Do you just show up for practice and expect you'll make the podium at Nationals? Maybe you do AND you're the quickest skater on the team in your Division. Well, when you get to Nationals (if you make it out of Regionals) you're going to realize almost everyone is just as fast if not faster than you. It's going to take more than 2-3 indoor practices each week to make the podium.

 

If this is what you expect and no one else has told you different, you do not have all the information you need to perform at your best. Without a lot of luck it is unlikely you will make it to Nationals by attending practice alone.

 

Do you desire to win? Stop whining about how you look, how you perform, etc and do something about it!

 

Are you committed to win? You're obligated to keep trying to do the best you can every day.

 

Do you know what exercises or training you should be doing when there's not skating practice? Do you know how hard you should be pushing yourself at each training session or practice. Do you know how much rest you should be getting in between practices? Do you have a plan? Stick to a plan - Don't stray away from the plan... ever.

 

Discipline - You have to be willing to give up the video games, ice cream sundaes, hanging with friends when it's time to train... an all out commitment to the program.

 

Focus - When you are committed, the uncommitted will try to pull you away. When you're serious, those that aren't will try to convince you to "let's hang out... you always have tomorrow to train." There is no tomorrow... today is all that matters. When you do something they don't understand, they will criticize you... smile and keep at it! Don't let anything or anyone shake you!

 

Perseverance - You have to roll out of the bed early... again, again and again. Blank soreness out of your mind. Forward momentum... always.

 

The list can go on and on. Nike says it best when they say "Just Do It."

 

Don't have the latest and greatest training gadgets or skate setup? So what. Don't have the money to buy the best nutritional supplements? So what. Can't afford to skate all the meets? So what? You work 12 hours a day? So what.

 

Everyone, regardless of fitness level, net worth, or whatever other excuses might be out there... everyone can improve with this program. They just have to do it... it really is that simple.

 

Coach Steve