Episodes
In this episode we talk about Week 3, which featured some blazing fast times around the state. We also give some recognition to some of the performances around the state that we have been able to witness early on this season.
Published 09/10/24
As we anticipate the start of competition in the 2024 Cross Country season, we debate the aspects of our sport are worthy of focus. We take the path of pruning down some of the aspects that might not be as important as we sometimes make them out to be.
Published 08/14/24
Published 08/14/24
In this episode we try our hand at taking some "hot-take" predictions about the upcoming 2024 Cross Country season. We even place a friendly wager on which of our predictions (if any!) turn out to be reality!
Published 07/09/24
While probably an overused word in distance-running circles, consistency is still is possibly one of the most important aspects of becoming a good high school distance runner. In this episode, we dive into 5 different aspects of our sport that it pays off to have consistency in.
Published 06/25/24
After quite the spring hiatus, we catch up in this episode. We discuss the long Track & Field season, the odd time of year as post-season outdoor Track meets finish up and Cross Country preseason starts, and what are some of the most important things teams can be doing right now to set the foundation for a great Cross Country season.
Published 06/18/24
In this episode we look at the ways that Psychology and Distance Running intertwine. We wonder if there are topics in psychology that can help us understand our pre-race anxiety? Or, why it is so hard to take that first step of a run? We also discuss how Psychology may help us be better parents and coaches of distance runners.
Published 02/08/24
In this episode, we discuss the large training block over the winter months. We try to tackle topics about what the focus of winter training should be, how to handle the indoor season, and ways to keep kids motivated to train through the adverse Indiana winter weather.
Published 01/07/24
It is by-far the biggest debated topic in Indiana high school Cross Country...... So, we take a stab at some pros-and-cons of the Class XC debate. This is not even close to an exhaustive list, but instead, a conversation that is really aimed at informing and getting more voices heard throughout the state on a topic that is passionately debated in every circle of the sport.
Published 12/22/23
After a short hiatus, we return to discuss the Top 10 Conferences in Indiana in Cross Country. We discuss the teams that make up these conferences as well as what makes them special.
Published 12/19/23
In this episode, we talk to Springs Valley Cross Country Coach Derek Freeman. The Hawks have had unprecedented success under Coach Freeman, so we had a bevy of questions for man in charge. We discuss training, culture, and how success at a small school in Indiana's single-class system may be defined differently, but does not mean lowering expectations.
Published 11/17/23
In this episode we summarize, recap, and digest all that happened in the 2023 IHSAA State Cross Country Meet. We include team talk, individual talk, and some coaching hypotheticals coming off of the biggest meet of the XC season.
Published 10/30/23
In this episode we try to pack in as much IHSAA State Meet preview content as possible. We look at both the Boys and Girls Individual and Team title contenders, highlight some small and medium-size schools that qualified, and preview what comes next now that the Cross Country season is drawing to a close.
Published 10/27/23
In this episode we cover a wide variety of topics, including reflecting back on an exciting Sectional weekend, looking forward to an exciting Regionals weekend, as well as pour over some classification breakdown of Regional-bound teams. We even discuss what a 2 or 3 class Cross Country tournament may look like from our current alignment.
Published 10/18/23
In this bonus episode this week, we discuss the value of the Sectional round, to not only small schools, but all schools. Then, we take a quick trip through the state and highlight one Sectional meet from each of the Regional sites that they feed into.
Published 10/13/23
In this episode, we talk about the excitement that surrounds the week leading up to Sectional Saturday. We try to break down what the priorities are in training and mental prep through the final part of the season. Finally, we discuss how to navigate fall break when it comes during a crucial part of the postseason.
Published 10/09/23
Two (very tired) coaches try to recapitulate the epic Nike "XC Town" Twilight Meet, as well as look at what kind of changes that may lie ahead as we enter the first edition of our new 3-round IHSAA tournament structure.
Published 10/02/23
In this episode we talk about what kind of things change (and remain the same) as we enter the final weeks of the regular season. Also, we attempt a nuanced analysis of small and medium-sized schools in Indiana that are having success and what can be learned from them to grow our sport as a whole in the state.
Published 09/17/23
In this episode we give our Top-5 "Do" lists for athletes and parents of Cross Country runners. We discuss some main qualities we believe it takes to be a good distance runner, as well as qualities that make up being a good parent of a distance runner.
Published 09/12/23
In this episode we talk about the first weekend of racing in September. Recapping some stellar individual and team performances around the state. We also take time to discuss the topic of tempo/threshold running as well as begin to open up the topic of how we as coaches can collaborate with parents in our program.
Published 09/05/23
In this episode we roll through another week of meets and performances, pointing out our top takeaways. Then, we dive into the topic of keeping athletes focused on the present and avoiding looking too far into the future. Finally, we discuss how athletes today may be harder on themselves than any previous generation, and how to help them navigate challenges in a positive way.
Published 08/29/23
Not only is the Cross Country scene in Indiana heating up, so is the weather! In this episode we review the last week of meets and discuss some highlights. Also, We dive into the coaching of young distance runners, and finish the episode off by discussing how the hot weather rolling in this week influences our approach
Published 08/21/23
In this episode we rundown several meets that happened during the opening Saturday of the IHSAA Cross Country season. We discuss team and individual performances that caught our eye, as well as discuss what makes the Indiana Cross Country community so connected and sharing.
Published 08/16/23
In this episode, we dive into an 80/20 conversation. Not about the training book authored by Matt Fitzgerald. Instead, it's a discussion how most individuals, teams, or runners may only get 80% of full potential out of themselves, and what lies in the remaining 20%. We give several examples of coaches and teams in Indiana that are teaching us lessons about the "little things" that make them successful that we all could learn from.
Published 08/03/23