Building the Foundation

Building the Foundation

Our house in PA was built in 1850. 1850. It is 168 years old. The walls are built of stone, that are two feet thick, through the basement, up to the attic. Generations and generations of families have lived in these walls, It’s stood the test of time, it’s seen life and death, and today, it’s as good as it was the day it was built. There is no telling how long it took to build this house, but I’m sure it took a lot longer than the houses we see being built today. But then again, will the houses we see being built today, be standing in 168 years? I’m sure I can tell you they won’t.

This house was built with the intention to withstand the test of time. It was built to be strong, to be cool in the summer, to stay warm in the winter. It’s location was placed specifically, upwind from the barn, next to groves of trees, and near water supplies. Every detail was methodically planned out, designed, and organized – no stone left unturned, or misplaced. From the first rock placed in its foundation, this house was built for the very reasons it is still standing today. It is unshaken, unmoved, and standing stronger than ever, 168 years later. A foundation two feet thick, stemming two and a half stories high. Planned out for windows, doors, additions, cellars, fireplaces, chimneys, and staircases. A foundation to support generations and generations of families. A foundation to withstand history. A foundation to build upon, for years to come.

While the foundation of our house is stone, the foundation of your season starts now. The hard work put in on the darkest days, slugging through wet, cold, snow, and rain. Days away from the “fun” on the velodrome, or racing, or speed work. The slow monotonous work of placing each day, or each stone in its place, completing the work, and building the house that will support you through the year. Building a strong foundation now, will set you up to start placing the windows and the doors, with standing starts, accelerations, and motor work. A weak foundation, with cracks, missed training sessions, missing stones, or skipped efforts, will crumble under pressure, will collapse over time, will cause injuries, illness, and missed sessions. Building the foundation is essential, is necessary, and is key to remaining strong, steady, and stable.

What kind of house are you going to build? Something that can withstand the tests of this season? Or something that crumbles at the first sign of stress? The work you put in is up to you. The stones you lay are up to you. Build a foundation you can be proud of.

– Coach Missy