Hold Fast Running Newsletter #11

Newsletter #11 - 

Greetings, team,

In this newsletter

Kobe Bryant-Inspired Vent

“Where’s your smile?”

Lessons from writing

COROS article/partnership

3 min read

In this newsletter, I’m going to share something I normally wouldn’t —a good, honest vent session. This vent is inspired by Kobe Bryant’s Facebook post after he tore his Achilles. Be sure to read the whole way through, it’s not all venting! Being vulnerable doesn’t come naturally for most, but here we go.

Life has felt challenging lately. Wearing so many hats has been wearing me down… or just thinning my hair LOL! It’s hard not to feel the weight of discouragement when I see the performances of the athletes I’m up against. They get paid to run, free shoes/gear, are well coached, train twice a day with a great team, recover well, eat right, and get massages—all that’s needed to perform at the highest level. And here I am, balancing a comfortable 40-hour-a-week office job, training all alone and coaching myself, 10 hours of coaching, and what feels like barely enough time with my wife and son. Meanwhile, if I want to be competitive, I need 12 hours a week for running and training—and I’m lucky to squeeze in seven. It’s selfish to keep grinding - to chase “mine,” but this sport demands that sacrifice. My people are rooting for me and supporting me, but sometimes, I feel as though I can barely function. And I’m supposed to be out there taking down big names, crushing PRs? How?

I’m honestly not sure. Do I even have the grit to keep pushing? Maybe I should just pull out the rocking chair and look back on the career that could have been. Maybe, like Kobe thought, time has caught up with me. Then again, maybe not! It’s 7:40 PM (and I’m ready for bed). My hip and glutes ache. I’m 27 and stumble out of my car, stiff as can be. Forgive the venting, but if I’m putting out a newsletter, I want to keep it real with you all. Sometimes, it’s good to let it out and talk about the struggle!

But, after all that venting, perspective kicks in. There are bigger challenges and issues out there than my packed schedule. It’s time to stop feeling sorry for myself, find the good in all of this, press on, keep showing up and holding fast to what truly matters!

One day, a new journey will begin. But today? Today is not that day.

If you see me or anyone going through it, remind them to bear down and keep moving forward—that’s how growth happens, right? That’s what I was taught growing up: we don’t quit, don’t cower, don’t run. We endure, stand firm, and conquer.

Where’s Your Smile?

Recently, I ran a few miles with a very talented seventh-grade runner from Hays. He was a joy to be around—kind, curious, and had a list full of reasons of why he loves running. After our jog, I helped him with a fartlek workout his coach had assigned. By the third rep, he looked over and said, “You know why I really enjoy running for the Brocaw Blazers? Before every race, Coach Ramsey comes up to each athlete and says, “Where’s your smile?”” I thought, now that’s great coaching—especially for young athletes who often get very nervous about performing. It’s so important for them to enjoy the experience, smile, and do their best! 

Hold Fast Running Newsletter

Writing this newsletter, like any journey, has been transformative. As I work on each edition, I’m always on the lookout for new topics, which makes me notice subtle moments of connection that I used to miss. I find myself appreciating how different teams work—the admissions office at my school, the tire shop employees, our local church, and the doctor’s office are some examples. These teams create a cohesive culture through small, meaningful interactions. Observing this has helped me become a better father and husband, I hope, by listening more closely. It feels like learning a new sport; clumsy at first, but gradually improving with practice. So next time you are at a restaurant or in a business, look into how the team operates, you might just leave learning something or being inspired! 

COROS Partnership

Someday, I’d love to go full-time coaching with Hold Fast Running. Whether it’s helping youth get started, guiding couch-to-5K runners, supporting post-collegiate athletes, more running camps, or turning this into a full club—there are endless opportunities, and I’m excited about each one. Physical fitness means a lot to me, and I want to inspire others through running.

So, I’m putting this out there: if you or anyone you know is interested in being coached, I’d love to connect. We’re getting this rolling soon, and even if running isn’t for you, we’d appreciate your prayers as we take on this new adventure!

To go with this, I am starting to write some blog posts for COROS (an amazing watch company). If you’re in the market for a new watch or would be interested in supporting me in this endeavor, you can purchase a COROS watch and enter code HOLDFAST at checkout. This code gets you a free watch band and a percentage of the sale will go back to me. My first blog post for COROS was about sleep data and how it can (and should) influence training. You can check it out here! 

Right now, I am preparing to qualify for the US Outdoor Championships that will take place this July. I’ll start competing here and there this indoor season, and hopefully get in a few road races to gain some strength. I used to think hard training was the only way, but now I enjoy easy strolls with Judah - he loves getting out on the roads! 

Thanks for tuning in, once again. 

We hope you all have a great Thanksgiving!

Hold Fast, from the Meyer’s