Summer Training 2013

Runners all over the country are receiving their summer running plans from their coaches.  Coaches realize that this is such an important season for our runners.  As a NCAA Division III program I tried to plant the seed during our non-traditional season of how important summer running is to our fall success.  I know that they were tired of me saying "Great CC Teams and Runners are made in the summer.  You as runners need to create the base that we will build upon in the fall!"

I thought this morning I would go over some of the tips we discussed to stay on track and safe.

1.  Decide on your running time and stick with it.  As it gets hot, mornings make a lot of sense!

2.  Prepare for your run the night before.  I always take time to lay out my clothes, shoes and anything else I will need for my morning workout.  As soon as I get out of bed, I put my workout clothes on before doing anything else.  My dog Sally hears me and I can hear her start to prance around her room waiting for me to let her out.

3.  If you can, have a running buddy to hold you accountable!  Since I am not back to my usual running, I go to the gym.  I tell myself that the morning crew there will say to themselves, "I wonder where the bald headed lady is this morning?"  Actually my hair is starting to grow and I will probably have a whole new look for my team in the fall.

4.  Safety issues - Remember to tell people where you are going, when you expect to return.  Also be hydrated and for long runs you may want to have a water stop person.  Run with ID, or write emergency contact info on the insole of your shoe.

5.  Grade your runs/workouts - it will put those hard days into perspective.  Today was a hard day for me. I could not run/walk what has become my usual routine.  However, I did get to the gym, I did sweat and I did get the endorphins working!

5.  Best of all - check those miles off on your running log!

I hope that you will check in on my blog this summer.  I hope to write something each Tuesday!