Ok, sorry to everyone for not keeping up on the blog. I have been very overwhelmed with moving, visas & work these past few months and it is time to catch everyone up on what has been happening.
As some people know I am now the Head cross country coach for men & women and the assistant track coach for indoor and outdoor at the University of Memphis.
Jen and I moved here in late July and we had to get a place quick. Somehow we were lucky enough to move into a nice little single storey unit & settled pretty quickly.
After I finally secured the coaching position, something I have been after for 2 years, I started to learn everyday how coaching at the Division 1 level is so different than racing at it. I love the learning process and having the chance to develop up-and-coming talent.
As my appointment to the coaching staff was so late in the year I had little time to get things going with the few runners that I was to look after. They didnt have a chance to work on their strength base and really had to go with what they had built up through the summer months of running. We have now run 4 races and the runners have improved through each week. The mens side range from 27 minutes to 30 minutes for the 8km distance and the womens range from 19-22mins for the 5km.
The thing that I do 90% of the day is recruiting. I am trying to develop this program into a strong distance program, something it was back in the late 70's.....and I will do it. I have no doubt about that and I am confident that all the work will pay off when our team starts winning cross country races even as early as next year. The building process can take 4-5 years, but I think that we should see a whole new Memphis Cross team next year.
We are now just about settled here in Memphis and learning our way around the streets near we live. Jen is just about finished with volleyball coaching and I know that will be a weight off her shoulders.
I will keep more up to date on this blog now. Hope everyone is well.
4 comments:
Congratulations on the new job coach.And the move to a new country. Hope the team goes well during the year.
That's exciting Mike. It'll be interesting to follow the progress of the teams in the coming years.
G'day Mike, great to see you diving into the world of coaching. Currently doing the same with some guys from Melbourne. Would be very interested to chat about some of your thoughts and ideas when you get a chance. Email address is gorsk@optusnet.com.au
Sounds like a great opportunity. Are you the track coach as well?
Will be keen to follow your progress and good luck.
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