about the same. wrote:
That's a solid time, albeit not earth shattering. I was roughly as fast at your age. I eventually went on to run 14:45 and 3:53 - great times, if you're a chick. Hard to say what could happen with some focused training and physical development. I wouldn't expect a trials qualifier just yet. 80 mpw is a lot for somebody your age and with minimal running experience. Because you are at the upper limits of mileage you could end up finding that your improvements end up being modest at best, and quite possibly not the 1:05 I'm guessing you are hoping for. Either way, good luck and I hope you continue to enjoy the sport for many more years.
Not hard to say. I am from MI and was at about the same level as a junior. You will run 4:25/9:25 this year just like you (and your coach) were hoping for. Congratulations!! Maybe faster?
Don't rush the intervals. It is SUPER-early days here in MI for the indoor season. I am sure your coach has a plan for you and your teammates who want to train this winter. But I would wait on anything faster than 5:00-pace until the tracks are clear of snow and until March 1st at least.
You have a LOT of talent. 90% of these people replying DID NOT run 9:36 indoors as a junior (much less what you will run in March) and most of them won't admit it. They were not this good and THEREFORE they never considered running 80 mpw in THE SUMMER.
Don't listen to what they are saying about "walk-on" this and "14:45" that. By NEXT SPRING as a senior you will be able to run 14:45 for the track 5k and I would not be surprised if you reach 13:45 in college. One year from now you will likely be State Champion, I am sure you and your coach have considered this. There are 5 guys ahead of you coming back, but if you can beat them in track you will beat them next year. Especially in XC and the 3200m.
Some advice (gleaned from my junior year being Top-ten)-
1. Stay healthy - I think this is the only thing that will derail you.
2. Don't go overboard - you will have the drive to run 90-100-110 or something this Summer. Not sure that is necessary. You have talent enough to "make it" on 70-85, as long as you do it consistently. Listen to your coach and YOUR BODY.
3. You have good teammates - use each other to get better - DON'T race each other - this just tears all of you down. Make your HARD runs hard, but the other ones just go 6:30-7:00 without looking at a watch if possible. Running every day at 5:30-6:00 pace will derail you, and if you are racing at 4:45 pace RIGHT NOW, that is a real temptation for some HS runners.
Alright, that is all anyone will read. Good luck and I will look forward to seeing if you can beat Comerford, Jacobs , Buchanan, and the Hancock twins.