Run Run Away

Question:

Hello. I’ve agreed to take on the position of cross country coach for our local middle school next fall, mainly by default, as they are having trouble finding anyone for the new position. I’m a runner, but I’ve never coached runners before. I’d like to start getting some ideas together… warm-ups, training schedule, etc., and I’m wondering if anyone here can point me toward some resources for coaching. Thanks for any help you can give, Sam

Response:

Try searching for books on amazon.com,…I just did a quick search using "distance running"…here’s some of the book titles that came up: Coaching cross country successfully Distance training for young athletes Training for young distance runners Practical coaching techniques for distance and cross country running etc… I don’t think I could imagine a more appropriate list of books for what you are looking for! Hope this is helpful, -Jake

Hello. I’ve agreed to take on the position of cross country coach for our local middle school next fall, mainly by default, as they are having trouble finding anyone for the new position. I’m a runner, but I’ve never coached runners before. I’d like to start getting some ideas together… warm-ups, training schedule, etc., and I’m wondering if anyone here can point me toward some resources for coaching. Thanks for any help you can give, Sam

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Response:

Jake, I’m not a x-country coach, but I’ve observed that coaches in many sports at the middle school level tend to be a very collegial bunch. This may sound funny, but if I were in your place, I’d call up several other schools in the area and find out how to contact their coaches. One or more of them may be willing to give you some advice about how to learn the ropes and do the best job of training your runners. You could also talk to high school x-country coaches about what they think are the most important basics to teach younger runners. Good luck. Chris

Response:

Also, consider taking an ASEP course or getting Rainer Martens book (the latter is used for the former). In some states  ASEP certification is required. You might also consider taking the Level I USATF coaching course.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jake, I’m not a x-country coach, but I’ve observed that coaches in many sports at the middle school level tend to be a very collegial bunch. This may sound funny, but if I were in your place, I’d call up several other schools in the area and find out how to contact their coaches. One or more of them may be willing to give you some advice about how to learn the ropes and do the best job of training your runners. You could also talk to high school x-country coaches about what they think are the most important basics to teach younger runners. Good luck. Chris

Response:

Thanks to all who responded here or in email form… You’ve been a big help! BigSam – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello. I’ve agreed to take on the position of cross country coach for our local middle school next fall, mainly by default, as they are having trouble finding anyone for the new position. I’m a runner, but I’ve never coached runners before. I’d like to start getting some ideas together… warm-ups, training schedule, etc., and I’m wondering if anyone here can point me toward some resources for coaching. Thanks for any help you can give, Sam

Response: