Humble Pie

I been thinking about how to write this post for months, since last year November in fact, when I was in a angry and very disappointed state. I didn't however post the original blog entry I wrote (and saved) but rather waited and waited so that my anger would subside, and so it has, and I'm so glad I didn't post my original thoughts on the matter - sound cryptic to you - let me explain....

During late 2006 the Austrian orienteering committee approaced me and asked if I wanted to take over the post of Elite chief for the national team. I was a bit surprised and decided to take on the roll after various discussions with different people. Problem was that at the time the team and team management was in a complete and total shambles. There were a lot of different parties all blaming each other for various problems.

I was thrown in the deep end and struggled for months just to get to grips with the problems and bring harmony to the team, which I'm sorry to say I was really struggling to do. I battled on through this and did my best but I was definitely not having the easiest of times. Having said that I was slowly starting to make sense of the situation and was getting to grips with it.

There were a lot of undercurrent problems with the trainers, there were problems with the performance of some team members, there was a major budget issue and I was constantly being made aware by the orienteering public in Austria that they felt various team members should not be on the team (in particular the ladies). I took as much of it as possible in my stride and started to try and sort out the problems. We had an excellent meeting in late September where many of these issues where talked about at length.

And I had started to formulate a plan for 2008 (and to my shame) it was a hard plan. No more trainer from the Swiss, no more ladies in the team, a reduction of team members (only those that made the cut), a slimming down of the junior team. I had hoped that one of the trainers would stay and that I would be able to get a previous top trainer back onto staff. And this is the plan I started to go forward on....

And then in November it all changed. The committee elite decided to step down, leaving me with no support. And I was voted out of office and replaced by Richard Schuh. I was bitter and twisted, it wasn't fair, it wasn't right, not after all I had tried to do and so I planned to write a damming and hurtful blog post.

However, with hindsight I could not have been more incorrect. Richard turned out to be the perfect man for the job. He was able to hold the team together, and with the full support of the new committee he built an excellent training staff. They started the year full of motivation - all my original plans out the window (to be fair I never shared them with the new staff) - and moved forward with purpose.

And it really seems to be doing the job. The austrians were very good this year (including the ladies) and the improvement is there for all to see. The trainer team is working well together with all the involved parties (Junior team, Army, Youth team) and has gelled into a strong and well organised team.

So I must eat some humble pie. I have been impressed by the way Richard and his team have worked this year. It was a hard year and they have handled it well. Additionally they have believed in the ladies and brought in a top trainer, both for the men and the women. I could not have got it more wrong.

I admit that I could not have done a better job this year - well done Richard. I am impressed and wish the entire team (athletes and trainers) every success for the future.

FYI I have had many inquiries this year as to the reason why I steped down from the post, and I just wanted to clear the air and put my thoughts down on paper (so to speak). I am no longer bitter and twisted, and this is NOT the reason why I haven't been at orienteering events this year. This has more to do with the lack of condition (I'm fat) and the fact that I have two very small children. I have put the issue behind me now and look forward to the next few months of slowly getting back into training *grin*

Finally, a restart....

Yes, I've actually managed to get myself out on the road after humming and harring about it for the last 6 months. I haven't been completely inactive, however I haven't training since middle of last year (due to health problems) and now I find I need to start again (due to health problems) - vicious circle.

So what is going on? Well, my weight has crossed the 80 kg line and I need to get it down, and I've been having heart rhythm problems over the last week. I need to get my weight back down to normal levels and get the old ticker working correctly again.

I'll be doing a bit of cycling as well but not as much running as previously (I just don't have the time anymore).

So stay tuned for more postings....