2016 HOKA ONE ONE Coaching Interviews: Coach Gags provides Ten pointers to get ready for championships

Coach Gags with Larry Eder, photo by the Shoe Addicts

Coach Frank Gagliano is a fascinating combination of the anecdotal and scientific. ‘Gags’, as he is known to those former athletes, and current athletes, and those who care and respect him. Jeff Benjamin sent a note to Coach Gags from RunBlogRun on ten pointers to get ready for championships. You will find the common sense and thoughtful tips that all coaches should keep on their to do lists.

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1. Start Cutting Back Mileage slowly 10 days before race. Example would be, if you are running 50 miles a week, go to 40 miles a week before championships.

2. Don’t change routine. Example: Monday strength to strength, but cut back reps. Wednesday, speed, cut back speed and do not run fast.

3. Have spikes with proper length of spikes for hard surface. Frozen, muddy. Bring all spikes to event, be prepared for change due to weather.

4. Live by the clock! Bed at ? Up at ? For Ten Days before the race.

5. Plenty of Fluids. Try to stay hydrated at all times.

6. Get ready to race mentally the Tuesday before a Saturday race. The mind is 70% of the season.

7. Keep up with your school work!

8. Keep your same diet . Do not change anything.

9. Five athletes score in Cross Country, but 7 should be ready to race well.

10. HAVE FUN!

Thanks! Coach Gags.

Author

Jeff Benjamin

Jeff Benjamin has written for 30 years for American Track and Field along with RunBlogRun. The Former President of the Staten Island AC & Chair of the Staten Island Running Association was the 5th man scorer for his Susan Wagner High School NYC XC City Championship team. Also a member of the College of Staten Island Sports Hall of Fame for XC, Jeff currently serves as the LDR Chairman for USATF NY. A passionate (or fanatical) follower of the Sport, some of Jeff's subjects have included Sebastian Coe, Emma Coburn, Eamonn Coghlan, Matt Centrowitz, Jim Spivey, Galen Rupp, Joe Newton, Tom Fleming, Ajee’ Wilson, Bill Rodgers, Allan Webb, Abel Kiviat, Jordan Hassay, Marty Liquori, Caster Semenya, Rod Dixon, Carl Lewis and Jim Ryun as well as Book Reviews and articles covering meets and races in the Northeast U.S.

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