Summer Runner FAQ's for parents/athletes

Tuesday, June 17 2014


PNXC summer running FAQs:

1. How will practice cancellations be communicated?

A: If a practice has to be cancelled due to weather or any other reason, it will be communicated via twitter. Follow @PNDistanceCrew
All runners/parents are encouraged to have a twitter acct and follow @PNDistanceCrew for all updates, news, etc. If you do not have twitter, you can still view the twitter feed at the bottom of pnrunning.com.
Additionally, you can check pnrunning.com, as announcements will occasionally be posted on the main page. (Highlighted in yellow)

2. Is it too late to register for summer running?

A: No, you can join at anytime. Sign up is $40 for 9-12 graders, $60 for 6-8 graders. You will get a Dri-fit shirt as part of your registration. These will be ordered on June 19, so register soon to guarantee the shirt. If you can only come certain days of the week or if you will miss part of summer running for vacation, this is totally fine.

3. How do we use the training log? Is this mandatory?

A: You have to create an account on pnrunning.com. Once you do this, it sends Coach Derks an email and he will "accept" you and then you are good to go. The training log is pretty easy to use once you get used to it and play around with it a bit. For a good model of what to include, check out Jack Sebok or Adam Bruyere's logs. The best way to see other teammate's logs is to click on Weekly Report (team), then you can see other logs and even make comments on their logs.
Yes, keeping a training log on pnrunning.com is mandatory for all high school athletes. It promotes accountability and ownership of training, gives coaches feedback, and helps us better monitor your training. Filling out your training log should be built into your daily routine. It is "homework" for runners, similar to a football player having to know he playbook. Know your training, know your mileage, be a student of the sport and of yourself as a runner.
For middle schoolers, you are definitely encouraged to create an account and start a training log, but it is not mandatory.

4. Who supervises the runners at practices?

A: We have 4 coaches at most summer practices.
Head coach Andy Derks
Asst. coach Brian Damhoff
Volunteer Asst coach Eric Ott
Volunteer coach Sean Bruyere

New runners and middle school runners are supervised at all times on runs and stay either in Commissioners Park or close by. Experienced runners will occasionally be out on the roads/neighborhoods without a coach, but will be in groups so no one should be out on their own.

5. What do runners do with valuables (cell phones) during practice? What should runners bring to practice?

A: Runners should bring: water bottle, watch, and good running shoes each day. It is also recommended to wear cool running clothes (light colored, Dri-fit material). If runners need to bring cell phones, they will be able to put those in Coach's car or one of their teammate's cars locked up until the end of practice.

6. What if it storms during summer running practice?

A: If a storm pops up once practice has already started, he team will take shelter under the pavilion or in the restrooms in pavilion if necessary. We ask all parents to please be aware of weather conditions, though, and if weather suddenly turns bad (lightning, etc) please plan to come get your athlete ASAP. No runner will be left alone.

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to call or email Coach Derks.
Aderks@psd202.org // 630-608-9531