This collection of "rules" (maybe not rules but rather guidelines), tied in with our team vision and values, provide a pathway for success in running and life.

I will add/subtract to this list, but I figured I’d put this down ‘on paper’ as something that runners can look back at someday. This is some of the advice I am giving, will give, and want to get through to our team as they continue to grow and develop.

Not a complete list and it may change, but a draft to put out:

1). Be Coachable

2). If it’s important enough to you, you’ll make time for it

3). Anything is possible!

4). Always hold the door

5). Look a person in the eye when shaking hands

6). If you start, finish

7). Failure is fine as long as you learn something from it (failure is feedback)

8). Do something (many things) that scares you

9). Don’t tolerate mediocrity

10). Consistency is more important than perfection

11). Call winners

12). Be relentless in what you want

13). Home Team – always

14). More workie, less talkie  – don’t tell me, show me – don’t just sing it, bring it

15). Don’t be the person who can’t decide what to order at a restaurant

16). Ask questions and find answers

17). Give Credit. Take blame.

18). Write down your goals

19). You only have to prove it to yourself

20). Sit with winners, the conversation is different – who you surround yourself with is important

21). How you respond after doing something stupid shows who you are

22). Eyes up, Rise up

23). Dream Big – then plan & execute

24). Never believe it when they say ‘it isn’t personal, it’s just business’

25). Make Mother’s Day your most important holiday

26). Leverage what you can

27). Our active and veteran military are the reason you are able to do what you want, we owe them a great debt, thank them every chance you get

28). There is no way around putting in the work

29). Don’t start fights, but don’t be scared to bleed

30). Effort first, times later

31). If you say it, do it

32). It’s easy to put in the work when you feel good, anyone can do that. It’s when it’s difficult, or your tired, or you don’t have time, when everyone is making excuses, that’s when winners put in the work and create that distance to become successful

33). To be the best, you have to beat the best

34). Chase greatness everyday

35). Music makes everything better

36). It’s always better to lead by example. But just leading by example isn't enough. You also need to be a great teammate.

37). You are where you are because of what you did leading up to now. If you are not happy where you are you must make changes to what you are doing

38). Rub some dirt on it and get back in there

39). Giving feels better than getting

40). “Improvement goes hand in hand with dedication” - Eliud Kipchoge

41). There’s always a scoreboard, but it’s up to you what game you’re playing

42). Business/life is a collection of sprint competitions, not a marathon

43). Take a deep breath…now solve the problem

44). There’s always someone out there trying to outwork you

45). It doesn’t take talent to work hard

46). Be incomparable

47). Regret hurts worse than temporary pain

48). The journey is more important than the destination

49). Always try to make a difference

50). Don’t judge, but know that you will be. The level of importance you put on that is up to you

51). Better never stops

52). Action beats fear

53). "Fake it until you make it" was made up by the life coaching industry. Earn it!

54). Complaining never gets you anywhere.

55). ‘Everyone has a plan until you get punched in the face’ – Mike Tyson

56). ABL- Always be Learning – you can find people and experiences everywhere that you can learn from

57). “Be a product of unrealistic thinking to get unrealistic results” – Jesse Itzler

58). You are special and can do anything, but you have to be willing to put in the work

59). Hope is our Super Power. It allows us to overcome, to endure, then achieve.

60). Be kind and stand up for others

61). Sometimes your team will be in front of you leading and clearing a path and guiding you. Sometimes your team will be next to you, standing beside you. Sometimes your team will be behind you, having your back. Just know that your team will always be there for you

62). The only asset you can’t replace is time

63). Let’s suffer in practice so we don’t suffer in competition

64). Discipline creates success, and flexibility and creativity lead to longevity

This mantra is powerful –

I Am Kind

I Am Brave

I Am Smart

I Am Strong

I Am Hard Working

I Am A Leader

I Am your name

I Am Me

People with Strong Character

Character is the foundation for everything else. It allows you to be consistent in words and actions. It allows you to be depended upon, trusted, and followed. People with natural strong character need to be encouraged to lead at every opportunity.

People Who Have the Courage to Stand Up for What They Believe

These people are naturally strong enough to be more concerned with what is right than what is popular. Peer pressure isn’t their guiding force. They do not sit quietly when something is wrong. 

“In matters of taste, swim with the current, in matters of principle, stand like a rock.” — Thomas Jefferson  

People Who Have a Teachable Spirit 

They understand the importance of listening and learning. They are not afraid to be challenged with new ideas or concepts. They ask questions when they don’t understand. They are able to take correction as a compliment. Regardless of past successes or failures they have a growth mindset and are trying to get better every day.  

People Who Are Clear Communicators

They speak in a way that others understand. They don’t have to be the only voice or even the first to speak. Look for people who listen intently, are willing and able to see things from different perspectives, and then speak so clearly that it cannot be misunderstood.  

People Who Have a Passion

Passion is the greatest motivator. It spreads throughout the team and can be seen in intensity, determination, and enthusiasm. Look for kids who are excited to be there and energized by the game and team. Their eyes will tell you all you need to know. They will be there early. They love practice. They will arrive in the right frame of mind, mentally and physically prepared before competition.

Fearlessness in Competition

They are healthy risk-takers who have the confidence to play through mistakes. They never quit, never pout, never slow down. They are persistent and relentless. They compete to win, not to avoid losing or making mistakes. 

Problem Solvers

When there is a problem, natural leaders don’t look the other way or ignore it. They don’t avoid them or “hope” they go away. They take problems head-on. They look for solutions, not excuses or who to blame. They spot small problems and face them before they become big ones and are more difficult to solve. They are capable of working cooperatively within a team structure to find resolutions. When there are problems, they bring people together.

People Who Are in Control of their Emotions

They have strong emotions but they have learned how to control the emotions and channel them in a way that improves their performance and doesn’t give their opponents an edge. They have ice in their veins. They are at their best when their best is needed. They are the face their team needs to see in good times and tough times.

People Who Place Truth Over Popularity

Not all decisions that are popular are good for the team. There are times when worrying about being liked can inhibit team success. Do not confuse popularity with leadership. The decisions people make based on truth are always right and almost always take the team to a higher level. As our friend Nancy O’Neil says, “Easy wrong or hard right”. 

People Who Have a Sense of Humor

Humor adds a lot to any team. When leaders can laugh and make others laugh, they are easier to follow. Humor breaks tension, keeps teams loose and optimistic. If you love what you are doing, let it show, have fun, and lead the league in smiles.

People Who Won’t Give Up

One of the most important characteristics of leadership is perseverance.  When teams are facing tough situations, they look to leadership to decide which path they will take.  When leaders quit, teams quit.  When leaders are relentlessly determined, the team will mirror their attitude.

People with Athletic Assuredness

Teams need individuals they can count on when the game is on the line. The best leaders are confident. Athletic assuredness is not arrogance but simply being comfortable in the most competitive situations. They are at their best when their best is needed. Even when they don’t “make the play”, they look forward to the next opportunity. They never get too far up or too far down but the look in their eyes says they are at ease and love these moments. The best leaders are both confident and humble.

People Who Can Follow As Well As Lead

Natural leaders understand there are times when they need to be the one who listens and follows. Until someone has learned and demonstrated that they can be obedient, they are not qualified to give directions or expect to be followed. “He who cannot obey, cannot command.” — Ben Franklin

People Who Are Doers, Not Complainers

Complaining is focusing on the problem without acknowledging or taking responsibility for the solution. Their focus is on what is wrong or difficult instead of what needs to get done. It brings others down and nothing changes. If you have leaders who are complainers or whiners, they may be leading, but not in a good direction. Real leaders do not waste the time or energy complaining — there are too many things to get accomplished and people are counting on them. 

People Who Understand and Appreciate All Roles That Help the Team

In 1982 the Tar Heels won their first national championship under legendary Coach Dean Smith. The NCAA awarded them 22 national championship watches. Counting all the players, coaches, and managers, they had 23 people. Manager Dave Hart said, “I was the youngest manager, so it was natural for me not to get a watch.” Several days after the team arrived home, Coach Smith called Hart into his office. They talked about the championship for a few minutes and then Smith said, “I appreciate everything you did this season. You were as much a part of this team as anyone and I want you to have this.” Coach Smith handed him a box. Inside was Coach Smith’s national championship watch.