NRXC Parents:
Thank you so much for coming out to the parent meeting this evening (May 22, 2024)!
This post contains instructions of things to do and what I hope will be helpful information. The goal is to have a place you can come back and check as you get into the swing of summer training this year.
Here are your two most important documents for the summer:
I’m confident in saying that 90% of the information you’ll be looking for during the summer will be in these two documents.
In case anyone wants to voluntarily put themselves through interminable suffering, I’ve uploaded a recording of the parent meeting to the NRXC YouTube Channel.
Additionally, here is a summer training to-do list!
1. GroupMe and Slack
Make sure you have joined the NRXC 2024 Parents GroupMe message thread and that your athletes have joined the Northridge XC/Track and Field workspace on Slack and have been added to the appropriate channels (xc-distance for ALL athletes, lads for boys, and xc-girls for girls). While athletes can join the workspace by scanning the QR code (or clicking the link above), they will need to talk with an existing team member to be added to the appropriate channels. Any of the coaches or captains would be happy to add anyone on request. You can message (via GroupMe) or email us (coaches@northridgexc.com) to have your child added to Slack. UPDATE (5-29-24): If your child joins the workspace (by clicking the link above), I will be able to see it and add them to the appropriate channels.
2. Parent and Athlete Surveys
Make sure you have filled out the Parents Survey (once for each athlete on the team!) and your son or daughter has filled out the Athlete Survey prior to the start of summer training on June 3, 2024.
3. Team Standards Contract
Make sure your son or daughter has reviewed and agreed to the Team Standards Contract. They do NOT need to sign and send this back to us, but we do want everyone to review and commit to the standards!
4. Round Up Equipment
Make sure your son or daughter has the equipment required for summer training, which includes: (i) a pair of running shoes, (ii) light and cool running clothing, (iii) a watch, and (iv) a water bottle. The athlete should come prepared to run with these items each day. As mentioned in the parent meeting, if purchasing a pair of running shoes is financially difficult, please message one of the coaches and will can provide you with a gift card to help subsidize the cost.
5. Team Store
Watch for an announcement about the team store, and prepare to get your orders in quickly (if you want anything), within the announced window. Again, nothing is mandatory. UPDATE (5-29-24): the team store is now open, and will remain open through midnight on June 10, 2024. Nothing is required, but if you want to purchase items from the store, you must do so before it closes. These orders are fully run through a third-party service; the team does not make any money on them. You can order gear for athletes, or for friends and family as supporters.
6. Garmin Running Watch Discount
Watch for announcement about ordering discounted Garmin running watches, as discussed in the parent meeting. UPDATE (5-29-24): Orders are closing at the end of day on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. UPDATE (6-3-24): Orders have closed. Watches should be delivered to Northridge on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. I will pick them up and plan on distributing them to athletes at Friday’s morning run.
7. Strava
Have athletes join the Northridge XC Strava club. Again, they do not have to use Strava, but it is a good way to track your mileage, whether you have a GPS watch or do not.
8. Fundraising
Watch for an email with considerations and information about fundraising.
9. Volunteer!
Check the list of volunteer opportunities for this summer and fall. Signups will be posted when enough information is available.
10. Aktivate (Register My Athlete)
Get your students on Aktivate (formerly Register My Athlete) and get their physicals done! Here is a guide I put together for those doing this the first time.
11. Nutrition and Sleep Information
Encourage your athlete to review the nutritional (1, 2, and 3) and sleep resources on the NRXC Training Resources page.
12. Lauren Fleshman
We will provide a copy of Lauren Fleshman’s excellent memoir, “Good for a Girl,” to all female athletes on the team. Parents of female athletes should either read Ms. Fleshman’s book, “Good for a Girl,” or review her “Dear Younger Me,” essay. UPDATE (5-29-24): Books will be distributed to each female athlete that wants one during her first coaches meeting, during the second week of summer training.
That’s all I can think of right now. We can’t express our gratitude for everything you do for this program — thank you!!
Looking forward to a fun summer and a great season!