9/25 update

Braves,

This was an awesome week of work. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday were different workouts than we have done to this point in the season, and we were able to accomplish a few things. We have less than two weeks until our region race, which would be the last race of the season unless we make it to state. This is our last week of true hard work. Similar to last week, we want to put in some speed work, while continuing to taper. Tuesday and Thursday last week were intended to be easier days, while still getting in some cardio work.

Speaking of Thursday, I cannot believe the weird things that these kids found on their run. We issued an “obscure item” challenge and some of the things they found were flat out bizarre. I still am laughing about the entertainment center. The Kerrs had some creepy mask, Ryan and Brandon came back with some antique action figures or something. And a chicken?? I took a couple of pictures and put them on our website. You probably have to scroll to the bottom to see them, but maybe while you are there you can upload a few of your own. You can get to the photos page by clicking on “2016 photos” on the right side of the website or by following this link.

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMe1CwlaYOXlM0N_6R_pxkaGBvT63EAG8Z31wgCcjSEDZEM6CTNDhT8gnmJM6E59g?key=SkNkQjU2eWE3V1JyU2FjY2NqUllhTDVtd2NiRm1B

We have put it great work all season long, now is the time to take advantage of it. Don’t waste these last few weeks, take advantage of them. On Friday in the rain I was a bit upset at the beginning of practice, but to your credit, to those of you there, your work ethic really changed by attitude. We were impressed how well you worked in the rain. You are going to have plenty of races in the rain, including the state track meet it seems every year, so we have to be able to excel in rough weather. You did that on Friday so thank you for changing my mood through your work ethic.

At the end of the workout on Friday I told the group to have some fun on these last few 400s. Anna Sophia jokingly said to me that I might have a different idea of fun than they do. After I laughed I realized that I don’t, at least in this case. The workouts or races when you go as hard as you can, that is when you have fun. Part of that is the endorphins that are released, but the other part is exceling through challenges. That is a rewarding feeling and what makes running, training, and racing fun. I never see our team more happy than right after they finish a race. After Kiwi finished her race at pre region, where she also had an outstanding race, she said to Leslie, “that was fun!” (Coach and I were in earshot, not eaves dropping ;) ). The point I’m making is, let’s have fun, and the true way to having fun is working hard.

We have one race this week, and it is our home meet up at Mueller Park. The race begins at 3:30 with the girls followed by the boy’s race. You will be excused from school slightly early so you can get dressed and up to the meet. Because we are hosting, we will need help from each athlete, and any parent that is available to help at the finish line, or standing at a few spots in the race to direct traffic. I’m putting another link to our course map so you can review it. It is mildly confusing, which is why we need help to make sure the kids don’t take any wrong turns. Let me know if you will be available. Mostly you would stand at some of the intersections and direct the kids along. Nothing too complex. http://bravesxc.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_12.html

There is no varsity or JV this week. This race and the workouts the next two weeks will be used to determined who will be racing varsity at region, so now is the time to show what you have. Let’s have some fun this week.

Coach Jacobson