This is the time of year when talented first-year runners start getting me in trouble. Not because they're doing anything wrong. Because they start showing me what they could become. And my coaching brain immediately starts thinking: More. Faster. Let's see what happens. Then I have to remind myself that their lungs aren't the only thing adapting. Bones, tendons, ligaments. All of it is still learning how to handle distance training. Sometimes talent gets ahead of durability. They might be fit enough to handle more before their body is ready to handle more. I can probably get more out of them right now. Doesn't mean I should. Better to be patient this year and build three great years than squeeze everything out of year one and pay for it later. Still doesn't make patience any easier when the kid can really run. 😂