Dear Lansing XC/Track & Field Community,

We have pledged to you that, even when we aren't all in the same place at practices or at meets, we are still a team.  I want to affirm once again that we are always a team, whether we are in season or not, and as your coach, I am here for you whether we are in season or not.

Superintendent Pettograsso issued a statement this week, publicly denouncing racism, police brutality against black and brown people, and clearly stating that each of our Lansing students is seen, loved, and valued.  I echo Ms Pettograsso's statement: my support for the Black Lives Matter movement is unwavering.

I've stood before our program and said so many times: our goal is to support the growth of happy, healthy runners in mind, body, and spirit.   As coaches, we believe deeply in the power of movement and of sport as a vehicle to attain our goals and to strive to meet our potential.  This is why we've sent you runs and workouts that you could complete while we try to navigate a pandemic.

Ahmaud Arbery was murdered while out for a run.   He is one of countless names of black lives taken.  Protesters and activists are demanding justice for George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor and so many more -- and are rightly demanding that our nation recognize and take action against the systemic racism that permeates every facet of our society.  I stand with them.

In running, we say often say that the clock doesn't lie.  Whomever crosses the finish line first is the fastest.  But if we extend this metaphor: what happens when the starting lines aren't in the same place?  Or when one trail is filled with detours and hills and another is flat and well-groomed? 

During our virtual meetings this past season, we talked about sitting with uncertainty.  We discussed holding emotions about the present and future at the same time and about shifting our perspective from one of "there's so much I can't do" to "there are things I can do."   I urge all of us to ask ourselves what we can do to ensure that our metaphorical starting lines are in the same place, to do whatever we can so that we all have access to the same paths and that the rules for all of us are the same while we enjoy them.

My father is Chinese-American, my grandparents owned a Chinese grocery and restaurant.  I know what it is to be called a racial slur as happened on my school playgrounds growing up.  My skin is fair and my mother is a descendant of our nation's founders.  I know what it is to benefit in nearly all that I do from the white privilege that a light complexion affords a person in our nation.

So I understand that there is much that I will never personally understand.  But I pledge to listen, to learn, and to be an ally. 

Coach Becca

We are now able to share some of our program’s strength equipment with current athletes. A list of what is currently available is located here. Please email Coach Eisenhut with a list of specific items you hope to borrow and to arrange a time to pickup. First come, first serve. Of course, please plan to take excellent care of these items and return them as soon as we resume practice.

Dear Lansing Track & Field,

We'll be wrapping up the weekly emails next week, but know that your coaches and teammates are always just an email, text, or phone call away.

As you get out for your runs and bike rides and workouts this week, as you push your body to grow stronger and feel your breath get faster: I encourage you to use this time to give thanks for your health and to set your intention for the day. To quote and paraphrase an author I often read: We can do hard things together. Do the next right thing.

Scared. Brave. Proud.

Stay well,
Coach Becca

Notes:

• The school campus remains closed but we realize some of you still have your uniform and jacket from indoor. PLEASE set this aside in your house somewhere safe until we can retrieve it. Our program needs these to be returned, and we are working out how best to achieve this.
• Keep checking your email and watching the program website. As soon as we are able, we hope to reunite as a team, and we also will keep in touch as facilities, practice options, and competitive opportunities resume.