Tag Archive: motivation

1. An important lesson from the Navy Seals

   11th October 2013 2:35 pm Leave a Comment

   “If you know how to ‘shoot, move, and communicate’ the rest will fall into place.”

   Mark Owen, in “No Easy Day” the story of the Osama Bin Laden mission.

   Owen talks about the planning and preparation that goes into a mission like that.

   An immense amount of training of the basics of close quarter combat, and then more training in pressure situations.

   However, when you have no idea what is behind that closed door, or behind the next hedgerow “the plan always changed, so it was easiest to keep things simple.”

   Too much time spent on the plan leads to the appearance of “The Good Idea Fairy”, whose basic premise is to weigh the Seals down with too much kit by trying to account for every eventuality.

   We see this in sport a lot with ovecomplicated play books or training programmes, but the athlete can only shoot with one foot and has trouble getting out of a chair hands free!

   Owen says combat becomes more like “pick up basketball” and the team who shoot, move and communicate the best are able to adapt.

   Rather than fuss about miniscule matters and burden your athletes with pointless information (I guarantee no fighter in the last round is worrying about his AMPTk protein affecting his endurance) try working harder on the basics.

   Then challenge these basics in imaginative and stressful situations.

   As Vern Gambetta says “We want adaptable athletes, rather than adapted ones”

2. Should I start running?

   25th April 2012 10:27 am 3 Comments

   Over the years I have participated in various sports, gym classes and individual pursuits but running has never been given a chance. Why is that?

   In April every year, London hosts its marathon and every year I nearly start a running regime…but I don’t. I am fully aware that there are endless health benefits from regular running such as:

   • cardiovascular training
   • weight loss and maintenance
   • prevention of osteoporosis
   • improved sleep
   • reduced stress and anxiety

   the list can go on and on. It is free once you have initially paid out for a decent pair of trainers. It can be done from home or your place of work at a time that suits you so it can fit into your busy lifestyle. So why don’t I?

   My previous and brief experiences in the past have been painful, exhausting and tedious. My first recollection of formal running was during the winter months of senior school. I loved all school sports and PE lessons apart from Cross Country running.

   I just remember getting so cold and muddy. To be honest it felt like a punishment rather than an activity to encourage me to continue with regular exercise after I had left school. Fortunately, this discipline was short lived every year and it didn’t deter me from participating in all other school sports through-out my teenage years.

   In reflection, I did seem to be more attracted to team sports which have a social component and encouraged interaction and group work.

   In subsequent years my sporadic running attempts have never progressed past the first outing. I found it so tough both physically and mentally that I didn’t wish to repeat the experience even though I know it would eventually get easier.

   As I ponder whether to give running another chance, I have complete admiration for all those London Marathon participants who have remained motivated and committed in order to attempt those 26 miles. From talking to friends and colleagues that do run, I am beginning to understand that the majority hate running but keep doing it because the benefits are worth it.

   I am currently well and have no injuries. I have a pair of unused running shoes in the cupboard and time at the weekends and during the light evenings. I need to forget my past experiences and find some determination to get running now for the benefit of my health.

   Let’s start this love/hate relationship.

   Always seek medical advice before commencing a running regime if you suffer from an illness or have a musculoskeletal disorder or injury.

    Sarah Marshall 

   • How to get faster: working with young athletes
   • Lessons from the track: tips on how to improve quality of your running.

   2 years later and Sarah is now an integral part of the  Excelsior ADC club in Willand.