Happy Holidays to all! The last month has been a lot of fun watching some of the best cross country action in the US and Europe in years. Make sure that you catch up on all of the action at your fave websites, www.american-trackandfield.com and www.atf-athlete.com!

Winter rest and recovery

If you competed in fall, spring and summer, remember that to improve and challenge ones self, it is important to put something back in the bank. That is the goal of recovery and rest.

My college coach, Dan Durante, divided the year into two 26 week periods, where we had 12 weeks of base, 4 weeks of prep and four real weeks of racing. Note that two weeks of rest and recovery were also added in each 26 week period.

The first week we would vegetate, read, sleep, hang out. The second week we could run no more than three or four times, but the idea was to take the pressure off.

Very European style, actually modeled after the New Zealand system of Dick Quax, John Walker and company, the rest and two periods a year- focusing on xc and outdoor, allowed my team mates and I to improve quite dramatically.

There's nothing like a good book

The weather is quite a challenge in many parts of the U.S., so a good book may be in order.

My newest one is Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling, by Ross King. It is the historically accurate -- see I used that word -- story of the painting of the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo, known as a sculpture even in his time, as ordered by Julius II, the warrior-pope and one of the most difficult taskmasters of his day.

It will give the aspiring thrower, distance runner, jumper or coach some perspective on changing events, changing training techniques or just thinking about something besides athletics.

Best coaching story of year

In a recent interview with Steve Miller, new President of Devine Racing, the company that owns LA, Salt Lake City and the New Las Vegas marathons among other properties, I asked Steve, an NCAA five-time coach of the year and recent inductee into the US Track Coaches Hall of Fame, about an inspiring story. Here is it, in its entirety:

"Kenny Harrison was a 25-1 long jumper, a great kid and one of my favorites while I was coaching. Kenny was in the NCAA indoor long jump final, he came up to me and told me that he wanted to win the long jump and I said, 'I feel a big one, relax and go do it.' Well, sure enough, Kenny gets over there and improves to just under 26 feet! He takes the lead and is jumping up and down, really excited.

The next jumper jumps 26-2 and retakes the lead. Now, Kenny comes back over to me, and says, 'Coach, can I do it?' I go, 'Sure you can, this is yours, you can do it.'

As Kenny goes back to the runway I get upset with myself. Kenny had already had a great day, a nearly one foot improvement. I was not sure he could do it and I did not want him to be hard on himself. I looked away from the long jump board.

Kenny started his run and produced the winning jump! He jumped into my arms and I teared up. I had never, ever seen anything like that in my life. This kid was so inspired and so focused, that he improved twice in the NCAA Indoor!

Kenny Harrisson, as you know, went on to win the Olympic triple jump gold medal. A great young man, I still tear up when I think of that day!"

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For athletes.....from Nike running

Goeff Hollister is one of the most important people in the pantheon of what makes Nike, Nike. A promo guy, former steeplechaser under Bill Bowerman, and a friend of Steve Prefontaine, Goeff, along with Nelson Farris make sure that Nike employees know their company's heritage.

Nike started the GHAC in honor of Goeff, and we at ATF encourage athletes to join. It has some fun programs for athletes and should be checked out: www.atf-athlete.com/features/GHAC- Nike.html.

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza....

Most importantly, do something that gives from the heart, whether you donate time at a soup kitchen, hospice, food pantry, do something that gives of yourself. We are all more than runners, jumpers, throwers, coaches, we are human beings, and it is at this time of year that it is most appropriate to give thanks for friends, family and the pure act of living.

One more closing thought...on Steve Prefontaine

It is hard for the legend not to surpass the historical man, but the late Steve Prefontaine was an enigma. He was truly an artist who had to run, it was his form of expression, like some of you who play the guitar, or paint. But he was also a man who gave back to his community. Many do not know that Pre started a running program at a local prison, one that continues to this day. Pre was a kid who knew where he came from, and he enjoyed hanging out and having a good time with friends. He was a multi faceted individual. He should challenge you, the young athlete, to do more than just run, jump or throw. Give something back to your family, school and society. If there is something that you don't like in society, do not complain, find a way to change it for the better. That is the legacy of the late Steve Prefontaine.

Thank you

Thanks from your friends at Shooting Star Media, Inc., who enjoy writing for you all year long and have for 16 years now!

In honor of our readers and friends, a donation of time and money will be made to a local soup kitchen and hospice over the holiday season.