ODE TO FALL CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONS
By Dr. Mike Spino with photograph by Marcelo Gomes
Dr. Mike Spino is a long distance runner, elite coach and author. He was the founding director of Esalen Sports Center where he became an integral member of a group of pioneers in the applied mental training movement. Dr. Spino recently released a new online program called Mindful Running: Becoming Happy and Healthy, with the aim to teach how meditative running will unite your body and soul and can improve performance and happiness.
The calendar proclaimed the passing of summer to fall, but no one gave it much heed. Yet, this morning, stepping out the door to run, the first breath contained a chill.
In the first step, I realized it was too soon for the grass to stop growing, but it is a tint faded - the light of day a little later to manifest, yet not time to change the thermostat permanently.
Everyone notices. There is a new pep and clear eyes - there is definitely a turn. As I warm up, the old song Autumn in New York laments in my mind, “so good to live it again.”
I pass college girls wearing scarves across their necks, not because the brisk fall chill is bitter, but as the fashion of the early season. Yes, early fall has returned again, and deep fall will follow.
Taking a little quicker step I reflect - cross country is changing from early season to the middle of the schedule.
Calculations of the early season are changing and now must go out harder for the first third of race distance - or be left behind in the crowd.
Running it through my mind and determined that the ‘reserve power’ I am visualizing is there when the moment of reality comes my way.
Now that the weather has changed, expectant reality will also arrive. Whether it’s on a smooth grass course in South Carolina or the back hills of Van Cortland Park, championship season is upon us - after all, it’s late October!
Stark coaches reality is the substitute 5k runner can make a difference in a championship season. The first runner confident, but 5, 6, and 7 apprehensive.
Striving to transfer knowledge and experience to the tyros not used to facing the line. Early fall played casual - now groups have hardened into likely groupings.
It can hurt or be smooth, even cause cramps, it’s all just ahead - the bond of teammates, like soldiers going over the top together, brushing against each other in mutual respect of the moment.
Knowing the flourish of finishing for the line is easy compared to when the race really happens - at mile 2, then 3, and 4.
Tomorrow your name will appear on long lists separated from others by tenths of seconds.
Soon, the eventual full xc championship season, even the camaraderie of memory and dedication, fade until the runners’ tradition returns again next year.
Savory and momentous as early fall turns to deep fall and we go to the line in deep earnest where kids grow up and coaches grow worry lines - Ode to the lasting impact/image of Championship Cross Country!