NickTrip.com

     The afternoon was drawing to a close on this Sunday, and I felt that I had gotten my fill of being outside for the day. I walked around the neighborhood a bit, went to the grocery store(I have managed to use the same 2 bags now for several months. And I walk each time, maybe 1/2 mile each way). I also read a book on the rooftop garden, which has a lot of bees by the way. They don’t scare me the way midwest bees do. They seem more pleasant, and after honey rather than my skin. So, I was eating a late lunch, and the urge hit me, to head down to the track. Maybe it was the book I read yesterday, or just the fact that I’ve heard a lot of track talk from KC the last few days. 

The sun was coming out, and stayed out the entire time I was out there, which was fine with me. It was warm, and  there were a lot of activities going on. Some football, lacrosse, joggers, sprinters, everything was going on, and all ages. I like the guys in their 80’s still putting out great workouts. They just seem to love running. Anyhow, there was one coach and athlete in particular that struck my interest. I decided to warm up and strech on their side of the track, and just listen in and perhaps get some coaching pointers along the way. I just enjoyed the one on one, the individual attention that was taking place. Mostly, I enjoyed the fact that this athlete listened to the coach, never questioned anything, and went about the workout with a clear focus. It didn’t hurt that they were working on long jump approach and technique either, which is one of, if my my favorite thing to coach and talk about in sports.

But a lot of memories went through my mind as I was on that track, stretching out, planning to do a workout, which 10 years ago I would have considered a warmup. I don’t want to get specific, because I felt some very personal feelings. Track, towards the end of high school, started the long process of bringing me back to reality. It brought me a new focus on academics in college, and taught me what it means to dedicate yourself to something. It helped give me an identity, something I could call my own. It helped humble me, and still does, as I battle injuries. It led me to meet some great people in my life, mentors that guided me and coached me, and taught me to coach. The athletes that I coached and families I grew to know. How could, or why would all of these things come calling back to me? Because track and field is about more than times, or distance. But not everyone understands that. And perhaps I understand that all too well.

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