41- Emily Infeld- On “no days off”, recovery tips, and coping from injury with Bon Bons

In today’s episode, I interview professional long distance runner Emily Infeld. Emily grew up running track in her hometown of University Heights. At Georgetown University, she set the school record in the 3000m and 5000m, and notched a first place 3000m finish at the NCAA Indoor Championships. After college, Emily decided to pursue her dream of running professionally. She became one of the first women to join Jerry Schumacher’s Portland-based running group, the Bowerman Track Club, which encompasses some of the best runners in the world.

One of my favorite things about our conversation, is that despite Emily’s bubbliness and positivity, she candidly shares her internal struggles-including when she suffered a stress fracture just months before the Olympic trials (the race she’d been training for the past four years). In her lowest state. after a couple weeks of coping via snarfing down peanut butter and bon bons in bed, Emily persevered by accepting where she was and giving her best on that given day. Her strategies worked, as she competed in the 2016 Summer Olympics and earned a 3rd place in the World Championship finals.

In our conversation, we talk about:

-The benefits of high altitude training and other running “hacks”

-Her college track days (with Portland Thorns FC Emily Menges) attach link to Emily Menges podcast

-What it’s like training with her childhood idols, Shalane Flanagan and Kara Goucher

-Why she takes just one full day off every two months

-How she recovers from training sessions

And a lot more.

Enjoy my conversation with the upbeat, very fast human, Emily Infeld

Show Notes

:50 Who is Emily Infield?

3:10 The benefits of altitude training

6:57 What running hacks does Emily use? Cyrotherapy

8:20 Has Emily always known how to rest her body?

10:24 Emily’s recovery day

12:20 What does Emily do to release from the pressure of running?

13:50 Emily’s ombre hair & baking

16:02 Emily Menges’ Georgetown running

18:10 How did Emily choose Georgetown?

19:54 What other sports did young Emily participate in?

21:55 When did Emily start specializing in running?

23:15 Emily’s first Olympic dream

24:40 Emily’s path to the Bowerman Track Club

27:45 Her training partners:  Shalane Flanagan & Kara Goucher

29:39 What made the recruiting visit to Portland special?

30:52 Is Emily an analyzer or go with the flow personality?

31:49 Emily’s 1st training session with her idols

33:50 What is the training team like?

34:50 Is everyone’s training regime the same?

37:05 How helpful is training in a small team atmosphere?

39:12 World Championship experience 2015

42:23 How did she qualify for the Olympics?

43:37 Emily’s stress fracture recovery

45:49 How did Emily emotionally react to her setbacks?

49:38 What did it feel like for Emily to run in the Olympics?

52:50 Balancing competitiveness, setbacks and the appreciation of the sport

55:37 How does Emily get thru a mediocre track workout?

57:06 What would Emily tell her 12 year old self?

58:41 What are the best ways to recover after a run?

59:53 What music does Emily listen to while she runs?  Her obsession with Blink 182

1:00:47 Is running a form of mindfulness for Emily?

1:02:10 Emily’s morning routine

1:03:21 What body or mental prep does Emily do before training?

1:04:26 Biggest misconception that people have about Emily?

1:06:26 How does Emily get herself out of mental slumps?

1:08:12 Emily’s favorite failure

1:11:20 What is Emily’s favorite accomplishment?

1:13:38 What is Emily’s one simple tip for female athletes?

Follow Emily:

On Twitter: @emily_infeld

On Instagram: @EmilyInfeld

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Resources

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39-Caitlin Foord-on sacrificing the “little parties in between for the bigger party at the end”

In today’s episode, I interview Australian national soccer team member, Caitlin Foord. Caitlin grew up a 2 minute walk from the beach in Lake Illawarra, New South Wales, Australia. Before Caitlin took up soccer, she participated in athletics, touch football, and surf life saving. At age 9, Caitlin played in her first soccer game at age and scored 6 goals. She hasn’t stopped netting goals since. Caitlin scored a goal in her first appearance with the Matildas. At 16,, she was the youngest Australian player to play in a World Cup and was voted the Best Young Player of the tournament. Caitlin has played in the the Australian W-league with Sydney FC and Perth Glory, in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) with Sky Blue FC, and is is currently playing in the Japan Women’s Football League  with the Vengalta Sendai Ladies.

In our conversation, we talk about

-the biggest differences between playing in Japan, USA, and Australia

-the times she had to sell chocolate bars at school to afford to go to soccer tournaments

-the sacrifices her mom, a single parent, made to help Caitlin pursue soccer

-why Caitlin hates warming-up

-her experience with being burned-out from soccer, and the strategy she used to fall back in love with her sport

-why she thinks the Matildas’ world ranking has continued to rise

-her love affair with music festivals, her dog Peach, and Chipotle

And more.

Enjoy, my conversation with Caitlin Foord!

Show Notes

:48 Who is Caitlin Foord  Sky Blue FC

2:50 Caitlin’s adjusting to the Japanese culture

6:40 Caitlin’s Japanese team – Vegalta Sendal

7:24 How does Japanese soccer style compare to US/Australian?

11:40 Cailtin’s early soccer travel and struggles of homesickness

16:00 Cailtlin’s childhood home,  Illawarra

17:40 Cailtin’s young star in soccer v. touch football

21:55 Her mom’s single parent support and selling chocolate bars to pay for      tournaments

27:23 Australian Nat’l team call up at 16 years old.

32:10 Cailtin’s favorite game

35:38 Her ability to separate soccer from other aspects of her life

40:29 Has she ever been burnt out from soccer?

43:20 Are their training things that Cailtin doesn’t like?

45:29 Caitlin’s morning routine

Brittney Cameron

@bcam00

47:01 Caitlin’s free time activities

48:15 Caitlin’s biggest misconception about herself

50:28 Is Caitlin a go with the flow athlete or an overthinker?

51:50 Her biggest accomplishment

52:45 What does she want to accomplish before she retires? And how does she want to be remembered?

53:45 Caitlin’s pregame body and mental prep

54:30 How does she deal with a bad game?

56:13 Best opponent and best teammate

Christie Rampone

@christierampone

Sam Kerr

@samkerr1

59:38 Best game day chants

1:00:39 Biggest life lesson from playing soccer

1:01:55 How does Caitlin eat a taco?

1:02:58 One simple tip for female athletes

1:04:22 Caitlin Foord

Follow Caitlin:

On Twitter: @CaitlinFoord

On Instagram: @CaitlinFoord

Caitlin’s obsession with her dog Peach (Instagram: @BrindlePeach

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EP 34- The Day I Met Ryan Gosling and Decided to Quit Soccer and Travel the World

In today’s episode, I tell the story of the time I was over facing numerous setbacks throughout my soccer career. I contemplated giving up soccer and opening up a frozen coconut yogurt shop, or an earthy chill-vibed cafe, or a surf and soccer school in South America. I also kinda met Ryan Gosling ….

“There comes a point, when these things start to pile up and you inevitably begin to question your trajectory. It’s like if you were to play a continuous game of Jenga for a year straight with friends. And every round, you are the one who pulls out the wood block that makes the entire tower come crashing down. The first few times you may attribute your defeat to luck, or lack thereof, but then after the 12th time you start to wonder if the game is rigged. Or maybe it’s just not your game. Maybe you should just accept that it’s not your game, and go to the cupboard to pick a new one.

“Is soccer just not my game?”

Full written article with pictures HERE

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EP 28- My Whiplash Heatstroke Fifa ‘94 Concussion

In today’s episode, I tell the story of the first game I ever voluntarily subbed myself out of a game: the day I got my concussion. In episode 26, I read my piece Why I Saw Strange Men in my room (and am telling you about it 8 months later). This was the first time I opened up about my concussion.

I wrote that piece as a reflection to process my lack of progress and debilitating state.  Why is this happening to me? Why am I not getting better? Will I ever be able to play soccer again?  I was desperate to find an answer, but finally realized sometimes the best thing we can do is let go and trust that things will work out how they are meant to be.

Today’s piece titled My Whiplash, Heatstroke, Fifa 94 concussion  brings it back to the beginning. From here on out, I will tell my story chronologically. I have learned heaps about concussions, and even more about myself-who I want to be, why I am playing soccer, and my philosophy on life.

I am very passionate about telling my story because I know there are so many people out there who are struggling, feel like they are alone, and may be losing hope.

But, I truly believe that our setbacks are our biggest teachers. That’s the whole reason behind Arrow Living’s name. “An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. In life, when you’re faced with difficulties, it means it’s going to launch you into something great, so just focus and keep aiming.”

Link to full written article with pictures: My whiplash heat stroke Fifa ‘94 Concussion

For great resources and concussion recovery support check out: : Headwayfoundation.com

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EP 27- Arrow Tip Tuesday: Visualize Your Day (while half-asleep)

It’s the championship game. Pouring down rain. Tie ball game. The clock is ticking down, with one minute to spare. The ball is passed to you. This is your chance. The moment you’ve dreamed of your entire life. You wind up to take the shot and ……..ring!!!! You’re alarm goes off, waking you from your slumber.

Not only did you miss out on your chance for glory, but now you’re groggy, and pissed, and the last thing you want do is leave your warm covers.

In EP 22-Arrow Tip Tuesday: Create A Morning Ritual,  I talk about how snoozing your alarm is kind of life telling yourself the day isn’t worth waking up for.  I’ve been trying out a new technique lately, that allows for extra bed time.

In my past morning routine,  I immediately hopped out of bed and pounded out twenty push ups, and a one minute plank on my sides, and face-down. That strategy was effective in jolting me awake. But, since my concussion, I’ve transitioned into a more gentle approach.

Instead of bouncing right out of bed, I take the opportunity to capitalize on my half-asleep state and visualize. Most often I’ll wake up before my alarm goes off.  And immediately upon awakening, I’ll visualize exactly how I want my day to go.

I have this theory that this comatose state  is magical and allows me to tap into my soul. After doing some research, I think I’m onto something.

Why visualize?

In all my interviews, nearly every person thus far has mentioned that they practice visualization. Jacqueline Wiles  visualizes her ski race, Michelle Betos visualizes right when she wakes up, Emily Menges and Katherine Reynolds visualize before arriving to games.

Visualization is powerful for athletes because when you imagine an activity, you are using the same pathways in your brain that are used when you actually perform that action. So, it’s as if you are doing an actual reputation, further ingraining the skill into your brain.

Why visualize half-asleep?

Visualization is extra beneficial right when you wake up, because you are in a deeper brain wave state.

Brain waves are electrical pulses from masses of neurons that communicate with each other.

Delta-waves occur when we are in deep restorative sleep.

Theta-waves occur in lighter sleep, and deep meditation.

Alpha-waves occur when we are present, in a resting state.

Beta-waves occur when we are awake, alert, thinking rationally.

When you visualize upon awakening,  you will often be able to penetrate deeper into your subconscious, causing the images to stick more.

What do I visualize?

When I visualize in the morning, I lay down on my back, shut my eyes, and imagine exactly how I want my day to go.  

I make sure to get as detailed as possible and make myself feel exactly how I want to feel. Visualizations are the way you want to feel, they maximize your experience because the brain learns and retains information better with emotions.

I imagine the immense energy I feel when I pop out of bed, the music that will be playing when I walk into the the locker room, my body moving effortlessly at training, performing my neck stretches cooling down…all the way to how I want to feel when I get to bed.

I often visualize something going wrong in my day. I do this to train my mind to not be shaken if I encounter an unanticipated challenge during my day. This prepares me to get myself back into a clear space.

Sometimes I’ll top the visualization off with a something I want to happen in my life-like blasting that game-winning goal that my alarm so rudely interrupted me from.

This usually takes me 10 minutes.

Then I hop out of bed, make my bed and resume the rest of my morning routine which I’ll talk about in future episodes.

For the scientific benefits of visualization check out this article: 
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/the-science-of-visualizat_b_171340.htmlhttp:

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Resources

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EP 25- Arrow Tip Tuesday: Why Making your Bed Changes the World

I never used to understand people who made their bed. Why bother taking the time when you are going to be getting back in and making it messy at the end of the day anyways?

As I mentioned in episode 17 in the article I wrote, Throwing Away 9 Trash Bags of Clothes Changed my Life, I am inherently a slob and tend to be suspicious of those whose living space smell of Windex and resembles a vacated crime scene. .

What are they trying to hide??

But, awhile back I read a quote from Commander Navy Seal, William H Mcraven, that peaked my feathers.

“If you want to to change the world, start off by making your bed. If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do one task and then another. And by the end of the day that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed and It will reinforce the idea that the little things in life matter.”

Ohhh snapp. Did he just equate making your bed with changing the world??

I’m down to change the world, so I figured it was worth a shot.

I did. And now I always, always, always make my bed. Here’s why:

Charles Duhigg, author of bestseller The Power of Habit, calls this kind of habit, a “keystone habit” because it creates a positive change that will then set in motion your ability to perform other good behaviors.

Once I make my bed, it symbolizes that my day is starting, and it is my first opportunity to demonstrate that I am taking control of my day.

There are so many uncertainties in life. Even if you begin the day with the best intentions, things can go sideways fast.

You could slip on a banana peel on the way to training, get side swiped in your car,  yelled at by your coach, miss the game-winning shot…. the possibilities are endless.

But, no matter how crappy your day is, when you come home and all you want to do is sleep, you will see that at the very least you made your bed. Not all is lost.

It’s such a small habit, but  I am learning that I am a highly visual person. If I see a distraction in the my outer life, I’m going to feel off internally. So making my bed is one action I can take to help me reduce that stress.

Also, think about when you stay at a hotel. When I am traveling with my team and enter my hotel room, I get giddy when I see the bed covers are tucked in crispier than a newly minted dollar bill.  Sometimes I do think the covers are so snug they make me feel like I’m going going to lose circulation, however that’s just a personal preference. The beauty about making your own bed, is you call the shots.

If you’re a science-based person, a recent study showed  “71 percent of bed makers consider themselves happy, while 62 percent of non-bed-makers admit to being unhappy. Bed makers are also more likely to enjoy their jobs, own a home, exercise regularly, and feel well rested, whereas non-bed-makers hate their jobs, rent apartments, avoid the gym, and wake up tired.”

There’s something to be said about making beds.

Arrow Tip: Make your bed

If you still feel you are too lazy to make your bed, then here’s a video on how to make your bed while you are still in it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD8y1kRpMqw

No excuses to at least try it! if you don’t like it, you can go back to crumpled sheets.

Do you make your bed? Does it make you feel as happy as me? Let me know in the comments

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EP 22- Arrow Tip Tuesday: Create A Morning Ritual

Morning people. My college self just threw up in my mouth a little bit. As a teenager, if I had to wake up before my body felt ready, the entire world was dead to me. I walked around with a blank stare, wishing that a UFO would fly down, lasso every human who attempted to talk to me, and transport them to Mars, until I woke up on my own terms.

Legitimately, if someone greeted me with a “hi, good morning!” I’d think how dare you have the audacity to say such a thing to me before 10am.

But then, after college, I read an article by this dude name Hal Elrod. He mentioned that the single biggest contributor to his success in life was having a morning routine.

What?? Is this guy for real?

He brought up an idea, that rattled my morning-hating 10x snooze-button hitting self.

He said that every time you wake up, and hit the snooze button, you’re essentially, saying “I hate getting up, so let me do it over and over and over again.”

Wow. Truth. I am voluntarily re-living the most unenjoyable part of my day.

Since then, I’ve researched highly impactful athletes and people in this world, and have noticed that the majority of them all have some variation of a consistent morning ritual.

And it makes sense. Our days are filled with uncontrollable factors.  Once our day gets rolling, it’s so easy to get caught up being reactive. We get a text from a friend, we show up to training and our coach tells us what to do, we respond to all our piled up emails ..…by the end of the day, it can leave us feeling drained as if we never took time to ourself.

But the start of the day, is something we can always control. In implementing a morning ritual, we are able to start the day on our own terms. It’s an opportunity to show ourselves that we value our well-being and are in control of our lives. Once you find a ritual that feels good to you, it allows you to start the day off feeling alive, and excited to crush the rest of your day.

For the past four years, I’ve been tweaking my own routine, and have developed one that get’s me feeling like I’m Cinderella and that Prince Charming just returned my glass slipper.

Throughout the next few weeks, I’m going to walk you through my exact morning ritual that gets me into this enlightened state. Every one is different, but there’s a few main components that I believe will set you up for your day, and at the very least, make you not want to hit snooze, or hit anyone who tries to say “good morning!” to you before you’re fully ready.

Arrow Tip: Create A Morning Ritual

Specific details to follow in the future

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EP 16- Arrow Tip Tuesday: How To Bounce Back After A Bad Game

Last week I played in my first game at Providence Park since my concussion. It was just a preseason game, bt I had been waiting 18 months for that moment. Last year, I watched our games up in our team suite. I had to wear earplugs because the noise of the crowd gave me a throbbing headache. Also, tracking my teammates zig-zagging runs invoked neck tension and nausea. By the end of the games, I felt over-stimulated, as if I’d actually participated in the match myself.

My first game playing on Providence Park was a big milestone. I trotted onto the field, feeling a tidal wave of adrenaline and gratitude. Holy crap we out here doin this thanggg! That ecstasy lasted for about 10 seconds, then I was submersed into the game.

35 minutes later, the whistle blew and the game was over.

Our team won. I played my first minutes since my concussion. Yet, instead of being happy, I was swallowing back tears.  A rational minded human would think that coming back from an 18 month injury is an incredible feat. But as a lifelong competitive athlete, my performance, in my mind, wasn’t good enough.

I know this is a common theme amongst athletes. We tend to be so hard on ourselves. Our mind instantly re-traces all the things we did wrong, and those feelings of frustration pile up until we think that our life is over as we know it.

But if we take a step back, and allow ourselves to really feel and process everything we realize that:

1. bad games are inevitable

2. we most often think we played a lot worse than we did.

3. even if you really suck it up, excessively drowning in our sorrows is not beneficial

Arrow Tip: How to Bounce Back after a Bad Game

Here’s 6 questions to ask after a “bad” game to get yourself back into a happy place. The key throughout all of this is to play the role of an observant, non-judgmental scientist. Take your time with each question.

1. What do I feel?

Allow yourself to feel your frustration/sadness/embarrassment and express what didn’t go well for you. I went home, screamed a few times. Kicked my legs like a needy child. And then I worded why I was frustrated…”I am pissed because I blew it. I sucked. My lungs felt like they were going to collapse, my body felt like jello , I slipped on the ball, I dove in on a tackle… Be as real as possible. Curse, punch pillows, scream…do what you gotta do, and take as long as you need, to flush out all the feelings.

1. What are my beliefs behind this feeling?

In my case:

–That was my one chance to show that I deserve to be here

-My energy sucked, I am never going to be in good enough shape to play

-My coach is going to think I suck and now I’m never going to play

-I am not a good soccer player and don’t deserve to be on this team

-to be frustrated, I have to play a game and it doesn’t go well.

1. Do I need to believe these thoughts? (Hint: The answer is always No)

1. What can I believe instead that will allow me to feel at peace with my performance?

Go through each belief, and replace it with a new beneficial belief.

In my case, I reframed:

-Bad games are an opportunity to expose weaknesses and grow

-The only way for me to be frustrated is to play a game, and not learn from it

-The fact that I’m frustrated is a good thing. It shows how much I care about my sport…it’s a good thing

-I can use this frustration as motivation, to highlight areas of improvement, and  further hone in on my craft and ball out even more

-the past does not equal the future, just because I had one bad game does not mean I have to feel frustrated

1. What went well for me in my game?

In my case:

-I played my first game back in 18 months

-I am still breathing

-my team won

-I made several clean passes

-I headed two balls without any symptoms

-I did not actually collapse a lung

This allows us to see that we were likely over-reacting, and might simply need to take a chill pill.  In our roughest games, there is always something to be grateful for. Even if it’s as simple as making through the game alive!

1.  What steps can I take to improve next game?  

Come up with a few intentions you can make to continue growing as a player.  For instance, anytime I make an error on the field, I now quickly say to myself “I love myself, onto the next one.”  Yes it’s cheesy. Yes, I actually repeat that to myself. Yes, it works wonders.

The plan can be more action oriented, as well. Examples: show up to training 20 minutes early to work on passing technique, visualize 10 minutes of defending before bed, meet with conditioning coach and put together a fitness program.

I ask myself these questions every time I have a “poor” performance,  whether it’s in a game, a training, or any area in my life. It’s a great tool, to get yourself back and motivated to be your best self. The worst thing we can do is dwell on our mistakes. We all have bad games. We all have bad days. Some of us have bad breath. There’s badness all around. But when we embrace the badness, and use it as an opportunity for growths, that’s when we reach the greatness within. And ball out.
Do you have a certain way you cope with bad games? Let me know in the comments!

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EP 14- A Once in a Lifetime Flight-How to Deal with Losses

I’m going to be honest with you. Losing games freaking sucks. When I was younger, I would give everyone the silent treatment (except my dog),  shut my room and tell my parents to leave me alone, unless dinner was ready, of course. But as I’ve gotten older, I have lost more and more games, and I want to tell you something. Losing, actually, believe it or not….doesn’t get any better. It still SUCKS. In the heat of the moment, it feels like you’ve gotten your soul ripped out. When you fully invest your time and heart into something, and circumstances don’t turn out how you’d like, naturally it’s feels crappy.

But, a couple years ago, my team and I boarded a plane filled with World War II veterans and my my perspective of losing has changed.

Whenever I’m feeling down, from a sports loss or anything in life, I like to think back to that moment. All it takes to snap myself out of my funk to think of all of the people who have sacrificed their life for my teammates and myself to be able to live out our dreams.

There is always someone who has it worse than you. And there’s people in this world who no doubt would kill to be in your exact place now.  Even when we lose, we always have something to be grateful for. Full written article with video footage HERE. 

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Ep 02 Arrow Tip Tuesday: Take A Cold Shower

Welcome to the Arrow Tip Tuesday series! Every Tuesday, I will provide a simple, actionable tip that you can apply to enhance your athletic endeavors and life.

Today’s Arrow Tip: take a cold shower.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!  Whenever I get out of a cold shower, I imagine myself as Donkey Kong beating his chest after he just rescued Peach from the castle.

I didn’t always feel that way. After a rainy training session,  few things compare to a steaming hot shower. When I first heard about the idea of cold showers, my initial thought was why would anyone voluntarily submit themselves to such torture?

Then I researched the topic and was surprised by all of the scientifically backed benefits.

Cold showers are proven to:

-strengthen immunity

-improve blood circulation

-increase metabolism

-improve lymphatic movement

-detoxify your body

-deepen  breathing

-aid with sleep

-regulate body temperature

-alleviate depression

(Here’s an article I enjoyed “Benefits of Cold Showers http://www.menprovement.com/benefits-of-cold-showers/ )

I decided to give it a go. On my first attempt,  I turned the nozzle all the way to the left. I brushed my hands against the water and muttered an explicit. You psycho sun of a gun.

These thoughts were the exact reason I knew I needed to follow through with the shower. I had to conquer my mind. I shut off the negative thoughts, counted to three, and jumped under the shower head.

Holyyyyyy Coldolyyy!  My heart rate doubled and I felt like my inhalation was being strangled. After getting over the initial shock factor, I concentrated on the white fog of my exhalation. Once I regained normal breathing, I began yelling out affirmation to myself.

“Let’s go Kendall, you are unstoppable. You overcome any challenge that comes your way. AHHH!!!!!”

After washing all the shampoo and conditioner out of my hair (a lot harder when your hair is borderline icicle status) I shut off the shower and felt invigorated. Empowered.  Like I’d been defibrillated back into a super-hero physical and mental version of myself.

Cold showers are a staple in my life now any time I need an instant shot of adrenaline or pick-me-up. Regardless of how tired I feel entering the shower, I exit feeling unstoppable. It reaffirms that circumstances are never as bad as you anticipate they are going to be.

Try it one time and imagine yourself as Kevin Garnett, shouting Anything is possibleeeeee!!!

I guarantee you when you exit, a part of you will start to believe it.

Arrow Tip: 

Take a cold shower.

There’s two different approaches you can take

1) Slow and steady wins the race: gradually turn the nozzle colder throughout your shower

2) Showtime: don’t mess around, turn the shower as cold as it goes, and do the dang thing.

p.s. An added bonus of cold showers is that it helps reduce energy expenditure, which means less CO2 and greenhouse gases, aka your playing a part in lessening global warming Also, you’re going to save money on your electricity bill. Sounds like a win to me

p.p.s I aint no doctor! if you have weak heart or health issue consult a physician before trying.

Have you tried taking a cold shower? Did your hair almost fall off? Let me know how it went in the comments below!

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Resources

Click HERE to become a part of Friday Feelz

Click HERE for a list of the 10 books I believe ever female athlete MUST read.

Click HERE  to be the first to know when a new podcast or article drops, and receive other exclusive content

Chelsea Handler-Never burn out someone's candle, to make yours bigger

You are the only YOU in in this entire world. There is room for everyone to shine. Never blow out someone else's candle to make yours bigger.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zEYScSec0Q 

Carli Lloyd's Road to Greatness

Dream to be the greatest. Devise a bulletproof plan to be the greatest. Relentlessly execute the plan to be the greatest. Become the greatest.  Carli Lloyd.

Full article:

The Exciting Times of Carli Lloyd

Do Not Cross Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard went absolutely mental in the Blazer’s last game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He scored  17 points in the final three minutes , leading  his team to a 115-110 come-from-behind victory. Lillard has come up clutch so many times that when the game is on the line,  Portland now points to their wrist and calls the closing minutes “Lillard time”  How does he consistently come up big? Through training with a  “yellow tape mentality.”  This is one of my favorite articles on the importance of always training with a relentless, confident game-like mentality.

Do Not Cross Damian Lillard

Die Young as Late As Possible

Steph Curry: Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Let the haters hate. As long you believe in and know your potential, it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.

Hold yourself Accountable First

Whatever It Takes-Andrew Hawkins

August 12, 2015

Cleveland Browns wide receiver, Andrew Hawkins is the definition of relentless. Coming out of college as a “nobody”, he had a burning desire to make the NFl. Despite the odds, He made the decision to go after his dreams. He created a pseudo email account,  posed as an Toledo assistant coach, he attached clay to his heels and put weight in his pockets during Pro Day weigh-in,  he stocked Dallas Cowboy’s owner, GM, and President, Jerry Jones,  he entered a reality TV contest, he played in the CFL, he got cut from multiple teams. He did all of this and still had yet to make an NFL team.

Four years later, all of his efforts paid off and is now the leading wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns.

When you have a burning desire and the determination to do whatever it takes to reach your goals, anything can happen.

Andrew Hawkin’s two part story from The Players Tribune:

Part 1: Coming Up Short

Part 2: Whatever It Takes

Relentless - excerpt, from Michael Jordan's trainer

Tim Grover was the personal trainer of Michael Jordan, and currently boasts clients such as Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, and other NBA greats. In his book, Relentless he outlines what made these players great. It wasn’t their talent, but an insane desire and willingness to do whatever it takes to be the best. There’s numerous excerpts that got me feeling giddy inside. Here’s two:

You cannot understand what it means to be relentless unless you have struggled to possess something that’s just out of your reach. Over and over, as soon as you touch it, it moves farther away. But something inside you-that killer instinct-makes you keep going,reaching, until you finally grab it and fight with all your might to keep holding on. Anyone can take what’s sitting right in front of him. Only when you’re truly relentless can you understand the determination to keep pursuing a target that never stops moving.

No question those who are gifted get to the top faster than anyone else. So what? Is that your excuse for not reaching as high? The challenge is staying there, and most people don’t have the balls to put in the work. If you want to be elite, you have to earn it. Every day, everything you do do. Earn it. Prove it. Sacrifice