CoachHammel wrote:
Someone brought this thread back after a few years and I thought I'd update on some of the girls I had mentioned at the beginning.
Our best girl has now graduated and really improved throughout HS despite a slight sophomore plateau.
This is her freshman to senior progression
400 - 65 to 57.8
800 - 2:17 to 2:09
1600 - 5:08 to 4:49
3200 - 10:52 to 10:31
5K XC - 17:52 to 17:27
We are still have other girls solidly improving. My views on the matter haven't changed much other than I firmly believe now you just need to get the girls to mentally and physically ride out the rough part(when their body is changing the most).
So things to do during that time period:
Put them in good racing situations(maybe shorter distance)
Be consistent but rest as needed
Lighten up the workload and intensity
Talk to them and encourage them, use examples of past girls who have gone through it
Keep an eye out for restricting or disordered eating
Encourage them to get iron levels checked and eat a lot(protein)
Things not to do:
Compare them to their past selves or others
Ever mention weight
Try to add more miles or harder workouts
Do anything that makes them think it's their fault or not completely natural to be going through
Good lord, where did you come from...have you not been reading LR forums...of course you are supposed to compare them over the years both on weight, times, etc etc - and then write them off as soon as you see them level at all...
All joking aside...thanks for posting this. Despite all the crap that gets posted on these sites about poorly coached kids, and school programs trying to get the most out of HS athletes with no thought of the kids future....the majority of coaches and programs are very well run and are fully behind the successful promotion of the kids to the college level.
And while the fundamentals of coaching males/females are the same, there certainly are substantial differences in the approach and application that needs to be taken. So refreshing to hear this being recognized and addressed by current coaches.
Thanks CoachHammel...you seem like an absolute credit to the coaching industry, and I wish you and your athletes continued success.