Momentum

Ladies,

Feel that? Feel that confidence, that euphoria you feel from a job well done? That's great, isn't it? Want to keep it going? Understand it. Here's how I see it.

This week we really focused on the mental side of the game. We upped the quality, and accepted mentally it had to happen, and that it would have good results in the end. You girls all rose a level this week, and you surprised yourselves.

All of these elements amount to momentum. Now that we have it, we want to keep it. How? Keep up the intensity day-to-day, and by that I mean continue what we worked on last week. Elevate every run. Go for your very best in the hard workouts. Don't let the weather stop of you. Be thankful the work is hard, and that you can do it, and that you are doing it.

For those of you that were at the meet Saturday, notice Carmel's JV? Looked something like this. Click on it to get the full effect.

Why did Carmel do this? Why did they bring so many, for that matter, why do they keep so many runners for JV? I could think of a few that would be useful to the runners, such as junior olympics, quality of coaching, etc., but as to why they did this particular move is more subtle, yet profound.

This was totally done for effect. What effect? Size matters. Indianapolis is the 12th largest city in the U.S. It has over 800,000 people in the city, and over a million in the greater metropolitan area. Carmel is one of the most exclusive and rich schools in the area. It's facilities are second to none. It's budget is second to none. This means they largely get the pick of the talent from the greater metropolitan area. Give them 60 of those girls, and they will dominate. And they did. Carmel's top 7 made the top-15 in a loaded field.

These girls may as well have been praying, "We're going to kill all of you", because that's what all the coaches heard.

Gamesmanship is a big part of sports. There is nothing wrong in what Carmel did. What we have to do is recognize when it is happening and not let it have the desired effect. Gamesmanship won't always be as obvious as this, so we have to be on our guard to be in our own zone to the point the outside stuff can't bother us.

That's what you girls did Saturday. I loved Danielle's comment on her second mile, how she focused on her form and effort and it kept her positive. Exactly right! Carrie was keeping Sydney Calhoun in sight (Salem runner). Loved it. Alli fought through her ankle. Loved it. All the way down the line, you girls stayed in your game. LOVED IT!

Can't wait for tomorrow!