Developing the Female Distance Runner Understanding the journey: Junior high through High School and beyond 1/17/2019

Introduction Years of Experience I have noticed certain patterns coaching female distance runners. Head Coach at Warren East High School 1989-1994, 1995-2001 Fortunate to have coached 4 girls state champion teams, 2 boys state champion teams, 5 state runner-ups ( 4 girls, 1 boys) , and 2 middle school boys team state titles. 2002 Finalist National Girls XC Coach of The Year NFHS and NHSACA 1/17/2019

Topics of Discussion Developing the outstanding female distance runner. I have broken down into four stages. Stage 1 “New Sensation” Stage 2 “Honeymoon” Stage 3 “Transition” Stage 4 “Reality and Recommitment Coaches must understand what the runners are experiencing. 1/17/2019

Stage 1 : The New Sensation All of my teams have had a 5th, 6th,7th, or 8th grade girl show up and dominate older girls. Important as a coach to understand what is happening. Characteristics of the “New Sensation”. Physically not mature Limited Training achieves at a high level. No preconceived idea of pain. Primitive racing strategy-runs scared. Major meets runs to the front No Knowledge of Sport / likes spotlight 1/17/2019

Stage 2 : “Honeymoon” Characteristics of the “Honeymoon” Confidence of runner is off the charts Expectations are high due to previous year - parents, coaches, and media -illogical thinking, last year was so good imagine the future. Limited training 1/17/2019

Stage 2 cont.: “Honeymoon” Talk of a future in running from the runner / parents Scholarship talk, still high achievement on little training Plans of Individual state title and yes even The Olympics The “I” syndrome is present. Individual catering to runner is expected by runner / parents Racing strategy is primitive, run to win. 1/17/2019

Stage 3: Transition This is the most trying year of career - Make or break the runner -Usually happens in the 9th or 10th grade 1/17/2019

Characteristics of Transition Expectations/ confidence high early in year Training has typically been same 1st time pain is associated with training and racing Doubt shows up for first time. -notices who the competition is. -wonders if same results as past are possible, not as easy as it used to be. They now know the competition by name. Early season can be devastating -Interest in sport wavers 1/17/2019

Transition characteristics cont. Excuses for performance - burnt out -injuries (real / ???) New sensation steals spotlight Reality of consistent training needed Extreme amount of pressure -Parents / self imposed Cross roads: quit or continue -season is usually below standards Injuries also can occur -over do training trying to make up difference 1/17/2019

Transition Cont: Arrival of Puberty-not always conducive to distance running. Very self conscious about physical changes Difficult to survive this stage Strain on runner / parents -emotionally, physically, and mentally draining for all At the end of this stage they are either GONE or progress to the next stage. 1/17/2019

Stage 4 Reality / Recommitment Still a part of the team and very experienced Physical and Mental Maturity take place. Final Progression of High School career. 1/17/2019

Stage 4 Reality / re-commitment characteristics Knows what it takes to be successful athletics/ academics Training is a part of life- no bitterness toward budding stars Train properly: diet,rest, and use of knowledge Racing strategy is complex: pacing, courses, weather, etc. Coach-able- now know true abilities-, role on the team, realistic of future Leader- perseverance recognized by all 1/17/2019

Stage 4 cont: Self confidence- genuine satisfaction with self Team oriented- now understands importance of team Recognizes and empathizes with “new sensation” on team. Shares experience with others 1/17/2019

Over view of Progression Four stages- New sensation, honeymoon, transition, and reality /recommitment Coaches must understand- mental, emotional, and physical pressures Understanding will prevent- Revolving door program Use this understanding to build leaders and role models for your team Bottom line: Long term individual success = Long term team success 1/17/2019

Ways to get through the transition stage Educate parents and runners from the beginning: Let them know it is common for young girls to excel. Keep team records- shows what older girls did in the past. Encourage running camps- education and start to Summer training Focus on the team not individuals Honor older runners for longevity Check on runners in the off season. Give older runners special privileges- Allow “new sensations” to be what they are: Junior high runners- (patience) 1/17/2019

Conclusion My way to describe what I have observed. I have experienced both sides of the spectrum- top 5 runner as 7th grader quit as a 10th grader, 18th place 8th grader progress to 3rd place senior. Provide a positive experience for our sport: responsibility of coach. Understanding this progression will help you develop a great program, not just a great team. More importantly you will be providing a positive experience for all. 1/17/2019