10.30.23 talent development

District Cross Country was the same day as the senior night at the football game. I could not be in two places at once so I sent Aliza to the district event as parents were required for the senior night. I got a few pictures from the meet and a kind friend live-streamed the event so we could watch from home. I really appreciated her thoughtful asking before the race started so we could see what happened. In XC girls 1a, 2a, and 3a all run together. Boy divide the 3a from the lower schools. So the pack was huge. 

Addie working hard she was very determined this day. 

Last Sunday as she was talking about her race and saying she just ran out of energy in the second mile I was evaluating in y mind what provides energy. In car diagnosis when checking for startability problems you always evaluate the three components spark, air, and fuel. Nothing happens if either component isn't present. Same for running you need fuel (proper nutrition), air (conditioning), and spark (mental toughness and determination), and new to us this week adequate sleep. Not just early to bed the night prior but banked sleep. a reserve of energy if you will that allows the body to function at peak performance. This was a prompting I had a saying "gotta sleep to put fuel in the bank, for energy in your tank."  Addie scoffed but agreed to an early bedtime all week.

The next day I read an article that reported on a study where college athletes who slept more performed markedky better. Many set personal records and activity directors changed travel arrangements so they could have more time to sleep. 

This was proven to be true data as Addie set a personal record of 19:49. Although she got passed in the final 10 yards by two runners we are so pleased with her ability to achieve her goals! She has wanted all season to break into the 19s. 

She placed 5th! This is an improvement from her 7th place finish last year. 

At home Andrea was learning to clean walls. She likes to do anything the big kids are doing. 

Other kids worked at cracking walnuts. The new tool was a hit the kids were able to quickly crack the nuts.

Livy was more interested in painting. She sure does well-making things look realistic. 

And a surprise from Aliza Addie broke the school record time for the 5k. This was an unexpected surprise but she has been working really hard to get to this point. She has stopped pre-race studying times and projected placements. She has just focused on her own preparation not what might be. 

 Sleep is apparently much more important than we realized. Relaxation and keeping stress under control is also helpful. I'm so thankful she is learning bit by bit how to get the results she wants. I'm thankful for the promptings. Another teammate shared with Addie on Monday her dad wanted her to sleep more as well. It was nice to have a second witness that this was an important key to success.

 Furthermore, Greg talked with Addie that she needed to envision and believe she could run that fast. He started calling her Ms. 19.0. All week he would address her as Ms.19.0 His mechanics coach and teacher really emphasized the importance of visualizing yourself winning. From the steps to winning, to cleaning up, driving the complete car, checking off with judges, and then hearing your name announced as the winner, and climbing on the stage to receive your award. I think all these pieces helped her find success on race day. We are truly blessed and so grateful for the many talents and skills being developed each day one day at a time.