People generally don't understand what it takes to train distance runners. Competitive distance running is more involved than recreational jogging.
Every runner is different. Coaches who understand this and adapt are usually more successful. The physiological demands of distance running have not changed,
Every runner is different. Coaches who understand this and adapt are usually more successful. The physiological demands of distance running have not changed, but how coaches approach training their teams to meet those demands varies year by year depending on the needs of the athletes. This is a common theme throughout the country.
The physical demands placed upon a distance runner in a cross country race are different because the terrain can be like another opponent trying to break the runner. That is how cross country was intended to be and how some people think it should be today.
Every runner is different. Coaches who understand this and adapt are usually more successful. The physiological demands of distance running have not changed, but how coaches approach training their teams to meet those demands varies year by year depending on the needs of the athletes.
Cross country is a unique sport in the way it challenges distance runners. We take distance runners and expect them to travel over various types of terrain as quickly as possible while working as a team. The physical demands placed upon a distance runner in a cross country race are different because the terrain (course) can be like another opponent trying to break the runner.
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Distance runners are fighters who face battles with every step. Every step provides aninternal and external struggle. You battle the voice in your head trying to convince you to stop running. You fight a fatigued and exhausted body. You fight against the terrain. You fight other runners who are trying to break you down and beat you. These opponents will not relent until you give up. When it comes down to it, distance running is a test of willpower.
People generally don’t understand what it takes to train distance runners. Competitive distance running is more involved than recreational jogging. Because just about anyone can jog, people assume anyone can be a distance runner. It is comical when people assume all we do as coaches is tell our athletes to go for a run. I smile and allow what people say about assuming to be true- for them.
Every runner is different. Coaches who understand this and adapt are usually more successful. The physiological demands of distance running have not changed, but how coaches approach training their teams to meet those demands varies year by year depending on the needs of the athletes. This is a common theme throughout the country. Coaches must understand and adapt to the specific needs of the events and, more importantly, to the specific needs of their athletes.
Michael Zelwak, Head Coach at Spain Park HS will be writing a series of articles looking at the training programs and philosophies of successful teams from across the state and from across the nation.