When in Rome

'Rome was not built in a day' is such a cliche saying. But it is so relevant in this instant gratification world we live in.

As adults, we fail to take the time necessary to achieve the athletic potential we are capable of which usually results in injury and unmet goals. Just as it took quite a bit of time, effort and motivation to build the magnificent city of Rome, it takes so much motivation, time and effort to build an endurance machine out of the human body.
Just imagine if they tried to build Rome in one or two years...
Would it be possible?
How many shortcuts would have to be taken for that to happen?
And how quickly would it have fallen because of the lack of structural integrity?

Which one do you think has more structural integrity??

(I promise I will get to the point soon)
The simple fact is that you MUST lay the foundation before you build.
Now let's apply this to the body. Your heart... Important? Yes! The most important muscle in the body is the heart. Studies show that an individual who has not "properly" trained for a high volume race, such as a marathon, and decides to race anyway does more damage to the heart than a fricken heart attack.

Makes a lot of sense right? It's kind of like when they tell you not to take a brand new car immediately on a road trip because it may cause damage to the brand new engine. Brand new anything should not be over stressed. It needs to be "broken in" to some degree. So if you are new to fitness or endurance training or whatever, be careful when setting your goals. Know where you are physically before you take on something physical. (yea)

So this is why I like to categorize or compartmentalize, if you will, different levels of athletes. It helps to identify where and how to start building.
I believe we all have an inner athlete of some sort. The important part is knowing what kind of athlete you are. And, don't be offended, knowing your role as such.

So to finally come to my 1st main point. I identify three primary types of athletes. (please tell me if you disagree).
1) The Finisher
2) The Competitor
3) The Elite/Pro
These categories are kind of like a measuring stick. There are levels inside each category and I will elaborate more on each one in later posts. Which category are you in?

One of the most important quotes (to me) is "know thyself". The more you truly know who you are and what your potential is, the more you can bring this little word/concept called SPECIFICITY into your training...and life for that matter.

There are many principles of training, but specificity is at the center. We are not created equal in the endurance world. Each athlete requires specific manipulations to their training plan because of this little thing called life. Without specificity, what separates good from great? Talent or hard work? Both require specificity. The cool thing is that everyone starts with a foundation. How strong is yours?

Before they built one of the most amazing, longest standing cities in the world, they had a flat (maybe hilly) piece of dirt to build a foundation on. So the next time you are in Rome take a look at the ground. That's where the journey begins. Then look up and see what amazing potential someone saw on that piece of land and just imagine how much planning, commitment, time and hard work went into the process.

In conclusion and 2nd main point:
It's your body... You only get one... See the potential.. Make the plan...Build your foundation... Work hard.... And TRUST THE PROCESS!!!

Coach Lee