Train for Greatness, the John Simon Way

A certain young man strives for excellence on the football field. He lifts weights and otherwise trains his body in such a way that the exercises serve as a pathway to greatness on the gridiron. The quest to build his body and enhance his game began at age 3, when he imitated his father’s exercises with the iron. Now a college sophomore, the young man has solidified a reputation as a training fanatic who is obsessed with maximizing his talent. Many observers believe he has a legitimate shot at an NFL career. More important, the young man realizes that the training provides its own prize: the satisfaction of doing his best, every day, in an effort to make himself and his team better. Whether he is rewarded for his effort with individual honors or a pro career are secondary concerns. To Ohio State defensive lineman John Simon, it is all about the journey and not about the destination.

His strength coach states that Simon has the work ethic and work capacity equivalent to any other 3 players, combined. Much of the year, Simon trains twice each day: once with the team and once on his own. Through the years he has honed and customized his individual training routine in such a way that it maximizes his attributes and addresses his deficiencies in a systematized manner. He emphasizes limit strength, sustained endurance, explosion, and faster reactions. He possesses an internal drive and a non-stop motor that power his way toward success. “I’ve just got to keep working hard every day to help the team any way I can,” he said. Do you train for greatness, every day and every way?

From September 2010, http://raising-a-man.tumblr.com