The Saturday we have been training for is only but 5 days away. As a coaching staff we stood outside watching the two fantastic workouts last week going over different analogies for the old saying coined by Jim Spivey, "The hay is in the barn." The money's in the bank, the stuffing's in the turkey, the water is in the tub. As the sun went down, the air became colder and the workout went on, the analogies grew stranger; the laundry is in the basket. I guess even at peak time the coaches can become overly energetic and silly.
This is the time of year where we get giddy with anticipation in the days leading up to the big event. There is extra energy from the shorter practices, and a little extra pep in our step from the lower mileage and more recovery in the workouts. What decides those last few points that make or break a team is how smart each student-athlete is in containing themselves over the final weeks. They must dedicate themselves to the routines of their daily grind despite having the extra energy and the new-found extra time. For us at RPI this is not too tough to do as their is always academic work to help take the mind off of the upcoming race. The important part is opening the books instead of taking out the soccer ball or frisbee. Balance and consistency is the most important part of any training plan and any student-athlete experience, it does not change in the final weeks of the season.
In 5 days our Engineers will be on the starting line at Letchworth State Park. Once the gun goes off they will be released to do what they have been training for since June.
NCAA Division III Atlantic Region Championship
November 16th
Letchworth State Park
High Banks Recreation Area
11 am- Women's 6k
12:30 pm- Men's 8k
3 pm- Awards @ SUNY Geneseo Merritt Gym
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