Father’s Day Inspiration
On Father’s Day I was in an unlikely place. The choir sang uplifting songs while the band played at Orlando Baptist Church. I hadn’t been in a Baptist church since visiting one with a friend while in high school. I’m Catholic and rarely venture to a church of another denomination. But my friend, Caryn, was leaving for a teaching assignment in Korea in two days and had invited me to attend. Little did I know that during the service I would hear a powerful message regarding fatherhood that also relates to coaching.
The songs were powerful and warming to the soul. It was particularly joyous when Caryn was featured on a violin solo with piano accompaniment. Then the preacher, Dr. David Janney, began speaking about fathers and their role in the family and society. He discussed the need for families to have a mother who nurtures the children and a father whose role includes three main tasks: 1) Helping his children build self-confidence, 2) Being trustworthy and 3) Leading by example.
As I heard Pastor Dave’s words, I reflected on how they related to the athletes I coach, particularly several high school runners. The previous day I led a group of 40 high school runners on a trail run. Before starting, I talked about proper pacing, minimizing dehydration and avoiding getting lost on the trails. The teenagers put their trust in me and I led by example on the run.
During this past spring’s track season, athletes I coached performed strenuous track sessions to prepare them for racing. Each time I informed them as to why a certain workout was scheduled. They listened as I explained how it fit into the plan of increasing their stamina or speed to enable them to get faster. Over a period of weeks and months I earned their trust and they found confidence in their training plan. When it came time for important late-season track meets, they were ready to perform based on their hard training efforts and the guidance received from me.
I didn’t realize at the time that being a good coach is like being a good father. Children look to their father for approval, guidance and kindness. They want to emulate a person who encourages them with positive thoughts and helps them to do their best. They want to impress their father with what they do. It is similar for runners whom I coach. They strive to reach their potential, becoming confident along the way, as they try to impress me and receive my approval. It is an awesome responsibility to be a father and a coach that I don’t take lightly. The point was really driven home by Pastor Dave’s sermon. In his closing remarks he said, “You can’t tell your kids (and also runners you coach) what you want them to be… you have to be what you want them to be.” Sometimes great inspiration is received when I least expect it and today was one of those days.
Gary Cohen has 35 years of competitive running and racing experience highlighted by best times of: 5k – 14;44; 10K – 30:28 and marathon – 2;22:34. He is a regular writer for Florida Running & Triathlon magazine. At
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