Track and Field Blogs - Anthony Famiglietti

I just got back from a run on one of my favorite single track trails in Sedona, AZ. As I've said I love the solitude of running there and I enjoy taking that time to reflect. I had a lot to reflect on having just returned from my win at the U.S 15k Championships in Jacksonville, Florida. I enjoyed every step of that race and I ran alone from the front never looking back once. Having such a close finish also added to the value of the win. Reflecting on the race and my running career today has reinforced my "Attitude of Gratitude." That is the team motto for the Sedona high school track and field team. I was fortunate enough to talk to the team again this year and get a team shirt with their motto. I have discussed some of my feelings of gratitude towards running in general on here, but would also like to take the time to recognize all of those who have helped me along the way.

Running at a high level takes an immense amount of commitment and sacrifice. Having a great support system is essential to moving forward year after year and staying committed. I'm really fortunate that my wife made the trip up to Flagstaff with me this season. She spent four weeks with me in a hotel and took care of just about everything. I've been living in this hotel for about six weeks now and it can be difficult and unusual at times. Spending so much time away from home dedicated to one task can be overwhelming. Staying motivated and focused during times like this can be challenging. I'm blessed to have such a good support system of family, friends ,coaches, and sponsors who help keep me driven. Having Dr. Jack Daniels in Flagstaff full time is a great asset. He has been able to work with me quite a bit with workouts and feedback. There are so many coaches that use his formula and who you could say, "make it their own". He is an incredibly valuable mind and asset to the entire running community as well as myself. I certainly hope he is able to stay in Flagstaff for many years to come. I'm also very grateful to my coach George Watts who has helped me develop into a true elite athlete. I've been working with him for over 10 years now and am thankful for the doors he and the University of Tennessee has helped me open. For the 15k championship I mostly used the four week altitude training buildup that George and I developed through years of trial and error. It has been a great stepping stone to my success.

My newfound health food interest and much improved diet has also helped me greatly during this trip. I have friends in Knoxville to thank for that as well as my wife for keeping me on track and preparing meals. Staying injury free is also key when training at such high intensity. I've been fortunate to work with Geoffery Bishop of Stay Tuned Theraputics here in Flagstaff. His myoskeletal alignment and massage techniques have helped keep me intact after very hard workouts. Across the board I have some great positive people around me right now. From the very beginning I've had many people supporting my efforts in running. My high school coaches Frank Oliva and Tom Julian were instrumental in getting me started in running and went above and beyond the call of a coach. These are just a few of the people who in small and big ways help me move toward achieving ever greater goals.

When I race you see me and only me. You don't get to see all of the small things that add up to a big performance. I love the individuality of running. I love knowing that what I put in is what I get out. The race effort is mine and mine alone. Off of the roads or the track though my success is built and fostered by my family, friends and coaches. I consider myself very fortunate to have had so many people supporting and/or encouraging me. With their help I truly think there will be quite few big performances ahead of me in the coming years.

If you are starting out in running or trying to get to the next level I strongly encourage you to find and surround yourself with people who keep you motivated and energized. Choosing friends, coaches, colleges or training partners is very important in this way. Find people who will inspire you to achieve your best everyday. When you do this and race you'll see you can't lose.