Camp Wrap Up

Two wicked overnight thunderstorms, a brutal hill workout, a petting zoo, and some great team bonding activities comprised the final two days of our preseason camp.  We certainly still have a lot of work to do, but I like where we are at going into the season and feel like we have several runners on the verge of big breakouts.  Our first meet is in six days in Reno at the Nevada Twilight.

Off and Running

Today featured cooler than usual temperatures (high 70's), cloudy skies, and even a few scattered showers.  The morning run featured some threshold intervals while the afternoon run was a recovery effort at Green Pond near the Snow Basin ski resort.   Grilled chicken, cous cous, and garden salad for dinner. 

Year Ten

Unbelievable.  Remarkable. Where did time go?  Those are some of the thoughts going through my head as I embark on my tenth season as the Head Coach of the University of Utah Cross Country and Track & Field programs.  The cross country season has officially began as the team has reported and we are at preseason camp.  As we move forward here are some of the questions that have to be answered in order to figure how this season will go:
1.  As always...with any xc team...can we stay healthy?  We are off to a bit of a shaky start, but hopefully our current issues are primarily minor and will heal with a few less miles and a little cross training. 
2.  Who will step and lead this group?  We have several options with some accomplished upperclassmen.  But we also have some very talented youngsters.
3.  We have obtained some national recognition for our continued improvement and successful recruiting.  How will we handle that publicity?
4.  Could this be the best Utah team ever? (See #1)
5.  Can we get to the national meet for the first time ever as a team?
6.  If the answer to #5 is no, then can we get an individual to the national meet for the sixth time in seven years?  6b.  Could we get multiple individuals to the big show?
7.  Someone will unexpectedly have a breakout year....who?  

Stay tuned to find out these answers and more.  We have a couple workouts this week so I'll try to remember to take some photos and maybe get a short interview or two and post here and possibly our program facebook site.  Question 8...will Coach Bockman still run our social media sites even though he how lives in Washington and works for a different program? 

It's About That Time

Only nine (9) more days until the cross team reports for preseason camp!  Where did the summer go?  We are all looking forward to another successful year.  Summer training has gone well from the reports I have received.  We will hold camp in Eden, UT again this year.  Be sure to check back for more updates.