Each week, one of our our coaches jots down a short thought piece giving insight into elements of coaching, training, racing or mindset. This week Coach Chris talks about the idea of building for the long haul, rather than focusing only on races and short term gain.
As I left the Forster Ocean Pool one morning last year, an old guy hobbles over, says "good morning!" with a big smile on his face and makes his way poolside to begin his morning ritual. Wearing only his Budgy Smugglers and swim cap, he’s ready to go. I’ve just been swimming in the 16 degree ocean pool with a full length wetsuit to keep warm. Respect to him!
This guy must be 75-80 years old, yet every day, he swims without fail. Why is that? Habit? Ritual? Obsession? OCD? Commitment? Discipline? Stress relief? It probably changes each day and sometimes its all of them and more.
I want to be this guy when I’m 75 or 80 years old, hopefully the belly will be a little smaller, but hey, you get the idea. The guy who shows up rain, hail or shine to get something done. Who is part of the fabric of the community and has hundreds of stories that tell the history of the area and that particular pool.
I’m 39 and have 39 more years, just to get to the same age as this guy. It’s a nice reminder as we enter the new year, that we’re in this game of building healthy, active, positive habits for the long haul not just for a few weeks, and that it’s ok for our ‘why’ to change over time.