XC Training System
30-90 Fartlek Workout: The Perfect Challenging Aerobic Workout for April-May

📌 KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • 30 seconds at 5K goal pace rhythm + 90 seconds easy running (don't look at GPS)
  • Four benefits: Aerobic stimulus, faster than other aerobic workouts, quick recovery, kids love it
  •  Mistake to avoid: Don't use 48-72 hours before an important meet
  • Use 48 hours AFTER a meet (Saturday after a Thursday meet)
  • Athletes must finish saying "I could have done 3 more sets"
  • Total workout example: 50 min (7 easy, 8 with strides, 30 ...
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12 Tips for a Breakthrough Performance in Outdoor Track

📌 KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • "If you want to do things you've never done before, you've got to do things you've never done before"
  •  800m: Accept that with 500m to go, you WILL be uncomfortable. Know this going in.
  •  1600m: You must cover moves from competitors — don't let them go. Move with 500m to go.
  •  3200m: Don't let pace slow on laps 5-6-7. Chunk the race: 600m (position) → 2000m (groove) → 600m (compete)
  • Consider a 3-4 second positive split in th...
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How To Run The 800m

📌 KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • The 800m is a positive split race — the best performances at every level come from running the first lap faster than the second, with a 2–3 second differential being ideal.
  • Break the race into three segments: run the first 200m aggressively, stay relaxed from 200m to 500m, then “compete” in the final 300m.
  • Practice running race pace — just like coaches in other sports have athletes practice game situations at game speed, your...
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Training Between The State Track Meet and Post-Season Track Meets

📌 KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • After the state meet, athletes need several easy days to recharge emotionally — they’re physically fit but mentally drained from weeks of high-stakes racing.
  • Don’t jump straight into race pace workouts. Use challenging aerobic workouts (progression runs, fartleks) in the first week back to advance fitness without adding emotional stress.
  • The post-season should be fun — don’t schedule hard workouts until the athlete is genuine...
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800m Training: Pre-race Day

📌 KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Three goals: Neuromuscularly ready, mentally ready, no carry-over fatigue
  • Start with Jeff BoelĂ©'s dynamic warm-up (13 min, all three planes of motion)
  • 5-10 min easy run → skipping/sprint drills → spike up
  •  Key workout: 3 x 150m In-n-Outs (50m build, 50m fast at 92-96%, 50m run out)
  • Then 2 x 200m at race pace: First from standing start, second with 20m run-in
  • Cues: "Up tall" and "fast and relaxed" — never give more tha...
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How the 800m is different from XC - John O'Malley Weighs In

📌 KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • The 800m demands a completely different mentality than the 5k — it’s only 12% of the duration, requiring athletes to embrace intensity from the gun rather than “wading in.”
  • A positive split (first lap 2–3 seconds faster than the second) is optimal for the 800m — don’t overcorrect by going out slower, because positioning and free energy early in the race matter.
  • Early-season 800m splits will show a larger gap between laps; the...
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