First off we had our first set of races and they went well, not great. The reason they werent great was simple this is the most these people have trained in their entire lives and they are still adjusting to the stress we put them through. Another reason is they dont know how to race yet. You may say "how do you not know how to race 100m?". "Its just run really fast then stop." The key is in the preparation. Good form is involved, knowing what to do before, between and after races, and mentally pushing yourself through barriers. A large percentage of everything in life is just being mentally tough an pushing through personal barriers.
The second big part of the day is the most exciting. Unbeknown to the athletes CLI had purchased everyone of them a pair of new running shoes. For some this is the first real pair of shoes they own, others are replacing their well worn Chinese off brand chuck taylor's and others had decent pairs of shoes but you can currently see their feet through the bottom which makes them worthless. After the meet ended Bob, Sumlat and a government representative opened a box, sent up from Sirivanh in Vientiane, and called out athletes by name giving them their shoes. Some cried (Tom) and others were shocked they got shoes. As is custom in Laos they were excited but the only verbal thanks was from the coaching staff. who also received shoes. Tom and I did not receive shoes and I was asked by a coach later about this to which I replied "I don't want shoes, I want gold medals!" This got a little chuckle but its true. I want results because I am seeing the work they put in I know they can do good things. The one thing holding them back (now that they have new shoes) is the mental aspect of training and racing. This is not to short change those things I am just saying they have gifts and a coaching staff bent on pulling those gifts out of them. I would assume (although I cannot say for sure) that not a ton of other Lao kids are getting the opportunity to train with the two
Phase 1 is completed. We have a weekly and daily schedule. A set of drills which they complete twice every day and is mostly correct now. They have raced at least once with us. They are learning English (because that is the language I yell at them in). The most important part is that through all the hard work they still seem to be having a good time and that is always the goal for them to succeed and enjoy doing it.
Tom took photos and I will upload them as soon as I can. Also Bob is writing an article for the Vientiane Times and when I have a copy of that I will post it also.
Quick aside we now have a PO BOX. The address is PO BOX 497 LUANG PRABANG LAOS. Yes its just that simple to send me a care package or the 4th season of the West Wing.
If you have commented on a post in recent days I have tried to respond below it.
As always thanks for reading and know that your support made this possible. Paid for by PBS. Our telethon will be next week from 9-10pm.
3 comments:
David, Keep up the good work. Great blog. I'm impressed that you've made it seem like fun to the kids hence the increase in participation. Shoes! Were those donated or did you have to buy them out of CLI Funds? How totally cool. I bet for many of the kids this is the first pair of running shoes they have ever had. I remember when the girls swam in a swim meet in NZ and Alyx, Dina and Lizah Huff were all yelling encouragement to the team members. That sort of excitement was totally bizarre to them. They felt it was impolite to comment on somebody's performance! So different than a US sporting event. At the end of the races, it was strictly a polite clap. Nothing too loud or over the top. Very funny. anything new on the food scene???? More later... Keep up the great work. XXX
Hi David,
Love what you are writing. I feel like I am there with you. Spring training is going strong and I miss watching the Yankees with you. Sounds like you are doing great and spreading English, Maybe you need to learn more Lao!
MOM
Hey David, they say the best way to learn a language is up close and personal with the natives. Which leads me to ask you.... how are the "Laotiannes" (as in the feminine version?)You've highly entertained us all with your great stories about life in Laos. But... what about the girls?
Keep up the stories.
Gillian
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