katie

Katie bug, my baby girl.!

Baby Katie is doing so much good for herself as a young 7^th grader…she is excelling in her academics along with the strings program (violin) and under this new reality of being a young student emerging from elementary to the star studded halls of middle school (under the grasp of teenage social theatres, there is stress and anxiety)….believe me, so many acts under the 'teenage  theatre drapes', especially in chic, vibrant setting of scottsdale.  recently she tried out for volleyball;  It was her first time participating in a physical sports activity with the school…so happy for her playing and learning about teamwork, we purchase all the right gear for her. She was very excited about this…about ‘belonging’…after the tryouts, she along with others found out did not make the team – she felt bad considering she along with other girls put in about three weeks of good hardwork. and they did not pass to go on to the next stage! She felt bad and we comfort her with words and the hope for future opportunities.   well they come fast! Second, she tried out for cheering spirit team…you can imagine the excitement for her even though it was slightly different and a challenge for her timid personality; the different part being she feels this sport or team is just for the dolls or folks with small frames but no, anybody can try out and it will up their team efforts and participation that will enable success – and should not be judge on how people look or the alignments beyond the participants;  you know, after the hard work and tryout, she along with her friends did not make the squad…they became emotional because they really wanted to be part of this group and travel to all the area middle schools cheering on the basketball teams…they wanted that yet it was not to be as they did not meet a certain ‘criteria’ of participation or whatever else these parent-teacher coaches score on…the effort and willingness to do as they requested was there yet for katie, they mentioned she needs to smile more and needs o be more vocal and outgoing...?

For Katie, we shared the importance of character, humility, effort and teamwork – and the passion and power of who we are as individuals.  I knew she was feeling pretty bad about her efforts; she was fragile.  As a parent, need to share a certain way so she understands and reflect…I am thankful for the blessings bestowed upon us…I shared my running as a blessing..it’s not my place to say I am better when I can run at 7:30/mile for 13 miles….i share to offer inspiration…and to generate a motivation already within us…it needs only to be un-keyed or un-latched…we all have this within our control…our power is our will…and the  effort we put will reward us with an operational tempo not found or given – but earned. i love you katie lauren - you are a beautiful young lady with special gifts...!   dad

r&p

7:45 pm


great tempo run ! 8 miles in 59:33:23 (7:26/Mile) on thursday night...so happy its going well...i am staying positive..and planning for a great race in two weeks...keeping it simple...