Girls cross country prepares for Districts

The Central girls cross country team came back this season after not having one last year. It was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trent Lodge, one of the team’s three coaches, outlined his preparation plan to qualify for state. The girls team hadn’t gone to state in two years and had missed out on a year of competition.

“Since we last ran at the Metro Meet – the key is getting the girls ready for Districts – which determines who goes on to the state meet the following week,” said Lodge. Only six of seven varsity girls can compete at state, so every runner aimed to run her best.

“We met for a Saturday morning run. The run was meant to be a recovery following the Metro Meet,” said Lodge. Recovery runs are important in cross country. They help your body learn to exercise in a pre fatigued state and ease stressed muscles.

Sunday was a [rest] day for the team.

“On Monday we got a good warm up in. The team did some repeat 1000 [meters], working on pace and running as a pack.  A cool down run afterwards happened and then stretching was done.”

On Tuesday, the team had a good warm up run to start practice using an up-tempo pace. Then they did some repeat 200 [meters] working on pace and getting a good start off the line.  Some downhill running was also worked in, keeping in mind that Pioneers park has lots of hills.

“Wednesday was our typical pre-meet practice on the Central track,”said Lodge, “we put in two miles as a pack and then cooled down and ended practice with ice baths.” This workout is typical of a practice the day before a meet.

The team ran their districts meet that Thursday, which Lodge said was run really well!

“We had some girls get new [personal records]. We just missed qualifying for the state meet with a 4th place finish.  We were seeded to finish 5th, so that was a huge accomplishment for our team.”

All of the coaches were proud of the team’s performance. The coaches are excited for next season and what it will bring.  After not getting a 2020 season, the girls did great!