Olympic Glory

We are going to admire wonder athletes doing amazing feats in Rio. When they need it they go deeper and get the last burst of skill, creativity and energy. How do they do it?

“Skill is only developed by hours and hours of work.” - Usain Bolt, Olympic Sprinter Jamaica

"Any idiot can train himself into the ground; the trick is doing the training that makes you gradually stronger." - Keith Brantly, U.S. Olympic marathoner

"Pick one thing each year that you need to improve, and work on that. It might be improving your diet, getting more sleep, or increasing your mileage. You can't work on everything at once." - Bob Kennedy, two-time U.S. Olympian, American records 3000 meters, 2 miles and the 5000 meters

"When you try a new type of training, think like a beginner. Just because you can run 20 miles every Sunday doesn't mean you can survive 10 x 400 meters on the track at a fast pace."  - Jack Daniels, Ph.D., exercise physiologist, coach, and former world-class pentathlete

"I don't wear a watch during my long runs. That way I'm not tempted to compare my time from week to week." - Lynn Jennings, three-time World Cross-Country champion

"In training, don't be afraid to be an oddball, eccentric, or extremist. Only by daring to go against tradition can new ways of training be learned. The trick is recognizing quickly when a new approach is counterproductive." - Benji Durden, Olympic marathoner

"Day to day consistency is more important than big mileage. Then you're never shot the next day." - John Campbell, masters running star New Zealand

"Back off at the first sign of injury. Three to 5 days off is better than missing a month or two. Take regular rest days." - PattiSue Plumer, two-time U.S. Olympian

"I make sure I have some really enjoyable training runs, remembering to 'smell the roses' along the way. That way I don't become caught up in the training-is-everything syndrome." - Sue Stricklin, top masters runner

What is in common with all the messages from the stars? It is not about winning, but doing the work necessary to prepare to win. It is finding out you are better than you thought. It is listening to your body. And having fun along the way.

Enjoy and keep working. You are Building Greatness.