Working to Succeed

Pre-Season summer training is essential to build a fitness base for intensive workouts and races during the season.  Therefore, we strongly encourage our athletes to do some running over the summer months.  To make it easier for the athletes to train in the summer, we offer group training runs several times per week from mid June to mid August.  Athletes that fail to build a fitness base are more likely to be injured and are less likely to achieve their season goals.

Muscle soreness and fatigue are normal consequences of beginning a training program.  It is necessary for the runner to persevere through the initial discomfort that accompanies increased levels of activity.  However, athletes with muscle soreness that continues past the first two weeks of training should communicate with the coaches that we may adjust their training loads.  Athletes should not “run through” pain that causes them to limp.  Doing so will cause additional problems, and may lead to injuries that will require long recovery times.

An athlete engaged in intense training and competition can be subject to injury.  East is fortunate to have an athletic trainer on staff that can make an initial evaluation of our athletes injuries and suggest treatment plans.  Most injuries can be prevented by: (1) training at a moderate level all year round so as to avoid abrupt swings in activity level, and (2) telling coaches about aches and pains. This allows us to suggest cross-training alternatives to particular workouts and to arrange for the athlete to see the athletic trainer.

A nutritious, well-balanced diet is part of the athlete’s training program.  Nothing fancy is required.  However, many of our runners find id difficult to eat a nutritious breakfast before rushing off for early morning classes.  It is essential that our athletes make a commitment to eating nutritious meals or snacks during the school day.  East to carry and eat snacks, such as fruits, vegetables and energy bars or drinks (e.g. PowerBar, Luna  Bar, etc.) make this easier to accomplish. Athletes should net eat immediately before practice or races; cramps and nausea will be the likely result.