Athletes,
Below you will find a quote from Sarah Crouch who was the second American finisher at the recent Boston Marathon. Her eloquent words sum up what competing is all about. Please read and contemplate her words as our season draws to an end and carry them with you as we move into preseason XC training.
For our seniors who are leaving competitive running behind, know that you are a better and more well-rounded human being because of your dedication and commitment to running.
I have also included a link to Sara's blog is you are interested in reading the whole entry..
"Yes, I was in pain, but it was the good kind of pain, the pain that
comes with a physical exertion so great that for the final miles it is
as though the fingers of human experience outgrow the glove of flesh. At
the end of a marathon you are pushing in such a way that neither body
nor mind have the desire to continue which allows your spirit to take
over.
It’s like you are fasting from comfort, denying yourself
the most basic human need of painlessness to find a greater reward. That
reward is the knowledge of what you are able to withstand. People who
don’t run, who don’t engage in this feeling, are ships that have never
left the harbor. We have weathered the storm, been tossed about by the
waves, feared that the end would never come and are better for it."
- Sarah Crouch
Sarah's Blog
Keep running,
Coach Horton
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Sunday, April 24, 2016
OC Champs Reflections and Next Two Weeks
Athletes,
As is life, OC Champs went well for some and was more challenging for others. We can take the lessons learned, the ups and downs, and use them to our advantage in the future.
The forecast of cool temperatures was instead replaced with mid 70s and a bit of wind. Not horrible conditions, but not great either.
The Racers of the Meet award has to go to Marley and Chandler. Both athletes inserted themselves into positions to go for wins, and while neither won their races, they pr'd (Marley at 2:30 in the 800 and Chandler at 5:17 in the 1600 along with an 11:29 in the 3200) and gained valuable experience at, or near, the front of the pack.
Amber, McKenna, and Haleigh are still feeling the effects of the Coachella weekend, but all three still showed up to race. It says a lot, especially for the seniors, that they are still putting it on the line when it would be much easier to throw in the towel. I'm pretty sure these ladies are psyched to finish strongly at prelims and finals!
In the 1600, Nicole gained more experience in the invitational setting. Getting stuck behind a stampede of 30 runners makes it difficult to get into a rhythm. Get out strong and fast!
In the Varsity 800, Marina battled through a tough crowd, and not feeling her best, to get close to her pr from last year. Not a bad race, but her expectations are on another level now and she'll be looking to get some revenge at league prelims and finals.
Sara was burdened with the last race of the day, at least for our group, and ran 12:08 in the 3200, a time which she would have been more than happy with last year, but this isn't last year. Sara's expectations, like Marina's, are much higher now and I can't wait to see what happens at league finals.
On a final OC Champs note, a Team Spirit award has to go to Brittany, Mia, and Nicole for coming/staying to support their teammates. At the end of the day, personal relationships are really what life is all about, and as an added bonus, they got to witness some really good races!
Now to change gears, this week's volume will be less than previous weeks, but we will have two more tough workouts. Rest, and proper nutrition, will be very important as we get closer to prelims and finals. We want you feeling fresh and sharp when you get to the starting line.
Keep running,
Coach Horton
Training Plan 4/25-5/8
As is life, OC Champs went well for some and was more challenging for others. We can take the lessons learned, the ups and downs, and use them to our advantage in the future.
The forecast of cool temperatures was instead replaced with mid 70s and a bit of wind. Not horrible conditions, but not great either.
The Racers of the Meet award has to go to Marley and Chandler. Both athletes inserted themselves into positions to go for wins, and while neither won their races, they pr'd (Marley at 2:30 in the 800 and Chandler at 5:17 in the 1600 along with an 11:29 in the 3200) and gained valuable experience at, or near, the front of the pack.
Amber, McKenna, and Haleigh are still feeling the effects of the Coachella weekend, but all three still showed up to race. It says a lot, especially for the seniors, that they are still putting it on the line when it would be much easier to throw in the towel. I'm pretty sure these ladies are psyched to finish strongly at prelims and finals!
In the 1600, Nicole gained more experience in the invitational setting. Getting stuck behind a stampede of 30 runners makes it difficult to get into a rhythm. Get out strong and fast!
In the Varsity 800, Marina battled through a tough crowd, and not feeling her best, to get close to her pr from last year. Not a bad race, but her expectations are on another level now and she'll be looking to get some revenge at league prelims and finals.
Sara was burdened with the last race of the day, at least for our group, and ran 12:08 in the 3200, a time which she would have been more than happy with last year, but this isn't last year. Sara's expectations, like Marina's, are much higher now and I can't wait to see what happens at league finals.
On a final OC Champs note, a Team Spirit award has to go to Brittany, Mia, and Nicole for coming/staying to support their teammates. At the end of the day, personal relationships are really what life is all about, and as an added bonus, they got to witness some really good races!
Now to change gears, this week's volume will be less than previous weeks, but we will have two more tough workouts. Rest, and proper nutrition, will be very important as we get closer to prelims and finals. We want you feeling fresh and sharp when you get to the starting line.
Keep running,
Coach Horton
Training Plan 4/25-5/8
Sunday, April 17, 2016
New Training Plan & Mammoth Camp Info
Athletes,
For those that made it to the workout on Saturday, great job! It was a tough one and you'll reap the benefits of the hard work as you race the remaining meets. Please follow the link below for this week's training plan.
Looking forward, summer training will be paramount to a strong XC season. Discuss your vacation plans with your parents and let me know what dates you will be out of town. If at all possible, plan trips early in the summer since early trips will have the least impact on your training.
You will also find a link about Mammoth Camp. Please communicate this information with your parents and be sure to RSVP and place a deposit no later than May 7th. Space will be limited.
Keep running,
Coach Horton
Training Plan 4/18-24
Mammoth Flyer
For those that made it to the workout on Saturday, great job! It was a tough one and you'll reap the benefits of the hard work as you race the remaining meets. Please follow the link below for this week's training plan.
Looking forward, summer training will be paramount to a strong XC season. Discuss your vacation plans with your parents and let me know what dates you will be out of town. If at all possible, plan trips early in the summer since early trips will have the least impact on your training.
You will also find a link about Mammoth Camp. Please communicate this information with your parents and be sure to RSVP and place a deposit no later than May 7th. Space will be limited.
Keep running,
Coach Horton
Training Plan 4/18-24
Mammoth Flyer
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Three Weeks Before League Prelims & Finals
Athletes,
We have three solid weeks until League Prelims & Finals. The training over these three weeks will begin to hone your fitness for a strong finish to the season. Training consistently, eating well, and getting enough rest will be key to achieving your goals.
Please follow the link below for this week's training plan.
Keep running,
Coach Horton
Training Plan
We have three solid weeks until League Prelims & Finals. The training over these three weeks will begin to hone your fitness for a strong finish to the season. Training consistently, eating well, and getting enough rest will be key to achieving your goals.
Please follow the link below for this week's training plan.
Keep running,
Coach Horton
Training Plan
Saturday, April 2, 2016
Spring Break Training Plan
Athletes,
Please see the link below for training this week.
I'll be out of town, so Coach Eisele will be meeting you for workouts.
Keep running,
Coach Horton
Training Plan 4/4-10
Please see the link below for training this week.
I'll be out of town, so Coach Eisele will be meeting you for workouts.
Keep running,
Coach Horton
Training Plan 4/4-10
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