Sam Pisenti, known to his students as Coach Sam, is the beloved Physical Education teacher at Village and Whited Elementary schools in Northern California. He is also my Dad. Recently, NBC Bay Area News featured him in a segment called “A Force of Nurture” about how he’s inspired tens of thousands of students to live healthy and happy lives. When I was a teenager, my Dad decided to lose weight and get healthy, and 20 years later I see the affects in my family and in my community. I can’t think of anyone who epitomizes the values of SparkPeople—the power of one decision, one goal, one belief that the hard work is worth it--than my Dad, Coach Sam.
Watch A Force of Nurture
Here are the top five lessons that I learned from my Dad and that I’ve committed to pass on to my own children. I hope that they inspire you and that you share yours also with me.
- Start with one small goal. Over twenty years ago, Coach Sam set his first fitness goal: to walk the short, but steep, hill behind our property once per day. Now he rides several thousand miles each year on his bike. By setting small goals, you’re setting yourself up for success and creating springboards for bigger goals.
- You are strong. You can do it. Last summer, my Dad entered my young son in a 35 mile organized ride called the King’s Ridge GranFondo. During a training ride, my son stopped half way up a steep hill and started crying. He wanted to give up. My Dad gently prodded him: “You are strong. Just pick a small goal: ride to that light post. You can do it.” He made it up that hill. During the GranFondo, at the top of the highest hill, my son turned and said “if I can do this, I can do anything!” Once you catch the can-do spirit, it will take you places you never thought possible.
- Make it fun! My Dad’s taught me that fitness and fun go hand-in-hand, no matter where you are. I’ll never forget watching him and my brother take the stage at a wedding and turn the dance floor into a huge aerobics class. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen a bride and groom having a ball, doing the grapevine across the floor with their guests.
- When challenges come (and they will), make adjustments. Early on, my Dad discovered that he was really good at running. He was posting strong times in 10K races and then he injured his back. His running career was effectively over. It was because of that challenge, that he discovered how much he loves road cycling and he’s really good at it too. He also discovered swimming, hiking and mountain biking. If it wasn’t for challenges, he may not have discovered activities that have become part of his daily routine and that are now huge blessings to our whole family.
- Do what you love. My Dad picked a career that he’s good at and that he loves, regardless of how well it pays or what other people think about it. We can’t walk around town without bumping into his current and former students, many of which now have their own kids, and some are now teachers themselves. Imagine how great this world would be if we all made that choice.
It is never too late to make healthy choices. When the going gets tough, remember that you will reap the rewards in yourself and in those you love. As Coach Sam says, “Keep going. Never stop.”
What keeps your going towards your goals? What is your inspiration?
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