1. Developing the Female Distance Runner
Understanding the journey: Junior high through High School and beyond
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2. Introduction
Years of Experience I have noticed certain patterns coaching female distance runners.
Head Coach at Warren East High School ,
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
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3. 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.
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4. 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
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5. 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
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6. 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.
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7. Stage 3: Transition This is the most trying year of career
- Make or break the runner
-Usually happens in the 9th or 10th grade
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8. 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
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9. 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
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10. 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.
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11. 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.
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12. 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
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13. 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
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14. 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
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15. 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)
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16. 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.
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