A Recipe for Success

Published in The Cross Country Journal:


1-2 c. natural talent
3 tbs. 1000 meter repeats
2 c. love for running
2 tsp. 400's
½ tsp. long runs
2 tsp. 800's
9 oz. pair running shoes
1 pinch spaghetti feeds
6 oz. pair spikes
1 pinch donut runs
2 tbs. hill workouts

Begin with a cup or two of natural talent
Stir in a love for running
Combine a pair of good running shoes
Creamed with one pair of spikes
Beat in two hill workouts
Mix with a few sets of 1000 meter repeats
Feel free to spice it up with long runs
Sifting in 400's and 800's on the track
Add a pinch of carbo-loading spaghetti feeds
Or a dash of Saturday morning donut runs

After all the ingredients have been added**
And mixed thoroughly until all doubts and fears are gone
Bake at a nice race day temperature of 50-60 degrees
For 15-20 minutes, time may vary depending on talent
Tastes best when served by race day.

** You can always add a little bit of your own flavor,
I prefer a few decorative medals

Resulting products may vary
Due to injuries and overtraining
If this is the case, do not throw out mixture
Just chill it for 2-6 weeks, practicing alternative recipes
Biking or swimming may taste just as good
Continue to add scoops of mental toughness
Remember, you can always start from scratch next season