Our summer starts with learning the routine, building confidence, and giving every athlete a chance to establish a starting point for the season.
This first week is all about getting everyone comfortable. We will introduce our warm-up drills, explain how summer training works, and give athletes an optional 5K opportunity to help establish training groups. We will also use the 5K as one piece of the process for establishing the team camp invite list in an effort to be as fair as possible.
All abilities are welcome. Running, jogging, run-walking, and walking are all completely acceptable. The goal is to start together.
The 5K is not about proving who is already in shape. It is a starting point. Coaches will use it to help create training groups, better understand current fitness, and make sure athletes are placed in workouts that match where they are right now. We will also use the 5K as one piece of the team camp invite process so we can make those decisions as fairly and transparently as possible.
You do not need to be fast to belong here. You just need to show up, give a good effort, and be willing to improve. If finishing a 5K is your goal for the day, that is a great goal.
Summer training is where our season starts to take shape, but it should also feel welcoming. Week 1 should help new athletes feel like they can do this, while also giving returning athletes a clear sense that we are getting organized and ready for a great fall season.