Clerc's Corner: Part 5

<p> Our new segment, &quot;Clerc&#39;s Corner, written by Louisiana native, Clerc Koenck Simpson, will be a weekly blog posted every Thursday, talking about different aspects of competitive high school, college, and post collegiate running. The purpose of these articles are to highlight the journey that athletes take coming from small programs in Louisiana, facing adversity, struggles and defeat to eventually becoming great runners. Simpson, originally from Pickering, Louisiana, is a national-class athlete with numerous titles and and championships under her belt. Currently she is a Brooks Elite Athlete and trains in Colorado Springs, aiming for 2016. With the addition of Clerc&#39;s blog, we hope to inspire and encourage young runners from across the state to realize their own potential and to continue to &quot;stride&quot; for greatness.</p>

clercsimpson@me.com

twitter: @clercsimpson

With each sunrise, we are offered the opportunity to be whoever we strive.

This week, I am dedicating this series to my Aunt. She is going through a large bump in this road we call life and is doing so with courage, grace and trust. I love you. We all love you.

This past Tuesday, I went after doing a pretty aggressive workout. It was hard. I was pretty close to crossing that infamous line we all know too well.  My Coach saw that and adjusted the workout. I am glad we attempted this workout, because I want to know exactly where I am and see what my body and mind can handle.  I find the bodies limits and what we are each capable of achieving intriguing. I am trying to teach body and my mind that the only reason we do not like pain in training is because we desire our body to feel differently and be in a different state. Embrace the pain and know that you must experience being uncomfortable to grow as an athlete and as a person. Once we truly learn not to fight this feeling of being uncomfortable, it is then that we will see our potential unlocked.

What altitude teaches me is patience and trust. It teaches patience in a workout to not cross the line too early, because contrary to sea level, you don’t usually bounce back.   Trust in yourself that you can walk that line in training and figure out what that means for you. Both of these virtues are pertinent in racing. 

I hope that you were able to write your goals down last week and with that, know exactly what you need to do in training to achieve your dreams.

Three tips of advice when racing heading into district.

  • Do not let fears of the unknown inhibit your racing ability.
  • Set goals but don’t let those goals limit you. Be open to achieving more than you thought was possible.
  • Believe in you. Trust in you and in the work you have put in this season.

HAPPY EASTER

LET’S DO THIS LOUISIANA! YOU HAVE MY HEART AND MY SOUL.