Thoughts from the road. Coach Martin.
“Mozart didn’t learn to play the piano by chopping wood.” My high school run coach used to tell us this all the time when we didn’t want to run or do the whole workout. It’s a lesson that I apply often to myself and the athletes who train at Leapfrog Athletics.
An athlete recently asked me: “How do you build endurance?” Well, I defaulted to my former coaches words!! I thought I was being witty and shared those words that I have used so many times in my running history. My athlete wasn’t amused. Sometimes we all wish there was some magic pill to build endurance/speed/strength. The truth is: we just have to focus on our desired outcome. We have to play the piano:)
My Outcome:
Today was my karma run… My long run was tough. I struggled and wanted to cut it short, then those words came back to haunt me: I had to do it, I had to push through, there was no other way!! It was painful…Physically and Mentally. In the end, the discipline inspired by Coach Martin shined through and I played piano! Not Easy…but 100% Satisfing! I know today I made my former coach proud!!!
When it comes to running, building endurance, or becoming a stronger runner just remember the words of Coach Ron Martin: “Mozart didn’t learn to play the piano by chopping wood”
Thoughts from the road.
Leapfrog Athletics
Matthew A. Reedy
Coach/Owner