Change the game

Since this is a triathlon blog, I'm not going to dwell on last night's thrilling national championship game between the Auburn Tigers and my alma mater, the Oregon Ducks. Oregon came back from the dead to tie the game up with just over two minutes to go. At this point, I think many were grabbing another beer and looking forward to an overtime period. Auburn proceeded to benefit from a tough call that resulted in a 37 yard gain and entered field goal range. The game was decided by a field goal as time expired. So what is the point of this post? Check out the ad Nike ran today.



The significance of what the Ducks accomplished by getting to the game last night, and nearly pulling it off, is not lost on me. Have they set a new trend? Fast, up tempo football that relies on incredibly fit athletes? Ask yourself, did you see Auburn running more up tempo than normal last night? The Ducks altered everything they did as a program when Chip Kelley (formally the offensive coordinator brought in by ex head coach Mike Bellotti) took the reigns. Practices were moved from the afternoon to the morning. Nutritionists were brought in, the strength and conditioning coach ("RAD"cliffe) was all of a sudden more important. Pylometrics, recovery drinks, core and band workouts, and an entire different weekly schedule was developed...all in the hope to provide our athletes with a physical and mental advantage over the competition.

As I sat on my couch last night watching the field goal seal our fates as second best this year, I was obviously sad. Yet, here was my school...from little Eugene, OR...nearly winning the national championship in college football. Primarily because we had a coach that changed our game, and possibly...the entire game of football. One thing was evident, the hybrid, what Auburn had...was enough to win. BUT, realize that they are just that...a hybrid of what Oregon helped develop. SO, this is supposed to be a triathlon blog. As I was laying awake last night I thought about everything this year represents to me in triathlon. It is all about changing the game. My workouts are much different this year. It is not just about putting in the miles or hours, put being incredibly smart about utilizing intensity, recovery, and volume to help achieve our goals. Ultimately, my goal this year is to become, "a master at the conservation and allocation of energy."

At least in my mind...to change my game.

-T