I don’t say “my athletes make me proud” for two reasons. One, they aren’t mine. Two, that’s not their fucking job.
When I watch them walk past me and step out onto the track, their dreams as exposed as their skin, their eyes a not quite bullet proof vest of want, I prefer to stand alone. I feel the mondo track puncture, six little spike holes per deliberate step, as they walk in line, away from me toward the starting line.
My shoulders relax as they shake theirs out. But the moment they place their foot just behind the line and stand ready for the gun, I am my own again.
To see an athlete I coach do what she is capable of does fill me up, but it isn’t pride. It doesn’t feel like it’s mine to have.
It comes to and through me. It lifts my eyelids. I think it’s the feeling of life, in concentrate. No added water.
Well maybe a little splash.
xo
Lauren
Photos courtesy of Jess Barnard and Oiselle
Performances by Collier Lawrence and Mel Lawrence
I always think ,”I have nothing to lose! However I run , I am better than what I was yesterday, because it is some kilometres more than I had ever run!” It is always a good feeling to be on the track , because it is better than no running. This itself a motivating factor.
This, this, this. Thank you. These are lovely and on-fire words, and I’m grateful you shared them. It never feels right to say I’m “proud” of the people I love and support. But what am I trying to say? The answer never felt clearer than it did reading this.
I really thanks for sharing a nice article.
Thanks for sharing interesting article it contains a lot of information which is very helpful for us it gives us a lot of motivation i like this blog thanks one again.
Great blog its very interesting and informative i like this blog these pictures gives me motivation to do something hard in front of thousands of people i really enjoyed this blog thanks for it.
Its a very informative blog thanks a lot for sharing it will provide the motivation their readers thanks
Thanks a lot for sharing this great article,it contains lots of energy and motivation for their readers,its a very great article and will be beneficial for their readers.
Nice perspective. Coaching can be very rewarding and it can also be heart wrenching.
Sometimes either success or (perceived) failure is in the hands of the athlete, and sometimes not.
As a coach I try to encourage and assist, and to focus on the positives, and when they are happy, I think that is when I am happiest. I never really think “pride” is an accurate feeling for me either…
It is well deserved and I don’t quite comprehend why there is no pride at all. Anyway, thanks for sharing this wonderful piece of writing!
I am proud of every single participant. All women deserve only the best! I will be praying for their success! May God Bless them!