You need to “control your variables”

This is Moritz (the man, not the toddler).

My son Jack’s cross country coach (to whom the kids and parents alike simply refer as “Moritz,” which is his last name) is so good at what he does.

Whatever the talent level he’s presented with each year, he gets the most out of the Wickliffe High School track and cross country teams, let me tell you.

Several times a week, we receive reminders from Moritz on the upcoming practice schedule, meet information, and training tips through an app appropriately called “Remind.”

Recently Moritz scheduled a speed-work practice for what was going to be a fairly warm day. A Remind message came across that read, “Reminder we are on the track today, so drink water! Make sure you’ve had a good lunch. Control your variables!”

I love that last sentence: Control your variables! In other words, as I’ve mentioned here more than once, concern yourself only with the things you can influence.

Because, of course, there are some things you can’t influence. Worrying about those things is a waste of time and energy.

But if you’re a 15-year-old cross country runner, you most certainly can (and should) control what goes into your body. What you eat and how much you drink directly affects your performance, so think hard on these things.

The parallels to your own life are obvious, I’m sure.

I promise to spend today controlling my variables.