“I know you got mountains to climb, but always stay humble and kind.”
– Tim McGraw
When you are pursuing a big goal, it is easy to get lost in the mountain that is ahead of you. One thing I constantly remind myself is not to get distracted by the small, mundane problems that can defeat me mentally (or generally just piss me off).
While I do occasionally miss social media, the amount of garbage, trash talk, humble brags, workout posts, and misguided information turns me into a very negative person. I don’t consider myself the greatest coach ever, but I do like to lead by example… train hard and smart, race, and let your results do the talking.
As one of my favorite Tim Mcgraw songs go, “Don’t hold a grudge or a chip and here’s why… bitterness keeps you from flying. Always stay humble and kind.”
–
In one of our final out-season “test” race, Becca and I invited “the squad” to have a little fun at the Mercer Island Half Marathon. Michelle, Dan, Becca, and Linda all signed up for this beautiful, rolling course around Mercer Island. I was very consumed and flabbergasted by the asshole tunnel in the gymnasium at athlete check-in:
Although the Mercer Island course is one of the hillier half marathons I’ve participated in, everyone (besides me) set new personal bests.
The start:
Dan “shaved” over an hour off his half marathon time from 2017 and broke the two hour barrier last weekend! Dan, you are the man.
Michelle ran four minutes faster than her half marathon a month prior, on a much more Mercer Island course. MM – enough with the negative, “this course is too hilly” talk… you own the hills now.
The squad’s newest member, Linda finished just behind Michelle is a very respectful time. Great job Linda.
And last by not least, wife Becca destroyed her half marathon PB by over a minute. She placed 3rd overall among a very competitive women’s field. Her previous best was at Phoenix Half Marathon on a mostly downhill course.
Course profiles side-by-side:
Mercer Island:
Phoenix Marathon:
Becca on da podium:
Are these results flukes? Not at all. I vouch for each one of these athletes, and their training consistency, hard work, and trust in their training plans is paying off. I’m very excited for their upcoming triathlon season and this race was just a stepping stone to their bigger picture goals. Onward and upward!
On a final note I remind all my athletes, family, and friends in the sport (and life in general)… no matter the success you reach, let yourself feel the pride, but always stay humble and kind.
Elliot Kawaoka 
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