Spring, TX – (August 7, 2011) Directors of the Texas Stallions Track Club announced plans for its 2011 Cross Country Season, which will kick-off on August 29 in training for the 2011 USATF Gulf Association Cross Country Championship in November.

“This is the Stallions first time venturing into cross country”, said Coach Lavoxkeia Carnes, “but we hope to continue to educate our youth on the importance of fitness and how running can help them achieve their goals”.

Registration is now open for Texas Stallions Track Club Fall Running Program and can be completed online at www.texasstallions.org. The Stallions Cross Country program is targeted toward youth ages 6 – 11, but open to youth up to age 18. For more information, call (832) 415-0568. Registration ends on October 10, 2011 and is limited to 50 participants, so register early!

Join us and go running with your friends. This team running program is aimed at getting kids outside and into a healthy environment, with practices two-three times a week and two meets per month on Sunday afternoons. Distances will be appropriate for the age of the runner. Registration is on a first come, first served basis, and all age divisions have limited space. The registration deadline is September 19. Late registrations may be accepted until October 10, 2011 based on availability. The Club cannot guarantee entry into program for registrations received after the deadline. Register online and get more information at www.texasstallions.org. The first practice will be on August 29, 2011.

The Club is also seeking volunteer coaches for its Youth Cross Country and Track and Field Programs. The Texas Stallions Track Club certifies all coaches through the USA Track and Field Association. Background checks will be conducted. See the coach for details, or call 832-415-0568.

The document 2011 Cross Country Brochure was attached to this post.

Mental preparation is one of the most important parts of an individual’s sports performance. Some players have all the skills in the world, but if they are not mentally prepared they would not be able to implement their skills through the duration of “race”. One of the best ways to be mentally prepared is to practice visualization.

1. Start early. Preparing for a race starts the night before. Get all of your equipment together, relax and clear your mind.

2. Visualize the race and then replay it over in your head. Visualize yourself winning the race.

3. Keep your mind at ease, and try not to let anyone upset you.

4. Keep calm and focused at all times.

5. Talk to encouraging, positive people, not people that have negative attitudes.

6. Try not to focus on the race too much because you make mistakes and you tend to get upset and your level of performance deteriorates.

7. Think about success, not failure. Think about the best times in your athletic career and the good things you do. Concentrate on the positives you bring into being, not the negatives. Your mind and body are one unit. What your mind sends to your body that is how it will react.

8. Relax and have fun. It’s almost impossible to do your best if you’re extremely stressed about doing perfect. And it’s no fun if you have the, “destroy the other team at all costs” attitude either. Remember how much you’ve practiced, and picture all that amounting to you doing great. However, don’t get so relaxed and confident that you forget to try hard.

Adapted from http://www.wikihow.com/Be-Mentally-Prepared-Bef….

Tuesday practices have been changed to Klein Collins HS.

Today’s Practice has been cancelled due to inclement weather. Walk the stairs, stretch and rest for the meet this weekend.