Tag: jeff noel blogs

Lane 8 is Impossible?

Is Lane 8 impossible?

Yes.  Absolutely impossible.

That’s what I told a friend yesterday at lunch.  We were at Hartsfield International Airport, on our way home from Pittsburgh.

She asked, “Why is it impossible”? I smiled  and answered, “Because there are so many people who can run faster than me.  Plus, I was never a great runner”.

Then I added, “But because I’ve been focused and disciplined for a decade, if the best runners have their worst day, and I have my best day, I could be in the mix for Lane 8”.

I said,  “If I can make it to the finals, I will absolutely be the slowest runner there”.

Lane 8 is where the slowest runner is put.  Lane 1 is the next slowest .  The fastest are in the middle.

She really didn’t understand exactly what I was talking about.

This is a David versus Goliath story.  A story that is being told so my son, who’s eight, will have a memory and a metaphor about his Dad at age 50.

“When my Dad turned 50, he competed at the Master’s Track & Field World Championships in the 400 meters – many say it’s the sport’s toughest race”.

It’s my hope that he’ll always remember that in life we have two choices:

  1. To try to be the fastest of the slowest.
  2. To try to be the slowest of the fastest.

It’s simply a family story and a vision he can use to make choices about how hard to try and why, as he goes through life.

I don’t know about you, but I’d rather try and fail than not try at all.

Carpe diem, jeff noel 🙂

Lane 8 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?

Yes, jeff noel from Lane 8 here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

How important is a competitive advantage?

It’s everything! Right?

When I travel, I attempt to use the travel day as a rest from training.

Even though the newness, and the break in scenery, would make running here, and other places, very enjoyable and motivating, I have to remember that traveling leaves me vulnerable to conditions outside my control.

Air travel, flight delays, client schedules and commitments, traffic, weather, etc.

Wisdom comes from experience and experience comes from making mistakes.

If your goal isn’t impossible, you’re not reaching high enough. Carpe diem, jeff noel 🙂

Lane 8 & The Stanley Cup Finals?

What do Lane 8 and the Stanley Cup Finals have in common?

I never thought about it until I woke up this morning.

I’m in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the University of Pittsburgh Alumni Hall.

You know of my goal to be a world-class Master’s Track athlete at 400 meters, in the 50-54 age group, right?

So I wonder if the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Detroit Red Wings think like I do?  Or I like them?

I bet we do.

Remember yesterday’s video post?  The theme?  “Out work ’em”!

Putting in the extra effort, in a comprehensive manner, is what elevates one’s performance.  Whether it’s running, hockey, or public speaking.

Carpe diem, jeff noel, aka jungle jeff 🙂

Today’s Rating at Lane 8?

Today’s rating is in the 90’s.  It’s been a while since I used a percentile rating. 

Remember?  I was getting tired of the pain. 

The pain seems like it’s subsiding.

The new running orthotics, celebrex and Voltaren gel seem to be allowing we to step up the intensity ever so gently, while not stepping up the pain.

The strength and core workouts at Gold’s Gym Orlando are paying off too.

I was there two days ago.  Check out these You Tube Videos:

 

 

Tiger Woods’ advice isn’t rocket science, is it?  It’s profoundly simple and simply profound.

Carpe diem, jeff noel 🙂

Hurricane season and Lane 8

Lane 8 and hurricane season have a common thread.  A David versus Goliath type of thread.

A big, formidable foe, and a lowly and weak opponent.

Humans versus a category four hurricane.  Who loses?  Humans.

David versus Goliath.  Looking at the two, most would bet on the giant – the obvious, overwhelmingly physically superior human.

Ya still with me?

With proper preparation, a foe’s strengths can be mitigated.

We can’t stop hurricanes, but we can wisely prepare for them.

We also can’t stop the aging process, but with dedicated and consistent focus, we can age wisely.  Certainly, at the very least, we can make it better than if we do nothing.

We also might surprise ourselves at the house we can build, if we plan ahead, and work hard.

That’s why I think going to Finland in August is such a David versus Goliath feat.

Win or lose, I’ll leave nothing on the track.

Carpe diem, jeff noel  🙂

PS.  If you do happen to click on the Finland in August link, scroll to the 400 meters.  There I am, next to last.