Murrieta Valley, Cont.

Mileage Progression

For our Boys Varsity, they will typically average 45-55 miles per week during July; 55-65 mpw during August; 40-45 mpw through the end of October; then 25-35 during our last 4 weeks.

For our Girls Varsity, they will typically average 35-45 mpw juring July; 45-55 mpw during August; 40 mpw through the end of October; then 25-30 during our last 4 weeks.
Note: all mileage is based on 1 run per day, six days per week. 2-a-days are allowed during the summer only and some kids run on Sundays which can add up to 10-15 miles per week. This is completely optional.

Weights/Core

Aside from the plyometrics we do once per week, we do a variety of push-ups and sit-ups 3-4 times per week. I would like to institute weight training workouts, but I am more in favor of giving the kids extra time for their studies and families.

Team Building

One thing that we distance coaches are fortunate to have as a facet of our sport is that the majority of training lends itself to socialization and bonding. You might say "those who suffer together stay together". Beyond that, however, I believe it is important to provide your kids with a common purpose and strong goals. Simply coming out to "have fun" makes great pen pals, but lousy teammates. I talk a lot with my kids about pursuit of excellence in everything you do. Make each and every day and workout your masterpiece. Help your teammates, as you would expect them to help you when you lack motivation or need encouragement. We also talk a lot about leaving a legacy behind. Our scope is always beyond the here and now but rather focused on the 4-year development of each kid into the best distance runner and person they can be. Commitment to these common principles and goals helps molds us into a unit with purpose. That creates bonds that are tough to break.