One week . . .

When you're in the middle of winter, college exam period, or in the latter stages of pregnancy, one week can seem interminable.  For prospective High School Cross Country runners though, a week can pass in a flash, especially the week prior to starting your season. From what we've seen and heard thus far we anticipate many levels of fitness among our team members.  We should be able to rein in those who have over trained to insure each individual achieves his/her maximum potential. We are hopeful we have a solid core of Boys and Girls who have followed the prescribed training plan and will arrive two months or so short of peaking (a process which many theorists believe takes about 24 weeks.)  We are well aware some of you will arrive unable to complete a time trial of 2 miles let alone a 5K.  HOWEVER . . . we are prepared to work with all of you, regardless of your fitness or training level.

If you have not started training the process may be somewhat painful.  We, of course, would have preferred you experience delayed muscle onset soreness (DOMS) in June or July, but we can get you through it.  We have a lot of things planned and feel certain that changes we will be making will provide fun while also getting you to where you want to be.  When we meet next Thursday at 8:00AM on the Track you will be asked the following:

1.  How many days per week have you been running?
2.  What was your long run this summer?
3. What individual running goals do you have for the season?
4.  What injuries have you experienced through running?

Following that short meeting we will warm up and run a two mile time trial.  The purpose of the time trial is to give us an idea of what training phase you are in currently.  From there you will be grouped with runners of comparable fitness.  The rest of your initial practice will consist only of what you are capable. For some it may be supplemental running.  For others it may be conditioning drills.  Still others will be somewhere in between. We will accommodate every fitness level. All that said, there is no need to be nervous or worried.  My expectations are never unrealistic or even that high really.  I know there will be enough of you ready on Day 1 to insure we accomplish team goals, and I have every reason to believe that between August 24 and the end of the season you will accomplish your own goals as well.

One week . . . can't wait to get started!

Special note of thanks to those who participated in last evening's Back on My Feet Franklin Park 5K - Nicole Norve, Camryn Boyce, Julia Cosgrave, Victoria Carleton and Victoria Boss all put forth a great effort for a great cause.  Results can be found at:

 http://www.coolrunning.com/results/17/ma/Aug16_backon_set1.shtml