Month: June 2015

MAGIC MOMENTS FROZEN IN TIME

/ Dr. Daniel Merritt / Leave a comment

I announced last week that I was hanging up my stopwatch in regard to coaching high school related team track and cross-country. I haven’t given up coaching individual runners who have a desire to achieve a level of excellence that is not possible without coaching expertise. Hopefully I can do that until my toes are turned up. As I reflect back on over four decades of coaching I have so many wonderful memories etched on the canvas of my mind. I wish I had pictures of all the many images in my mind but in those early days of coaching good pictures were hard to come by. If I could take all the wonderful memories I have and paint them on one canvas it would be a Rembrandt.

Pictures are truly worth a thousand words. Every picture tells a story, has an intriguing story behind it. I would like to share with you four pictures I rank as my four all-time favorites over the last ten years.

The first picture is of the 2011 Elkin women XC team’s reaction upon hearing they had qualified for the NCHSAA 1A XC State Championships. This is my all-time favorite. This picture captures the sheer ecstasy and unbridled joy of a group of young ladies at the moment of a season long goal being realized. After months of hard work and dedication, this picture freezes in time their moment of joy. The emotions and thrill of that momentTHEPicture captured in this photo is a wonderful memory that will stay with them for a life time. A picture of such elation is a reminder of the price of commitment that it takes to bring about such a moment, a moment that transcends the boundaries of time. The picture to me is symbolic of what we all strive for in life. We work hard, stay committed to our goals and purposes, and, though we may think it is a long time in coming, the moment the goal is reached brings a satisfaction that finds expression only in youthful exuberance. It is moments like seen in this picture that make us abundantly thankful to be alive and makes us realize how precious such moments are and that they are to be forever cherished.

The second picture is of Zach Millsaps crossing the finishline at the 2012 NCHSAA 1A State ChampiZackCrossingLineonships to win the 800 meter race. If only this picture could talk. A variety of emotions can be seen on his face: jubilation at capturing a state title, relief that four years of hard work has culminated in victory, a look of amazement that a dream has actually become a reality, and an upward gaze toward heaven in thanksgiving. The picture is made even more special when one realizes in 2011 he was within fifty yards of being a state champion when the unthinkable happened – he stumbled and fell to the track. Lifting himself off the track he finished the race and vowed to come back the next year and win it. Practicing each day with that goal clearly in his sights, his dogged determination lassoed a star and he wouldn’t let go. It is a picture that captures an expression that has tasted the devastating frustration of defeat, but it vanishes with the sweetness of victory. The picture says to me never give up. If you fall get back up, for victory comes to those who keep on keeping on.

The third pictuFaceofDeterminationre was taken in May 2014 at the NCHSAA 1A State Championships. I call this a “picture of determination.” Elkin running in the 4×400 relay, Shakai Ward has just received the baton for the final leg from an exhausted Kelsey Nicholson. Not only is Shakai in second place, the number one team in the state, Bishop, is also in hot pursuit. The look on Shakai’s face is priceless, as it is a look of unwavering determination and resolve not to be beaten. To lose never entered her thoughts. Like a graceful deer, in a few powerful strides she moved into first place. Then with girt and guts she held off the final charge of the gallant effort of the Bishop runner, securing a state title for the 4×400 team. This “picture of determination” reminds me that in the difficult races we face in life let us run with a resolve not to be beaten, but think only of victory.

The fourth picture was taken April 2014  of Elkin’s Jacob Parker and Brandon Welborn purposely tying inBran&Jac800 the 800 meter race. The meet was a quad track meet with Elkin, East Wilkes, Ashe County and Forbush. Etched on their faces are the joy of competing and the satisfaction of winning. Their tying reveals the enormous respect they have for each other, the bond they possess as teammates and the unity of their spirits to be champions. The picture is symbolic of how they ran in practice every day, like Siamese twins, often running stride for stride as if connected at the hip, pushing each other to be better. The picture reveals their unselfishness that encourages the other to win if the other cannot. The picture reveals their winning characters that make them winners on and off the track.

In the future I will share more intriguing photos that are among my favorites. For now, these four are at the top of my list from the many images etched on my mind’s canvas. Each reveals a visual story. Each captures a magic moment frozen in time. Each grows in mystique with each passing year drawing me back to that day when dreams actually became reality.

Blessings,

Dr. Dan

 

 

DON’T USE PORCUPINE WORDS

/ Dr. Daniel Merritt / Leave a comment

My three grandsons are typical brothers. There are those times when they play together beautifully and typify the words “loving” and “sharing.” Then there are those moments when sibling rivalry rears its ugly head like the Lock Nest Monster, changing calm waters into a turbulent flood of discontent. The “love” and “sharing” can change as quickly as a thunderstorm intruding upon a beautiful and cloudless summer afternoon.porpine

On a recent visit to the home of my grandsons, who live in Maryland, they were down stairs playing. You could hear their harmonious laughter that drifted upstairs like beautiful music. You could sense their youthful enthusiasm and energy, contagiously infecting the air. Then it happened. The laughter, without warning, was replaced with loud angry voices and then crying. The positive energy that was being experienced quickly turned to bad vibes. I could hear unhappy footsteps hurriedly coming up the stairs. The middle grandson, Tyler, tearfully said with a broken voice, “Papa, Wyatt called me a porcupine word.”

Now I realize each generation attaches different meanings to various words that the previous generation has trouble deciphering. I was puzzled as to what he meant. I know what a porcupine is, but I was ignorant as to the meaning of “a porcupine word.” Like Sherlock Holmes I had to investigate the situation. Upon questioning Tyler, it seems his older brother called him a name. Asking what a porcupine word was he told me, “It is a word that sticks in you like a porcupine and hurts.”

Ah, out of the mouth of babes comes wisdom.

As we all journey on the dusty road of life how much better to speak to one another words of encouragement than hurtful words that stick one another like the quills from a porcupine. The word encouragement means “to come along side of.” Everyone needs someone to come along side of them to help them through tough times. Are not the Epistles of Paul in large part letters of encouragement to struggling young Christians who are plowing down a rocky row? The Bible exhorts us to encourage one another daily (Hebrews 3:13).

The Scottish theologian William Barclay stated, “One of the highest of human duties is the duty of encouragement…It is easy to laugh at men’s ideals; it is easy to pour cold water on their enthusiasm; it is easy to discourage others. The world is full of discouragers. We have a Christian duty to encourage one another. Many a time a word of praise or thanks or appreciation or cheer has kept a man on his feet. Blessed is the man who speaks such a word.”

Everyone needs someone to come along side of them to help them through those tough times, for life, like a boxer throwing a sucker punch, has a way of knocking us dizzy on occasions. We need each others help at times to make it through the next round. Encouragement is oxygen to a soul gasping for breath in its struggle for survival.

One of my favorite characters in the Book of Acts is Barnabas. We extol the virtues of Paul, John, Peter, Silas and James, and rightly so, but we often overlook Barnabas whose name means “son of consolation.” Wherever you find him you find him encouraging someone. When no one else wanted to become involved in a controversial situation or with a person of questionable character or motives, there you find Barnabas speaking words of encouragement. Porcupine words were not part of his vocabulary. They should not be part of ours either when dealing with fellow weary travelers.

Instead of hurling porcupine words at someone, why not speak words that will lift-up and strengthen those who are struggling. And you can be assured that whoever crosses our path each day is struggling with something that is hid from us. I have learned through over four decades of pastoring and coaching that you get a lot more out of people when you encourage them, let them know you believe in them, and that regardless of their situation they can get through it victoriously with the Good Lord’s help. And I have also learned that in encouraging others we in return encourage ourselves.

So, let us be about the business of speaking words of encouragement to one another. And above all else, let us not utter any porcupine words!

Blessings,

Dr. Dan

A TRIP I WILL FOREVER TREASURE

/ Dr. Daniel Merritt / 1 Comment

preclassic2015 118There are trips and there are trips. My recent trip to Eugene, Oregon was one of those “and there are trips.” To visit Track Town USA and attend the Prefontaine Classic track meet is something I had always wanted to do but never actually expected to do it. However, every year my daughter would ask, ”When are we going to Eugene?” “Someday,” was always my answer. As the years began piling up I realized my “somedays” were running out. In January she repeated her yearly question, this time with a little more persistence. Her persistence and having access to my credit card number, I at last agreeably stated, “Let’s do it.” She made all the arrangements to make that “someday” a reality. She would make an excellent travel agent!

The trip proved to be an unbelievable experience that words cannot adequately describe. For years I had read about the historic Hayward Field where more sub-four minute miles have been run than anyplace on earth. I had read about and watched on TV many Olympic champions, world champions and world record holders blazing the track at Hayward Field. I had read about the late great Steve Prefontaine blistering the track setting one American distance record after another. In 38 races he ran there, he only lost twice. I read about the huge crowds cheering as one voice as runners approached the finishline. Now I was about to witness firsthand all I had read about.

After a long plane flight, I, my daughter and her husband arrived in Eugene at 11 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, PST. My body time, though, said it was Thursday morning 2 a.m. EST. You would have thought I would have been tired, but I was up at 5 a.m. PST ready to start seeing the sights. My daughter sleepily remarked, “Can you not wait until the sun comes up?” Like a kid at Christmas, no I couldn’t wait. I wanted to get going before I discovered my lifetime dream trip might be just that – a dream.

My first order of business was to visit revered Hayward Field where countless distance runners have been molded into champions by coaching legends Bill Hayward, Bill Bowerman, and Bill Dellinger. As I approached the almost 100 year old track complex that has yielded one champion after another, my heart raced like a teenager on his first date. Upon seeing it for the first time I was overwhelmed with emotion as I was keenly cognizant of the historical significance that Hayward Field holds in running lore. Taking numerous pictures, I couldn’t believe I was actually standing in its historic shadow. Its storied past loomed larger than life.

After some time we departed from Hayward Field, but could not do so without continually looking back. It was as if its mystique was drawing us back like a magnet. Making our way around the University of Oregon campus, we finally arrived at the Duck Store and purchased more than enough Pre shirts and Oregon hats and track shirts. With our purchases made, we made a return visit to Hayward Field. I just wanted to make sure I hadn’t awoke from my dream!

We were only a little over a mile from where Prefontaine had his tragic car accident that took his life on May 30, 1975 at age 24, so we began our walk to Pre’s Memorial Rock. Approaching the site with subdued reverence, it serves as a reminder that no one is too young to die. But the rock also serves as a reminder that our lives, regardless of our age, are to be lived so as to impact those who come after us. Though Pre’s life only spanned twenty-four years, his influence continues to inspire and impact others forty years after his death. It would that be true of us all.

From Pre’s Memorial Rock we made our way to Pre’s trails a couple of miles away. The trails are surrounded by breathtaking beauty. No wonder Pre loved to run the trails. Our footsteps were actually walking on trails his swift feet once carried him. The mystical pull associated with the Pre’s trails drew me back to run on them on Friday and Saturday mornings. There is a connectedness experienced on Pre’s trails that unites one with every other runner who has ever laced up a pair of running shoes.

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Me standing at the entrance to the most famous track stadium in the United States

Friday and Saturday we filed into Hayward Field with almost 14,000 other track fans to witness amazing performances by some of the most gifted runners, jumpers and throwers on the planet. What we witnessed did not disappoint. I actually got chills as I watched Olympic champions and world record holders demonstrate why they are the best in the world. We saw world leading performances by finely tuned and fit athletes. We saw thrilling races where the winner was decided by only hundredths of a second. We even saw a few surprises, as some athletes reached new heights of performances. What was not surprising is not one athlete participating gave less than their best effort. That is why they are where they are and who they are, because they are always reaching deep within themselves to leave it all on the track.

As the meet ended and people began filing out of the stadium, I didn’t want to leave. I sat in the stadium long after most everyone had left but the clean-up crew. I wanted to soak in as long as I could the magic that makes Hayward Field so unique. As I finally made my way out of Hayward Field and began my walk back to the motel, a twinge of sadness filled my heart. I turned around for one last look. It really wasn’t a dream, what I had witnessed and experienced in our three days in Eugene, Oregon really did happen.

One thing is for sure, it was a truly incredible trip I will forever treasure.

Blessings,

Dr. Dan

THE MAGIC OF RUNNING PRE’S TRAILS

/ Dr. Daniel Merritt / 1 Comment

To run the trails where the swift feet of American’s most celebrated and legendary distance runner, Steve Prefontaine, once ran has always been a lifelong dream of mine. Every devoted runner who has knowledge of the phenomenal career and story of “Pre” secretly senses in their spirit that inquisitive desire that yearns to someday experience the mystique of Pre’s trails. Regardless of one’s age or running ability, to run the trails he once trod is the Mecca pilgrimage for the zealous runner. preclassic2015 102

The winding mulched trails lie near the Willamette River in Eugene, Oregon, not far from the campus of the University of Oregon. Before Prefontaine met with an untimely death on May 30, 1975 at age twenty-four, every Saturday his graceful stride would travel over the many connecting trails that rest amidst a magnificent cathedral of trees and beautiful forestry.

During my recent visit to Eugene my dream of running in the invisible footsteps of Pre became a reality. It was May 29, forty years to the day Pre ran his last race at the historic Hayward Field, which is located only a couple of miles away from his beloved trails. I had visited the trails on Thursday, May 28, and vowed to be back early the next morning. My excited anticipation of running on Pre’s Trails made for a sleepless night. I was up at 5 a.m.

After donning my running attire and eagerly lacing-up my running shoes, I ventured out of my motel room into the early morn. The sky was cloudless and the air crisp. The trail was only a short walk from where I was staying. The coolness of the morning helped chase the sleepiness from my eyes.

As I began walking across the bridge that spanned the Willamette River, I was in awe as my eyes beheld a view no artist could adequately paint. The symphonic sound of the rushing water over the rocks below filled the silence of the early morning. As the sun made its first appearance on the new day, the last traces of darkness fled away. The rays of the glowing sun painted the horizon in a breathtaking reddish-orange. The mountains in the background rose to the heavens with majestic beauty. I was overwhelmed at the sight I was privileged to behold.

After crossing the bridge, as I neared the beginning of the winding trails, I was greeted by a raPreTrailbbit that was peaceably nibbling in the grass. The trees were filled with cheerfully chirping birds singing praise to their Creator. As I gingerly took the first steps of my 55 minute run, I heard overhead a flock of geese happily honking. As I passed a creek the fog was mystically rising from it like smoke from a smoldering fire. Looking with more than physical eyes, it was easy to see all creation around me throbbed with the presence of God. In classical Greek sights of beauty that brought joy and delight to the beholder was said to be a “grace.” As I ambled along I was fully aware the sights and sounds I was experiencing was a “grace” from the Divine Artist. It was easy to see why Prefontaine loved running these trails.

As I hypnotically ran along it was hard for me to believe I was actually running the trails once run by the legendary Prefontaine. As my run progressed my steps became quicker and my breathing more rhythmic and in my mind I could hear the echoing footsteps of the countless runners whose feet have traveled over the trails through the years. It was as if the God who created the surrounding wondrous sights of nature and the consciousness of very runner were inter-connected in a commonality that transcends time, age or ability.

The beauty and the intrinsic mystique contained in Pre’s Trails that has drawn untold numbers of runners over the years to experience its magic, is a testimony to his life of dedication, commitment, perseverance and aberrance to excellence. Those are the qualities we should all strive for in every area of our lives. As Prefontaine once said, “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.”

The living of life is about leaving behind a legacy of inspiration, purpose and perseverance that live on long after we have departed this earth. The spirit of Pre lives on in the trails he once faithfully ran. Whatever trail in life we find ourselves on, let us live in such a way that the influence of our lives continues to impact others long after we have run our last earthly race. Let us strive in all our endeavors, regardless of our ages and abilities, with the Good Lord’s help, to always give nothing less than our best. To do otherwise is to sacrifice the gift.

Blessings,

Dr. Dan