"What I Like About You" -- The Coaching Experience

Well, it is that time of the month (and, no. I'm not talking about the other time of the month). It's time to share what's on my mind.

It's Advent season. It's indoor track & field season. Ah. Yes. Track and field.

I'm pretty excited about track as coach for next spring 2011 semester. The Clarion University women's track team is currently getting ready for our first meet of the season at Edinboro University in January, and it's going to be a good one. Hopefully.

Being a coach is sometimes indescribable. It's nowhere near easy and everywhere difficult. Since I am not an education major, nor have a teaching background, I find it fun at times and not-so-fun other times.

Some people ask me if I enjoy coaching, considering those people to be family or friends who have known me as a competitive runner for most of my life.

I like to observe the situation as an opportunity to "think outside the box." For example, substitutions. If it's rainy outside, use the indoor track facility at the student recreation center. If hill workouts do not carry positive feedback from your sprinters, then tell them to do a set of stair climbing and dales for a certain amount of time.

Much of my early coaching experience has been observations and memorization. I am memorizing the type of dynamic warm-up, agility drills and basic workouts which the sprinters, jumpers and hurdlers are currently completing. I'm really enjoying the opportunity to learn and experience what they're doing. It's also a small flashback to some earlier days when I, myself, did similar drills as a middle distance runner.

The biggest challenge I have facing me, beyond experience, is self-confidence. I would really like the ladies whom I work with to trust me and fully understand that I am a helpful guide. I really want to see them excel in the classroom, not get behind with grades, and develop a stronger, positive attitude.

Will I ever coach again in the future? Who knows. For my slow start sake, let's hope that I get a full-time, entry-level job first before I commit anywhere for a volunteer coaching position.

Right now, I'm excited for the opportunity to get Level 1 coaching certification by USA Track and Field in January at Bowie State University in Bowie, Md. I think it will be beneficial to attend the coaching clinic, have that training "under my belt," and feel confident while talking to other coaches about their athletes' abilities outside of distance running.

- JW