Tip

Presented by Charlie Kern, Camp Director
Nike Cross Country Camp at Elmhurst University

Healthy Training Habit’s with Charlie Kern

“Inch by inch is a cinch, yard by yard is hard”

Coach Kern first heard this phrase in high school and has since applied this to his coaching for high school runners.

“Running is an activity that is based on consistent foot pounds of work. We find ourselves in trouble when we try to do too much,” says Charlie Kern, director of the Nike Running Camp at Elmhurst College. “A reasonable increase (10% each week) in time and duration will help the athlete stay healthy and string together days weeks, months, and then years. Consistent and uninterrupted work is the ultimate path to success!”

This is so important for young athletes to learn. One doesn’t become the best from one intense practice. They become the best by being disciplined and training at a consistent pace. When training, athletes should first think about there limits. Over-training can cause serious harm and force huge setbacks and frustration. The smartest athletes rarely get injured and are always careful and efficient in their training. It should be a comfortable and steady pace to the top rather than a sprint. Take care of your bodies and enjoy the process, you will be glad you didn’t rush into anything.