In discussing
my own experiences and my own motivation (or difficulties with such) toward this sport (one that so many of us have a love/hate relationship with), I've realized that in addition to benefiting myself, this information may also benefit others. I
guess this is a byproduct of becoming more professional, therefore reinforcing my ambitions to keep growing as such. Again, not as a professional athlete per se, but more
professional through my actions and initiatives. In
this sense, anyone can become more professional, really. I have been very happy to see so many elite and
even more so, sub elite athletes that are creating personal blogs/websites and sharing their experiences
as "professionals" and in doing so becoming more professional. In addition to what we see on Flotrack, this can be a
marketing tool to self promote the athlete/professional. It certainly elevates the impact radius of that athlete. If you want to see more of what I'm referencing, take a look at my sidebar of recommended reading. In my mind, every one of those sites deserve a good solid browsing at the least. One of the newest additions to the list that I'd like to highlight is that of Dorothy Beal (Mileposts). I've been a follower of hers for a while, but have just recently had the privilege of getting to know her personally and will hopefully be working with her more closely going forward. She is part of the Saucony Hurricane program in my territory and is in my mind one of if not the most beneficial to the brand of the over 100 athletes we have in that program. She'll probably tell you that she is not at the level of a professional athlete, but I'd argue that she has just as much influence in the running community as any of our professional sponsored athletes.
Moving on, now that I've further justified the motives of keeping this blog going, I'll continue to catch up on what I've been up to. My last post discussed some of the new developments that I've made in my career, location, and personal life as a result of the former. I honestly can't believe that it's been over two months since I wrote that. As a follow up to that post and reinforcement of the excitement I showed, I am happy to report that after those two months, there is no doubt in my mind that this was the right decision for me at this stage in my life. I've never been happier with an employer or with the colleagues that I have than I am with that of Saucony. With that enthusiasm for my work, I have spent the better part of the last 2 months making this role my number one priority. As a new hire and coming on at the busiest time of the year (and maybe the busiest in the history of the brand), I have constantly had a feeling that I'm not doing enough. Feeling like I am trying to catch up to the goals that seem far off in the distance, some goals that I haven't even clarified yet. I wouldn't say this is a source of stress, or at least no more than that of an elite runner that has a feeling of always wanting to do more, constantly comparing themselves to others in the sport or even just comparing themselves to their own higher potential. These are the thoughts and feelings that make us better when utilized appropriately.
Through the Saucony company, I am part of a huge team! More specifically, as part of the Tech Rep program, I am one of 13. 12 territories + 1 Mobile Van Coordinator (Me, Bridget, Juan, Paula, Casey, Dan, Michael, Greg, Juris, Andrea, Chandra, Peter, and the very important +1 of Erin!) This group of ambassadors is where I find the bulk of my motivation and am so proud to be a member of this select group we call the "Shadow" Team. Shadow is an internal and now industry wide title that we are known as, named after a long known Saucony shoe favorite, now referenced as the Shadow 6000.
This Shadow team has many roles as a part of the overall company, but we are most known for being the eyes and ears of the brand and the connection between our product design team up in Lexington, MA and the running community. You'll see us in stores, at races, coordinating events, and really doing anything we can think of to represent and promote the brand while also inspiring runners everywhere. As you can imagine, this is a role that for me has no "off" switch. I knew that going into it and chose it gladly because that was what I wanted. I believe they say very simply, "enjoy your job and you'll never work a day in your life". As many of you know, I "work" very hard on a lot of different things, most of which are now a part of what I love ...running. I usually compare the "work" I do to that of which an artist works on a painting, or an author works on a book, or a runner works on his/her training. The projects and ideas are always on your mind and it may take many months or years to get it just the way you want. Or moreover, you may never be satisfied. But as long as the process is enjoyable, you'll have success.
Through the Saucony company, I am part of a huge team! More specifically, as part of the Tech Rep program, I am one of 13. 12 territories + 1 Mobile Van Coordinator (Me, Bridget, Juan, Paula, Casey, Dan, Michael, Greg, Juris, Andrea, Chandra, Peter, and the very important +1 of Erin!) This group of ambassadors is where I find the bulk of my motivation and am so proud to be a member of this select group we call the "Shadow" Team. Shadow is an internal and now industry wide title that we are known as, named after a long known Saucony shoe favorite, now referenced as the Shadow 6000. 
This Shadow team has many roles as a part of the overall company, but we are most known for being the eyes and ears of the brand and the connection between our product design team up in Lexington, MA and the running community. You'll see us in stores, at races, coordinating events, and really doing anything we can think of to represent and promote the brand while also inspiring runners everywhere. As you can imagine, this is a role that for me has no "off" switch. I knew that going into it and chose it gladly because that was what I wanted. I believe they say very simply, "enjoy your job and you'll never work a day in your life". As many of you know, I "work" very hard on a lot of different things, most of which are now a part of what I love ...running. I usually compare the "work" I do to that of which an artist works on a painting, or an author works on a book, or a runner works on his/her training. The projects and ideas are always on your mind and it may take many months or years to get it just the way you want. Or moreover, you may never be satisfied. But as long as the process is enjoyable, you'll have success.
Though I've been referencing running quite a bit, you may be wondering when/if I'm going to talk about my own running. Since this blog started as a training/racing journal, I still want to keep that part of it alive. I do love my job and all of the experiences that I've shared on here, but none of it would be as enjoyable if I didn't hold true to that one passion for my own running. As I mentioned before, I've made my number one priority to be successful in my new career choice. With that, many other things were put on a back burner, or pushed of the stove entirely. I'll always battle with this balance, as I'm sure many of you do. For me, I just have to keep making those daily choices and evaluate the priorities as they come up. I've allowed my personal running to be less of a priority in the last couple months for the sake of being more successful at my job. As this journey continues, I would like to think that I'll again make more time for my own running and put that into a rotation of getting on the front burner at least once in a while.
As I'm writing this, I am sitting on the bed of my hotel room in Seattle, Washington, host to the USATF XC Club National Championships. This event has been a highlight of my yearly schedule for the last 5 years and after watching last years race in Charlotte from the sidelines, I certainly didn't want to miss another year. I know the last two months have not been as productive as the previous two months, but I am here just the same. The important things are that 1.) I am healthy and 2.) based on the limited fitness checks in the last couple weeks, I know I am fit enough to race a 10k and actually consider it competing. So I figured I had nothing to lose. I am competing unattached as I am not currently affiliated with a club in my area and their is not a Saucony sponsored club in the area, so I don't see myself joining one anytime soon. However, I have recently started training under Coach Matt Centrowitz, Sr with a group of post collegiate guys that are also here representing the Pacers New Balance Club. I am very excited to get advice and guidance from such an accomplished coach and athlete at Matt Centrowitz and am optimistic for the future. I'm also getting great local support in my new territory, including some great product from Muscle Milk. I'm border line addicted to the stuff and crave it after every run so it's great to have their support. I am finally starting to feel a little caught up on the work side so now, I am trying to again catch up on the running side.
As for goals and expectations for tomorrow, knowing this is one of the deepest races of the year and I have not done the proper preparation for such a test, I have no unrealistic goals of running with the leaders or setting a personal best. I know those things are just not in the cards, or even in the deck for tomorrow. But in still considering myself a competitive athlete and coming out here with the purpose of testing myself as such, I fully intend on racing every inch of that course and every second of that race. I would not be content otherwise. The great thing about this race is every other runner in the field is here to do just that. Therefore I will consider myself extremely fortunate if I can just avoid being in the triple digits. Regardless of the time or place, if I stay true to those simple tasks of racing, I should walk away from this as a success. I use the word simple, not to imply that it is an easy task, but more in the sense that it doesn't have to require over thinking.
As for goals and expectations for tomorrow, knowing this is one of the deepest races of the year and I have not done the proper preparation for such a test, I have no unrealistic goals of running with the leaders or setting a personal best. I know those things are just not in the cards, or even in the deck for tomorrow. But in still considering myself a competitive athlete and coming out here with the purpose of testing myself as such, I fully intend on racing every inch of that course and every second of that race. I would not be content otherwise. The great thing about this race is every other runner in the field is here to do just that. Therefore I will consider myself extremely fortunate if I can just avoid being in the triple digits. Regardless of the time or place, if I stay true to those simple tasks of racing, I should walk away from this as a success. I use the word simple, not to imply that it is an easy task, but more in the sense that it doesn't have to require over thinking.
In addition to putting whatever it is I have on the line in tomorrows race, I will carry that same commitment with me throughout the weekend. At an event like this, no matter how many times you've been here, there are always opportunities. It may be an opportunity to meet new people, grow your professional network, gain credibility, or maybe just gaining inspiration from those around you. Regardless of what it is, I'm ready to make this experience a memorable one.
Stay tuned for a post race recap.
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