C Mantz Running

I hope the leg gets better soon, Conner. I know exactly how it feels to stand on the sideline when you were favored to win a race. One thing I'm sure you've thought of, though, is that while you're on your mission your body will mature a lot. When you come back, you should be set to really run at a high level with, hopefully, fewer injuries.

It's a few months away, but your mission will be a challenge, not just because of the normal challenges all missionaries face. You'll have the added challenge of not being able to run much, if at all. Even if you weren't going to a place like Ghana, where it is simply too dangerous to run the streets, missionaries don't get to do much running. For a while, you'll feel like you're going crazy as you feel your body getting out of shape. The day before I entered the MTC, I ran a 4:10 mile. I was in the best shape of my life. Then suddenly running had to go way down on my priorities list. I was nowhere near as good as you, but it was still painful to leave my running addiction behind and focus on the mission. Even while I was at the MTC, I'd run around the perimeter on the sidewalk and wonder what I was doing there. You'll feel similar things. Just focus on what's important and put your whole self into it like you have with your running, and you'll be successful. It will be a very rewarding experience. And even though you won't be running, keep that fire burning inside. All of your fans want to see you doing great things in college when you get back. Keep your chin up and you mind positive, Conner. Enough unsolicited preaching from me. Good luck!

The pool is no fun. But if you do it right it DOES keep you fit. I was in the pool for a 6 month stretch of high school. Hopefully your pool days are a week or less though :) Best of luck with your training and racing!

Thanks for the advice Shawn, and thanks Taylor!