Last Motivational Monday for 2024: Early Bird Gets the Worm

As I sit here at 4:24 AM on this December 30th, 2024, a sense of purpose fills the air. The final Motivational Monday of the year is upon us. With 2025 just around the corner, time feels more precious than ever. The Islamic calendar marks today as Jumada Al-Thani 28th, 1446 AH, a reminder that while the year and seasons may change, our mantra remains steadfast: Dreams Are Tangible Goals.

To the one reading this, I pray you are intentionally working on your mind, body, and soul. Growth demands a holistic approach, and as we transition into a new year, it’s crucial to reflect on the pillars that hold us up.

I’ll be honest—2024 was a year of hurdles for me. After my injury in February while training for the Boston Marathon, I’ve had to prioritize healing. My left hip flexor has been a constant reminder of the journey back to full strength, and my calves echo the same. This pause in my training taught me the value of patience and resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges.

This morning, I stepped into the 24-hour Planet Fitness location. It felt invigorating to return to a space that has always been sacred for my physical development. I followed this visit with two rakats at MAQ, grounding myself in prayer and starting my day with spiritual alignment. Both spaces—one dedicated to physical rejuvenation and the other to spiritual fortification—are critical to my growth. Being present in both reminded me how interconnected our wellness truly is.

Today was also an opportunity to break in my new ANTA Hela Knit Top track hoodie, paired perfectly with the ANTA Hela style kicks to match. These small details symbolize readiness and gratitude—readiness to tackle what lies ahead and gratitude for the tools and support along the way. Special salute to ANTA and Kyrie for setting trends that inspire both on and off the track.

As we close out the year, remember that restoration comes through action. Whether you’re stepping back into a gym, reconnecting with your faith, or simply realigning your focus, let this be the year you honor every part of your journey. Set goals, stay disciplined, and never stop chasing your dreams.

Here’s to 2025—a year of intentional steps toward the future we envision.

#FitnessGoals #SpiritualAlignment #RestorationThroughAction #DreamsAreTangibleGoals

Questions to my Former self w/ Tyler Morris (Weston) Div 3 All American (Colby) @colby_tf_xc

I started the Questions to my former self series for the importance of the future generation and the audience to learn about Self reflection. For the last four years I watched this young man, worked diligently to improve his running mechanics. You can't teach relentless, you can't purchase courage. A student of the sport he would do what all us track junkies do and ask the "RIGHT" questions to learn more about the nuances in the racing. Besides training hard, "My main man" Tyler Morris a member of the Weston High School XC & Track & Field Class of 2019. Tyler has now taken his talents to Colby College and as freshmen was a Div 3 All-American in XC

Info: 

First & Last name: Tyler Morris

Social Media 

Instagram: tyler_morris7

Twitter: NA

Facebook: Tyler Morris

Age 19 

HS Graduated & year graduated 

Weston High School, 2019

College: Colby College

Events: Distance

Cross Country

1 Mile

2 Mile

3K Pending

5K Pending

10K Pending

PR’s

High School:

1 Mile: 4:30

2 Mile: 9:38

College:

XC 8K: 24:55

DATG: When did you start running?

Tyler Morris: I started running in sixth grade because our soccer coach forced us to get in shape. I was the slowest one on the team by far but by the end of the season I ended up becoming the fastest one on the roster. Spring of 7th grade is when I met and started working with Weston High coaches John Monz and Kathleen Vinciullo.

DATG: What was the race or the moment in your career you realized that you could be pretty good at the sport of running?

Tyler Morris:The moment I realized there was some true potential was at the Wayland XC Invite in 8th grade. It was my first club and highly competitive cross country race ever. My father and I laugh to this day because when we arrived at the meet he said to me "I can't wait for you to get beat". He was so excited that I was participating in such a highly competitive field. He and my mom were even more excited after I went on to win the race and set a course record. Following that my young self realized that I really had a bright future in running and continued training with Monz and Vinciullo.

DATG: Is there a pre-race meal ?

Tyler Morris: A go to Cereal ? Always love this question because I am your stereotypical distance runner. Pasta with a little protein the night before each meet and morning of a bagel and a banana.

DATG: Weston XC/TF is part of the Dual County League, arguably one of the toughest leagues here in Ma$$, How was it to be trained and coached under legendary Coach Monz?

Tyler Morris: Coach Monz is truly an incredible coach and an even better person. I consider myself so lucky to be able to call him my coach and mentor. I would not be where I am today without Monz and all our other coaches at Weston. As you said Monz truly is a legend he has been at Weston for over 40 years and has molded both Weston and MA track into what it is today. I am so lucky to have been a part of such a great team there are so many people on that team that I miss and it was truly the highlight of my high school experience.

DATG: What was considering the Low during your running career in HS and how did you bounce back from adversity ?

Tyler Morris: The low in my running career was facing an injury going into junior year. I know now it was muscle compensation and lack of glute activation but it took far to long to combat this. At one point going into my Junior year I thought I may never run again, but I kept fighting. There were plenty of inconsistent races, which were incredibly frustrating for myself and Monz but he was always there for me. I will forever be thankful to my mom for finding me the right physical therapy team that brought me back from this major setback. I want to say a major thank you to Nicole Downin, Doctor Andrew Fiola, and Katie Adams for keeping me healthy and helping me bounce back from the lowest point in my running career.

DATG: Wow times flies, I can't believe you are in college, how is that going? How is the dorm life?

Tyler Morris: I absolutely love Colby I have some truly incredible friends and classes have been great. Major shoutout to my Colby family (Katherine Brown, Robbie Graham, Nick Peterson, and Lila Saligman) thank you for making my adjustment to Colby so special. Additionally, the cross country/track team is so close here and I again I feel so lucky to be a part of such a great group of people. My coach Jared Beers is a pure genius when it comes to muscle activation and writing training plans for each individual runner. The entire Colby team loves him and we are all so thankful.

DATG: You have an amazing story i really wanted to share it thanks for participating. When we first met it was three summers at the bostonxc.com day camp with Coach Broe. Why did you feel it was imperative to attend BXC ? I had known Coach Broe for a short time before BXC. He was always talking about getting a training camp together and once he started Boston XC I was super excited to be a part of it. I really wanted to train with a group of people during those lonely summer months and BXC was perfect. I met some truly incredible people at BXC and I am so happy to see so many Weston runners continuing to run at BXC.

DATG: I am so proud of you i remember watching the NCAA Div 3 XC Championship meet, I saw a silhouette of a runner who had similar running mechanics, getting out with a good charge with the leaders, I said to myself is that " My Main" Tyler Morris and sure enough it was. Please share the audience the feeling of finishing your XC freshmen year as an All-American ?

Tyler Morris: It is an incredible feeling, I am amazed by how much I have improved in such a short amount of time. It is a huge testament to Jared Beers and the Colby Cross team. I am so thankful for my training partners Eli Decker and Ewan Frick. Both Eli and Ewan pushed me to new limits I didn't know I could achieve. Eli, a Concord Carlisle Alumni took me under his wing this past summer and I was so lucky to be able to race side by side with him each meet. At nationals, we finished one place apart and it was an incredible feeling being able to share that success with him. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

DATG: What's next for Tyler Morris only a freshmen at Colby College, what's your short term and long term goals ?

Tyler Morris: My main goal is to continue training and racing with Eli and Ewan and see where it takes us because it has certainly been working thus far. We are hoping to put our top 6 cross country runners under 15 minutes in the 5K this track season. All of which will be returning next fall.

DATG: Your off to an amazing Collegiate career, I know you work hard, did you ever think All-American? Why Colby College?

Tyler Morris: When I started training this past summer my main goal was to make the top 7 on the Colby roster. So to answer your question no All-American never even crossed my mind. But being pushed by Eli and placing very well all season long by the end of the season All-American was the goal for both Eli and myself. I picked Colby because I wanted to go to a small liberal arts school that I could run for and pursue a degree in economics. Additionally, Monz recommended that I also consider picturing myself running for a coach for the next four years. When I met Coach Jared Beers and walked around Colby's campus with him I knew this was the place and the person that I would want study and run for the next four years.

DATG: What would you tell the Tyler Morris who was a freshmen at Weston ? What would you tell him about your journey ?

Tyler Morris: I would tell my freshman self that running definitely has some hurdles but the process is so rewarding. The hard times make the good ones taste so much sweeter that is something Coach Vinciullo and Coach Montrose of Weston both taught me well. The biggest thing I would tell my freshman self that if you truly love something then you will fight for it no matter how much it may hurt. That is the biggest lesson I learned in high school and I am stronger because of it.

A major thank you, Coach H, it has been an absolute privilege getting to know you these last few years and I feel honored to be mentioned here. Please continue to be yourself because you have helped and influenced so many great runners. I

DATG: I cannot accept the compliment but I will say Iron sharpens Iron.. Thank you for believing in Me

Previously on DATG: Questions to my former self w/ Rishab Prakash

Previously on DATG: Questions to my former self w/ Aaron Lucci

Previously on DATG: Questions to my former self/ Catarina Rocha

Determination, Dedication, Self-Discipline & Recovery Run

This afternoon I was little hesitant on doing the Recovery Run, because my lower back was tight and stiff, from the previous run. Each day goes by I am getting stronger by the day and learning not to force the issue, meaning not run hard, I am in the base building stage of training and the goal is to be injury free. Never the less I went out, after doing a proper warm up consisting of dynamic drills, off I went, Unfortunately I did start my watch for the warm and cool down so I did and additional mile and half.  After completing the run, I finish preparing dinner, Bake Salmon, with Butter-squash Noddles & Sauted Brussels Sprouts. 

I am determined to complete my first Half Marathon and first real race in 20 years on October 1st, 2017 at the Smutty Nose Half Marathon at Hampton Beach, I am dedicated toward getting in shape, this requires self-discipline which is essential trait to have to the many hats that I were daily. 

#Update on Rehab | Tarali | Feeling Stronger

Quick update on my rehab feeling stronger, I have made a commitment to not overuse and over train but maintain my cardio, this week I have biked, and did some aqua jogging. Yesterday motivated by the new runners that joined the BPS XC team I decided to take heed to the Doctor's orders over at Spaulding National Running Center to run maybe twice a week but don't drop the it, in essence no need to push myself. I must believe in my own hashtag #RespectTheProcess

Can we just take a moment of silence for Pavia's Tarali Spinach wrap, Grilled Salmon, Pesto, roasted red peppers, garbonzo beans, brown rice served on a Spinach wrap. #FoodPorn 

Since Foss Running Camp I have been working hard on getting back in shape and finally addressing my issues, of Achilles tendinitis, weak left hip and flexibility. I started my rehab two weeks ago, and first started with 3 x 30 Calf raises, I was advised by Dr.Tenforde that I have two options. Option 1 Stay of my feet and continue, aqua jogging, elliptical machine & biking. Option 2 would be run twice a week, but don't force it.  I decided to mix it up lol... In a period of week I would do two days of Warmups, Dynamic Drills and run twice with the kids. 

Below is my activity from Yesterday from Strava. I must say I feel little bit better, rehab is working and I am get stronger

Foss Day 7

This may have been the most difficult day/ morning. I realized that it's over and I am returning home. For the last several days I was around kids that showed respect. Even though we currently live in two different environment we met a common ground.

I woke up about an hour or so ago, with my mind thinking and racing. Instead of preparing my cabin Team (Hingham) to prepare for morning runs, I am preparing myself to head into an environment that I feel I have been already pre-judged, an environment where i don't have the respect. Thinking about protecting myself from the preconceived notions about who I am.

For the most part people are entitled to their opinions but that doesn't constitute to who I really am. Foss brought out the greater qualities in me, I really believe I adapt to my environment. I am inspired to come home with better habits. High School Hall of Fame Coach Kevin Maloney gave me some gems, on how to navigate a successful relationship as a passionate Head Coach priority my wife
 

Foss Day 4

Another beautiful day at Camp Foss no complaints I am blessed for the opportunity, have a itchy throat, maybe I am drinking too much Chocolate milk and the mucus is building up. I started the day with a 2 mile run, my cabin "Wildcat" was responsible for the breakfast setup, after the breakfast the triathlon my BPS team had a decent Peformance they place bronze would have done better but we struggled the first leg with swimming portion.

After the triathlon I aqua jogged for 40 mins, 10 mins of aqua jogging correlates to a mile. After showering fellow camp counselor and professional runners Brian Gagon and David Goodman and Marshfield Coach Dennis Sheppard broke me in on interval workout, I am please that I finished, I am respecting the process but am pleased that if I continue I will be on course to have a successful comeback.
 

 I haven't worked out like this year. I am looking forward to everything life can provide. I am getting physically, mentally and physically stronger i need to implement everything I am learning to become the better partner, son, uncle, friend and coach. I am getting confident that I can make some changes that will benefit my love circle.

In short I am blessed on the opportunity to be unplugged by the matrix and be around the greatest coaches and runners in the State of Massachusetts
 

Foss Day 2

Good Morning Today was amazing first full day in Foss. In regards to cravings I felt I had control, had an opportunity to slide off to the local bar with other counsellors thou. Grabbed a pitcher at the local diner. 

Received some great prizes from the New Balance team. Ran 3 miles during the morning run, after lunch i had an opportunity to pick the brains of  Coach Steven McChesney and Coach George Rose during our afternoon 3 mile walk, I can't deny the feeling another day at Camp Foss I am feeling stronger, having the opportunity to have a busy schedule with Cabin Duties and chores  plus a change in environment allowed  me to change in perception and change in attitude.

 

Drake "View" Reviews

SMDH hurt myself while participating in Yoga position downward dog a few days ago, I developed a muscle spasm in below my left shoulder blade. Regardless felt good to just get out there and something in #EarlyBirdGetsTheWorm. First run in several days, slow and steady but we are working out the kinks. 

I wont front and act like I was waving the OVO Flag. I wont front I am breaking out the habit of comparing and contrasting newer artists to the Golden era artists. On the project "Life is Good" by Nas on the track "Back When" Nasir Jones is quoted with spitting, " To call them fake today it's hate| real niggas extinct 'Pac left me inside a rap world with niggas that wink| At other rappers undercover niggas spit every way|Won't be surprised if all their lives have federal plates".

Amongst the Young Thug and Migos of the world of hiphop. Aubrey Graham is positioning himself to be considered top 5 of All time period. We have all watched and witness the growth of the actor from degrassi who dropped the mixtape/EP classic "So Far Gone", has returned to your ear drums with more of that funk from the 6. 

After reviewing "View" Drake has amazed me to show his versatility and range to touch various musical genre's. I can appreciate the growth in artists, the sound of this current project shows signs of maturity. At first I was against singing on records, but as the culture evolve so does the music, I can't categorized Drizzy to the icons and legends from the pass who had an origin of the street element interwoven in their music. Drake's diverse background provides him a platform to rock out on reach records that would be considered out the league for most artists. 

The View has features from Riri, Pimp C, Wiz Kid, Popcaan, Kyla and have some dope production from Frank Dukes, Boi1da, Kany West, 40 & Nineteen85: Purchase Click on Link Here: VIEWS

Overall don't be cheap support dope music there is definitely a record out there for you and yours and the various moods we go through. Below are my favorite joints, that stood out on the first listen thru. Make sure you add this to your ipod playlist and music catalog. Salute to Drake for being verse in style mixed with ambition and drive. I would have never thought that the Greatest MC on the planet isn't from the 3 major markets of LA, NYC and Hotlanta. 

U with Me produced by 40 & Kanye West

Weston Road Flows produced by 40

Controlla produced by Boi1da, Co produced by Supa Dups & Allen Ritter

One Dance produced by nineteen85, Co Produced 40 & Wiz Kid

Grammys produced by 40 & Southside, Co Produced by Cardo & Young Exclusive