Broadalbin-Perth Cross Country

Today was a much anticipated day for us as we finally got back to racing and high school athletics after a very long 7 month hiatus. Although, the new safety protocols make the actual race so different the kids and I were excited to get the opportunity to compete and get back to some form of normalcy. Unfortunately, the day did not go as we would have liked as Scotia got the better of us on both sides. We definitely showed rust and a lack of being in race shape. However I think the biggest factor was the actual race format we must use this year. This entails each kid starting one at a time in one minute increments with the home team running first and the visiting team second. Thus, the race essentially is you on the course all alone racing against the clock. For the last 21 years I have coached, I have preached pack running and ,thus, this is all my athletes know. In running with the pack, our kids feed off each other's energy and push each other through their struggles. With the 1 minute increments they are now forced more into a mental race. They have to be able to tell themselves they can do it rather than be reminded by a nearby teammate. This will take time to learn, but I know this group will adjust and overcome. We have the physical ability and in time we will be just as tough mentally. I am confident we will learn from today and be better prepared each week. I know I am looking forward to it and am certain in the end we will take advantage of this great opportunity!