SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

I mentioned in an earlier blog entry that I have consistently run Monday through Saturday over the summer with a day off on Sunday.  Following yesterday's run on the soft grass surface my legs feel as though I've already had my day off!  I hope getting off the streets and sidewalks for a day makes you feel the same.  I am not however suggesting that you get out there and run today.  To the contrary, you should take advantage of the day off.  Relax, read a book, get some homework done!

We've been talking about our Time Trial scheduled for Monday.  Last week I told the team we may postpone it until Tuesday based on the weather.  Neither day will present ideal running conditions so I'm inclined to go with Monday when the temperature may be 4-5 degrees higher, but the humidity will be lower with a breeze.  If there are any health concerns please speak with me.  Be sure to hydrate properly.  That doesn't mean drinking a half-gallon of water at 2:00 after Monday's classes.  Start drinking water NOW and continue to do so today and tomorrow.  There is no need to be nervous about your performance in a Time Trial.  It is merely an opportunity for the coaches to evaluate each team member's current state of conditioning.  As I mentioned earlier, we will be creating no less than three running groups based on our assessment with each group assigned a different workout each day. To the elements included in our practices thus far, specifically running, core training, and stretching we will be adding weight training a couple of days per week.

For the past several years I have had the privilege of coaching Outdoor Track and Field in Abington.  I've loved my time there and each and every athlete has been a pleasure to work with.  This past season both the Boys and the Girls teams won the Sportsmanship Award in the South Shore League.  All team members, without direction from the coaches, made the decision to remain at each meet until the last event was completed and then line up to shake the hand of their opponent whether they won or lost.  The team offered water at the finish line for their opponents as well as themselves.  And of course they treated every opponent with the utmost respect.  Common courtesy resulted in team recognition.  I hope there is a lesson there to be learned by WHRHS XC!

Again, relax today . . . I'm headed out for a short run before taking in the Boston Gaelic Football and Hurling finals this afternoon.  I've already completed MY homework!  See you tomorrow!