Every year the senior class has one last hurrah at experiencing the sport before heading off to college or entering the job market. The numbers tell us that only around 8% of high school cross country runners will compete in college (and only a fraction of those runners make it to senior year). For many, the itch hasn't been fully scratched as far as competing and attempting to run personal bests. If you are off to run in college, congratulations. If you are of those who still wan to train and race, here are a couple options:
- Join a summer track club. There are several clubs around the state such as Southern Athletics in New Orleans, SELA Roadrunners on the Northshore, and US Express in Baton Rouge which train and race for track and field over the summer. As long as you don't turn 20 during the calendar year you are eligible to race in the youth divisions and several clubs have adults who compete in open races around the country as well.
- Join a college club team. Club teams from Colleges around the country have become more and more popular in recent years for runners who didn't want the commitment of a college program but still wanted to run and run in local road races. Find out if the college you are heading to has a team by checking clubs and organizations.
- Join a running group associated with a store, etc. Stores like Louisiana Running Company in New Orleans has two free run groups per week and several training programs available as well if you are looking to be pushed to times better than high school.
- Train on your own. If you are the type who prefers to run alone, do so! Get out and hit the path and train your butt off! The great part of not being on a team is you have complete control over your training and racing and can take things as they come instead of having to be 100% prepared for a state meet which will define your whole year.
Good luck and happy running!