Hale XC Week 4

Saturday was a strange day where the team was just not on.  But we had an incredible week of training many guys, combined with the first week back to school.  

Last week brought some great training among our older guys especially.  Our top 3 men from this past weekend's meet were very intense from Monday through Thursday with little rest.  Wednesday's workout included a 3x5 minute workout where Joshua ran a 4:49,4:42, and 4:35 mile during.  Joseph was averaging around 5:15 mile pace on this workout.  The rest of the group did a cutdown workout and some different guys really stepped up their game and into new territory.  Carson Shane had two breakthrough workouts and Matthew Kees has continued to mix it up front.  These guys are training at elite levels and are going to light it up in the coming weeks.

Right from the start of the day I could tell our emotional energy was low and as a coach that is something that I have worked hard on to correct coming into this week.  We will keep things fun, while returning our focus to our team standards and remembering our WHY.  On Monday we will remind ourselves our purpose to build and love our teammates and make sure we are coming in each day with that attitude.  

Shout out to Parker in the first race getting out in first place and looking very strong before going the wrong way and having to fight back.  Not to his fault as the course changed prior and was not marked well, but that is beyond control and not something you expect.  Just like a fall, it's a good reminder if that happens to stay calm and patiently get back into the race.  Trying in one swoop to get back to where you were can zap your energy.  It takes much will power and relaxation, but a good reminder to all guys.  Parker fought back nice and was definitely deserving to be leading that race.  We are excited to see him light it up as a Husky.

We were excited to see David Bevsek show some signs of is ability in his race and thought he made some good steps toward competing.  We're looking for improved intensity during the week from our freshmen crew.  The beauty of the selfless pursuit is it takes being your individual best for your teammates.  It's the ability to enjoy discomfort and push for the guys around you.  David's brother Frank did a nice job as our 2nd man in the first race.  This week we look to build up that pack and be more aggressive like David and Parker were.  

This week - Tendick Park

We turn our focus to Saturday's meet at Tendick Park.  We will take the bus as a team this weekend.  Any parents that want to drive are allowed and will need a waiver if so, but we encourage going as a team to help with the energy and love.  Last week we were looking out for shelter but I think with tent and bus combination we should be good.  It's a trial run for all of this year with all the changes and different meet rules.

We go against some great teams here on out and we are one of those teams.  But it will take a commitment to our pursuit of selflessness to bring out our best.  Build and Love.

The bus schedule and meet schedule will be posted by Tuesday.  The meet host said the information is coming on Monday morning so we have to have that to know what is going on obviously.  I will give detailed info on our information page and link to schedule page as soon as I get it!

Practice will be at Greenfield Park at 3:30 p.m. and we will bring good focus to our warmups and strength work.  Last week with the rain I had assigned some strength at home and hopefully athletes did it!  Responsibility.  With better weather we will have more time to commit to everything.  We are not wasting time at practice and everything we do is important to our team's success.

Announced on Monday as possibility for Tuesday see below.  Will talk with guys - 

The one change to our practices is we would like to to meet at Minooka Park on Tuesday's practice.  We have enough athlete's that can drive directly there, and the coaches could take a few.  Any parents that could drop off and pick up there would be helpful as well.  Meet by E. Sunset Dr. road and we will run in from there.