My Christmas Message, and Thanks to 7 Special People

2011 has been a strange year starting with massive Flooding worldwide and then the Occupy <insert keyword here> movements.

2011 is also a very bad year in terms of Italy’s economics.  We are in the news everyday, and since I live in Rome, I get so many emails from friends asking how things are going.  By the way, I am doing just fine, thank you!

It’s hard to believe 2012 will be my 5th year blogging in May.  I never had a regular job more than 5 years!  I believe in the “up or out” methodology.  You get promoted, or you leave the company.  IBM was famous for that.  I also believe when you have a job, you start looking for your successor immediately as you’ll be “up or out”.

SpeedEndurance is going up, not out.  This past year had 1.7 million visits alone.

My Blog started off as a way to write chapters for my “Ultimate 400 meter book”.  I wanted to dump my thoughts on a daily basis on what I go through in the Day in the Life of a Coach (and Masters athlete).  That’s why the topics range from sprint training tips, to all the forms of strength training, biomechanical tips, injury prevention, rest and recovery, nutrition and supplements, and so on.  I even include Olympic History as history should never be forgotten, and that we should never make the same mistakes twice.  (Once, okay, but not twice.  Let’s see if Berlusconi comes back to power!)

But in 2011, I did eventually “write” a book. 

First, In 2010, I was the technical editor for the Bud Winter book, So You Want to be a Sprinter, followed by the executive producer for the Arthur Lydiard CDs. 

And finally I am the co-author of the 2nd Bud Winter book, The Rocket Sprint Start.

…I still don’t have my “own” book… yet…

Back to the Blog

Going back to the Blog…

As the readership increased, I noticed there was a lack of education and awareness in the coaching system.  I’ve seen way too many coaches giving bad advice.  I never said they were bad coaches, not even Coach Al.  They are simply misinformed coaches.

And Lord knows I’m not perfect.  That’s why there’s a comment section to correct me, and to engage discussion.  Just keep the site family friendly with no profanity, that’s all I ask.  I have 9 year olds reading this Blog!

But I really want to make a special thanks to seven people who went out of their way and sent me a donation.  As a Buddhist, I never turn away anyone from a lack of funds.  You are free to use this material if it helps you set a PR, SB or age-group record.

When you get successful in life, whether it’s Sports, financial goals or employment status, please don’t forget where you came from, and that includes you Marc Benioff.  And to thank all the people who got you there in the first place!

So here they are (last name and amount withheld), and again, thank you:

1. Debra B.
2. Shon G.
3. Walter C.
4. Ben V.
5. Paul H.
6. Fred B.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Buon Natale!

By the way, I’ll be taking a break on new material until January 2, 2012.  So enjoy the “Best of 2011” series coming up.