With cross country season still looming two months on the horizon, cross country success is still in your grasp at this critical moment. Laziness increases as the temperature and humidity crank up another notch. But, now is your time to log in those ever so critical summer miles and build a solid base for your breakthrough season. Distractions increase and desire can easily fade, but here a few tips from someone who knows the need the critical need for this.
1. Run with a purpose You have at least two months before you'll step on the cross country course this fall. Be prepared. Whether you're striving to be a Foot Locker Finalist, an NCAA Qualifier, make the state finals, or crack the top seven at your school - you need a purpose. Many runners are driven by success, which is good, but shouldn't be the only point for running. Friendship brings some runners together. One of my best friends since my junior year in high school - I met running track. (Then I encouraged him to run cross country with me.) Cherish this time. You'll keep in touch with these people the rest of your life. Finally, other runners see running as a ministry where they are able to share their faith in God with runners. This lessens the stressful tendency of a sport, which has a tendency to become an individual success sport. Find your purpose. Write it where you will see it consistently
2. Register and pay your money for an upcoming road race As a post collegiate runner with now no official cross country season - I plan my own races. If I'm low on motivation - I register for an upcoming race. If you don't have extra cash for a Peachtree type Road Race in Atlanta, GA. Look around. Contact race directors. I was able to get my entry fee (30 bucks) waived in a half marathon because of my times. I'm also running a 15K at a University following their high school running camp. I've competed in the race before and there's good competition without the ridiculous amount of people showing up for the post race after party. High school, college and post collegiate counselors are in attendance, but a $5 entry fee is extremely helpful. I found another no t-shirt option in a 4-miler at another university with good competition coming in. Don't just look in Runner's World. Talk to people. Find good races, but don't always pay the full price.
3.Or if you're a night owl - Run late Running through your hometown at night can be a fun and relaxing adventure. During the times, I'm home when I had an early run or easy morning run, but wanted to put in some more miles. I snuck out after 9 or so. But, beware for village idiots are out on the town at this time. Recently, I dodged a Wendy's drink on a run in the evening. With the coolness of the air, the not so well lit areas, and the never missed interesting comments yelled at you - this could be something you enjoy. And there are plenty of summer late night races or even midnight runs for your enjoyment.
4.Run early An All-American I interviewed this spring was an especially high mileage fan. Being an avid fan of single runs - she loved putting in miles early in the morning prior to the hectic agenda of the day. "I then had no doubt my running was taken care. I could then chill, hangout, play, work, or whatever," she said. This way running won't dictate your life. It's just a part of the day. That way your morning run will help you organize, relax, or plan the activities of your day. With summer vacations, jobs, trips, and plenty of social activity available - your running won't be suffer. And especially for those South Florida kids this is essential for your own longevity.
5.Limit your hours on the computer. I know what you're thinking here. What in the world? But, the Internet has caused a lot of obsessive runners because they are consumed by what everyone claims they are doing. Morning runs become a zero in the log book because they stayed up countless hours chatting on AOL. Looking at a computer screen is one of the fastest ways to get tired. That's why I love summer camps because internet access is limited. I no longer had the e-mail checking craze I know. You'll lessen the pressure of your running as well. You'll be amazed at how your eagerness for the sport increases when you focus on being on the trails, road, and logging miles when you get off your seat off the computer. Get your running in and then go to the beach, hang out with friends, socialize, and be young. Keep computer time to a minimum. (Just for the occasional email and flrunners.com check)
6.Find a running partner (at least for tempo runs or long runs) As a recent college grad, my running partners have substantially dwindled in number. For the moment while contemplating job offers, gone are the days of having access to instant training partners for early morning runs or weekend long runs. Whether you're in the running Mecca of Jacksonville or Like Oak( which isn't actually a lively running community) - find someone to hold you accountable for you running. While in the Midwest during breaks from school, I sometimes drove twenty to thirty minutes to meet running friends from other schools for tempo runs. I love cranking through tempo runs solo, but the added bonus of having someone running alongside you is crucial to improvement. It might be essential to find people to bike with you for those necessary long runs. I enjoy running long, but it's so easy to cut that long run short with no one around. With a partner, your chances of giving in to stopping short are much, much less.