Storm team,

 

You know, every year I am more and more amazed at our program.  Yesterday was literally the best beach day in the history of the team.  From the weather, to the participation, it was awesome.  My family finally was worn out by 4:45 and we were still hanging with the Grossman's and Groller's.  The run was great, the relays were great, and even the garlic bagels from coach Alan were great.  I was speaking with coach Elaine while we were enjoying watching all the kids and during our reminiscing she recalled how we were at one time criticized for being the slower kids and the weaker team.  I love to focus on our team and not compare with others.  We keep doing a great job for our team and let the environment of family and camaraderie shine. 

Family is a key word around here.  I hear stories all the time of you guys helping each other out.  Right now we have a member of our team, Tyler Nilson, who has been spending his time in Children's Hospital being watched as a result of some very irregular heart beat issues.  We can fill you in on needs at some point but for now please keep this young man and his family in your thoughts and prayers.  He is an 8th grader so you can imagine not being able to start your school year, and having to stop doing what you love to do. 

On to this week.  Remember when I said if you are new to this you gotta give it 3 weeks?  Well this is the third week and I am confident we are going to have a lot of you gaining a new appreciation for running.  Keep your heads up.

We will start to introduce some pace variation this week with the older kids, you might hear the term Fartlek, or Interval, or Tempo.  These are all great terms that help you run faster is the bottom line.  This is a time when what you put into the harder workouts will start to be realized as you improve.  We are still going to be pretty warm out there although we aren't supposed to be 100+ still remember to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.  Drink a couple large sports bottles during school and then come prepared with more for the workout.  Also, several of you didn't eat as much as you should have at school.  This is another good reminder that when you are gone from home all day, you must have enough for lunch and snacks to keep you going.  I would steer clear of heavy food within 1.5 - 2 hours of practice.  Granola bars, fruit, electrolyte drinks or some crackers are a good after school snack.

Well, let's be excited for another week.  Parents, encourage your athletes and athletes, let's come ready to go!!

See you Monday!!

Coach Jeremy