Cardinal Classic 2013
09/07/2013
Am I really getting up at 4:30 AM on a Saturday to spend the next two and a half hours on a bus full of middle schoolers on our way to Soda Springs, Idaho for a cross country meet? This was the question that fluttered through my sleep-deprived brain as I stared bleary eyed at my alarm clock. I muttered irritably as I heaved myself out of bed, "'Coach cross country,' they said, 'It'll be fun,' they said." They obviously didn't have this in mind. Actually, knowing runners, they almost definitely did. If runners had everything their way, it would be snowing outside or something, but that would be pretty unseasonable, even for Teton Valley.
My mood brightened as I stood outside of Victor Elementary. I chatted about dream cars with a group of eight grade runners.
"I can't believe you wouldn't want a Ferrari," Paal said, shaking his head incredulously.
As saw the sun rise over Alpine, Wyoming, Coach Krumpen and I watched as the team's excitement grew. The kids rolled their eyes as I continually remarked on how pretty it was outside. They peppered
"How long is the race?" Cambrie asked anxiously.
"Oh, about ten miles," I joked before assuring her worried countenance that it would only be a mile and a half.
We were the second team there. Coach Krumpen and I remarked on how perfect the overcast skies would be for running. As we walked the course I snapped pictures like an overzealous member of the paparazzi. While the members groaned that I was taking too many pictures, I recalled the previous meet that took place on a hot afternoon in Shelley. I pointed out that they would prefer the before pictures when they still felt good, rather than after when they would feel and look exhausted and only be able to glare at the camera.
However this was a completely different race; and they approached it like completely different athletes. While I was proud of their performance in the last race, it was too hot and longer than what they were used to. I worried they would come into this race afraid and tentative, but they did the exact opposite. The runners showed a determination and hunger that I hadn't seen in them before.
After the race Cami demanded, "Why didn't you tell me to run harder?! Why didn't you tell me to sprint at the end? I had way too much energy as I crossed the finish line!" I pointed out that she and many others on the team had gotten upset with me the previous year for telling her to sprint at similar spots. She remained indignant and told me, "That was last year. Don't forget next time."
Natily exclaimed as she watched the boys start, "I wanna run that race again!".
Caysea simply stated, "That was awesome."
Coach Krumpen and I are supremely proud of our athletes' performance, and of the passion they all brought to the race. This was one of those days that reminded me why I am thankful to get up at 4:30 and ride to the middle of nowhere. As we look forward to our relays next week, we are confident that we will give them all we've got.
-Coach Stubbs
09/07/2013
Am I really getting up at 4:30 AM on a Saturday to spend the next two and a half hours on a bus full of middle schoolers on our way to Soda Springs, Idaho for a cross country meet? This was the question that fluttered through my sleep-deprived brain as I stared bleary eyed at my alarm clock. I muttered irritably as I heaved myself out of bed, "'Coach cross country,' they said, 'It'll be fun,' they said." They obviously didn't have this in mind. Actually, knowing runners, they almost definitely did. If runners had everything their way, it would be snowing outside or something, but that would be pretty unseasonable, even for Teton Valley.
My mood brightened as I stood outside of Victor Elementary. I chatted about dream cars with a group of eight grade runners.
"I can't believe you wouldn't want a Ferrari," Paal said, shaking his head incredulously.
As saw the sun rise over Alpine, Wyoming, Coach Krumpen and I watched as the team's excitement grew. The kids rolled their eyes as I continually remarked on how pretty it was outside. They peppered
"How long is the race?" Cambrie asked anxiously.
"Oh, about ten miles," I joked before assuring her worried countenance that it would only be a mile and a half.
We were the second team there. Coach Krumpen and I remarked on how perfect the overcast skies would be for running. As we walked the course I snapped pictures like an overzealous member of the paparazzi. While the members groaned that I was taking too many pictures, I recalled the previous meet that took place on a hot afternoon in Shelley. I pointed out that they would prefer the before pictures when they still felt good, rather than after when they would feel and look exhausted and only be able to glare at the camera.
However this was a completely different race; and they approached it like completely different athletes. While I was proud of their performance in the last race, it was too hot and longer than what they were used to. I worried they would come into this race afraid and tentative, but they did the exact opposite. The runners showed a determination and hunger that I hadn't seen in them before.
After the race Cami demanded, "Why didn't you tell me to run harder?! Why didn't you tell me to sprint at the end? I had way too much energy as I crossed the finish line!" I pointed out that she and many others on the team had gotten upset with me the previous year for telling her to sprint at similar spots. She remained indignant and told me, "That was last year. Don't forget next time."
Natily exclaimed as she watched the boys start, "I wanna run that race again!".
Caysea simply stated, "That was awesome."
Coach Krumpen and I are supremely proud of our athletes' performance, and of the passion they all brought to the race. This was one of those days that reminded me why I am thankful to get up at 4:30 and ride to the middle of nowhere. As we look forward to our relays next week, we are confident that we will give them all we've got.
-Coach Stubbs
8/30/13--Whew! Today we participated in the Sacony-Sugar XC Scramble, and we coaches were amazed at how hard our runners ran in the eastern Idaho heat! We also found out that the race was 500 meters longer than we thought it was going to be, so our runners should be proud to say they raced in a 3K! Boys and girls alike had a very strong showing, and even though a lot of the runners were hurting after the 3000 meter (1.8 mile) ordeal, we hope that they go into the next race stronger, faster and wiser.
We would also like to take a moment to show our support for the runners on the high school team who had an especially hard time, and convey to them that they are in our thoughts. We wish them a speedy recovery.
We want all runners to remember the importance of bring a water bottle to school on the day of a meet. Runners should be hydrating throughout the day, and have a full water bottle for when we get to the site of the meet. While we want our runners to leave it all out on the course, their health is our main concern. Runners getting hurt or sick in practices or meets is a coach's worst nightmare. Let's make sure we're running safely!
We would also like to take a moment to show our support for the runners on the high school team who had an especially hard time, and convey to them that they are in our thoughts. We wish them a speedy recovery.
We want all runners to remember the importance of bring a water bottle to school on the day of a meet. Runners should be hydrating throughout the day, and have a full water bottle for when we get to the site of the meet. While we want our runners to leave it all out on the course, their health is our main concern. Runners getting hurt or sick in practices or meets is a coach's worst nightmare. Let's make sure we're running safely!