Murrieta Valley, Cont.

Usually my team breaks down into sub groups on race day. I will have 1-3 runners who are my front-runners and will push the early pace if need be. They will get to the front and stay there. My next group is the meat of the order and will run the first mile in the top 25-30 and then work there way up to the top 15-20 over the last two miles. My last group of runners has the job to hunt for other teams #5 runners and get in front of them to displace points. Different races present different challenges but we always know who the main competition is and what we need to do to be victorious.

Tips/secrets to success

People are always asking me to tell them what our "main secret workout" is that puts us over the top. I never like answering this because I don't like the thought of someone taking one of our workouts and making it the "end all be all". Each of our workouts only works because of the others that are incorporated into the total training package. In other words, it’s all or nothing with our training.

As such my new answer to this question is really where it is at "HARD WORK". Without a total commitment of coaches and athletes to a well-defined goal, nothing great will happen on a consistent basis. My athletes and I commit to training 6 days per week all year round. I am constantly amazed at the resolve of our kids and their level of commitment. Without it, we would not be nearly as successful. The next question that is inevitable is "how do you get your kids out to practice?" That is simple, if the coach is there, so will the athletes. You cannot expect your kids to magically train at high levels on their own. Be there to prove that you are willing to go the extra mile for them. Only then will they return the gesture.

Upcoming Season

This season will be very challenging for us. On the girls' side, we have many talented returnees that will combine with some talented newcomers. Our challenge will be to stick to our goals without tearing each other up in competition. If we can get all girls on the same page and running as a strong unit we should be pretty formidable.