PRACTICES

Times

- Practices will be run four days a week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. Wednesdays will be our off day.

- Practices run from 2:30-4:00 PM

Changing

- Students are dismissed for the day and they will walk through the locker room with their classes as usual

- A XC Coach will be waiting at the top of the locker room stairs and will escort the students to the changing rooms where they will get ready for practice

- All runners will then meet down by the athletic field for practice.

Equipment

Please make sure your child dresses accordingly for practices. Weather will be hot in August and cooler towards end of October. Please also keep in mind that we are a Catholic school and the way we dress for practices (like at school) must reflect that. No extremely short shorts, revealing tops etc.

Recommended Items:

- Comfortable shirt/top: Dry fit / wicking material is very good to run in as it drys quicker than cotton.

- Shorts/Pants: Needed depending on the weather. Shorts under pants is helpful so pants can be removed if become too hot during practice. Both should be comfortable fitting.

- Proper footwear: Running sneakers are best as they are designed for outside running. Basketball, yoga, and tennis shoes are too bulky, light or don't provide proper support. Your local running store can answer specific questions about types of running shoes as can the Coaches.

- Water Bottle: Is a must on hot days. Always need to stay hydrated even during cooler weather. Water only - no juices or sports drinks as they can sometimes contain too much sugar which may not digest well.

- Snacks: It is not recommended to eat right before practice. Eating causes blood to go the stomach for digestion, robbing working muscles of blood that is needed to transfer oxygen to the cells. Your child should eat a healthy lunch and a snack at least 2 hours prior to XC Practice if still hungry.

- Team Uniform: Your child will be issued a PMA XC uniform consisting of shorts and a singlet at the start of the season. It should only be worn to XC Meets and not practices. Recommend washing the uniform after each XC Meet. At the end of the season, will need to turn the uniform back in to the Head Coach.

Pick Up

- Pick up from practice is at the front of the school where the Junior High students are dropped off and picked up

- If your child needs to go to the After School Program following practice, one of the coaches will walk those students over to the After School Program at the end of XC Practice