Starting the First Day the Right Way

“Do the right things first and the first things right” It took me a while to learn what the right things were It’s not about the training plan It’s about athletes buying into your training plan Give athletes something to believe in

Evolution of a Runner Every athlete is here for a reason – find that reason Evolution of a runner: 1.Participant 2.Runner 3.Pacer 4.Racer 5.Beast Ask athletes where they are now? Where do they want to be?

The Runners Model How does a runner evolve? The runners model: 1.Goal character 2.Strive for excellence 3.Motivation 4.Maximize your potential 5.State meet focus Athletes will always be compared to the model-not a person! To meet the runners model athletes must believe in what they are doing Athletes must believe in you as a coach

As a Coach You can’t fake who you are – be yourself You must give up control You must have confidence in the program o if you believe in the program the athletes will believe in the program o “fake it till you make it” As your athletes improve as runners you will have to improve as a coach

Why a Logbook? Motivation o CD’s o Completed training o Goal setting Teaches self reliance & accountability Allows athletes to self assess their progress Helps to maximize the training progression Helps to maximize the quality of each workout Athletes want to do more – “it’s not what you have to do it’s what you get to do” Allows you to individualize the training – “individualize the team, don’t team the individual”

Building the Logbook Start building the logbook at the first practice Layout structure for the day and for the week o Teach athletes to be self reliant Team expectations / rules: structure is necessary Outline your philosophy 1.Evolution of a runner 2.Runners model 3.5 key quotes Define terms as you use them o If it’s worth saying it’s worth writing down

Logbook Structure Logbook sections 1.History and Tradition 2.Process 3.Philosophy 4.Models 5.Training 6.State meet landmarks and Racing 7.Key words and one liners 8.Articles 9.Log Sheets Have athletes build the logbook as they go – develops ownership

Logbook Double-check Keeps athletes honest with themselves & with you Use to set season, career, & dream goals Helps you to set progression from season to season Injury prevention / assessment As a coach ask yourself: have you trained your athletes to do what you’re asking them to do in a race?

Using the Logbook Most important change I’ve made as a coach Start things the right way & reinforce daily Start everyday with a logbook session & finish every day with athletes showing me their completed work Athletes are accountable over breaks & time away from me Sports psychology for the state meet is easy, we’ve been doing it all along Example logbook Contact information o