songs of experience

Five years ago, my seejanerun group decided on the Geese Flying South reading as our de facto mission statement. When I did a Google search for “Geese Flying South” I was delighted to discover that I wasn’t alone in my appreciation for this creed. As we head into the championship season for cross-country teams all across the nation (middle school, high school, college, club), I thought it might be a good idea to offer this wonderful reading for all the coaches out there who may need something to pass out in their final team meeting before Conference, or States, or Nationals. Honk, honk!!

This fall when you see geese heading south for the winter, flying along in a “V” formation, you might be interested in knowing what science has discovered about why they fly that way. It has been learned that as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock gains at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. (People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another).

Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front. (If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed the same way we are going). When the lead goose gets tired, she rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point. (It pays to take turns doing the hard jobs - with other people or with geese flying south!). The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. (What do we say when we honk from behind?)

Finally, (now I want you to get this) when a goose gets sick or is wounded by gun shot and falls out, two geese fall out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with the fallen goose until it is either able to fly or until it is dead. Only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation, to catch up with their group. (If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other like that).