The word takes on several connotations. For example, 2:30 on a weekday for most of you means heading to practice. It's automatic, you get there. If a little rain is added to the equation, it may instinctive for some to not want to practice. A day off, automatically. THANK YOU to all of you who showed up today in the face of a forecast calling for torrential downpours. We ended up squeezing our run in between the showers. We always stress consistency and commitment. These teams have both, and those traits will serve you well in the weeks ahead. The desire to be the best, or to win, is an involuntary reflex . . . automatic. The ability to win however comes only from hard work and determination, not so "automatic." Continue to work hard every day at practice. Do your very best at every opportunity. Do it here in XC and it will be an automatic response to every challenge you face in the future.
Two athletes who rose to the challenge yesterday received game balls for their effort. Before the Girls meet I suggested to several of the athletes that a nine year winning streak depended upon their being better than they had ever been before. A lot of pressure for some of the youngsters, who by the way, all ran splendid races. One, Lily Perkins, was visibly anxious prior to the race, but overcame that to finish 4th for our team and keep the meet very close. Great job Lily!
For the Boys another great surprise this year has been Patrick Duffey. Despite this being his first year in XC he has been a valuable contributor and yesterday was a great example of his value to the team. His ONE second victory over two Plymouth North runners "sealed the deal" for the Boys who now stand at 4-0! The victory did not come easy, but Patrick ran the last 50 Meters at a sprinter's pace and held on. Superb effort!
A few entries back I mentioned a stationary bike workout to develop some speed in your distance running. I offered to use myself as the guinea pig to determine if it works. I have not, after three workouts, been able to race. However, I can state with some degree of certainty that it makes me feel faster. My workout has been 2 Minutes at a regular pace followed by 15 seconds at the fastest pace possible times 6 with a 2 minute cooldown at the end. Approximately 16 minutes on the bike. I do the workout in addition to my regular running and I heartily recommend it to you. It will be even more advantageous if you shorten those easy portions of the ride. Give it a try. I assure you it will not adversely impact you and may help you improve those results.
I have not yet determined the specifics of tomorrow's workout, but reading the Blog every day should come "automatically." So check in tomorrow for the details.
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