Team Dads

Notecards

One of our post-race traditions/exercises is to reflect on the race just run. (1) What did you like about it? (2) What didn't you like? (3) What do you want to change for next time? (4) What did you notice about another teammate or competitor? Some kids are more reflective than others, but our goal is to see thought-growth over time in each athlete as s/he becomes more aware and intentional. This week's gems: "I pushed myself and used the downhills to my advantage," "Everyone was hurting, so I hurt harder," "My hair was in my eyes--I need a haircut," "Sportsmanship--the girl who beat me thanked me for pushing her." Love these kids!

Gale Woods

 "The Farm" is known as one of the toughest cross country courses in the state. One of the hardest parts of endurance coaching is out in No Man's Land: that place beyond where most spectators are willing to run, where your precious athletes are experiencing major mental and physical challenges, where your role as coach has to override your instinct to mother. They're tired and hurting and everything burns. They see you and they tell you with their mouths or their eyes that they *can't*, and you have to be the voice that tells them they *can*. Although there were some struggling performances, every single one finished the race set before them. In the end they went home with a number of PR's and some "hardware" (awards), too. Never give up.

Facilities

Me, noting the facilities at a big Class AA cross country meet: "I'm sorry guys, I can't give you a fieldhouse."
Nighthawk runner: "What's a fieldhouse?"
Me: "Kind of like our barn. A place to stretch when it's raining.";)

Rum River

Yesterday's team talk was on "racing": finding someone to run with and sticking with them, taking control versus letting the race happen around you. Life lesson, really. And these kids think we're just coaching them to *run*. ;)

Unfortunately most of today's races were thunderstormed out, but I did get this shot of the girls' varsity race that demonstrates the concept. She took the message to heart, maintained contact to take 6th place, and came within 2 seconds of the 20-minute barrier--so close, but still worth a t-shirt and a big PR. Wouldn't you know, one of her favorite stories was of chatting at the starting line with her competitors about runners' tan lines...but during the race, it was really quiet (except for the spectators, of course).

Gotta love cross country.

Rocket Run

First official (scores & uniforms) meet of the year, and we had 3 remaining high school kids who didn't think they could run a 5K without walking, as they were still walking during practices. So during pre-race warmup, Coach presented them the challenge: an ice cream gift card to whichever could do it--and each one of them DID. We'd never seen them put out so much effort and heart. *We* knew they could do it, because we had the cards ready. But sometimes a little incentive is just what a kid needs to believe in him/her*self*.

On with the season!

Uniforms

The uniforms came in, so picture day was ON! Big thanks to our sponsors for helping us fund our uniforms and other needs this season: Dashboard Gear, Comfort Matters Heating & Cooling, Inc., Accorde Orthodontists, Kottemann Orthodontics, Orluck Organic-All Natural Housecleaning, Cornerstone Custom Concrete, River Inn Bar & Grill, Miller Trucking & Landscape Supply Inc, Four Hills Advisors, Cedar Creek Golf Course, and All Jack's Trades. And of course all the family and friends who donated personally to help make this happen. We appreciate every single one of you!

Candyland

New and improved Cross Country Candyland this year, after putting our daughter in charge of the redesign. Of course that meant running for *real* candy...but only in certain buckets, and they had to *work* for it. ;)

Geezer Chase!

This is a 2-mile fun-run/fundraiser for another CC team, and it's a great way to get parents and younger siblings involved. Geezers (advertised as 18+ but there were a *lot* of young kids out there) get a 2-minute head start, and then the CC runners take off and chase the Geezers. Total chaos. Totally awesome. And a few real showdowns out there! Next week the official racing season begins. Stay tuned.