Month: August 2025

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365 Coaching Tips: 223rd, 224th & 225th

August 11th Coaching Tip: Retirements Are Huge Decisions.

It cracks me up when I hear younger people say, “I know what you mean…” when someone is trying to make up their mind about retiring. Actually, I think, no, you have no clue; zero clue. You’ve never retired. Maybe your parents or grandparents or an older friend have retired, but you haven’t retired.

When someone is discussing retiring, listen to them and ask questions. Listen to their story of all the ways in which they made a career, or help manage a business, or lead their family. Ask questions about what they loved the most, and what were their regrets that others could learn from. In my coaching work, many discussions are about “when will I retire” and “what will I do with my time after I retire”. We openly discuss what are they going toward, and how will they deal with a potential change in their own feeling about their identity. Some are considering working part-time to stay socially engaged as well as leveraging their decades of experience to continue to help and be value added to others. Retiring is a huge decision.

August 12th Coaching Tip: Ongoing Commitment.

Yes, I completed the National Senior Games on Aug. 2, 2025. However, I now have a renewed and ongoing commitment to my overall wellness, fitness and strength levels. Of course I took a few days off and will here in August, but as the Fall and Sept/Oct creep up, it will be time to renew my ongoing commitment to keep my V02max above 36 by doing regular high intensity interval training as well as improving my basketball shooting accuracy. I’ve been inspired by a 80+ year old gymnast; audiences are amazed at how she still does the balance beam routines. She said it is simple, she never stopped doing them; she maintained her ongoing commitment for decades.

August 13th Coaching Tip: Be Honest.

Trying to buy a few things on Facebook Marketplace for the remodeled home that we are working on for a final “move in” date of Aug. 29, 2025. One seller on Marketplace was pleasant and professional, and we treated each other with timeliness and respect. I went to see the furniture that she had listed, and it was as she claimed it was: great shape, rarely used. However, another seller was less than honest. She wanted $200 for me to hold it, until I arrived. I zelle’d her “son” the $200. Then she let me know that her partner had already made a commitment to sell the piece of furniture to another person. By then, she was apologizing…but also saying that if I sent the remaining amount, they would agree to sell it to me. At that point, I was done with them. She lacked integrity, and she still has not returned my $200. Scam? maybe. Dishonest? absolutely. Be honest.

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365 Coaching Tips: 220th, 221st and 222nd

August 8th Coaching Tip: Hear Their Story.

During one of my coaching sessions recently, my colleague shared with me that he had been in the military and quickly moved on. I listened and then started asking more questions. That led to his upcoming vacation, as he’s heading to Italy and France for his 50th birthday. (That’s what I did for my 50th and 55th birthdays) We had so much in common, before we knew it, we turned a somewhat random Zoom on connecting in to a truly connection.

Recently, I purchased a home. Honestly, I just wanted to go to the closing, sign the paperwork, get the keys, and get moving on to my day. But when I walked into the closing, the owner stood up and said, “this was my mom’s home”. He had watery eyes; he was acting as the rep for the family and his mother. He went on to tell me that it’s a great neighborhood for biking, because he grew up there. At the end of the street is a great hill for sledding. His parents built the home and are the only family to live in it. I told him that we would take great care of it, with alot of love. Take time to hear their story; it matters and you just never know what you will learn or have in common.

August 9th Coaching Tip: Be Ultra Aware.

Once again in America, a known man with mental health issues was just arrested for killing four people in a Montana bar. Of course he had access to guns, and then killed people with them. Even though that happened in Montana, it hits close to home. Recently as our lake condo, the police officers and fire/EMT’s showed up in the building next to ours. They were called to investigate a domestic situation that involved a man that is clearly mentally ill…and yet he is a “care taker for a woman.” Anyway, this mentally ill man walks outside, talks to himself, and wears interesting and very warm clothing when it’s very hot outside. He’s now been asked to vacate the rental property that he is staying in, due to multiple police reports. Today, we intentionally discussed how to avoid him, not walk by his front door nor his vehicles. Don’t engage at all. We also shared this message of intentionality and “keeping your head on a pivot” and being more socially aware. Be ultra aware.

August 10th Coaching Tip: Witness the Sturgeon Moon.

For the last two evenings here in August, we have intentionally taken sunset cruises to witness the full Sturgeon Moon rise above the horizon and east tree line. Word has it that this full moon in August was named by the Indians, as the Sturgeon fish were aplenty this time of the year. The Sturgeon Moon is a bit bigger and brighter, starting out as orange-ish and then rising to a more crystal color. We took time both evenings to enjoy this daily yet miraculous event, ooo-ing and ahhh-ing over its beauty. As the moon raised up, it’s light bounced off the lake and was beautiful. Photos don’t do it justice; but we took time to witness it not once but twice. Take time to embrace and witness all that God has to offer. Witness the Sturgeon Moon.

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365 Coaching Tips: 217th, 218th & 219th

August 5th Coaching Tip: Take Care of Your Mind.

As we returned from the intensity and competition of the National Senior Games in Des Moines, I prioritized recovery this week. I took it really easy yesterday; only took a couple strolls and got a few shots up in the LA Fitness gym nearby. This evening, I went to bed earlier than I normally do…even though I wanted to stay up and watch a key WNBA game that started at 10pm E. My mind is still on a bit of a high and buzzing with joy and excitement from my results at NSG; my blood pressure last week was un-usually high (130’s-150’s/97). I checked my BP multiple times this week, and it’s right back down to my normal levels of 107/68.

To prioritize my mind today, I really got organized this week (returning from vacation is always filled with a slew of emails and follow up). I prioritized what emails MUST be followed up quickly; I flagged them with a “red” flag. For medium and lower priority emails and calls, I requested connecting with them the weeks of Aug. 11 or Aug. 18, and even proposed the week of Aug. 25 or after Labor Day. A number requested, “after Labor Day works great for me, too.” And for me personally, I scheduled a massage and pedicure for this week, before we head to the lake this weekend for some downtime. Prioritize your mind; clear thinking will help make sound decisions.

August 6th Coaching Tip: Take Care of Your Body.

As mentioned above, it was very important for me to get a massage early this week. And I splurged and got a 90-minute massage. Very glad that I prioritized this, as I have less soreness now and no injuries from last week at the NSG. While I was competing last week at the NSG, I made it a priority to eat and hydrate very well, drink zero alcohol, and get plenty of sleep (approx. 8 hours/night). I also had access to an indoor pool that had a surprisingly cool water temperature, so after each competition, I got in it and just walked around and swam slowly to cool my body a bit. We also brought a foam roller, and I used that to help roll out my hamstrings and calves. Take care of your body; you’ve only got ONE! (Note: we were in Des Moines for the NSG in three different venues for 5-6 days. I’m pleased to report that I did not see one injury while I was there. That’s a remarkable statement, since all athletes were 50-101 years old).

August 7th Coaching Tip: Take Care of Your Feet.

Our feet take the pressure of every single step we take; there’s nothing like our feet. When we lose our feet or our ability to walk, it can be quite depressing and debilitating. I’ve witnessed colleagues, friends, and a couple of my family ignore their feet/toes/ankles until it was “too late”. Now they have to wear unique shoes or special inserts or compression socks every single day. It was a priority for me to get a pedicure today and talk to the nail tech about a couple small areas on my toes that were tender. She really listened, inspected, and then helped those two areas, along with making my toes look pretty in Hoosier red nail polish. As I have moved from 50 to 60 years old, I’m learning a lot about how my body and feet like certain footwear. Don’t laugh, but I must have 8-10 pair of Nike Pegasus jogging shoes and Ooofos sandals and slides. My feet like them, and my feet don’t hurt. Why change it up if it is working. Take care of your feet.

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365 Coaching Tips: 214th, 215th & 216th

August 2nd Coaching Tip: A Full Day.

Today was my final day competing at the 2025 National Senior Games. At 11:40am, I ran the 200m and finished 17th overall, after being seeded 38th out of 41 entrants. Most proud that I ran the 200m approx. 2.4 seconds faster than I had run it in June 2025 and more than 4 seconds faster than June 2024.

Then it was on to the basketball shooting competition. 31 women in my 60-64 age group entered the free throw shooting contest; I was able to make 22 out of 25 for a silver medal, and the local Iowa gold medal winner shot 23 of 25. In the three-point shooting contest, I was able to make nine of the 15 attempts, which landed me a bronze medal. Silver also made nine, but the tie breaker was that she hit more in a row than me. The gold medal went to the women who drained 10 of 15 three pointers.

For two months, I’ve been wearing two rubber bracelets on my right wrist that reminded me of this phrase: nothing is impossible. Exceed your own expectations. These two bracelets had been in my jewelry drawer for a few years, but something made me grab them, wear them, and because it was two of them, to double down on my effort to do well at these NSG. I’m beyond thrilled in how this journey has gone, especially meeting some new people, refining my wellness, doing new and hard things, and having part of my “fam bam” there to see me compete today. Out of 12,500 senior athletes in 30 different sports (and many events in the track & field), I’m so happy to bringing home two medals and setting three new personal records/new lower times in the 100m, 200m and 400m runs. It was a full day; full of fun, competition, and yes, throw in some nerves and anxiety.

August 3rd Coaching Tip: One of 12,500 Senior Athletes.

12,500 senior athletes qualified and registered for the 2025 National Senior Games. And, I was one of the lucky 12,500! Central Iowa did a superb job of hosting over 30 sports in over 20 locations across the towns of Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Ames, Clive, Urbandale, Waukee, Grimes, Altoona, Polk City, Johnston, and Pleasant Hill. These 12,500 senior athletes came from all 50 USA states and 11 countries; helping us athletes were volunteers everywhere, friendly and helpful.

As of this evening, the state of Florida leads the way with their senior athletes or teams receiving a total of 293 medals (123 gold, 83 silver, 87 bronze). Ohio has 246 total medals, Texas has 229, and Tennessee has raked in 214. Indiana has 65 medals (24 gold, 22 silver, and 19 bronze). I’m proud to be the recipient of one silver and one bronze to help represent Indiana’s 65 medals.

August 4th Coaching Tip: Prioritize YOU.

Over the last few years, I’ve noticed that a number of friends and colleagues had wonderful careers going. Then, adult care giving role turned their life upside down. The career goes, the care giving consumes them. And then the career is damaged, and some were laid off, others retired or simply quit. Through all of this, I’ve noticed that the ones (mostly all are women) who focus on care giving to a loved one also focus on their own health and overall wellbeing. In my opinion, it’s hard to care for others and be a role model if you aren’t taking care of yourself. Please prioritize you, if you get asked to care for others urgently or for the long haul. Care giving is tasking; it might even cost you your job. Take care of you and prioritize you, so that you can be at your best for others.

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365 Coaching Tips: 211th, 212th & 213th

July 30th Coaching Tip: Your Fans.

Going to the National Senior Games for the very first time in my life (I’m 60 years old, in August turning 61) has been a journey of training and challenging myself…pretty much by myself. Throughout this journey, it’s been pretty darn cool to see who are my fans. Some of 100% no brainers, i.e. mom and my besties. But the surprises have been extended family and some remote friends. The common thread is that the surprises are fans of this NSG journey because they too have a common interest in wellness and running. Know who your fans are and also be a fan of others. They will never forget when you’re their fan!

July 31st Coaching Tip: Show Up For Life.

As in life, so goes the National Senior Games. Although senior athletes qualified and then registered (paid a registration fee), a number did not show up. For example, in the 100m sprint that I ran today, 19 of the 50 registered runners did not show up. I was proud that I did show up. Today at 8:55am, the weather and track were cooler at the Iowa State University Cyclone Sports Complex. I felt great and scoped out my competition, and I could quickly tell that my recent 8-9 weeks of training was going to allow me to sneak up on some people. Indeed, that was the case. Although I was in the first heat, in lane 1 (slow person), I was able to finish fourth in my heat and ran my fastest 100m by a second and three seconds faster than I ran my 100m that qualified me in Indiana. Thus, thrilled to have finished 15th overall out of 30 competitors. I’m happy and also relieved that I did it. Tip for today is a simple but bold one: show up for life.

August 1st Coaching Tip: Take The Call.

When people need to talk to you, really try hard to take their call. They need something or need someone to talk to. Today, I finally was able to chat with a longtime work colleague and now friend; he is growing his business and wanted to run a few things by me.

I consider it a privilege and an honor if someone is reaching out to me. But I must also be ready to listen and be fully present when we are talking; I would want the exact same thing. Kindness may be overused today, but it is truly to give someone time. Take the call.