Dear Coach,
Most importantly, this letter is to thank you for instilling my love for running in me. You taught me about motivation, endurance, and strength. When I first started on the team, I was a mess. My arms flapped around everywhere and my form sucked. I was a 5-foot-6 string bean, but you never gave up on me. Slowly, running became easier with every practice and workout under my belt. This is all thanks to you. Going from the hot mess that I was when I first joined the team to running in state meets for cross country and track was a huge achievement for me.
It's only been a year and a half since I was your athlete, and I wouldn't be the runner I am today if it hadn't been for you. Joining a college track team was a scary thing for me. I thought I wasn't going to be strong enough or fast enough compared to the rest of the team, but with the constant positive reminders of confidence you gave me through the years pushed me through my fears and I excelled throughout my first year.
Thank you for showing me my own strength. During strength and endurance workouts when I thought I was going to pass out from exhaustion, you pushed me to do one more rep to better myself. Without that constant pushing, who knows if I would have the self-motivation that I have today. During every single event that I was running in, I could always count on you to be screaming like a lunatic to run faster, fix my form, head up, etc. Those constant reminders always made myself push to run faster.
Thank you for being you. To be completely honest, sometimes, I hated how positive and energetic you were at eight o'clock on a Saturday morning, but it did help me get motivated and want to be the best that I could be. Your positive words and encouragement were just what I needed to hear some days.
Thank you for everything, from being a positive leader, coach, and friend. You were always there when you sensed something was off, and you always talked to me and made me feel better. I hope your athletes now realize how truly lucky they are to have you as their coach. They're being coached by one of the best coaches that I have ever come across.
Forever grateful,
Caitlyn
