Welcome!

Hello! Welcome to my blog! I will be posting thoughts and experiences related to the development of a cross country program that changes lives.

The inspiration behind this blog stems from the role that cross-country and track have played in my life. Beginning in the second grade, I started running with my Dad. He was in less than perfect shape, and looking for a running companion. We ran two miles a day, with multiple stops for walking. Every evening, down Cooper, up Williams, right on Anderson, and back down Clark. The same route, over and over. It was tough! My breathing became labored, I got cramps, and I sweat. It felt gross.

These same traits are what keep most people from ever becoming daily runners. The initial toils of exertion lead many to believe there is nothing of value in running (or any endurance event). The reality, though, as many of you know… is that only through the struggle can we achieve breakthroughs.

The feeling that I got after accomplishing the two-mile run was unlike anything I had ever felt before. Thankfully, my Dad didn’t let me quit and kept positively encouraging me to run through the pain. As I ran each day, I got faster and the runs got easier. I gained confidence and enjoyed the feeling of hard work. From that time in my life onward, I’ve been hooked by distance running.

In August of 2013, my Dad celebrated 14 straight years of daily running, (literally, not one missed day). He continues to run north of 70 miles per week, as does my mom, who was also bitten by the running bug. Most people believe this is a form of insanity, and it very well may be. They are both an inspiration to me.

I’ve been incredibly blessed to run for and work with some amazing coaches. From 1999 to 2003, I ran for Coaches Chris Quick, Fred Miller, and Ron Theberge at Palatine High School. Although I ran for Palatine during the “dark ages”, I got to see Chris and Fred begin the transformation process. I was the captain of the team in 2001 and 2002 and fought the changes that were being made to the program as hard as anyone. Higher expectations, increased workload, and a focus on the importance of every person on the team were introduced. I was used to a less focused approach and more emphasis on the varsity. I was self centered and arrogant. Needless to say, my ego was stung. (Thank God!)

The result of their impact is evident, though. Beginning in 2003, Palatine went on a string of three consecutive second place finishes at the IHSA State Meet. Since then, they won the state meet in 2011 and more importantly, developed a team culture that inspires hundreds of young men. During my time at the University of Illinois, I ran 60-80 miles per week and competed in numerous half marathons and marathons. I continue to run as a coach and still run marathons each year. My PR is 2:50 for the full and 1:17 for the half.

Beginning in 2008, I was a volunteer assistant coach with the Monticello Track and Field team and coach Jeff Butler. Coach Butler took me under his wing and allowed me to be a part of one of the premier IHSA Class 1A programs. Following the season, I got a job with Zion Benton Township High School District #126 as a High School History teacher and began working as an assistant coach in cross country and track. Eventually, I was blessed to find myself as the head boys’ cross country coach and distance track coach. I worked at Zion for five years and the time I spent there forms the core of my philosophy about team culture and training. Much of the blog posts will stem around experiences at Zion and what we did to develop a positive, high achieving team culture. Christine DiGrazia, the ZB girls’ coach, was my biggest inspiration and continues to be a mentor. I am currently a Social Studies teacher at Saint Ignatius College Prep and an assistant coach for the cross-country team under Coach Ed Ernst.

I believe in the spiritual properties of a great cross-country team. The connection that we form with a team through the daily pursuit of excellence is unmatched in most other avenues of life. Too often, people live cautious, conservative lives that never seek to move out towards unconventional. Cross-country gives young athletes the chance to live on the edge of mainstream society and pursue greatness. Distance running, in spite of countless Rock n' Roll marathons and $50 5k's, continues to be a counter-cultural activity. Through hard work, team reliance, and fun, athletes find a social outlet with real value. I believe that, as coaches, we have the responsibility to help young men and women to become audacious in their goals and aspirations. I believe that supportive, hard working, and high achieving cross-country and track teams have the power to shape athletes into men and women of character. I also believe that if you aren’t constantly reaffirming the aspiration to be the greatest who ever lived, there’s no point.

My mission is to positively impact lives through distance running. These beliefs shape the backdrop through which I’m writing this blog and through which I approach coaching and teaching. It is being written for myself. If you happen to find enjoyment from it or learn something (or have something to teach me!), please email me at mcpherson.nate@gmail.com

 Nate McPherson