The four "C"'s of running...
I mentor at-risk High schoolers. I do this by spending time with them. Lots of time, in fact. I mentor them in life skills and goal setting, while training for the Los Angeles Marathon - May 25th.
This week I had the opportunity to share some of my coaching principles with a class of high schoolers. I spoke about these principles as something that anyone can apply. I was so encouraged afterward that a quiet student stood by waiting for a moment to engage with me. He said that was I share he wants to apply and really felt inspired!
In my mentoring, I talk about the four "C"'s of running the race of life:
- Commitment - keeping a focus and follow-through on goals
- Consistency - Regular practice, reflection by having routine times and meeting places
- Contact - Showing commitment and consistency by having a "running mate" - someone that you share the goals and experience with.
- Courage - practicing openness and risk by facing fears and concerns
All together these four "C" look like leadership. Leadership from this perspective is something that everyone can do. That is, everyone can live a life of integrity where their words match their actions - this takes personal action. I find that in marathon training, there is a point where the runners understand this in a powerful way - that is, their commitments grow, as they're consistant, their need for contact grows and as they practice courage it leads them to a deeper commitment and a greater integrity in their character.
Lastly, these four "C"'s are powerful words, because they remind us of what really matters - living a life of faith. In the book of Hebrews it says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." It is this perseverance that inspires me to spend time, speak with, and share my life with high schoolers. I'm excited to see them run further and faster than I ever could!
(Julie giving some much needed hydration to some of the runners)Labels: commitment, faith, four c's, mentoring, running
posted by Gman and Julz @ 12:50 AM
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