Setting Goals!

Last spring Amber fouled out of the final track meet during the discus throw in 7th grade.  She was disappointed and I understand.  She had the meet best throws in practice and then lost focus, stepped out, and fouled out her long throw and lost.  After a brief disappointment, she said she wanted to win in 8th grade and said she would try to win the all time record.  A year later the goal paid off.  More on that below.  This is not a boast, but a testament to goal setting and hard work.  Trust me, I was there with her...

For the past 4 weeks she practiced 2 times during the week and once on the weekends throwing at least 6 sets of 5 and practicing general techniques.  Her coach was critical, encouraging, yet to the point reminding her.  He said many times "don't waste the potential!"  He was right and sometimes when she was throwing short distances you could recognize the pressure was bothersome.  She persevered, trained, listened and results showed each week.  Last evening, she threw an 98' and 103', both well beyond the record.  Now she had three events to make it happen, 3 throws over three events. 9 attempts.  The first and second throw today were solid, but they looked short.  Then on the third try, she exploded with a smooth toss and it sailed.  99'-3" was the result.  The former 1996 record at 95'-6" fell.

Not many really noticed and she did not excessively boast.  But her joy was gleaming.  She shared with me shortly after, she said a brief prayer before rotating on the third attempt, saying Please Lord, and then let it rip!!!

Goals are scary and easy not to set.  I am not impressed with just the win.  I am far more impressed with the experience that she learned.  She was willing to set the goal and take a chance, win or lose.  Praise God for this experience...

Good job Amberito!  We all love you and are very proud.

Thanks for reading...