about what a perfect morning it was today.  Simple, yes, but perfect because I was surrounded by love and was able to do something I love (run).

I'm looking forward to interviewing some great potential stars for our team over the next few days at TPE.  I'm so proud of our department and what we accomplish and stand for and I'm looking forward to finding great individuals to join us.  Have a great day and happy running to you!

Great Week of Training...

Inspiring Photo of Lake Tahoe.  Great Place to Run & Ski

Hope you are having a nice Sunday.  I had a very nice week of running this week as I was able to hit 30 miles for the week.  Over the past three weeks I have hit a little over 80 miles, which is not bad.  Today, I had a very nice 8 mile run.  It was cold, but it was not nearly as bad as a month ago when it was 8-15 degrees outside. 

I read a fantastic quote in The Running Times about running in the cold from a high school cross country coach in Syracuse, NY.  He said: 

"The harsh and bitter winds harden the soul, test one's will, and create the mentality that a runner is indestructible against all elements, conditions, and race situations."

If you are a consistent reader of my blog, then you know I write a ton about how running really helps develop an internal toughness that helps you in your daily life.  The above quote further adds to my body of quotes/stories that I call upon to support my overarching philosophy about running and life:  Being a runner helps you develop an "indestructible soul."  I love it.  Absolutely love it.  In my own life, the responsibilities I have sometimes seem like they are about to get the better of me.  However, I know, from running in all sorts of elements and conditions, that I have it in myself to meet every single responsibility that comes from work and my personal life.  There is not a second when I doubt I can do it, and that belief has a ton to do with being a runner.  Like today, for example, the first four miles were strait into a cold headwind.  I knew, though, that if I spent the first four miles going into the wind that I'd spend the last four miles going with the wind.  In life, if you put the hard work in to prepare for any situation, then the situation usually goes your way when you need it to. 

This week will be another busy one as I head to The Placement Exchange to recruit Residence Directors for our department.  I'm really excited about the 24 people I'm going to meet that we have scheduled for interviews.  It will be fun trying to find two great individuals to join our already loaded HRL Team.  By the time July rolls around, we will be loaded with a talented undergraduate, graduate, and professional staff.  We are already fortunate to have an outstanding graduating class of student leaders, but as they graduate we have to bring in new talent.  It's very much like coaching a college basketball or football team.  You have to recruit hard to reload. 

Have an outstanding week.  I'm not sure if I'll be blogging much this week, but I'll try to if possible.  Happy running to you and remember that everything you need to succeed lies within you!

Cold Rain...

My Precious Wife & Dog (when he was a baby)

Good morning.  There are not many foes as fierce as cold rain that falls when temps are in the high 30s and 40s.  Usually, I avoid running when it's raining and sort of cold, but today I could not resist.  I just needed to go for a nice run. 

About four miles into my six mile jaunt I could not help be notice the seamless rhythmic movement of my arms and legs coupled with my breath.  It just seemed so natural.  And...I really focused in on the rain and it dripping on my face from my black running cap.  It actually felt good today.  Today, despite the cold rain, was on of those days where I just felt like there was nothing in the world my body was meant more to do than RUN!  I loved every second of the wind, blowing rain, dripping rain, and utter wetness that this morning brought.  It just felt so natural.

This morning Sarah, Myles, and I slept in until 7a.  You might say, "that's what you call sleeping in?"  Trust me, it is.  Sarah has been in the OBGYN rotation this past two weeks and we've been up around 5a every day for two weeks.  7a seemed like Noon to us.  I wrote about this about a month ago, but this morning was an absolute treat as Myles nestled up between us and we just laid there and rested peacefully.  Sarah and I work busy schedules and it's rare to have a moment to pause and enjoy life.  I'm really fortunate that I was able to enjoy two of my most favorite things, my family and running.  And now...I'm ready to watch my third thing:  IU Basketball--hopefully that will go as well as my morning.  Have a great day.  Happy running to you...

Loyalty, Pride, & Unconditional Support...



Getting Food Before the Game



Dang.  The Hoosiers lost again last night, and on senior night to boot.  It was a tough loss, like so many this season, and we were in the game and just could not make enough plays to win.  We are now 12-18 and have lost 6 in a row.  This is a team that has been 16-46 in the two years before this year.  Everyone knows that we cleared out the roster and started over brand new in 2008.  I don't think anyone thought it would be this tough to get it going again. 

With that said, I don't think I've ever been prouder of my university and it's fans than right now.  Assembly Hall was sold out (again) last night and the fans had the place rocking.  They cheered loudly for the team and saved their boos only for the officiating.  For the umpteenth time I was decked out in my IU shorts and Jersey living, breathing, and dying every second of the game.  I argued with the refs through my TV screen, I pleaded with team to make good decisions, I ran around like a crazy person when we got it to one and had a chance to win.  And then...Wisconsin went on a run, got up by 10, and that was that.  I took the dog out to the bathroom, brushed my teeth, and went to bed.  I know that so many other people feel the same way about IU Basketball.  It's special.  It's a great program to love.  It will be back sooner than later and all of us diehards who have stuck with them through thick and thin will see another NCAA Banner up again.  And...that's what it's all about:  Loyalty, Pride, & Unconditional Support.  Honestly, I don't care what people say about IU and never have.  I LOVE IU, I love the program, I love everything about being a IU fan.  If anything defines what being an IU fan means it's this:  Last night after the game in a season full of disappointment, the fans stayed to pay tribute to the seniors.  They listened to them, cheered for them, and showed the players how much they appreciated their effort.  Honestly, that had me in tears.  Say what you want about IU this year, but the effort these guys have given has been outstanding.  So many teams with winning records that are headed to the NCAAs don't give the effort this team does.  I love them for it.

I had a very nice run this morning and beat the rain.  6 miles at an easy pace.  I'm headed out to work.  Myles has a "dingle berry," if you know what I mean, and that's going to take two people to get that off.  I know what Sarah and I will be doing tonight!  Ha ha Ha.  Happy running to you...

Coach Josh...

Good morning.  What a moment for me to enjoy:  typing up a blog while my dog lays in my lap chewing on his toy.  I absolutley love it.  The theme of my blog entry today is "Coach Josh" and it was inspired by a comment made by one of my Graduate Hall Directors, Brian, yesterday in our meeting.  I was talking with him about what's next in our two year plan together and I after I finished he said, "wow, I think I was just talking to Coach Taylor (from Friday Night Lights."  His comment really got me thinking and reminded me of this picture below of when I coached cross country at Analy High School in California.

Running w/ the team, Clipboard in hand!

Brian's right, I do approach everything as a coach when it comes to my supervision style and life.  I love the picture above because it completely captures my style:  hands on, in the trenches, working beside you to get better, pushing you to the max.  When I coached, I ran every single mile with the men and women on the team and pushed them all further than they had been pushed before.  With our staff, I am right there in the trenches with them helping develop training sessions, assisting when needed in crunch time, and really asking them the tough questions that will help make them better.  For me, I build a team like a coach.  I recruit like crazy, sell our program as an experience that will help you get to the next level, and then really work to help people achieve success once they get here.  I give speaches, pep talks, and cheer sessions.  I call people on the phone when I'm proud of them or worried about them.  I talk all the time about how our collective goal from professional to student staff member is to be the best and to "expect the best, everyday, all the time, no matter what."  I know I'm not easy to work for becaue I always push folks to reach beyond what they think they can do.  The more I push means the more potential I think someone has.  At the end of the day, I am a Coach and I love every second of being that.  It's a perspective that allows me to always be very proud of our accomplishments and look at disapointment as something to build from rather than be upset about.

Had a fantastic five mile run this morning on the first day of March!  My first two month of running have been rough with the nasty weather and such.  But...we are getting ready to head into prime running season:  March-October.  I'm so jacked up and ready to go.  Have a great day.  Happy running to you...