Perspective

Last year I quoted a classic "He who run fast in April get ass kicked in August!" It was our running joke back in the day as we watched folks run fast early and disappear during money time or fold up. This weekend brings me full circle, AGAIN!
I sent my girl Tasha over the lake to run indoors. She ran the 800 at her national meet. For those that do not know she is a 400 hurdler. And for those who have forgotten, she is a 400 hurdler. We chose the 800 because it fits what we are doing right now and allows her the chance to run indoors and show her face to her fans.
The result was a good 2:12 for her. Not impressive when compared to the half milers mind you but I am pleased. See competitive fire aside, this is her first indoor race since 1995, her first indoor 800 ever, and we did not break training for this. She is not trying to make the indoor team, so in my eyes all is going to plan. Outdoors that's worth about 2:10, so for her fourth 800 in her life I have very little to complain about.
Tasha and I seem to be the only ones with reality in mind. Articles are written and people are talking as if she is a half miler that struggled out there. No it was not the quality run we wanted but it carries no weight as far as long term goals go. She is healthy, she is fit as she is going to be right now, and we got a great gauge on where she is. We did not plan to go out and beat the big girls, if that were case we would be looking at an event change, as some tried to intimate.
For clarity to all, there's no event change. She enjoys running the event, it relates well to her pet event, and she wanted to run an indoor race. She got the chance to see her fans and not fall into the marketing black hole of track stars.
Too often medalists disappear from the track landscape and become irrelevant, never getting the chance to take advantage of the opportunities presented by that success. This is the message I want to get out. We have to work at pushing the product and not wait for the machine to work for you. There is no machine, therefore you have to go get it. You have to make sure the fans see you, the papers interview you, and your brand is visible. All while doing what got you that chance, run.
Make a plan, set it in motion and remember what it is while never forgetting we run to win medals and earn a living. Let everyone play their roles, maintain the brain trust, they will love you when you win in August. My mantra right now, "It is FEBRUARY!" Keep it in pocket.
Oh so none of you feel slighted, good work to everyone doing their thing indoors, more than one way to success.