July 9th,2003
Although most of our training is spent outdoors on the track we do spend some time indoors as well.Here the kids are taking a test put together by Coach Marlene dealing with track theory,Cheetah history and technique.The test is used as a tool to determine how much the atheletes have retained as well as serve as a refresher in some of the areas that they have been taught.The atheletes really enjoy the test because it gives them an excuse from running.Casey says this about the Cheetahs,"I like the Cheetahs.It is alot of fun.I like how we always run different runs at practice,then everyone gets to run their"special event".I also like when we run its based on time and not who we beat".
Video Training.The atheletes also have the opportunity to go over their performances by watching themselves on video.This visual tool is very useful because it gives the kids the opportunity to see themselves in a real time situation running in their own events.This training technique has proven to be very effective along with the information the atheletes already have at their disposal. They can now at this point 'judge for themselves' their own strengths and weaknesses in a constructive and positive atmosphere.At the end of the season each athelete is given a copy of the seasons events to use as a reference from time to time as well as a keepsake of their time spent with the Cheetahs.
As usual,after the track meet we head to our favorite restuarant.McDonalds.There the atheletes recap the days events and discuss amoungst themselves the upcoming meets that they will be competing in.Our favorite Mickie Dee's is the one outside Burton off I-69.The staff are really friendly there and they give good,quick service.The trip back was pretty quick being that Grand Blanc is only one hour away.The kids had the opportunity to go over more about the upcoming state finals.
When asked what she liked most about Grand Blanc,Kayshea said,"They don't compare the times in the individual heats and everybody gets to go home with a ribbon".Kevin says,"I like how it is organized and how the Grand Blanc meet can bring so many kids from the surrounding areas there to compete in a friendly environment".Sean says,"At Grand Blanc I felt happy and nervous.It was really cool that I ran with an older kid in the 400 meters and I was really hungry".
Cheetah Motto:"A Journey of 1000 miles begans with one step" Chinese Proverb
July 9th,2003