Back to Square One. Sometimes we all need a spark.

Call them crazy… but they have their reasons

The not-so-secret secret world of ultra-endurance racing revealed. The lesson here is simple. Find out how far you can go when failure is legitimately an option. You might just learn a thing or two. Granted, you might not take on this race through the Tennessee hills, you should still be finding opportunities in your life when you are legitimately testing yourself.



Reminds me of this…

“The sea’s only gifts are harsh blows, and occasionally the chance to feel strong. Now I don’t know much about the sea, but I do know that that’s the way it is here. And I also know how important it is in life not necessarily to be strong but to feel strong. To measure yourself at least once. To find yourself at least once in the most ancient of human conditions. Facing the blind death stone alone, with nothing to help you but your hands and your own head.” - Primo Levi 

Relax, and find your happy place

After a long day, take a deep cleansing breath, and find yourself on a mental vacation. 

And here's a few more places for you to let your mind wander [link]

The Elegant Stylings of Bob Ross... Because.

A great way to unwind after a long day is to throw on the philosopher and painter, Bob Ross (as long as you don't feel defeated by not being able to draw fluffy clouds the same way he does!)

Get back to it! (Inspiration)

O Me, Oh Life…

Oh me! Oh life! of the questions of these recurring,

Of the endless trains of the faithless, of cities fill’d with the foolish,

Of myself forever reproaching myself, (for who more foolish than I, and who more faithless?)

Of eyes that vainly crave the light, of the objects mean, of the struggle ever renew’d,

Of the poor results of all, of the plodding and sordid crowds I see around me,

Of the empty and useless years of the rest, with the rest me intertwined,

The question, O me! so sad, recurring—What good amid these, O me, O life?

                                       Answer.

That you are here—that life exists and identity,

That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.

Got motivation? (7 Images)

Patrick Kane: Making it look easy!

Here's a link to the full video, worth checking out: http://youtu.be/osViQunqKGM

What's getting you out of bed this morning?

Good morning. Here's some motivation to go with that first cup of coffee.

Sport's "Modern Condition"

As the early dawn rises on another college football season (though with it's current length, I'd consider it more of a "semester"), it's time to catch up on the NCAA's favorite storyline: Johnny Football. Johnny Manziel shocked, dazzled, and amazed the nation last year as he quarterbacked a resurgent Texas A&M football team on his way to a Heisman Trophy (college football's highest honor). And he did all of this as a freshman.

Witnessing such a nebula of talent like Johnny Manziel makes it easy to understand why the media would have such a focus on his budding career. What you wouldn't expect is that the majority of that attention is for all of the wrong reasons. Numerous incidents this past summer involving social media, club appearances, gambling trips, and an infamous signing incident have created an alarmingly polarizing figure in the eyes of the American public. The attention surrounding Johnny Manziel rivals that of an overnight Hollywood celebrity super-craze. Many cheer on who they see to be the best thing since sliced bread, while all the others sit around and wait for the next chance to chime in on a messageboard about why so-and-so's behavior was "so reprehensible". But why does this phenomena exist? Is it the money flooding into college sports? Is it too much pressure for a 20 year old? Or is it just that we have a kid who wants to express himself the only way he knows how; by beaming footballs into the endzone on Saturdays? We are far from knowing how this story will play out, but in the meantime it is worthwhile to read this ESPN feature article on Manziel to catch a glimpse of what the "modern condition" seems to have done to Texas' own: "Johnny Football".


"The work of Kafka sums up the modern condition better than anything else: a fruitless search for meaning while you are persecuted for nameless offenses." - Milarepa

Calvin & Hobbes: True Sportsmen

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The Crash Reel: An in-depth look at how one head injury changes everything

The Crash Reel is a "game-changing" documentary presented by HBO on the life and career of champion Snowboarder Kevin Pearce, and his struggles with the reality of a severe head injury suffered in a training accident. Anyone who has experienced a traumatic brain injury, or even a concussion will be able to relate to this young man's story as his life (and Olympic dreams) were tossed into a sea of uncertainty after a crash on the half-pipe.

Trailer

Kevin's long, delicate  recovery and the unconditional care of his family stand in stark contrast to a reckless sporting culture that constantly strives to push through the boundaries of what is thought to be possible. As the effects of head injuries continue to gain attention from concerned sport officials and parents, this documentary could not be more relevant nor hit closer to home. It is gut-wrenching to watch former athletes struggle through simple tasks of their daily lives because of head injuries sustained from sports that provide no support for those who are no longer able to perform. The Crash Reel is a powerful documentary and a must see for anyone who has ever put their mind at risk for sport.

The Sporting Mind is back!

It feels good to be back!

The Sporting Mind has been busy making some big transitions this summer but is now ready to deliver your favorite daily content from the world of sport and performance. Now comfortably set up in a great new office, The Sporting Mind looks forward to presenting quality daily content from the far reaches of the internet in a pleasant an presentable way. Thank you for reading, and enjoy!

-TSM

Motivation: GO!

14 Years Ago Today...

Do you remember watching one of the best (and most controversial) Stanely Cup Final finishes ever? Brett Hull buries a triple-overtime rebound to win the Dallas Stars the 1999 Cup. Long live the playoffs!

Sport as a Symbol

"Symbol: Something that represents something else by association...especially an object used to represent something invisible."

Sport is the ultimate provider of symbols in our culture. Transcending political, geographical, and cultural limitations, sport has the ability to unite populations completely unassociated through any other means. Sport has replaced the bloody Coliseum of Rome with a new, shining arenas in which one city's best battle another city's best for pride, glory and psychological bragging rights over the other.

Working for the Weekend!

The end of the work week isn't a one-way ticket to the couch! To everyone competing this weekend or working to get ahead, here's some motivation to keep you going. 

Coache's Corner: What would you do?

Instead of lacing up sneakers, they straighten a tie. Rather than taking passes, they are drawing up plays. Although hidden behind the incredible youthful performances of their players, the coaches of our sports play a vital role in the system. Without quality coaches, there is no one to develop the talent of tomorrow or to keep them playing at the high levels elite sport demands. Coaches work tirelessly to prepare their athletes and teams all with the hope that the uniforms coming out of the locker room will be ready to perform. Now, who knows anxiety better than the pre-game coach? When their investment of time and energy, even their livelihood, is in the hands of a bunch of kids chasing a ball?

There's no way to prepare for all of the situations a coach will face during a season. Largely without formal training or certification programs, many American coaches are forced to "learn as they go". Reflecting on some tough situations that well-known coaches have faced... what would you do?

For the Love of the Game

Sports are loved the world over. For every different type of sport that exists, there are countless different ways that they are played and enjoyed. From the cramped city streets to the wide open spaces, the games we play always manage to fill that certain void. Our best memories in sport rarely come under the bright lights of huge stadiums, but rather in make-shift fields with close friends. Divided by miles, cultures, and experiences, sport is the universal language. And why do we play?... For the love of the game. 

 "Little-America" football

 Cricket in the street

Anywhere there' s a hoop

 The outdoor rink

"For the Love of the Game"

Working for the Weekend!