"The Hardest Part is Almost Always the Very First Step"

I came across a very interesting article which I would like to share with everyone. I think it is extremely appropriate for our sport and in particular, indoor track. We all know running and track is not an easy sport. If it was easy, everyone would do it. It takes a lot of self determination and motivation to be a runner, thrower, or jumper. As the article discusses, and all of you have seen, it requires enduring the elements of Mother Nature and getting outside in less than ideal conditions. There are always a million reasons and excuses not to get out there (it's cold, rainy,snowy,windy, hot) but if you give in to them, you will never improve. There is always so much more to gain by getting out there versus saying its too cold, hot, rainy, etc and giving up. This leads me to two quotes in the article that I would like to touch upon. The first,

"That’s the way it is when you’re facing something difficult. The hardest part is almost always the very first step. Once you’re moving in the right direction, momentum becomes a friend."

and...

"When you do dream, paint a picture of yourself in the fulfillment of your vision. Let that picture preside over the days ahead because, rest assured, you’ll need the motivation when the cold rain comes. And it will come, forming an obstacle between you and your dream. Move ahead in spite of it. Its sting is temporary, but the gratification that comes from running through it endures."

I have always believed, and still believe, running has allowed me to deal with and overcome all the obstacles that I have experienced so far in life. Not only do I want to share what I know about running and track with you all, but other things that you can apply to your daily life. Not all of you are track stars, you don't have to be. However, take the lessons and what you learn from training and competing and apply it to your life. I guarantee it will put things in perspective and hopefully allow you to overcome the obstacles that you all will face at some point in your life. Remember, in running or life, the hardest part is always the first step.