The Overexplainer wrote:
Using Coburn as an example of lowering your expectations is ridiculous. The only thing you and the kids you are talking about have in common with Coburn is you both have small chests and own running shoes. Not any kind of evidence for you.
I don't know hot to feel about this. On the one hand, I am in love with Emma Coburn. On the other, this is pure genius.
Eff it, pure genius it is! Well done sir!
I reacted so strongly because of her strong (at least on social media, which is often the best insight into someone's life, no matter how vague) with the Kara Goucher. I find it unlikeky she's dirty.
I am not sure who this is that has decided to use the name that I created originally, but I, Mike in San Marcos, Ca would never accuse Coburn or anyone of doping. In fact, those who have seen my posts would know that I would never joke about that, especially throwing an elite's name in.
To the original poster of this thread, while I see that you have to use my name here to post with confidence, I entreat you to have conviction in your own ideas under a name you have chosen. I agree with your original premises, but I hate the way you approached this.
Mike (the original Stoppit Smith)
And I have registered as Stoppit Smith now, so I am the only one who can have it
Stoppit Smith wrote:
And I have registered as Stoppit Smith now, so I am the only one who can have it
The identity change twist bumps this up to 9/10. Fine work Sir. I know it was you though.
Troll R8er Bot 5000 wrote:
Stoppit Smith wrote:
And I have registered as Stoppit Smith now, so I am the only one who can have it
The identity change twist bumps this up to 9/10. Fine work Sir. I know it was you though.
This thread needs to end.
Stoppit Smith wrote:
Hear me out before you disagree.
Most kids in high school improve a TON their freshman year. It’s common to drop 2-4 minutes from the first race to the last one. The same is true for sophomores. Coaches see these breakthroughs on a regular basis and strongly believe in their athletes’ ability to improve and shatter their PRs like they have done in the past.
Unfortunately, the drive to get faster every single season can be destructive. It results in overuse injuries, eating disorders, and high rates of attrition, especially with females. On these boards we see tons of hopeful young kids saying they want to run a 16:00 5k despite a 5:30 mile time and kids who haven’t even made it to state saying they want to win NXN. We need to take more responsibility here to teach them to set their expectations low, put their head down, and train like a beast instead of making big talk and failing to live up to it. Kids who expect less of themselves generally are happier in this sport. Emma Coburn is the prime example. She was hoping to get a bronze but trained like a gold medalist. She was ready when her opportunity came. She didn’t need to write out the goal of winning gold to accomplish it. Instead she focused on the process of doping up.
I remember my coach saying that every athlete on the team should be able to cut 45 seconds off their 5k PR each season. This seems reasonable for most people, but it’s not always a realistic goal. Coaches need to be willing to encourage athletes to set the bar lower for themselves and accept the idea of working hard without reaping dazzling results. Running isn’t a glamorous sport, and we’re doing a disservice to our youth by demanding continuous improvement and making them expect to obtain a huge PR every race.
Quenton Cassidy said it best. “No one promised you universal justice.”
Sometimes races suck and life is bad. That doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you or with the sport. Don’t expect perfection every time.
I think this is the key in life and in general.
Also, I wouldn’t put an “absolute” on anything—I luv this quote “so many variables come into play in everyday situations or circumstances, learn to adjust.-by AN