Then under their coach's guidance they develop the strength to handle training loads of 40 to 70 miles per week in season and follow off-season base building running plans that may spiral up to a hundred miles a week. Not all the training takes place on the roads, trails, or track. Swimming pools and weight rooms have now become training venues frequented by cross country teams. The gym, which once was pretty much used just for calisthenics and stretching now serves as a center for circuit training and plymetric programs. The end result is that we're seeing stronger, faster, and better trained runners.
Many teams get together for camping trips in the summer for conditioning and to build team spirit.
This isn't the cross country training that many of us experienced, yet the runners of today don't seem to mind the added work and time commitment required. And the times and team scores posted by teams like Rockford, Novi, Highland Milford, the Traverse City Schools, Big Rapids, Saline, and Detroit Catholic Central show that the hard work is paying off. Fortunately this doesn't seem to be a problem as the hardest training teams, who also happen to be at the top of the standings, also invariably have large teams. And while their runners may be at the front of the varsity and junior varsity races, they also have a few back with the also-rans. Obviously these coaches, who know how to train winners, also are adept at motivating the less gifted runners.