July 7, 2013

Dear runner,

A little over twoweeks ago I watched nearly a third of our 2012 team graduate from Southington High School. Since then I have seen or heard from at least twice that many of our runners who are already training. It reminds me that for every good athlete I have seen graduate out of our program, new ones have always stepped up to replace them and to keep our teams moving forward. The progress we have made over that time is truly amazing to me and it started when our athletes began running consistently during the summer. There are still a lot of training days left this summer, but it is for me to not be excited about the fall season. Those of you running already, keep it up! Those of you who have not started your serious training yet, you’ve still got plenty of time, but I hope you’ll consider every day a potential opportunity to reach for your goals.

As advertised, tomorrow Monday July 8th will be the start of the summer fun run. As a reminder, the summer run schedule is Monday’s at 5 PM and Tuesday’s at 8 AM. Both of these will start at Memorial Park. On Saturdays we will be meeting at the Rogers’ Orchard parking lot at 9 AM. The last run for the summer will be Tuesday August 20th (our first practice is Saturday August 24th).

As always, these summer conditioning runs are optional, but all cross country team members are encouraged to attend. Typically, the runners who show up go a variety of distances, depending on weather and current fitness levels. It is a great opportunity for you to catch up with some of the teammates who you may not have had the chance to see yet this summer. Also, I should be at most of these runs, if you need to talk to me.

Remember on Saturday August 24th you must have your yellow card AND emergency medical form in order to practice. The nurse’s office will be open weekdays July 8-25 from 8 AM – Noon and August 12-16 from 9-3 PM. I suggest you get this paperwork out of the way early – it is one of the only things that can keep you from making the team. If you need a copy of the medical forms, they can be obtained in the high school main office or if you get in touch with me, I can send you a copy. You are going to need a physical dated in the past 13 months in order to get your yellow card for the start of the season. We have a record number of freshmen athletes signed up this year. It is unlikely that I will cut rookies from the team, but an upperclassman without a valid yellow card on the first day of practicemay very well find they will not be a member of the team this fall.

Finally, with the high humidity and returning heat this week, I have to remind you to be aware of the weather forecasts and plan for the hot days. Typically I run early in the morning (before 9 AM) during the summer. This is usually the coolest time of the day. I remember how difficult it was in high school to get up “that early,” but athletes have to make sacrifices. Getting to bed an hour or so earlier in order to stay dedicated to your training is not as hard as it may sound. Also, sometimes I used to get up early to run and then take a two or three hour nap before really beginning my day. This kind of discipline is what pays off on the race courses during the fall – plenty of your competitors are making that kind of commitment.

I am posting team info and the meet and practice schedules on my school website: http://www.southingtonschools.org/page.cfm?p=3897. Also, this summer I have received approval to create a facebook page in order for me to better broadcast information to you and your parents. Please Like Southington Cross Country on facebook to receive updates.Also, pleasepass this information along to your parents. Many of the updates will be interesting to them, as well.

If you have any questions, concerns or know of someone who is interested in running, but did not get this letter, please let me know. Stay in touch. I hope that you are having a safe and enjoyable summer!

Coach Niro