Q: Is it Too Late to Dream of the Olympics?
Dear Lauren,
I have always dreamed of going to the Olympics some day and running in college. What is the best way to work towards this goal seeing as I am already a senior in high school and am not the fastest on my team. What is your best advice to set someone on track to accomplish big goals such as these? Also what is the best way to build self confidence? As I have grown older I seem to have less and less of it and I question why I am running with “faster” runners sometimes during work outs and races.
-Becca
A:
Becca,
Running in the Olympics is a huge goal many people have and very few reach, which is what makes it so special. Just because your stats don’t make you an obvious pick now doesn’t mean you can’t do it. Its been done by people who didn’t even start running until college or later! But I would be lying if I told you it was a sure thing if you just got your confidence up and trained hard. Becoming the top .0001% of anything is partly due to choices you make, but its also due to a lot of things that are out of your control (luck included).
My advice to you is to identify the qualities of an Olympian that you can control, (dedication, research, hard work, mental strength, visualization of your goals, sportsmanship, balance, confidence) and make those your focus. Live like an Olympian. Put yourself in positions to be successful. That’s all you can do.
I heard a saying in high school that changed my life, “Shoot for the moon. If you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”
I still haven’t hit “the moon” but I haven’t given up. Most importantly I’ve learned that simply pursuing the moon has shaped every decision I’ve made in my life. Even if I never hit it, pursuing it affected the friends I made, the man I married, the places I traveled, the college I went to…and it just goes on for years and years and years. I wouldn’t change a thing.
So, first things first, start with finding a college program to run in. Do your research. Think like an Olympian. Go for it!
-L-Train
It is amazing and generous and beyond awesome, I think, that you make a point of reaching out to young women runners in your selection of and answers to Qs of the Day. I can’t think of another forum like this — thoughtful, expert, kindhearted advice for mortals from a busy world-class athlete. Thanks thanks thanks, Lauren!
And go Becca!
Thanks Mary for the kind feedback! I truly hope this forum continues to help people through the challenges of the sport. Please continue to offer comments on posts with your experiences. I’m just one voice and its my hope that more people will add their take on things if a particular subject resonates with them.
Lauren
This is what I love so much about our sport. That a professional athlete would take the time to answer a question from a High school athlete who is shooting for the stars. I doubt very much you will find this in another sport. Kudos to you Lauren and thank you for sharing your experiences. Good luck Becca
That was a great post! Your answer to Becca says it all. The best part of it is that your quest for the moon can be applied to so many other aspects of your life. If you ever have the chance, I’d be interested to know your vision on how to live like an Olympian.
I, too, want to commend you on reaching out to the young women runners in your selection of Q and A for the day. It wasn’t until I started working with teen-agers that I noticed the very real differences in young boys and girls. It is great that you take time from your schedule to be this encouraging. The advice you offer applies to many situations and the lessons learned on the cross-country course and track can be applied in all aspects of life. I look forward to one day reading about Coach L-train and the nation of young women she inspired.