All of our animal anecdotes so far have been factually based. For our last lecture from the animal kingdom, we will blend a little folklore and facts together. We will now look at our national symbolic animal, the eagle.

Urban legend has made claims about the eagle's habits during storms. Supposedly, they would fly into the storms and soar above them, and reaching new heights in doing so. The analogy suggests we can use the storms of life to rise to greater heights. We should embrace the adversity. As Friedrich Nietzsche is famous for stating "That which does not kill us makes us stronger." Many a great athlete has overcome serious "Non-Athletic" adversity to form their character and integrity needed to become the champions they were. Last year, we looked at Greg Lemond, Jesse Owens, Glenn Cunningham and Lopez Lomong and how adversity helped them rise to great heights. Last spring, we saw local running standout Colby Gilbert from Skyview transform from a very good runner to one of the best in the nation after cancer claimed the death of his most avid supporter - his mom.

Although the "storm" factor with the eagles is not full substantiated, eagles do use strong winds to rise above mountains during long migrations. The factor does make them more efficient thus allowing them to cover greater distances.

The eagles supposedly do fly higher than other birds. And they usually fly alone. They do not "hang around" the low-flying smaller animals for companionship; Eagles do not fly with the sparrows. They must fly where only eagles dare to go. Sometimes it can be a lonely journey for the Distance runner to the top of the podium at the Olympics. Unlike the Penguin's "Journey to Nowhere", the eagle has a goal and is willing to go there on its own. If you do find a partner with the same goals to share your journey with, consider yourself blessed. The "Galen Rupp/Mo Farah" relationship is a classic example of two eagles learning to fly together.

The lessons we learn from the fact and fiction of eagles are valuable in helping us reach our glorious, long-term goals that are far away. We must absorb adverse situations as our "Drill Sargent" preparing us for greatness in our athletic endeavors. Also, we must be willing to fly alone (or log many miles alone), and be ready to make proper choices on who to fly with. Hang with those that support your great goals, not people that will drag you down. Run with the eagles, not with the sparrows. In closing, consider the quote by this sparrow, Captain Jack Sparrow: "The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem. Do you understand?" But more importantly, are you willing to use the problem for your own benefit? In doing so, you will ensure that you will "Do A Lot!"