We had all grown up together and had been friends since elementary school. Living down the street from one another and sharing in school activities, athletic pursuits, bus rides, church and community initiatives and more, Needless to say there was enough water under our collective bridge to have ensured the trust built could be relied on for a safe crossing. But, I’d imagine it didn’t make the conversation or the work that came after it any easier….
Julie had always been a great athlete at the local and state level, having had a very successful high school career which pushed her into the NCAA Division 1 rankings at Rutgers University. She’d go on to achieve All-American status, but for one reason or another, never quite the level that somewhere deep down, she knew she was capable of. Post college, she walked away from competition for a short stint to coach, before realizing what “deep down” was starting to surface, and so she got back to training amongst legendary athletes and coaching in the track and field industry. And after balancing a good deal of success with more than a desired number of injuries, a new opportunity was calling her home to Clinton, NJ where she and a small group of athletes would form the New Jersey - New York Track Club under the guidance of famed coach “Gags”. Being home also presented other opportunities…among them, to reconnect with old friends… a few of whom owned a small “Human Achievement Company” with services that ranged from physical therapy, to strength and conditioning, to operating a small health-focused cafe, to prevention and health promotion work with large employers. The friend’s business just so happened to be growing and in a position to offer part-time employment to a handful of the club’s founding members, a place to reside, and a home-based(camp) at which to train and rehab. But for Julie, it was a slow start out of the gates….
“He shut me down” she said to me while on the elliptical. “Really?!? Wow, but to be honest… it’s probably exactly what you need.” I replied.
Looking back, it was a short but simple exchange. Julie had been on and off injured for much of her professional career. She, like many professional athletes, had been to countless doctors with differing opinions and could always end up finding one who would give her the green light to get back on the track, often prior to being fully ready, and the injury cycle would renew. Justin, on the other hand, was a lifelong friend. He was going to tell her, in a kind but firm way, exactly what she needed to hear… that she needed to stop… to get fully healthy…before starting again.
There are countless things that have to go right for someone to realize their Olympic dream. There are too many to list here, and to be honest, having never competed at this level, more than I could if I tried. But having watched one friend listen to another… for Julie to deny what I’m sure felt like an undeniable urge to run… takes insurmountable trust and commitment to the end goal. And when we watched Julie out-kick the reigning national champion on live TV to win the 2012, 5000 meter Olympic Trials and secure her spot in the London Games, we, along with some of her closest friends and fans, screamed and cheered with ear-splitting strength. I immediately called Justin who was watching from home.
“Dude, can you believe this… can you believe it?” I said with tears of joy streaming down my face. “I know Eric…I know…it’s amazing, I’m so proud of her!” Justin replied….
We had just witnessed our friend, an ordinary hometown girl, achieve the extraordinary. Julie would go on to compete in and advance to the Olympic final in 2012, and return home a hero and inspiration to countless runners and athletes, many who have ventured their way through our doors. She had a goal… an Olympic dream…a plan…great coaching and support along the way. She put all the pieces together and peaked at just the right time. Not all athletes have Olympic aspirations, but nearly all those who compete desire to peak when it matters most. There is a right way to do it. We’re incredibly grateful that Julie and her experience helped demonstrate to our community that we know it, and can help.
-Eric E.
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