FROM: MEGAN CLARK

It’s no secret that I’ve been struggling this season. On the flight home following a no-height at the Millrose Games (which is hosted at what I consider my home track) I started to feel a little discouraged and frustrated, so I began to write a letter to myself to strengthen my resolve. At some point while we were flying over the Grand Canyon, I realized that this letter is not just for me, but for all of the us. We all go through patches of frustration when we don’t feel like we’re living up to our potential. So this one is for all of you out there who feel like you’re struggling and need a little reminder of just how powerful you are.

Hey,

This is not how the story ends and I know because you are the author. Sure, you’re having a rough time, but girl, you’ve got grit. Your last practice, performance, or race doesn't define you. What defines you is what you do next. You’ve got so much potential, and you were made to be resilient. There’s a lot to be learned through the struggles and you can’t get bogged down by negativity. This is your story, so stop licking your wounds and get back to writing it.

Frustration is part of the game, but there’s no point in dwelling in it. It’s too draining and completely unproductive. Take a deep breath, and find a positive way to channel that passion. It’s fuel, and if you’re going to turn this around, that is exactly what you need.

First, don’t discount the value of the lesson you’ve been given in failure. Don’t fixate on it; study it. Figure out what you did wrong and how to proceed. Maybe this particular meet, race, or time trial was just the jolt you needed to take some initiative and make changes. It’s an opportunity to reevaluate your mindset and your training. If it’s not working, then something has to change, whether that be what you do or how you do it. Go back to what works mentally and/or physically, Doing the same thing and expecting different results is quite literally the definition of insanity. And you, dear, are not insane.

You are also more powerful than you think. Don’t you dare forget that. When things get hard, when you miss your target pace, when you miss an attempt, when you’re struggling with something technically, or when you start to second guess yourself, remember this: you’ve never been better prepared to handle adversity than you are right now. You have more experience, more wisdom, and more strength than you’ve ever had, not to mention the most supportive lady gang in the game is there to back you up.

And last, but definitely not least, have some confidence! You spend entirely too much time questioning whether you’re good enough and if you have what it takes. Newsflash! If you waste your time teeming with self-doubt, you’ll never find out. Give yourself a fighting chance, because whatever it is that you’re up against, you’ve got this. So go get it.

Head up, wings out!

Megan