Where have you been?

OK, I haven't posted on the blog for about 6 weeks.  Not a big deal really.  Only a couple of you have asked why.  And the question posed in today's subject is not a reference to my absence . . . but yours.  The Captains started Tuesday/Thursday Conditioning sessions . . . 6 weeks ago, ironically.  That's where I've been.

We get under way for real on Thursday, August 24 at a time to be determined.  My goal for August 24 is to have at least 7 Boys and 7 Girls capable of completing the 5K distance.  Not a lofty goal, but after many years of coaching young people I've learned each one has his/her own ability, potential and level of commitment. On August 24, you will be tested on each of those elements, after which you will have 13 days to get ready for the team's first meet versus North Quincy.   I am very confident we will have 7 committed Boys and 7 committed Girls when we get underway.   From there it will be Martha's Vineyard for 14 deserving athletes.

There will be changes this year.  Joining us this year will be Coach Steve Schlicting who worked with our Track & Field team last winter. He brings a wealth of experience and you will find him to be a great motivator.    Coach Dawn Berens will again be joining us as an Assistant Coach.  Those who have not been keeping up with the core training will become very familiar with Coach Berens early in our season.  Praemonitus, praemunitas!  The Coaches are dedicated to making this season a fabulous experience for all of you.

The plan right now is to immediately identify the training and conditioning levels of all team members and group them accordingly.  We will hold a time trial on the first day of practice to help in this process. Each group will then work with one of the 3 coaches depending upon what the training plan calls for.  Some may work independently based our evaluations. Nobody will be placed in a position to be injured.  Soreness is inevitable, serious injury is preventable.  We will watch each of you closely to insure your safety and equally as important, your enjoyment.  Two of the keys to hot weather running are hydration and acclimation.  You should be drinking water constantly (you know what I mean) in the heat.  The following article is appropriate and important reading on this subject:

https://hubpages.com/health/Urine-Color-Chart-and-Meaning

If you have not yet started running . . . start.  It will take you 7-14 days of exercising in the heat to properly acclimate.  You'll need about one hour of exercise on each of those days to be fully acclimated.  Anything less and you run the risk of cramps and dehydration.  If you want to fully participate in early season practices, prepare.  You will be asked about your summer training and exercise routine when we convene on August 24.  Those not physically prepared will necessarily be placed in a group of similarly conditioned athletes.

One of the wonderful things I experienced in my many years of running was training at various sites throughout the Northeast.  I have had the opportunity to run in literally thousands of places I might not have otherwise visited.  My local favorite has always been World's End in Hingham.  Despite the challenging hills, the ocean breezes make World's End a phenomenal spot to train.  Details on how to get there are readily available on the internet.  The video found at the following link also provides a glimpse of this beautiful area:

http://www.thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/south-shore/wev.html

Check back soon.  While I may no longer be in "running mode" I am grateful to be in "coaching mode" and my plan is to return to "blogging mode" on a more consistent basis.

Get out there and have a great day!