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This week was a weird one. After two attempts to get our meet going with Mundelein, we opted to cancel due the foreboding radar predictions. The rest of the week was cold and wet--a stark contrast to the warmer weather earlier this spring. Despite the unsavory conditions, you all had the right attitudes about training through it.
Lake County was moved from Thursday to Friday in an attempt to enjoy some slightly better weather (which ended up being a smart choice--we actually saw some sun on Friday, and the wind was not a factor). I was hoping that after a lighter week of training, including the canceled meet from Monday, that everyone's legs would feel fresher and ready to race. Unfortunately, with the exception of Shayla's new LPR in the 3200, everyone else looked flat. I could see that there was a positive mindset and good effort in each race, but we need to turn the corner and start racing with more passion, especially in the later part of races. Why do I say this? As I watched the fast heats of each distance race, I couldn't help but note passion of each Grant runner. Without exception, these girls were attacking the end of their races, trying to earn as many points as possible for their team. In the mile, Danielle Osmon almost threw herself at the finish line in an attempt to earn 6th place (and a point) for her team. We need to regroup this week and figure out our purpose in these final races so that we can race with that same kind of drive. I KNOW it is in all of you...we just need to find it! Click here for the full results from Lake County. On Saturday, the other coaches and I had to make a judgement call. Of course, our mantra is always "All weather is ZB weather," but there has to be some purpose for running through bad conditions. Early in the season, that type of "resistance training" is good for your mindset--it forces you to callous yourself to difficult situations. At this time of year, however, we agreed that sitting in the cold and rain all day would not have produced a favorable result. With Conference coming up this weekend, I wanted to make sure that you were all healthy and ready to give your peak performances. After watching the radar all day on Saturday (second-guessing our decision) and then looking at the race results from the Rockford East Relays, I know we made the right choice. The times were not quick, and the weather was certainly rude. That being said, when and important race day (such as the Sectional meet during XC) presents less-than-favorable conditions, it is the duty of each runner to find a silver lining and run through the adversity! I hope that each of you have used this gift of time on Saturday to recuperate and reset your minds, so you can look sharp on Monday! Here are my expectations for this last Monday meet: 1. Before we leave, let me know your purpose for the meet. Why are you running? 2. Positive mindsets on the bus, warm up, and starting line. 3. Aggressively smart races--take a risk and go with someone you would not normally start with. 4. Purposeful finishes to each race, and not just in the last 100 meters. I hope if we keep these four items in mind, we will walk away from Monday ready to hit some great times on Thursday and Friday. #letsgo!
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