Parents and Athletes,
Yesterday was a hot day, no denying that.
Many of the kids have mileage goals for the summer and this is the last week of “summer” mileage that counts.
On our practice plan, we had a long run scheduled, however after much discussion we (coaching staff) decided that due to the heat we needed to back off the mileage for the day.
We told the kids, to split their run up into short 15 – 20 minute running segments.
In between running segments, they could stop and get some water and cool down in the shade, and they were expected to check in with one of the coaches and either call it a day or do another segment.
Some kids did 1 – 2 segments, others did 3 – 4 segments all depending on how they were feeling and the discussion between coach and athletes.
We emphasized that pace should not be considered today. A slower pace would be ok due to the heat.
It was still a rough day for most!
However, what we learned… THIS IS THE IMPORTANT PART…
- Many of our athletes did not eat breakfast
- Some of our athletes did not have lunch (some with no lunch or breakfast)
- Many of the athletes admitted to not drinking enough water throughout the day (10 – 15 oz of water should be consumed per period – yes this is a lot. 1 oz of water per pound of body weight)
- A few admitted to not drinking water because they didn’t want to use the bathroom at school.
- The stresses of school, whether the kids want to admit it or not, are real! It will take its toll on you.
We had a long talk with the athletes after practice emphasizing these items.
Parents, we are asking that you do the same at home!
Hydration and nutrition are the fuel we need to go to school, to focus, and to have an effective practice!
REMINDER:
Today – TUESDAY – practice will end at 5:00pm. We are having a normal practice but then we need to issue uniforms.
Thursday – TEAM PICTURES. Practice will end at 5:00pm. Parents can use this Picture Day ID to go online at mylifetouch.com to preorder pictures: EVTBXMKCC. Simply bring the email print out for confirmation.
Safety concern: Parents, we ask the athletes to remain in the team area when they are done with their run. We, as coaches, will dismiss the athletes either when practice is done or at the scheduled end of practice. Yesterday, we had three athletes leave prior to dismissal and we thought something may have happened to them out on the run. Parents, if you plan on an early dismissal from practice, please email me prior to 1:45pm the day of practice or talk with a coach directly at practice. There was a scary moment when we thought something had happened to one of the athletes.