Newbie Coach Musings: Looking Ahead

As I sit here simultaneously surfing and pencilling (well, "penning") the upcoming dates and times for a variety of events into my hard copy paper planner (which I have resorted to keeping due to another failure of a handy-not-so-dandy Palm device), I am both excited and nervous about the number of track and field events I hope to attend over the next eight to ten weeks.

My daughter, Jordyn, while currently injured and rehabbing an ankle sprain, is once again running for her school's varsity team, my stepson is beginning his first outdoor modified season, and I have embarked on my own first coaching experience with my school's modified track and field team. Once we return from Spring Recess on Monday, it's on!

Jordyn continues preparing for participation in primarily in individual distance races (1500m, 3000m), my stepson has been training with the distance (1500m) runners, and I, too, have been on a few runs with the few boys and girls willing to take on over 400m. I have also been assisting the more experienced coaches with hurdles, sprints, and high jumping. I have found myself (gladly) deferring g to the experience of my colleagues, all of whom are Physical Education teachers and experienced coaches, and from whom I have learned quite a bit through observing and pitching in when I can.

Most of what I have to "offer" the athletes on our team is in the area of support and the occasional anecdote or suggestions relative to focus and form. I am not yet articulate or knowledgeable enough in the way of exercise lingo to take the lead on those matters, but am feeling very supported by those colleagues who are.

Upcoming this week for all of us (daughter, step-son, myself) are our first "official" track and field meets of this season, during which much more will be learned and stored for future improvement...

Breathe in, breathe out… YOU AND I ARE ALIVE!