Darts -
I am always amazed at how quickly the weeks fly by in the summer. With 4 weeks reported, we are already 1/3 of the way through our summer mileage. We are doing very well for the most part. We are on TEAM record pace for both the boys and the girls - and I can tell that many of you are working hard and taking your summer base training seriously. I also feel that some of you are struggling to get going (or to keep going), so the topic for the email this week is motivation . . .
Mid Summer Motivation - As we hit the middle weeks of the summer, I know it gets hotter and it gets harder to stay motivated for a season that doesn't start until the end of August. I have always felt like these middle summer weeks really separate the weak from the strong. I hope that all of you are determined to stay strong and to fight through these weeks with our season in mind. We are going to have a tough TEAM this fall with a lot of depth, endurance, strength, guts, and speed - but it is going to take some uncomfortable work in the middle of the summer (these next 5 weeks). I hope all of you are on board with working together to get there. You athletes who are new to cross country are really in for a fun time. DXC is about running with heart and running with guts. It is a lot of work, but the rewards far exceed the effort. I think the following tips can help you to get out of bed and get after your training when it gets challenging:
1) Run in the morning. It is cooler and it is much easier to motivate yourselves than when it gets to be the afternoon. Plus then you won't stress about it all day. Running in the evening can also be really fun (especially with friends) - just be safe. If the only time you can run is mid day, still get it in. Just go a few less miles, plan your run so you can drink water at a few stops, and enjoy getting a nice summer tan.
2) Set some goals - an overall summer mileage goal (if you don't already have one), weekly mileage goals, season racing goals - and write them down and keep them in a place where you can see them on a daily basis (by your bed, on your mirror, etc). Don't be afraid to dream big - and always try to make a plan about how you are going to get there. I think it is so important to have a purpose when you are training - not just going through the motions.
3) Be patient with your training. It may take some time to get to where you want to be. Don't get discouraged if you are not as fast as you want to be right away or if you run into some challenges on your way. One of the things I love about running is that you have to work for what you get. Also - avoid comparing yourself to other people. Work on being your own individual best. Realize that all the great runners (even the ones on our TEAM) had to work to get to where they are. It takes time and you will see ups and downs.
4) Find motivation online (videos, articles, quotes) - Share your favorites on the TEAM facebook page. One of my favorite cross country videos is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylYPm7V2qCU (you should all watch it). Here's another one - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh9jAD1ofm4 (Michael Phelps). I'll try to share some more over the next few weeks. Watch some of the Olympic Trials track races this next week. Watch videos or read articles on dyestat.com, letsrun.com, flotrack.org, runnerspace.com, runnersworld.com or other running websites. I can even find motivation by looking at Twitter - but that is because I primarily follow runners and running related accounts. Follow the Davis Cross Country and track Twitter if you have an account. Follow the Davis Cross Country Facebook page.
2) Set some goals - an overall summer mileage goal (if you don't already have one), weekly mileage goals, season racing goals - and write them down and keep them in a place where you can see them on a daily basis (by your bed, on your mirror, etc). Don't be afraid to dream big - and always try to make a plan about how you are going to get there. I think it is so important to have a purpose when you are training - not just going through the motions.
3) Be patient with your training. It may take some time to get to where you want to be. Don't get discouraged if you are not as fast as you want to be right away or if you run into some challenges on your way. One of the things I love about running is that you have to work for what you get. Also - avoid comparing yourself to other people. Work on being your own individual best. Realize that all the great runners (even the ones on our TEAM) had to work to get to where they are. It takes time and you will see ups and downs.
4) Find motivation online (videos, articles, quotes) - Share your favorites on the TEAM facebook page. One of my favorite cross country videos is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylYPm7V2qCU (you should all watch it). Here's another one - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh9jAD1ofm4 (Michael Phelps). I'll try to share some more over the next few weeks. Watch some of the Olympic Trials track races this next week. Watch videos or read articles on dyestat.com, letsrun.com, flotrack.org, runnerspace.com, runnersworld.com or other running websites. I can even find motivation by looking at Twitter - but that is because I primarily follow runners and running related accounts. Follow the Davis Cross Country and track Twitter if you have an account. Follow the Davis Cross Country Facebook page.
Become a student of the sport. It always makes me want to run harder and be a better runner when I read about other runners who have worked hard for their success. You can also find running quotes that help to motivate you. I like this one that the girls posted on their facebook page a few years ago -
"Running isn't a sport for pretty boys . . . It's about the sweat in your hair and the blisters on your feet. It's the frozen spit on your chin and the nausea in your gut. It's about the throbbing calves and the cramps at midnight that are strong enough to wake the dead. It's about getting out the door and running when the rest of the world is only dreaming about having the passion you need to live each and every day with. It's about being on a lonely road and running like a champion even when there's not a single soul in sight to cheer you on. Running is all about having the desire to train and persevere until every fiber in your legs, mind, and heart is turned to steel. And when you've finally forged hard enough, you will have become the best runner you can be. And that's all you can ask for."
5) Switch things up. Have both hard and easy days, run different courses, run with music, run at night, run with different groups, and find ways to make running an adventure - unique and challenging. I know many of you struggle to run on vacation, but running in a new place can be one of the most exciting things about running (as long as it is safe and your parents are okay with it). Just don't let running be boring.
6) Run for your TEAM. One of the things that motivates me the most is the thought that my TEAM is working hard with me for a common goal (Region Champs, State Champs, NXN Qualifiers). There are other people out there willing to put in miles and work for me - and I am willing to put in the miles and the work for them as well (this still works for me as a coach too!). Be very positive with your TEAMmates - help them out and encourage them. Attend the TEAM practices every time you can. And help to bring your own unique personality and gifts to the TEAM.
7) Most of all - refuse to quit. Don't let yourself think about it. Don't let yourself down. I have said it many times about running - only the strong will survive. Be strong and you won't regret it.
"Running isn't a sport for pretty boys . . . It's about the sweat in your hair and the blisters on your feet. It's the frozen spit on your chin and the nausea in your gut. It's about the throbbing calves and the cramps at midnight that are strong enough to wake the dead. It's about getting out the door and running when the rest of the world is only dreaming about having the passion you need to live each and every day with. It's about being on a lonely road and running like a champion even when there's not a single soul in sight to cheer you on. Running is all about having the desire to train and persevere until every fiber in your legs, mind, and heart is turned to steel. And when you've finally forged hard enough, you will have become the best runner you can be. And that's all you can ask for."
5) Switch things up. Have both hard and easy days, run different courses, run with music, run at night, run with different groups, and find ways to make running an adventure - unique and challenging. I know many of you struggle to run on vacation, but running in a new place can be one of the most exciting things about running (as long as it is safe and your parents are okay with it). Just don't let running be boring.
6) Run for your TEAM. One of the things that motivates me the most is the thought that my TEAM is working hard with me for a common goal (Region Champs, State Champs, NXN Qualifiers). There are other people out there willing to put in miles and work for me - and I am willing to put in the miles and the work for them as well (this still works for me as a coach too!). Be very positive with your TEAMmates - help them out and encourage them. Attend the TEAM practices every time you can. And help to bring your own unique personality and gifts to the TEAM.
7) Most of all - refuse to quit. Don't let yourself think about it. Don't let yourself down. I have said it many times about running - only the strong will survive. Be strong and you won't regret it.
This Week - No official practice because of the state moratorium.
Monday - Kaysville 4th of July 5k (or another race if you can find one). You can still sign up at Bowman's for only $25 today (plus they give you a $5 gift card). Packet pickup is tonight from 6-8pm. The race is at 7:30am on Monday.
Tuesday-Friday - Run on your own or with friends. You can still run Vita at some point if you want. Try to fit in a bit of a tempo run on Thursday if you can (follow the schedule from last week's email).
Saturday - Long run on your own.
*Our next TEAM practice is Tuesday, July 12th at 6:30am at Vita Course.
Cross Country Camp - I am going to send a separate email with the cross country camp details. Camp will be August 1-5 at Marsh Lake and we will be able to take about 85 athletes.
Season Race Schedule - http://davisxc.blogspot.com/p/2014-schedule.html (subject to change).
I have also attached a handout on nutrition principles and shin pain. If you are having shin splints, calf tightness, or achilles or arch pain, please take a look at that handout.
Send in your miles! Make week 5 AWESOME (it's all on you)! Run with purpose!
Coach Talley
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