Hey everyone Kendall Ellis here with my blog. It’s not often that I get an off week and when I do I usually don’t know what to do with myself. But this weekend was different since the STA seniors had prom. I have to say, I think I had one of the best track tans ever seen at a dance. Track problems. The seniors made the best of the night and had fun but now it’s back to the grind. This week really begins the road to state. Spring break starts Wednesday and districts are just the way to pop it off. Of course the Raiders are prepped and ready to perform.
I thought I’d share more about my personal life just because I’d like to open up more about myself in these last few blogs. From my junior year to my senior year I’ve been volunteer coaching for the West Pembroke Pines Optimist track club. I coach the 6 and under age group and I must say that it’s one of the best experiences I‘ve had. There’s never a dull moment with my little ones. They’re the most comical and talented group of kids I could be blessed to work with. It’s both cute and inspiring to see them running so young. The complaints at practice really don’t change no matter how old or young you are; “Coach Kendall can we just do 100s instead? Why do we have to do this? I’m tired I don’t want to run.” Volunteer coaching has opened my eyes so much. I know the impact Coach Armenteros has had on my life and I hope to have the same on my kids’. Despite how tired I am from school then my own practice, there’s no way I miss a practice with these kids if I can help it. They motivate me to be the best athlete I can be and I appreciate the chance to play a role in their budding track careers, especially since I aspire to be a coach sometime down the road.
On a different note, a couple blogs ago I mentioned supporters - now something else. Specifically, those in the stands: spectators. When you actually sit and listen to all the talk, positive or negative, that goes on in the stands, it’s amazing. My own mother has heard all kinds of things about me while I’m standing at the line. It comes with the territory of being an athlete. But of course it’s easy to critique from the stands. I’ve learned that some of the fans just don’t care a lot of the time; they don’t care if you’re hurt or what happened the day before. They’re there to see a show and to see you perform that’s it, no excuses. Now I’m not saying you should run for the sake of the fans, run for whatever reason you choose to. This is just what I have to say about it. It’s a matter of not letting what they say get to your head. Do you and just run to the best of your ability.
It’s go time. All the work we’ve been putting in over the course of the season pays off now. Get your mind right, keep your health in check, and have fun. Three more meets in my high school career, 3 more great opportunities. Districts, regionals, state. Let’s go get it ya'll.
I truly wish you the very best in your training and upcoming meets. Keep in mind this week to go for the gold. Why? Because victory is best served gold.
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