The Wildcats Track Club is a youth running group that trains for and competes in USA Track and Field sanctioned cross-country meets. It is open to athletes under the age of 19 who are interested in middle distance running, regardless of capability and experience. The club has a strong tradition in helping runners of all ages achieve their goals. A large number of Wildcats have gone on to lead their high school track and cross-country teams, and also have excelled at the state and national levels.

A primary objective of the club is to encourage youth participation in running, and in the disciplines that accompany the sport. The methods include a safe, balanced and fun approach to training and racing, all of which prepare our athletes for competition at the high school level and beyond. The ultimate goal is not to win races, but to instill a love for running as a life-long activity and to develop strength of character through competitive running. Winning races is a by-product of accomplishing these goals.

The philosophy of the club is that each runner is competing against his or herself, and that how fast or where a runner finishes is not nearly as important as how they conduct themselves among their peers and competition. Each runner is encouraged to focus on self-improvement. Every Wildcat is a winner regardless of how he or she places in race, as long as they put their best effort forward. The pursuit of excellence is what distinguishes a Wildcat today and throughout their life.

Training Tomorrow’s Champions

Wildcat athletes participate in comprehensive training regimes designed to enhance performance, while minimizing the risk of injury. Training includes drills and running techniques, endurance and speed development, racing tactics and mental preparation. Strength and flexibility training are also incorporated into the program as they relate to the sport, with an emphasis on preventing injuries. Our season begins with general conditioning and endurance training, through mid-Oct, followed by speed training into November and ending with peak race training to finish the season in December.

The Race Season

Competitions begin September and occur on Sunday mornings. The meets vary in the levels of competition and runners will compete only in those meets that are appropriate for their capability level. No runner will compete until they are ready, both physically and mentally. Although it is not required to compete in any competitions, it is strongly encouraged once an appropriate capability level is reached, as competition is an important part of the development process in this sport. Additionally the team will compete in a couple of “fun” road races which are optional for team members. The race season builds to the USA Track & Field Junior Olympic qualifying meets that begin in November . These meets will be limited to those runners who meet certain higher capability levels at that time. Top runners will be eligible for post-season competition in the Regional and Nations Junior Olympic meets.

Practice Makes the Athlete

Every effort must be made to attend our workouts on a regular basis. This means that runners must manage their time wisely. It is their responsibility to complete their homework and chores promptly after school and in the evenings. Workout sessions throughout the week will have different objectives and, by missing too many, the runner’s body will not receive enough conditioning to withstand the demands that will be placed on it during competition. We discourage placing a child in a competitive race situation without adequate preparation.

Workout sessions will start promptly at the scheduled times. We ask that all runners be present at that time and dressed in the appropriate attire. The temperature often drops significantly early in the season and those not bringing along warmer clothing tend to get sick often. Also, runners should pay special attention to what they eat and drink prior to the workouts. An upset stomach will prevent the runner from accomplishing their workout goals. Also, it is important to hydrate throughout the day, rather than immediately before workouts.

During training sessions, an understanding of the runner’s body will be emphasized. In this regard, each workout will have a specific objective that will be made clear to the runners. For best results, it is very important to follow the plan of the day and understand its objective. Running hard on an easy run day will only wear you down for the next difficult session.

Pace is very important and will be strongly emphasized. Each runner will be assessed based on estimated or known recent racing times and be assigned an individualized pace for each of the 3 types of training runs that include: 1) Easy and Long Runs, 2) Tempo Runs 3) Interval Training.

Each pace assigned will be closely followed until such time that the runner’s level of discomfort at that pace becomes less than it used to. The goal of our workouts is NOT to always hurt as much as possible, but rather to experience improvement at a level before stepping up to the next.

Parental Support

Parents, you play a big part in how well your child will do. You can help your child by demonstrating a good attitude, respect and support the philosophy of the coaching staff, and just remember, the runners are young and this is a learning experience. They will not always live up to your expectations, but you must remain supportive, and encourage them no matter what. Children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment, not ours, and children need models, not criticism. Any single race is only a very small piece of a much larger puzzle.

Membership Dues

The membership fee for our 2008 Cross Country season is $200 + $50 per month dues.

Each athlete must pay individual meet entry fees. Since some runners do not compete as often as others, each runner may choose to pay a fee for all meet entries, OR, register and pay meet entry fees on their own. Those who pay the fee for all meets will also be registered for them by the club, while those paying on a meet-by-meet basis must register themselves each time, which involves either mailing it in well in advance or paying the day of the meet, during the late registration period, and paying the late registration fee (usually double the normal fee). The fee to cover all meet entries for this season is $30 and for all USATF meets on our schedule up to, but not including, the Southern California Association Junior Olympic Championship Track Meet.

Please make checks payable to: Wildcats Track Club

Training Schedule: Mon thru Fri 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM @ Different Parks

Sat. 7:30 am – 9:00 AM @ Salt Creek *Saturday workouts will NOT take place on a meet weekend

Required Attendance: Suggested minimum of 3 workouts per week *

* Special arrangements may be made for independent workouts for those with conflicting activities

Meets: The meets take place on Sundays and the races usually begin with the youngest runners, at around 9:00 AM.

Education:

Ø Running form techniques (efficient and injury free)

Ø Breathing techniques (avoiding cramps)

Ø Individualized Pace

Ø Eating and Sleeping Habits

Ø Mental approach to racing

Workouts:

Ø Strengthening drills and exercises

Ø Easy Runs

Ø Long Runs (Flat and Hill Terrain)

Ø Tempo Runs

Ø Interval Training

Equipment:

Ø 1 Pair of new running shoes

Ø Lightweight exercise clothing

Ø 1 Pair of racing flats (optional)

Goals: To become fit and healthy while improving race performances.

To enjoy running and feel satisfaction with each level of progress.