OPTIMISM

Thank you to all who attended last nights Athletic First Night.  Seeing a lot of new faces and many of the veterans "warmed the cockles of my heart."  (Medical professionals may see the irony in that.)  I do hope however that we can muster even more support for our teams and that veterans who did not make it to last night's event are still on board for what I am counting on being a monumental season.  Admittedly, the XC and T&F programs have taken a hit with the addition of other sports such as Field Hockey and Lacrosse.  And we have always, it seems, lost many good young athletes who choose to continue in soccer, a sport on which many of them grew up.  Perfectly understandable.  In high school I chose football after running one year of XC, but have spent the rest of my life wondering why!

I usually approach events like last evening with some skepticism about the value of such a gathering, but I think Mr. Rodgers put together an entertaining and extremely informative program.  Lexie was excellent as usual, and if Steve Marciano's candid account of the death of his brother, Peter, didn't scare you straight, I don't know what will. I got a lot out of the program and hope that you did as well.  Those interested should check out the Facebook page for Whitman Hanson Will.  You will probably note that Track & Field, in a metaphorical way, contributes pictorially.

I am hoping to post the summer training plans to the blog later today.  I may have to hire a good IT guy to get it accomplished, but I want everybody to know what is expected.  In the meantime, if you want a copy of the training plans, send me an e-mail I'll get it right to you.  For the record, I don't expect everybody to follow it precisely.  Adjustments should be made based on your ability, experience, and level of fitness.  Just two items of note.  First, Easy running should make up about 80% of your total mileage.  More will ultimately slow you down.  Less will ultimately wear you down.  Second, is the issue of accountability.  I mentioned last evening that no other sport demands the preparation required to realize your fullest potential in distance running.  It literally takes two to three years to even get to the point where you can approach that level.  If you have questions or concerns about your training plan, I encourage, no . . . make a plea, for you to contact me.  e-mail me stevegeo@post.harvard.edu  or text me at 781-367-8487 (with your name included in text.)  We have a myriad of ability levels on the team.  30 miles per week may be enough for an incoming freshman, but it is probably not enough for a Junior in his/her third year of distance running.  We can tweak the training plan to meet your needs and abilities. While you may be expected to follow the easy/hard sequence of your plan, we can adjust distances and times to your specific level.

This year I am not asking you kids to provide me with training logs when we return.  I will know what you have done when I see you in August.  I would however suggest that you use the training plan not only as a guide but a log by crossing off each workout after completion.  After decades of running and maintaining a log I can speak to the value of knowing what you've done and what was/is required for improvement.

That's all for now . . . please check back regularly.  In the meantime I've got to get a techie in here . . .