I run cross-country for a 1A school. Our coach is very young (only 28). We have been doing hard days back to back. Last week we had, Monday- 7x800s, Tuesday-45 minutes of running (about 6 miles or so), Wednesday- 3 Mile practice race Thursday-3x1 miles. Friday-1 Mile. Saturday-Race. I'm not a very experienced runner (PR is only 19:00 5k), but by race day I don't feel sore but run-down. I've tried explaining to him that we need rest in-between hard days, but he said we have to hit it hard early week so we can be ready for the race at the end of the week. He is adamant that this training strategy is the best, but I'd like some advice about this training he has us on.
I had ran a 19:12 5k last Saturday. I would really like to be sub 18 5k by Regionals (November 1st)
I'm the best runner on the team, and the only committed runner; as our school is all about basketball.