Post date: Aug 30, 2016 10:16:03 PM
For our athletes who are in 7th or 8th grade and are running cross-country for their middle school’s team, you may be wondering whether or not you should continue practicing with 620 Running in the evenings during this time. I want to give my perspective and inform you of the options available. A primary focus is to keep our athletes, especially newer runners, from over-training during this time and potentially experiencing injuries associated with doing too much too soon. However, not all of our athletes attend the same school, or participate in the same classes and activities, and therefore, do not receive the same training load.
For example, a female athlete might run with her cross country team before school, then attend the athletic period during school where she does additional physical training, while also swimming multiple days a week after school with her swim club. In most cases, this athlete would be best served by not attending our afternoon practices until her school’s XC season is finished. On the other hand, a male athlete may attend cross country practice in the mornings, but may not be involved in any other sports activities or physical education class. This athlete may have sufficient running experience and fitness level to continue practicing with 620 Running in addition to participation with his middle school team.
For those athletes who choose to continue to train with us during their school XC season, our focus will be to provide supplemental training that they may not have time to cover during the limited time with their school team. Usually, the athlete will get plenty of “quality” work or higher intensity training through the school team’s practices and weekly meets. Therefore, our supplemental training will include an appropriate volume of easy-paced running, technique training, strength training, core, and stretching.
A few additional points:
Please let me know if you have any questions.