TWO WEEKS . . . TO THE MINUTE!

It is now 2:30 on August 13 and as I sit down to start this entry I find myself stunned that our formal season starts precisely two weeks from now!  I can't explain why, I knew it was coming and I have prepared appropriately. I'm ready to get started.  Actually, I can't wait to get started.  I guess the question that comes immediately to mind is, "Are you ready?"  When we met in the Library some time ago, you were given a handout with the suggested Summer Training Plan.  For many it may have seemed an aggressive plan.  It was purposely aggressive but reasonable based on several factors.  First, it allowed for a relatively easy starting point for both the experienced and novice runner.  Second, from that starting  point it called for slow and steady progression in order to result in each athlete being healthy and strong for the upcoming season. Third, both the Boys and Girls teams have enormous potential and following the plan, in my opinion, would insure realizing that potential.  Finally, many of our returning runners believed that last year's plan was not as aggressive as they would have liked.  Over the years I've coached hundreds of extraordinary runners at several schools.  In that time I've learned to be flexible in my coaching technique, reacting each year to variables such as the size of the team, the history of injuries, the age of the athletes, as well as the abilities of each team member.  But I am also a good listener.  Many team members wanted to work hard this summer and I listened to them.  But if I've learned anything from the past it is that it is difficult, if not impossible, to sustain aggressive training for six months, effectively the length of our season.  Those that are prepared on August 27th will, in all likelihood, see a drop in weekly mileage and conditioning exercises as we progress through the strength and speed segments of our season.  Those that have not followed the plan on the other hand will be asked to work very hard in order to become race ready.  We have Invitational Meets scheduled for September 12 (Martha's Vineyard) and September 19 (Amherst.)  Only seven members from each team will be participating in these meets.  Those seven will be chosen based in large part on their summer preparation.  For those of you who have not prepared properly, take heart, there will be other opportunities.  In addition to our regular dual meet schedule we have additional meets in which entries must meet time standards in order to participate.  You can start that quest TODAY!  This is my final appeal for you to get going.  We will have three days (August 27, 28 and 29) of practice prior to a Time Trial on August 31st.  During those three days the coaching staff will create several training groups based on each team member's current level of conditioning.  Athletes will train with teammates of comparable abilities and will progress up through the ranks as his/her performances allow.  It is our hope that each and every athlete achieve his/her greatest potential during the season and make valuable contributions to the success of the team. How soon you reach that level is really up to you.  So get out there, NOW!  Enjoy the rest of your summer, run safely and get ready for what I know will be a great experience.  GO PANTHERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!