Growing up, Jill Geer wanted to be a professional football player. But she chose track and field because she could control her own destiny -- she could depend on herself to win a race.The former sports writer is now the chief public affairs officer for USA Track & Field. Under her leadership, USATF has navigated the evolving world of digital media,?marketing and sponsorship.?Shes worked with many champion athletes and witnessed competitors break more than 30 world records.As she prepares for the Olympics in Rio next month, Geer is managing to remain calm, particularly amid the the disparaging headlines surrounding USATFs long-term sponsorship agreement with Nike. Geer, who is married and has a 10-year-old son named Hayden, opens the door to her busy life.?Coolest moment?In 2014, several members of the 1968 Olympic track and field team returned to Echo Summit, California, where the 1968 Olympic trials were held, and we had a ceremony honoring them.I had the opportunity to speak in front of the one group of people I would refer to as truly my heroes. They were men who were important to society, to the Olympic movement and to human rights as well. When I spoke, I saw my hero, bronze medalist John Carlos -- who raised a black-gloved fist during the American national anthem at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City -- nodding his head and telling me to preach. And at that moment, knowing that these men whom I thought were so important felt understood and appreciated almost moved me to tears.Focus to overcome obstacles?The correlation between distance running and any job is the ability to focus and overcome distractions, overcome pain and discomfort, whether its personal, physical or professional, to get something done. The things I am most proud of at work are often times where we face a great challenge and figure it out.Running the worldWhile traveling is a great way to get out and see the world, the fact is that once I reach my destination, Im working. I dont run on treadmills; I go out into the city and run. At various cities, running has become my sightseeing because there is too much work to be done to be doing any vacationing.Have perspectiveDont take anything personally, and then you can deal with whatever the issue is in a professional way. The most important thing in dealing with a sensitive issue or a crisis is to first take a step back. When its a sensitive topic, especially in the social media world, you have to step back and see: Who is it coming from and how many people are really contributing?In the social media world, very few people get very active on social to say positive things. Its important to keep perspective with any issue. Acknowledge concern while pointing out factual basis.Positive thinking is keyThe great thing is that whether its the Olympic trials -- which last for a week and a half in Oregon -- or the Olympic Games or any of our events, regardless of if you are ready for them, they arrive, they start, they happen, they finish and they go great! Its just something that we manage. We do what we need to do to succeed, just like our championship athletes.Anything a guy can do, I can doWhen I was an athlete, or even as a professional, whether its right or wrong, Ive never self-identified first as a female. I never thought of myself as a female athlete or a woman in sports. Ive been an athlete and a person in sports first. For me that was a good thing because it meant that in no way I limited myself throughout my whole life. Anything a guy can do, I can do. That was never even a question.Sisterhood in sportsIm really appreciative of the sisterhood Ive always had with female journalists. Women in sports just have a different kind of experience than men in sports.Be gratefulNo job is cool every day, and every job has days where you wonder what youre doing. But if youre fortunate enough to get a cool job, it is so important to be grateful for the job you have and to the people who helped you get there.Always try new thingsPushing yourself out of your comfort zone is how you grow and really stay engaged in your job. Ive been here for 16 years, and this job has never been boring to me. That is one of the highest compliments I can give a job because to not burn out after 16 years is saying something for me.Byron Linnell Edwards is a run coach, marathoner and triathlete. The former entertainment executive spent his formative years working in public relations and event logistics at Viacom (BET Networks), Roc Nation, Huff Events & PR, and Urban League while doing social media and digital consulting on a number of projects within entertainment and creative properties. Follow him?@ByronLinnell.? Cheap Costa Rica Jerseys . 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Could they mimic the Orlando 2008-09 season?RosterLost: Al Horford, Jeff Teague, Lamar PattersonAdded: Dwight Howard, Jarrett Jack, Malcolm Delaney, Taurean Prince, DeAndre Dembry, Isaia CordinierStar: Dwight Howard. He looks rejuvenated and has plenty to prove to the league. Breakout: Dennis Schroder. The starting point guard role is his, and he should flourish in it.Last Season: Same old Atlanta, no finisher. 48-34Projection: Dwight the difference maker, 48-34 record (4th)Boston CelticsTheyve brought in Al Horford and No. 3 draft pick Jaylen Brown. Is this their time? Are the pieces finally falling the right way for the Celtics to return to the top and be consistent contenders?RosterLost:?Jared Sullinger, Evan Turner, John HollandAdded: Al Horford, Jaylen Brown, Gerald Green, Guerschon Yabusele, Ante Zizic, Demetrius Jackson, Ben Bentil, Abdel Nader.Star: Isaiah Thomas. He will lead the Celtics back into the Eastern Conference Finals as the No. 2 seed.Breakout: Avery Bradley. He is always a contender for Defensive Player of the Year but this season he can really exploit the other end of his game.Last Season: Showed theyre almost ready to return to the top; 48-34 Projection: Should the Cavs be worried? 53-29 record (2nd)Brooklyn NetsThings have been ugly in Brooklyn for a long time, and the forecast for darkness lingers. Theyve cleared out the big contracts and look set to bottom out before attacking the trade period or waiting for free agency next year.RosterLost:?Donald Sloan, Thaddeus Young, Jarrett Jack, Sergey Karasev, Shane Larkin, Markel Brown, Wayne Ellington, Willie Reed.Added: Anthony Bennett, Jeremy Lin, Trevor Booker, Randy Foye, Justin Hamilton, Joe Harris, Luis Scola, Greivis Vasquez, Caris LeVert, Isaiah WhiteheadStar: Jeremy Lin. Linsanity is back in NYC, this time hoping to turn around a broken Brooklyn franchise.Breakout: Impossible to pick but lets hope that Anthony Bennett can show he can play in this league.Last Season: Second last in the East; 21-61 recordProjection: Bottom of the East; 20-62 record (14th)Charlotte HornetsTheyre close but theyre not close enough. Will welcome back Michael Kidd-Gilchrist to their starting five, hoping his perimeter defensive work along with interior work of Roy Hibbert can set up a fast break style of play.RosterLost:?Al Jefferson, Courtney Lee, Jeremy Lin, Troy DanielsAdded: Roy Hibbert, Brian Roberts, Ramon Sessions, Christian Wood, Marco BelinelliStar: Kemba Walker. He has so much talent waiting to explode out of him; this is the season it happens.Breakout: Roy Hibbert. We havent seen the Roy of old since he left Indiana. His defensive prowess will return in Charlotte.Last Season: Good team, just not great; 48-34Projection: Things going south; 39-43 record (9th)Chicago BullsTheir off-season strategy has been to buck the NBA trend of falling in love with the three-point shot to load up on players who can shoot only from inside 20 feet. Fred Hoiberg will need to pull a rabbit out of the hat if they want to compete in the playoffs.RosterLost:?Aaron Brooks, Pau Gasol, ETwaun Moore, Joakim Noah, Mike Dunleavy, Derrick Rose, Justin Holiday, Cameron BairstowAdded: Denzel Valentine, Paul Zipser, Isaiah Canaan, Spencer Dinwiddle, Rajon Rondo, Dwyane Wade, Robin Lopez, Jerian GrantStar: Jimmy Butler. Hes the future of the franchise and needs to be given the keys to drive.Breakout: Doug McDermott. The Bulls need knock-down shooters, and Dougie fits the bill.Last Season: Injuries cruelled them; 42-40Projection: Not sure what is happening in Chicago; 36-46 record (11th)Cleveland CavaliersThe defending champions will be looking to go back to back with LeBron seeking to make his seventh consecutive trip to the NBA Finals.RosterLost:Matthew Dellavedova, Timofey Mozgov, Sasha Kaun, Dahntay JonesAdded: Chris Anderson, Mike Dunleavy, Kay FelderStar: LeBron James. Did you expect it to be anybody else?Breakout: Kevin Love. Sounds weird, we know, but hell return to Minnesota form.Last Season: Champions. 57-25 record.Projection: Can the Cavs do it again? We say theyll post a 59-23 record (1st).Detroit PistonsStan Van Gundy is a mastermind who will extract all that he can out of this talented squad. Andre Drummond should burst out of the blocks and control games without Reggie Jackson; once their point guard returns, theyll settle into a nice rhythm.RosterLost:?Anthony Tolliver, Spencer Dinwiddie, Jodie Meeks, Joel AnthonyAdded: Ish Smith, Jon Leuer, Boban Marjanovic, Henry Ellenson, Michael GbinijeStar: Andre Drummond. Hes a monster inside the paint on both ends.Breakout: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. One of the better perimeter defenders will take the next step toward being a two-way star.Last Season: Van Gundy showed his coaching prowess; 44-38.Projection: Will sneak into the playoffs, but can they do damage? 41-41 record (8th).Indiana PacersEastern Conference sleepers who have the tools to really challenge and rattle cages in the playoffs. Everyone remembers Paul Georges injury but many forget he was once an MVP contender; hell return to that level.RosterLost:?Jordan Hill, Ty Lawson, Solomon Hill, Ian Mahinmi, George Hill, Shayne WhittingtonAdded: Georges Niang, Aaron Brooks, Al Jefferson, Kevin Seraphin, Jeremy Evans, Jeff Teague, Thaddeus YoungStar: Paul George. He will be spoken about as one of the best two-way players in the game once again.Breakout: Myles Turner. High-octane big man who runs the floor all day long.Last Season: Heading in the righht direction; 45-37.dddddddddddd?Projection: Watch out Eastern Conference; 48-34 record (6th).Miami HeatBaffling is the best way to describe the Heats off-season. They didnt want to pay Dwyane Wade the big bucks so they let him walk, and now the Chris Bosh looks likely to stall. The glory days are well and truly over.RosterLost:?Dwyane Wade, Luol Deng, Joe Johnson, Gerald Green, Dorell Wright, Amare StoudemireAdded: Luke Babbitt, Dion Waiters, Wayne Ellington, James Johnson, Willie Reed, Beno Udrih, Derrick WilliamsStar: Hassan Whiteside. With Wade gone its his turn to take control.Breakout: Justise Winslow. Will get plenty of opportunity this seasonLast Season: Transition from Big Three still hanging around; 48-34.Projection: Wheels have fallen off the bandwagon; 36-46 record (10th).Milwaukee BucksShaping as big-time contenders for the East before Khris Middleton went down with injury, but there is still plenty of optimism surrounding the playing group. Jabari Parker and Giannis Antetokounmpo look primed to lead the Bucks, and are putting the rest of the conference on notice. Fear the Deer.RosterLost:?Jerryd Bayless, Greivis Vasquez, Tyler Ennis, Johnny OBryant, Damien Inglis, O.J Mayo.Added: Thon Maker, Malcolm Brogdon, Mirza Teletovic, Jason Terry, Michael Beasley, Matthew Dellavedova.Last Season: Youth, and found their feet late; 33-49.Projection: This is the Bucks time to shine; 45-37 record (5th).Star: Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak is an enigma, and he will continue to puzzle teams this season with his unique skills.Breakout: John Henson. Going to show that he is one of the better rim protectors in the game.New York KnicksDerrick Rose made the bold proclamation that the Knicks and the Warriors had each built a super team. Unfortunately for Derrick, that statement is only 50 percent accurate. The Knicks could be fun to watch, but theyre a long way off being super.RosterLost:?Arron Afflalo, Langston Galloway, Kevin Seraphin, Derrick Williams, Jose Calderon, Jerian Grant, Robin Lopez, Tony WrotenAdded: Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Willy Hernangomez, Brandon Jennings, Mindaugas Kuzminskas, Courtney Lee, Maurice Daly Ndour, Marshall Plumlee, Justin HolidayStar: Kristaps Porzingis. The draw card, but can his game continue to expand?Breakout: Brandon Jennings. Hell love the attention NYC brings, and will shine under the bright lights.Last Season: Apart from Kristaps; it was dire in NYC. 32-50.Projection: Knicks fans and media will not be happy; 35-47 record (12th).Orlando MagicPlenty of changeover in Orlando, and a couple of odd picks up for big money. The Jeff Green signing is a bit perplexing, as theyre quite loaded at the small forward position, but frontcourt of Bismack Biyombo and Serge Ibaka is a defensive nightmare for opposing teams. Can Orlando produce some magic and make a playoff push?RosterLost: Brandon Jennings, Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilyasova, Shabazz Napier, Andrew Nicholson, Dewayne Dedmon, Jason Smith, Devyn MarbleAdded: Serge Ibaka, Jeff Green, Bismack Biyombo, Jodie Meeks, DJ Augustin, Stephen Zimmerman, Cliff Alexander, Damjan Rudez, C.J WilcoxStar: Nikola Vucevic. Big man in the low block is so important to the offensive structure.Breakout: Mario Hezonja. Athletic as they come and ready to burst onto everyones radar.Last Season: Fun and energetic, with growing pains; 35-47.Projection: Plenty of promise but roster doesnt work; 32-50 record (13th).Philadelphia 76ersLook at the positives; they should double their win total from last season. The process is taking a long time to pay off, although they looked like they were on their way before injury struck Ben Simmons. Joel Embiid will still ensure plenty of people tune in for their games.RosterLost :Kendall Marshall, Ish Smith, Carl Landry, Christian Wood, Isaiah CanaanAdded: Ben Simmons, Dario Saric, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Furkan Korkmaz, Jerryd Bayless, Gerald Henderson, Sergio Rodriquez.Star: Ben Simmons. Brought all of the hype to breaking point, but can he make the floor?Breakout: Joel Embiid. Finally on the floor and looks set to showcase his skillset.Last Season: Tanking in full effect; 10-72.Projection: Better but not great; 21-62 record (15th).Toronto RaptorsLooked to be genuine threats to the Eastern Conference throne last year but peaked too early. Can they time their run better this season and take down the King?RosterLost:?Bismack Biyombo, James Johnson, Luis Scola, Jason ThompsonAdded: Jakob Poeltl, Jared Sullinger, Pascal SiakamStar: DeMar DeRozan. He signed a mega contract and now its time to deliver.Breakout: Terrence Ross. He can fade in and out, but this is the season he pieces it together.Last Season: Lost Eastern Conference Final. 56-26 record.Projection: Wanting to go one further; 51-31 record (3rd).Washington WizardsCan John Wall and Bradley Beal stay healthy for an entire season together? If the answer to that question is yes then theyll be a handful for opposing teams. Looking to return to the playoffs, and will prove to be a tough out behind an improved roster.RosterLost:?Alan Anderson, Jared Dudley, Nene, Ramon Sessions,, Garrett Temple, Drew GoodenAdded: Ian Mahinmi, Andrew Nicholson, Johnny OBryant, Jason SmithLast Season: Swallowed up in East that lifted as a whole; 41-41.Projection: The Wizards will run teams off the floor; 43-29 record (7th).Star: John Wall. Roadrunner speed and ready to elevate to the next level.Breakout: Otto Porter. Solid wing defender who will become reliable on offensive end.Projected East Standings1. Cleveland Cavaliers2. Boston Celtics3. Toronto Raptors4. 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