First "Fun Friday" - September 1

The task of "team building" is often difficult in a sport such as Cross Country which is so dependent upon individual performance.  You have shown a remarkable cohesiveness in the face of constant competition among yourselves.  Over the next two months you will go out one day each week and attempt to prove you are better than the competition from other schools.  What I find eXCeptional is that you compete with each other on a daily basis and not only remain friends but support and encourage each other at every opportunity.  In the "long run" that is one of the great life lessons we take from athletics.

The friendly competition was evidenced in yesterday's 1200s workout as each of the 17 participants consistently surpassed the goals I set for them while chasing down a teammate who, at this point, might be just a tad quicker.  I really enjoy watching you laugh, joke and kid each other during core and stretching which serve the additional benefit of team building.

More team building today and tomorrow.  First, one of the things I really looked forward to doing this season was working with Coach S, with whom I have worked with at two other schools.  Our training philosophies are quite similar as you would imagine, but I knew he would bring an element, one that I certainly can't do as well, of team building to our routine.  That said, today is your first XC "Fun Friday."  The name, I think was created by the kids we coached long ago, but perhaps not.  It is however, what I know it as.  So, following our EASY run today, Coach S will introduce you to one of his exercise "games" to finish up your day.  He will also introduce a format for tomorrow's practice which will include a 5K competitive run on our home course.  More details will be provided at 2:30 on the Track, but for now the important details include today's 2:30 EASY run, and tomorrow's TEMPO format which gets under way at 8:00 AM.  Just one more detail regarding Saturday.  Teams, comprised of ALL team members,will be chosen by our Captains today.  If you don't show up Saturday, YOUR team will be impacted.

See you at 2:30!