A single word..

Most of us have played a game.

Maybe in school, or just on the weekend.

I remember failing, on my birthday..

I ran the mile run at Rice Field May 21, 1996.

I was a freshman in High School.

It was my 16th birthday

and I wanted to go to sectionals.

But I had to run the race of my life to get there.

I believe we had to run under 4:50 for a mile.

I can remember being close to tears

when I crossed the finish line.

There would be no Sectional Meet for me... I had missed the time by 2 seconds.

I remember thinking, "but, it's my birthday"!

They should just let me in...

It didn't happen..

At that moment I had a choice-

I could fight for what I enjoyed-running.

Or I could leave the sport that I loved.

When I say fight, I mean put the miles in so the next time I could be ready....

This is where great coaches come in.

Coach Noffsinger once pulled me to the side when I was frustrated and wanted to quit.

He just looked me in the eyes and said

 "I never picked you as a quitter".

I ran for years after that competing in Marathons, Ultra-Marathons and Triathlons.

Those few words when I was struggling made the difference for me.

Encourage someone today!

It could change their life!

Give them a "never quit attitude".

Have a great day!