Preparing for a fast 2017
While we are still a few months away from opening official practice, now is a good time to start thinking about the 2017 track & field season. But, before that, the staff at Free Spirit Condors would like to acknowledge the holiday season and give thanks for wonderful parents, kids, and experiences that unfolded in 2016.
As promised, every kid finished the season faster than they started. One parent said the experience made their child a more competitive softball player, finding that extra gear to run out throws to 1st base. Another novice sprinter surprised the region advancing to become a national finalist at 100m.
A few anxious parents have asked about how to prepare for next season. Not to rain on anybody’s parade but we often find parents to be more competitive than their kids. Let’s keep track fun. That said, yes, there are a few things you can do to get your athlete off on the right foot.
Get healthy. Start with sleep. The holidays are a good time to heal up from basketball and other sports leagues. Give the body plenty of rest. Insist on quality sleep (without electronics). If your child seems to want to sleep a lot, allow it.
Next comes diet. Try to eliminate unnecessary sugars and fast food. I’m no dietition. So, please don’t take the following as dietary advice. I’m simply sharing what I believe has been helpful to my son: protein (meat, cheese, eggs) in last meal between physical activity and bedtime; milk or Tru-Moo to provide bone strength; green-leafy vegetables because that’s how momma taught me. I tend to go light on carbohydrates, but don’t limit them. I’m not big on supplementation for minors. I only use one, Omega 3 gummies for kids.
Finally, exercise. Keep it fun. The objective in off-season should not be to get into shape. Rather, you should strive to keep your young athlete fit. Swimming, basketball, just about anything that gets that body moving is great. Consider dance. Coordination, balance, and body awareness all contribute to running faster.
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OK, so you intend to ignore everything above and want to get your kid on the track. There are several “all comers” meets available before the 2017 season begins. Actually, you’ve already missed a couple. These meets that welcome runners of all ages to compete are sometimes hard to find. You don’t have to belong to any team. Just sign up, show up, and run. Spikes are normally required. There is usually a nominal participation fee per event and the athlete’s finish times/marks are often posted. Here is a list of off-season, all-comers (AC) meets that I found searching the internet. Don’t hold me responsible for changes or errors:
- Dec 3 – Inland Valley AC Meet, Los Osos HS, Rancho Cucamonga, $5
- Dec 10 – Torrance HS AC Meet, $2
- Dec 10 – LB Poly & LBCC AC Meet, Long Beach City College, $2
- Dec 17 – LB Poly & LBCC AC Meet, Long Beach City College, $2
- Jan 7 – LB Poly & Cerritos College AC Meet, Cerritos College, $2
- Jan 14 – LB Poly & Cerritos College AC Meet, Cerritos College, $2
- Jan 21 – LB Poly & LBCC AC Meet, Long Beach City College, $2
- Jan 28 – LB Poly & Cerritos College AC Meet, Cerritos College, $2
- Feb 4 – LB Poly & Cerritos College AC Meet, Cerritos College, $2
- Feb 11 – LB Poly & Cerritos College AC Meet, Cerritos College, $2
A search every week usually uncovers a few more, if you are so inclined. Happy Holidays!
