Hey folks, only a few days to go to the start of our 2012 run program. Get moving! I hope all of you consider renewing for 2012 -- it promises to be the best run training season ever.
So, let's talk about football....
Did any of you catch those amazing football games last week?!? Wow! Each of those teams are an amazing compilation of talent, players specialized to their position and athletes who are simply very talented. Some of these players are excelling in positions they never played in college. How does that happen? Let's consider this in more detail. Today's topic is a thread I've discussed previously. Let's review it again. What does "ATH" mean?
At the NFL draft combine each spring, hopeful collegiate athletes are put through an whirlwind of athletic tests, strength measures, agility assessments, and running drills. These tests take several days, and measure every single aspect of the athlete's fitness -- their stamina, speed, agility, strength, flexibility, and aerobic endurance conditioning. These are Exhausting. That's a capital "E" for Exhausting. Athletes often report these tests are far tougher than practices they endured in college. Thousands of athletes participate. Very few make the cut. It's a busy time.
To simplify things at the combine, the athletes are categorized in 4 buckets: running back (RB), quarterback (QB) or lineman (LN). The specialized skills required for those 3 positions are well-known. For the athletes that don't fit well into those first 3 buckets, there's a 4th bucket called Athlete (ATH). These folks in the 4th bucket are all the collegiate athletes who perhaps played RB, QB, LN or other, but they all don't fit within the precisely defined attributes which NFL scouts measure. Perhaps they are a tad short. A tad skinny. Not quite so fast as others. Not quite so strong as others. However, these ATH athletes are so talented, so strong, so fit, so agile, so flexible, and have such an outstanding cardio motor, they simply can't be ignored. They define ATH. These athletes won't be denied -- they find a way to get on the field. To make an NFL roster. To amaze their coaches and fans with a combination of outstanding fitness traits. Antwaan Randle El is a great example.
Randle El was a collegiate QB. Considered too short to play in the NFL, he was at risk to miss the professional leagues. However, he was such an amazing athlete, so skilled, so talented, that he would not be denied a roster spot. When he hit the NFL combine, jaws dropped. Coaches paused. Other players just stared. His total body fitness was stellar. His commitment to training and for delivering every ounce of his ability was unmatched. He was powerful, fast, strong, agile and core fit. Randle El epitomized the term ATHLETE. He continues playing at the highest levels today in the NFL.
Ask yourself...how talented and skilled an ATHLETE are you? Not simply as a runner, but simply as an athlete? Tall, short, lean or stout. How's your stamina? Your core strength conditioning? Your flexibility? Your speed? Your power? Which of those could you improve? Are you commited to doing it?
For 2012, I want for every single one of you to be the most powerful, fastest and fittest athlete you can be. Let's make it happen together.
Andrew
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