Great job to everyone that went down to Alabama this past weekend to race. Vista was well represented amongst some of the best runners/teams from around the United States. The boys took 3rd at the meet, and the girls were meet champions! Well done. Lots of cool articles, race videos, pictures, etc. from the meet up on Milesplit. Enjoy!
Still Racing This Season or Already Taken Your Two Weeks Off?
If anyone from the team still has plans to race again this season we would love to hear from you. Anything the coaches can do to help you out with workouts, planning, race strategy, etc. we will. Just call to let us know what you need! In addition, if you have already taken your two weeks off from running and are ready to get started again please let us know and we can help guide your running for the next few weeks.
Time Off From Running
If Alabama was your last race of the season it is time for a much needed break from running. I will post more detailed information on next weeks blog about December training but everyone should plan on taking off at least 2 weeks from running. A few things to consider:
- Take a 2 full weeks off from running. Let your body recuperate after a long season of training and racing.
- If you would like to take a 3rd week off, do it! Your track season will not suffer because you took 3 weeks off, and you will feel more refreshed when you return to training for the track season.
- Need more time than 3 weeks? Talk to the coaches about it, but nobody should return to training until they are feeling refreshed, mentally ready, and motivated to do so.
- Workouts for December through winter break will be posted next week. During this time we may meet a few days a week informally as a team. However, most days you should plan on running on your own, or call up a friend to get a run in with.
- No intense workouts in December. Just easy running and enjoying what you are doing. We will return to faster workouts sometime in January.
- Info on how to sign up for winter conditioning for track will be up on the blog sometime in December.
Iron/Ferritin Check-up
If you have not had your ferritin levels checked since the end of XC please do so before the start of the new year. Our recommendation is to have your ferritin levels checked at a minimum of twice a year: Once after the track season, and once after XC season. If the last time you had your levels checked was before XC, it is time to get them looked at again.
Below is information about the importance of iron/ferritin for distance runners. Please review as needed, and have your iron levels checked if you have not recently done so. This goes for both boys and girls. Rule of thumb, get your ferritin levels checked at least twice a year by your doctor. A ferritin level of 30 is the minimum number acceptable for adequate performance as a distance runner. We also recommend that every athlete on the team be taking an iron supplement that works for them. Please come talk to the coaches if you have questions.
- The Importance of Iron in Distance Runners (Blog Post)
- Why You Should Get Your Ferritin Levels Checked (Blog Post)
- A letter from a doctor, with references, about ferritin levels for endurance athletes that you can take with you to your medical provider when you get tested. (Doc)
- Are Your Ferritin Levels Up to Speed? Top Coaches Take Tests for Iron Seriously (article)
- Ironing Out the Details: Know the facts about ferritin and iron before deciding to supplement (article)
- Iron Level Upkeep For Runners (article)
Uniform Return
I will set up a date next week for people to swing by school and drop off uniforms. More info to come.
Schedule for November 23rd-December 6th