By Eric Wallor
Now that the cross country season is in full swing, it is time to focus on some key elements that will contribute towards a successful season.
Remember the hard work you put in all summer. Did you run 1,000 miles or suffer through long, exhausting hill workouts? Undoubtedly, you incurred tough workouts and training runs to prepare you for the season. Now that you have you put the hard work in during summer, have confidence in yourself that you will race well all season long.
Once you have experienced four or five cross country meets you should be at the point where you can feel yourself getting in better and better racing shape after each race. If this is the case, continue to work hard because you have built the foundation for where you are at now. If you are not racing like you want, go back and make it simple. Again, you put forth the work during the summer so you have a strong base. Listen to your coach because he/she knows what is best for you and will put you in the best situation to be successful.
Also pay attention to the little things you can do to improve and stay healthy. Get at least eight hours of sleep each night, eat well balanced meals, stretch, ice aches and pains to prevent injury, and do your strides in order to increase leg speed. Most importantly, keep working hard and give it your all on every run, workout and race. Do not give up!
