Hi Team,
What a tremendous start to the 2018 season!!
Our first official race was a kick off for what is gearing up to be a special season. O'Melveny is one of the most enjoyable courses and parks we have the pleasure of racing in and this year didn't disappoint.
Athletes, as you review your race understand your time should compare closely to the El Cariso race so use that as somewhat of a gauge of your performance. Even though I ran into one athlete who improved around 5 minutes!!! I say somewhat because ultimately every course is challenging in its own way and although they are technically supposed to be the same distance, often times they differ by anywhere from feet to yards. So, how do you really gauge your performance each week? I'm glad you asked… The primary way is by your place overall. The most important measurement in cross-country is your place. Keep in mind that week by week there are other athletes not competing so you have to take that into consideration. If you want to improve each week, my recommendation is to identify your competition and work to pick one off at a time. Some of you who are new to running will have a break through one of these weeks and realize you can push just a little harder and catapult yourself up the rankings! Some of you are racing conservatively and need a little kick in the pants, maybe even a big one. Some of you are in the top 8 and might be thinking you've got your spot secured. Consider this the kick in the pants for all of you!! You've been training hard, you gotta race like you train. My challenge for all is to continue to push yourself to be better! Work a little harder in practice, focus a little more, be a little better teammate, and translate that all into racing your brains out! We had 13 athletes in the top 8 across all divisions, not including sub gremlins. We have a few right on the cusp of breaking the top 8. We are the team all others are gunning for! Run with pride, run with confidence, and let's keep moving up the rankings!!
Parents, thanks for your involvement in your kids' lives! We have always enjoyed your support over the years, but this year it seems we have an even bigger group of coaching/support parents. I know for many it's turned into your workout as well so you are welcome! I know how difficult the commitments can be to get kids to events. So thank you for your investment and support…
How about a reminder on nutrition: about a week ago one of our new youth athletes was complaining about stomach cramps during practice. I often will probe about nutrition when I get that complaint. I simply asked him to step me through what he ate from breakfast to practice and as I counted the calories I found he was severely deficient in nutrition. Keep in mind that when you under-eat, your body has to get fuel somehow. When you come to practice already deficient, your body will start eating itself in essence giving you the feeling of cramping. I instructed this great athlete to eat more and more frequently and guess what, no more cramps!! Eat a big breakfast, snack before lunch, eat a big lunch, then snack a couple hours before practice. Don't forget to drink water throughout the day and some electrolyte an hour before coming to practice. You can't fuel a Ferrari with low octane fuel!!
Coming up this week we are preparing for the invitational at Central Park. This is our home turf so LET'S GET READY TO RUUUMMMMMBBBBBLLLLLEEEEE! We'll be pushing hard still in practice but maybe we'll run just a little less to get your legs ready…. Come with a great attitude, ready to improve, and let's have a great week!!!
You are the best!
Coach Jeremy
