MONDAY - At the first night of camp we heard from Coach Pierangeli. He talked about approaching the upcoming season and the importance of settinf realistic goals. Goals can be great motivators. They will help you to understand the importance of training each day -- even when you don't feel much like doing it. Your goal for the season needs to be realistic -- meaning that the goal is within your capabilities. It should include 'check points' along the way that will mark your progress and help you to progress.

Here's an example: If I want to run 18:30 for 5k by the end of the season, in November, I will set a goal to run under 20:00 for the first race, in early September. A check point for me will be running under 19 minutes by mid October. By meeting marks along the way I will stay motivated to train and be confident and ready to reach my ultimate goal by the season's end.

Our Monday workout was a long, easy run. Runners broke up into groups and ran between 5.5 - 10 miles, based on capabilities. We emphasized warm up drills and stretching.