Your diet before a meet or workout should consist primarily of carbohydrates. Energy bars such as PowerBars, Cliff Bars and similar products are very good, as are fruits such as bananas, apples and pears. You may also eat cereal, bagels, or toast. Avoid citrus fruits. Avoid drinking milk (you may have a little on cereal if you choose). Milk produces lactic acid in the body, which is the substance that causes stiffness and pain in your muscles after a hard run. You body will produce enough lactic acid on its own without you having to add to it by drinking a lot of milk.
As you workout, you will find the best combination of things for your body to eat. We had one athlete who did better with more protein, while the general rule is as stated above.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Some Goals of TCS Track & Field
The New Testament often uses athletic imagery in order to teach basic lessons concerning the nature of the Christian life. The usage of athletic terminology and athletic imagery to teach such lessons shows that there are beneficial character qualities which can be cultivated by athletic training and competition. In the Bible, and especially in the writings of the apostle Paul, there are at least eight areas of character traits essential for the Christian life that are identified with the usage of athletic imagery.
Our goal is to teach those character traits that will serve these students well the rest of their lives. We seek to teach the importance of hard work, discipline, submission to authority, self control, courage, endurance, focus upon the goal, and teamwork. In a world that accepts mediocrity, we seek to teach excellence.
Track is not a sport for spectators who want to be on a team but don’t want to work. It is rather a sport that encourages and rewards hard work. Those who have trained hard for our team have done very well, and the lessons to be taken from this can be applied to everything else they do in life. Do they want to do well in college or at their eventual workplace? They have learned that success comes to those who diligently apply themselves to their tasks. Furthermore, if God is pleased to work in their hearts, the character traits learned will serve them well in their walk before God.
More about this in the post that follows on New Testament Athletic Imagery and the Christian Life.
Our goal is to teach those character traits that will serve these students well the rest of their lives. We seek to teach the importance of hard work, discipline, submission to authority, self control, courage, endurance, focus upon the goal, and teamwork. In a world that accepts mediocrity, we seek to teach excellence.
Track is not a sport for spectators who want to be on a team but don’t want to work. It is rather a sport that encourages and rewards hard work. Those who have trained hard for our team have done very well, and the lessons to be taken from this can be applied to everything else they do in life. Do they want to do well in college or at their eventual workplace? They have learned that success comes to those who diligently apply themselves to their tasks. Furthermore, if God is pleased to work in their hearts, the character traits learned will serve them well in their walk before God.
More about this in the post that follows on New Testament Athletic Imagery and the Christian Life.
New Testament Athletic Imagery and the Christian Life
The New Testament often uses athletic imagery in order to teach basic lessons concerning the nature of the Christian life. The usage of athletic terminology and athletic imagery to teach such lessons shows that there are beneficial character qualities which can be cultivated by athletic training and competition. In the Bible, and especially in the writings of the apostle Paul, there are at least eight areas of character traits essential for the Christian life that are identified with the usage of athletic imagery.
The New Testament speaks of athletic imagery in two ways: First, some passages directly refer to athletics, such as 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and 2 Timothy 2:5; and second, some passages speak metaphorically or figuratively, employing a word or phrase taken out of athletic training or competition, but using it with reference to another kind of activity. For instance, Jesus in Luke 13:24 says that we are to strive to enter in by the narrow gate. The word for strive is the Greek word agonizomai, which literally means to compete for a prize, but which is translated in different places as strive, labor fervently, or fight.
Eight areas of Christian traits identified by Pastor McDearmon (Pastor of Ballston Lake Baptist Church) as being contained in the New Testament in one of these two ways are:
(1) submission to authority, 2 Timothy 2:5 ("if anyone competes in athletics he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules); the word for athletics is the Greek word athleo, from which we get our word athletics; in Greek it means to contend in the competitive games; but unless that athlete submits to the rules of the game and to the authorities that would enforce them, he cannot obtain the prize;
(2) discipline, for example, 1 Timothy 4:7-8 ("exercise yourself to godliness, for bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things"); in this passage Paul uses the Greek word from which we get our word gymnasium, and at the time it was written the word refers to the place that the Greek athlete would spend ten months in training for the competition. Pastor McDearmon adds that this discipline unto godliness begins when one comes to grip with the claims of Christ upon him;
(3) self control, 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 ("do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore, I run not thus with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified");
(4) hard work; Luke 12:24 , where one is instructed to strive as if competing for the prize; and Colossians 1:29 where Paul describes his labors for the gospel as striving according to the workings of God; the word agonizomai refers to that laboring or striving for the athletic prize that is hard work;
(5) courage; e.g., 1 Timothy 6:12 where Paul exhorts Timothy to fight the good fight of faith; and Jude 1:3 where Jude exhorts the believers to "contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints"; both of these passages assume that the fighting and contending earnestly would require courage as it would be in the context of opposition;
(6) teamwork; Philippians 1:27 where Paul exhorts the Philippians that with one mind they were to strive together for the faith of the gospel; 4:3 speaking of those who had labored together with him in the gospel; and Rom 15:30 imploring the Romans to strive together with him in prayer. It is interesting that these three passages each combine the Greek word for together or union with either the word athleio or agonizomai. Thus the sense is to strive together as an athlete or in athletic competition or to strive together competing for the prize;
(7) endurance; Hebrews 12:1 where the author exhorts his readers to run with endurance the race set before us; and finally
(8) focus, conducting oneself with single-mindedness fixed upon a goal; Hebrews 12:1, with the imagery of the runner looking upon the finish line; and Philippians 3:12-14 where Paul describes his pressing on towards the prize, and the word used is the Greek word for a prize won in the public games.
These are some of the goals that we have in mind for the TCS Track & Field Team. As we begin this year, we would encourage you to prayerfully consider the many positive benefits that can come from participation. Indeed, in our society, many of these traits may best be learned in athletic competition. Our students have seen the benefits that come from hard work, and the lessons thus learned may well be carried over into every area of their lives.
The above is from a series preached by Pastor McDearmon which we highly recommend. The four messages may be found here: Message One
Message Two
Message Three
Message Four
The New Testament speaks of athletic imagery in two ways: First, some passages directly refer to athletics, such as 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and 2 Timothy 2:5; and second, some passages speak metaphorically or figuratively, employing a word or phrase taken out of athletic training or competition, but using it with reference to another kind of activity. For instance, Jesus in Luke 13:24 says that we are to strive to enter in by the narrow gate. The word for strive is the Greek word agonizomai, which literally means to compete for a prize, but which is translated in different places as strive, labor fervently, or fight.
Eight areas of Christian traits identified by Pastor McDearmon (Pastor of Ballston Lake Baptist Church) as being contained in the New Testament in one of these two ways are:
(1) submission to authority, 2 Timothy 2:5 ("if anyone competes in athletics he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules); the word for athletics is the Greek word athleo, from which we get our word athletics; in Greek it means to contend in the competitive games; but unless that athlete submits to the rules of the game and to the authorities that would enforce them, he cannot obtain the prize;
(2) discipline, for example, 1 Timothy 4:7-8 ("exercise yourself to godliness, for bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things"); in this passage Paul uses the Greek word from which we get our word gymnasium, and at the time it was written the word refers to the place that the Greek athlete would spend ten months in training for the competition. Pastor McDearmon adds that this discipline unto godliness begins when one comes to grip with the claims of Christ upon him;
(3) self control, 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 ("do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore, I run not thus with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified");
(4) hard work; Luke 12:24 , where one is instructed to strive as if competing for the prize; and Colossians 1:29 where Paul describes his labors for the gospel as striving according to the workings of God; the word agonizomai refers to that laboring or striving for the athletic prize that is hard work;
(5) courage; e.g., 1 Timothy 6:12 where Paul exhorts Timothy to fight the good fight of faith; and Jude 1:3 where Jude exhorts the believers to "contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints"; both of these passages assume that the fighting and contending earnestly would require courage as it would be in the context of opposition;
(6) teamwork; Philippians 1:27 where Paul exhorts the Philippians that with one mind they were to strive together for the faith of the gospel; 4:3 speaking of those who had labored together with him in the gospel; and Rom 15:30 imploring the Romans to strive together with him in prayer. It is interesting that these three passages each combine the Greek word for together or union with either the word athleio or agonizomai. Thus the sense is to strive together as an athlete or in athletic competition or to strive together competing for the prize;
(7) endurance; Hebrews 12:1 where the author exhorts his readers to run with endurance the race set before us; and finally
(8) focus, conducting oneself with single-mindedness fixed upon a goal; Hebrews 12:1, with the imagery of the runner looking upon the finish line; and Philippians 3:12-14 where Paul describes his pressing on towards the prize, and the word used is the Greek word for a prize won in the public games.
These are some of the goals that we have in mind for the TCS Track & Field Team. As we begin this year, we would encourage you to prayerfully consider the many positive benefits that can come from participation. Indeed, in our society, many of these traits may best be learned in athletic competition. Our students have seen the benefits that come from hard work, and the lessons thus learned may well be carried over into every area of their lives.
The above is from a series preached by Pastor McDearmon which we highly recommend. The four messages may be found here: Message One
Message Two
Message Three
Message Four
Clothing and Spikes
For practices, runners should wear comfortable and modest shirts, shorts and sweats as needed. If any lycra product is worn, something must be worn over it. On cold days, wear several layers of clothing, and the layer closest to your skin should be a wicking material such as Coolmax or a similar fabric. Also bring a hat and gloves (painting gloves are very good for running, as regular gloves are generally too heavy/hot for running after a few minutes). IN THE FIRST FEW SATURDAY PRACTICES, EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT HATS AND GLOVES ARE ESSENTIAL! DON’T COME WITHOUT THEM!
Good quality running clothing at very reasonable prices can be found at www.nationalrunningcenter.com. They also carry some of the better running shoes. If you want to order their catalog instead of going on-line you can reach them at 1-800-541-1773.
For Meets: Runners can wear either their running shoes or spikes. I have a number of pairs of spikes that can be worn and returned at the end of the season. It is preferable, however, to purchase them.
If you would like to purchase a pair of spikes, the best place to buy them is www.firsttothefinsh.com, which has a huge selection of closeouts (see note below), or from the Eastbay Catalog, which always has closeout specials on spikes from $19.95 and up, or from. Spikes generally run small, and you should order up one-half size (that is, if the athlete wears size 9 running shoes, he/she should order size 9 ½ spikes). For Eastbay, you can call 1-800-826-2205 and ask for their track specialty catalog. Spikes can also be found at Venue Sports, www.venuesports.com or www.espikes.com, which feature a number of closeouts but not nearly as many as Eastbay. Please note that spikes are made for specific events, and if you go to purchase them, make sure you get the type of spikes for the events you will be participating in. Generally, shoe companies make sprint spikes for events from 100 to 400 meter dashes; middle distance spikes for 800 to 1600 meter runs, and long distance spikes for the 1600 to 3200 meter runs.
AN IMPORTANT WORD ABOUT SPIKES: Most of the major companies make two lines of spikes; one costing around $50-60 and one costing anywhere from $80 to $100. Recently, some companies have added a third category between these two. The companies change colors every year. THEY DO NOT MAKE MANY IMPORTANT CHANGES IN THE FEATURES OF THE SHOES, HOWEVER. Usually, you can get last year’s colors at half price, or significantly less. Doing so would be a good stewardship.
We have uniforms for the track team for meets. These consist of singlets (sleeveless shirts) for the boys and short sleeve shirts for the girls. Shorts are also provided. Please note that boys are not to wear t-shirts under the singlets. High School regulations require that all athletes wear identical uniforms. If you have any questions, please speak with me at your convenience.
We have school provided warm-ups which are to be worn for meets only.
Good quality running clothing at very reasonable prices can be found at www.nationalrunningcenter.com. They also carry some of the better running shoes. If you want to order their catalog instead of going on-line you can reach them at 1-800-541-1773.
For Meets: Runners can wear either their running shoes or spikes. I have a number of pairs of spikes that can be worn and returned at the end of the season. It is preferable, however, to purchase them.
If you would like to purchase a pair of spikes, the best place to buy them is www.firsttothefinsh.com, which has a huge selection of closeouts (see note below), or from the Eastbay Catalog, which always has closeout specials on spikes from $19.95 and up, or from. Spikes generally run small, and you should order up one-half size (that is, if the athlete wears size 9 running shoes, he/she should order size 9 ½ spikes). For Eastbay, you can call 1-800-826-2205 and ask for their track specialty catalog. Spikes can also be found at Venue Sports, www.venuesports.com or www.espikes.com, which feature a number of closeouts but not nearly as many as Eastbay. Please note that spikes are made for specific events, and if you go to purchase them, make sure you get the type of spikes for the events you will be participating in. Generally, shoe companies make sprint spikes for events from 100 to 400 meter dashes; middle distance spikes for 800 to 1600 meter runs, and long distance spikes for the 1600 to 3200 meter runs.
AN IMPORTANT WORD ABOUT SPIKES: Most of the major companies make two lines of spikes; one costing around $50-60 and one costing anywhere from $80 to $100. Recently, some companies have added a third category between these two. The companies change colors every year. THEY DO NOT MAKE MANY IMPORTANT CHANGES IN THE FEATURES OF THE SHOES, HOWEVER. Usually, you can get last year’s colors at half price, or significantly less. Doing so would be a good stewardship.
We have uniforms for the track team for meets. These consist of singlets (sleeveless shirts) for the boys and short sleeve shirts for the girls. Shorts are also provided. Please note that boys are not to wear t-shirts under the singlets. High School regulations require that all athletes wear identical uniforms. If you have any questions, please speak with me at your convenience.
We have school provided warm-ups which are to be worn for meets only.
Running Shoe Information
This is basic information concerning what you should be looking for in running shoes. You will need a good pair of running shoes. Running shoes are made to cushion and support the foot in ways regular sneakers are not. It should be noted that good running shoes should not be used for other sports. They are not made to support the foot for sports, such as basketball, which require lateral motion. I have a personal preference for Brooks running shoes, although many companies make good models.
Read this paragraph carefully! Most of the major shoe companies make good quality running shoes. You have to realize that running shoes are made for this sport only, and cross trainers and other sneakers are not appropriate for running. The major characteristics of running shoes are cushioning, stability, motion control and flexibility. When you look at shoes, make sure they flex easily in the forefoot area, and not in the middle of the shoe. If they do not flex in the forefoot, and rather flex in the middle, you will end up with calf and Achilles tendon injuries. Make sure they have that company's cushioning system (Brooks Hydroflow, Nike Air, Asics Gel, etc.) The cheaper shoes made by each company do not contain the cushioning elements. With regard to stability, if you hold the front of the right shoe steady with your left hand and twist the shoe at the heel towards the arch area or inside of the shoe, it should not flex in that direction too easily or there is not enough support.
2013 Update: Many running shoe companies now make minimalist shoes to take advantage of a market created after the publication of Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. This book advocates for a barefoot (or close to it) running model. I know many athletes who have done well with this model. It seems that the model is better suited for grass and well cushioned venues. The model does not do as well on streets of macadam and concrete. A good running store can help make sure your child/athlete gets an appropriate shoe.
The best way to ensure that you get an appropriate shoe and an appropriate fit is to purchase your shoes at a reputable running store (not some place like Sports Authority which charges top dollar and the people have little knowledge about running).
Some running shoe stores to consider:
Morristown Running Company: CLICK HERE
Runners Haven in Randolph: CLICK HERE
Ridgewood Running Company: CLICK HERE
Road Runner Sports. A national mail order company with selected stores around the USA has a store in Paramus, NJ: CLICK HERE
Super Runners Shop. In New York City and Long Island, including the NY Armory Track Center: CLICK HERE Included for parents who work in New York and for nostalgia. I ran for Super Runners back in the late 1970's and early 1980's.
2011 Practice Information for March
Scheduled practices are Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, roughly 3:15 to 4:45, and Saturday mornings (see below). PLEASE DO NOT ASK TO PICK UP YOUR STUDENT UNTIL PRACTICE IS OVER. With only three days of practice per week, we need every minute of these practices.
We will have organized sessions after school two days per week, on Tuesday and Thursday. If others can help on those days, please let me know (as soon as possible!). We will usually have some students at TCS and some at Montville HS during these practices. Students are expected to attend all practices unless excused by the coaching staff. If there are regular scheduling problems (e.g., a job) let us know and we will work something out.
Saturday practices will again be at 8:30 a.m. sharp on Saturday mornings at Montville High School for both teams . PLEASE DROP THEM OFF SO THEY CAN BEGIN WARMING UP PROMPTLY AT THE TIMES NOTED. PRACTICES WILL GENERALLY END AT 10:00 ON COLD OR RAINY DAYS and in the beginning of the season, and by 10:30 on other days. Please be prompt in picking up your students at those times. Note this policy: If a student is not picked up at the time the workout ends, he/she will be taken to TCS and dropped off to wait indoors in the school lobby to be picked up. This ensures that the athletes will not be out in the cold for too long, and also allows those of the coaching staff to lead a (more) normal life! Thus, if you come to pick up your athlete and he/she is not there, proceed to TCS.
March 5 Saturday Both teams (SHS and JHS)
March 8 Tuesday Both teams
March 10 Thursday Both teams
March 12 Saturday Both teams
March 15 Tuesday Both teams
March 17 Thursday Both teams
March 19 Saturday Both teams
March 22 Tuesday Both teams
March 24 Thursday Both teams
March 26 Saturday Both teams: TIME TRIALS WILL BE HELD THIS DATE
March 29 Tuesday Both teams
We will have organized sessions after school two days per week, on Tuesday and Thursday. If others can help on those days, please let me know (as soon as possible!). We will usually have some students at TCS and some at Montville HS during these practices. Students are expected to attend all practices unless excused by the coaching staff. If there are regular scheduling problems (e.g., a job) let us know and we will work something out.
Saturday practices will again be at 8:30 a.m. sharp on Saturday mornings at Montville High School for both teams . PLEASE DROP THEM OFF SO THEY CAN BEGIN WARMING UP PROMPTLY AT THE TIMES NOTED. PRACTICES WILL GENERALLY END AT 10:00 ON COLD OR RAINY DAYS and in the beginning of the season, and by 10:30 on other days. Please be prompt in picking up your students at those times. Note this policy: If a student is not picked up at the time the workout ends, he/she will be taken to TCS and dropped off to wait indoors in the school lobby to be picked up. This ensures that the athletes will not be out in the cold for too long, and also allows those of the coaching staff to lead a (more) normal life! Thus, if you come to pick up your athlete and he/she is not there, proceed to TCS.
March 5 Saturday Both teams (SHS and JHS)
March 8 Tuesday Both teams
March 10 Thursday Both teams
March 12 Saturday Both teams
March 15 Tuesday Both teams
March 17 Thursday Both teams
March 19 Saturday Both teams
March 22 Tuesday Both teams
March 24 Thursday Both teams
March 26 Saturday Both teams: TIME TRIALS WILL BE HELD THIS DATE
March 29 Tuesday Both teams
Forms and Information Needed to Participate 2010
You must have a completed medical form on file with the TCS Athletic Department. The form that needs to be completed may be found here: CLICK HERE
The next form needed is Information For Team Records and Uniforms. That form gives permission to participate as well as information we need to provide uniforms and to keep in touch with you. That form may be found here: CLICK HERE
The next form needed is Information For Team Records and Uniforms. That form gives permission to participate as well as information we need to provide uniforms and to keep in touch with you. That form may be found here: CLICK HERE
Checklist of Items Needed to Participate 2010
PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN TO COACH CHRIS LEE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
1. The information for team records and uniforms form. That form is combined with the permission form, described in number 2 below. The combined form may be found here: CLICK HERE
2. The area on the form providing permission to participate must be signed for each child (not one per family). If your child has asthma, we would ask that you would sign the second permission area on the form as well.
3. If you have asthma, please get a note from your doctor that you can use the inhaler. This note must be in the possession of the coaches, otherwise you may get disqualified at meets.
4. If you must take other prescription medication, we need a note from your physician that it has been prescribed and is necessary. There are medications that are not permissible whether or not prescribed by your physician. The most current list for New Jersey athletics may be found here: CLICK HERE
5. The school office must have a medical permission form from your physician. The form may be found here: CLICK HERE
1. The information for team records and uniforms form. That form is combined with the permission form, described in number 2 below. The combined form may be found here: CLICK HERE
2. The area on the form providing permission to participate must be signed for each child (not one per family). If your child has asthma, we would ask that you would sign the second permission area on the form as well.
3. If you have asthma, please get a note from your doctor that you can use the inhaler. This note must be in the possession of the coaches, otherwise you may get disqualified at meets.
4. If you must take other prescription medication, we need a note from your physician that it has been prescribed and is necessary. There are medications that are not permissible whether or not prescribed by your physician. The most current list for New Jersey athletics may be found here: CLICK HERE
5. The school office must have a medical permission form from your physician. The form may be found here: CLICK HERE
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