The sun is shining, the smell of sunscreen is in the air, and people are walking around looking like lobsters. It would appear summer is finally upon us. So here's the deal, guys.
Whether you come to practice with the team or run on your own, getting in that summer mileage is SUPER INCREDIBLY VITALLY IMPORTANT for a number of reasons. First of all, it builds your endurance, and that's what long distance running is all about. If you're a runner who is only used to running a mile at a time, summer running will make it easier to adjust to a 3.1 mile race. Want proof? Just ask anyone that ran over the summer last year!
Another reason getting in your mileage is important is because it helps prevent injury. If you start running and getting in shape during the summer, you can steadily build up your mileage. A general rule exists that says you shouldn't increase your mileage more than 10% per week. If you start off with one mile at the beginning of the summer, you'll be perfectly ready for cross country season by September. But if you wait until after school starts, you could get injured trying to run too much before your body is ready for it.
Finally, running in the summer is fun. There's no pressure! You don't have to go fast or hard, you can just jog along and take in the scenery. You can run anytime, since there's no school to get in the way or your daily activities, and you can find a way to run anywhere.
Coach Greg likes to say, "We make Districts in July and August," meaning that summer training is what gets us stronger and ready to race.
So. Will YOU be ready?
No comments:
Post a Comment