“To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift.” - Steve Prefontaine

This quote is so fitting for why I am here, in more ways than one. As a graduate of University of Oregon, where Steve Prefontaine made a name for himself, it strikes a chord with some of my roots in my early journey of life. But more than that, it speaks to me about writing. Writing has always been my best form of expression. It has always been the easiest way for me to articulate how I truly feel without getting wrapped up in my emotions during conversations. And even deeper, it is something I thoroughly enjoy to do and now want to share with others. 

I started this blog to try and guide and offer words of encouragement to others outside of my normal bubble. I wanted the words and thoughts that I so often have and share with friends and young athletes to be heard by more than just a handful of people. This may not be your cup of tea or your opinion on certain subjects, but they are real life topics. They are authentic conversations that I think we all should be having with one another in some capacity. A lot of them are uncomfortable to talk about because they require some real self-reflection and diving deep into your past to understand yourself a little better. But they are important nonetheless. 

I am constantly asking the athletes that I coach to give their best in all they do and to just try and make changes. Making mistakes and failing are not something I care about as much as the effort they put in and their willingness to try something outside of their comfort zone. This is outside of my comfort zone. Sharing thoughts from deep within my soul, to the world, is not something that normally goes with my introverted, closed-off personality. But just like I ask them to be comfortable being uncomfortable, I am asking myself to do the same, and this is the way I have chosen to do it.

I hope you enjoy.