Summer Doesn't Stop Training For Track Athletes

It takes just seconds —or minutes—for the most dramatic prep sports moments to play out.

But those moments in time create an impression that lasts for years after the contest concluded. Prep sports fans probably aren’t thinking about the 2011-12 season at this time, but St. Peters’ top athletes have been working single the last day of school to create memories.

“You have to use the summer as a base builder,” said Chris Mize, cross country and assistant girl’s track coach. “You can put a lot of volume on those legs and improve your general strength and fitness. It’s also a good time to heal nagging injuries.”

Mizel coaches distance runners on the girls track team. The Lutheran girl’s track team placed second in the Class 2A state tournament last spring.

The Lady Cougars program is not stranger to success. The team placed fourth at state in 2010, third in 2008, and fourth in 2007. Having coached a lot of champions, Mizel can speak of the importance of summer training to a cross country athlete. 

“Any coach will tell you that champions are made in the summer,” Mizel said. “The endurance you can build in the summer will put you on a whole other level.”

Mizel recommends beginning distance runners run 25 to 35 miles a week and more advanced runners run 40 to 50 miles a week. He said competitors sometimes train in groups with their friends; this increases the level of camaraderie. Mizel also recommends competing in local 5K races to increase the competitive edge up.

The cross country/distance track coach coached three all-state athletes last year. Senior Emily Habrstroh earned all-state honors in cross country and in track in the two-mile. Freshman Sophie Angel earned all-state honors in three track events: the 800, the 1,600, and the 4 x 800 relay. Courtney Rodgers was all-state in cross country and in the track in the 3,200.