Late summer has crept right into the mix these past couple weeks, and after the outdoor season of racing came to a close in late July, August has provided time for NorCal Distance Project to rebuild, relocate (in some cases) and reload for the year ahead and the second half of the Olympic cycle. One of the hardest balances to strike in the running world is the need to train versus the need and desire to compete. The opposing forces and considerations in this seasonal struggle are many; fitness levels, race schedules, lofty goals, health, personal finances and more can all play a role in the decisions regarding when to dedicate yourself to training and when to sprinkle races on the calendar. Late this summer and fall the athletes at NorCal Distance are going to place a heavy emphasis on achieving high levels of preparedness before focusing on races. In addition to strengthening each individual’s training profile and fitness, we are also excited to emerge as a stronger and more cohesive unit when the roster for the upcoming fall is finally set in stone. September will mark the time for the group to begin meeting once again for practice, and plans to spend a month in Flagstaff this fall should provide the opportunity to test our mettle  at altitude while also solidifying the group dynamic in the process.
 In a team environment it remains important to consider what each individual both contributes to and gains from the collective, and in this context it’s helpful to remember that everybody has a story. The second portion of this entry comes from a team member whose career took an unforeseen turn back in September of 2010 and continues to frame her approach to running and the way in which I view the role of a coach.

The New Normal

By Sarah Sumpter

As people recently involved in or around the college running community may know, I have been contending with brain cancer since September of 2010, or what was to be my junior season of cross country at UC Davis. After a long comeback process that involved surgery and lengthy treatment protocols, I completed my track and cross country eligibility, with my final season on the cross country course starting just over a year ago. Although I am now a graduate with long-term goals of competitive running in the professional arena, my journey to becoming cancer-free is still not over. After a second surgery this past January and a current round of treatment for this recent recurrence of tumor growth, I am doing well and continuing to run and train with the same goals in mind. As hard as it is to put running goals on hold, all my training now must occur with my overall health as the main priority. For at least the next year that means the structure of my training will be focused toward a patient and steady rebuilding of fitness with potential appearances in lower-key races to measure my progress. When I am ready, I look forward to working and toeing the line with the dedicated and ever-supportive new team of which I am honored to be a part. Until then, my immediate plans are to spend some time at home in the Cloverdale, CA area so keep an eye out for a tiny bald woman running the back roads of Sonoma County, and if  you see me out there don’t be afraid to say hello!