Friday, March 5, 2010

Back Access to the Track

Above: Cherokee Dr. access to the track from Hwy 11
Below: Cherokee Dr. access to the track from Trussville Clay/Happy Hollow Rd.
(Click on images to enlarge)

Wed 3/3 and Thurs 3/4 Practice

The athletes were all able to do some real running at our second practice of the season. All did what is called in track a "pyramid" workout. This is where you run a series of ascending and/or descending distances on the track. Our Yellow and Green groups ran 100m, 50m, 50m, and 100m. They worked on watching their lanes--something that takes some concentration, even for seasoned runners. They also got to practice their first field event of the season: the standing long jump, which they seemed to really enjoy!
Our Pink and Blue groups' pyramid consisted of 200m, 100m, 100m, 200m. They also worked on staying in their lanes. They learned about the staggered start on the 200m, and why starting farther back doesn't mean you are running more. athletes will continue to work on running on the inside of the lanes so they don't run more than their competitors. The 8-12 yr olds also played Foxes and Hounds, which is a fun game and a good speed-burst workout.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

First Practice Report of 2010

Our first practices went well. I was able to be at yesterday and today's practices, and I saw alot of smiling runners--even in the frigid temperatures!

As a group we talked about the importance of warming up our muscles and stretching, and then we went through our stretching routine. We also went over team and track rules.

The team then split into their age-groups. The Yellow (5 and under) and Green (6 and 7 yr olds) groups learned the difference between jogging, running, and sprinting. They also learned three dynamic movement exercises: high-knees, bum-kicks, and bounding. Have your child demonstrate these to you if you want to learn, too!

The Blue (8-12 yr boys) and Pink (8-12 yr girls) groups worked on their dynamic movement exercises, too. They are harder to learn than they look, but all were catching on the more they worked at it! We do these exercises to further prep our muscles for fast-movement.

Practice today

If the rain continues to hold, we will still have practice at 5pm today. If parents can stick around or be back by 5:40, we will end early. Today's practice is mostly an orientation and overview of warm-up and stretching routines, so we should be able to wrap it up quickly.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Registration Closed, Time for Track!!

Monday and Tuesday will be our first practices. Be at the track by 5pm. Make sure your parents are there to get you at 6pm. Wear a jacket-- our first few practices will likely be a bit chilly.

The grand total of athletes participating this year is 99! We have a great group of coaches looking forward to getting to know each of you!

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Practice and Meet Schedule Posted!!

See the sidebar on the right of your screen for the 2010 practice and meet schedule.

More registration info:

Fees for 2010 season will be $10 per family, $15 per child meet fee (one-time fee covers all three home meets--so still $5/meet). T-shirts will be $10 and singlets (synthetic running tanks) will be available to purchase as well. I'm still working on those prices.*** The t-shirt design will not change from last year, so if yours still fits, you won't need a new one!

Look forward to seeing many of last year's faces on February 16 at 6pm at The Trak Shak and many new faces on February 18 at 6pm at The Trak Shak!!

***Synthetic running team tanks will be available in youth sizes this year for $13***

Friday, January 15, 2010

Registration for 2010 Season!!

Returning Participants:
Registration will be at The TrakShak in Trussville February 16 at 6pm.

New Participants:
Registration will be at The TrakShak in Trussville February 18 at 6pm.


I do not have our practice and meet schedule finalized, but I expect it to be very similar to last year. I will post it as soon as it is ready.

***Important note to New Participants: It is possible that we won't have to cap the number of participants this year, but it will require 4+ parents who are willing to volunteer to coach. The time requirement will be 2 afternoons/week for 1 hour and Saturday mornings for 1.5 hours. If we can pull this together, we can allow our program numbers to grow! If you are new to this program and are interested in being a coach, please let me know via kellyanderic@gmail.com.

Looking forward to another great Trackster season!!