Sunday, January 20 - Monday, January 21, 2019

Saturday's D3 Relay Meet was one of the season's highlights for me.  There were some incredible performances by local athletes, North Attleborough's High Jumper for example, and the W-H athletes were impressive as well.  Izzy's 1200, Sully's Mile and Theo's Mile stood out in particular, but certainly Nick's 400 (not to mention the handoff) and Ally Bartlett's consistency in all events were equally remarkable.  We would do that every week if it were up to me.  If you want to see a video of the meet or your particular race you can access it at the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ek0WQ2gckSU

But first things first.  Our Patriot League schedule continues this Wednesday evening versus Plymouth North.  Lineups should be available on Tuesday when we return to practice.

Many of you have taken the weekend off from running, and at this point in the season and given the weather conditions, you won't lose any conditioning and won't risk injury slipping on the icy streets.  It is also important to emphasize the need for a day off each week.  As a runner I was constantly setting goals for myself, and I recall one year I decided I would run all 365 days.  I got to the end of May when I had to visit Dr. McConville of South Shore Orthopedics for a cortisone shot in my knee.  I've never been a proponent of pushing teenage runners beyond reasonable limits.  Some of the athletes I've coached have disagreed with this approach.  But there is a reason why our better distance runners don't have injuries.  We practice and race intelligently.  While you may think my job is to win meets, I prefer to think that I am training young people in a sport they can participate in during their entire life while enjoying it.  This is not supposed to be drudgery.  There is, as you have experienced, some sacrifice and discomfort involved, but if you start young enough and progress sensibly, you'll accomplish great things in high school and beyond in running.  Be patient.  Somebody much more experienced than me has said that taking a rest day allows your body to absorb the training you have been doing and you may actually see a fitness boost following a day of rest.  Try it.  Off day today, short and easy tomorrow, prepare for Wednesday.

And on the subject of sacrifice, Happy 90th Birthday to the most influential person in my life. (MEG)