The teams from Smithson Valley have been running strong all year. They started off strong with both teams sweeping the San Marcos Meet. Then both teams continued their winning streak at the Judson ISD Invite and TAMUCC Islander Splash Invite. This past weekend both teams placed third in the varsity gold races at the McNeil Invite. Last year the girls team made it to the state meet where Devin Clark won, and the team placed 13th. We caught up with Smithson Valley Head Coach Brittney Lanehart to find out about some of the team's successes, as well as their goals for this season in this week's Q&A.
Texas MileSplit: What are some of the training philosophies/models you use in your coaching? What are some of the things you try to stress to your athletes?
Coach Lanehart: I believe in adapting your training philosophies based on your environment and training conditions. My training philosophy from when I was at altitude in Canyon is much different that the training plan I utilized during my time on the flat, humid trails of Kingwood, which is much different that the training we do on the hills at Smithson Valley. Here are SV, we focus on being very aerobically fit and strength based runners. There is no such thing as flat run around here, so we don't spend a lot of time on "hill training" because it is integrated into every run we do! Ultimately the philosophy revolves around not being afraid to train fast and train hard, regardless of which "model" we use. We stress being a consistent performer in training/racing, being a great teammate, and being competitive in everything we do. Fast times are great, but this is about beating people.
Texas MileSplit: How would you describe the team's training so far this year? What are some of the big staple workouts you have in your program?
Coach Lanehart: Our veterans had a great summer of training and that has carried over. Our biggest improvements are a result of consistency in training. The backbone of our training is long runs and tempo runs. Our long runs are often progressive and or tempo runs range from 3.5 miles for younger athletes to 5 miles for some of our veterans. These types of runs seldom disappear from the training program year around.
Texas MileSplit: Can you describe what a typical workout week is like for the team?
rCoach Lanehart:
Monday: Long Run (6-13 miles)
Tuesday: Fartlek or intervals
Wednesday: Recovery Run (4-8 miles)
Thursday: 1x400, tempo run (3.5-5 miles), 2x200
Friday: Pre Meet
Saturday: RACE
Sunday: OFF
Texas MileSplit: What is the team dynamic like this year compared to last year? Who has stepped up to fill the void left by Devin Clark?
Coach Lanehart: I think our kids feel like they have a lot to prove and I think they are beginning to realize that they can be a special group. The positive energy around the team is so enjoyable as a coach. They truly are just fun right now. I would be unfair and unrealistic to ask anyone to replace what Devin brought to her team. But what we have on both the boys and girls teams are a LOT of athletes who have learned from her guidance and now demonstrate many of the characteristics that made Devin so special. Its been a true team effort to fill that void. Kerri and Kylie have been setting the tone for the team in training. Our freshman, Cambria, is one we are very excited about because she look better everyday. Those three have been leading the pack. However, our 4,5,6 runners (Mackenzie, Grace, Reagan) are our emotional leaders and have done a phenomenal job of setting the tone for this team.
Texas MileSplit: Both teams have been undefeated up until this weekend, where they still ran very
well placing 3rd in a stacked meet. Can you describe the team energy and atmosphere right now?
Coach Lanehart: Honestly, we don't like to lose. We fell very good about how we ran at McNeil as we had solid performances all around, but we are using that as motivation to get even better. On the boys side, we think we can run with tighter splits from #1-#5. We are relying of some freshman boys and they have been eager to jump on board and follow the lead of our seniors. On the girls side we want to win the individual battles in races, and we think having Marisa Ibarra back in the lineup shortly will give us an additional boost.
Texas MileSplit: What did you learn from last year's state meet that will help you this year? What are some of your goals for the teams this year?
Coach Lanehart: We want to continue to be consistent on a daily basis. There has been such growth on our team from top to bottom from a year ago that we look very different as a team. We want to focus on being champions. Like many teams, our goal right now is to win the district championships. Then we will try to be regional champions. After that, I've always felt like if you could get on the podium at the state meet that you have a chance to win.
Texas MileSplit: What will racing/training look like for the team in the next few weeks as you get ready for districts, regionals and states?
Coach Lanehart: We won't race again until district. Not a lot changes for us. We want to just continue focus on being excellent everyday and being supportive of one another.
Texas MileSplit: How did you get started coaching/what is your background in running? What do you enjoy most about it?
Coach Lanehart: This is my 13th season (4 in Canyon, 6 at Kingwood Park, 3 at Smithson Valley). I was actually a state champion long jumper in high school and was a jumper and vaulter at Texas Tech. However, my first job was at Canyon and it was very clear that from the beginning that if we were going to be successful, that our distance runners would be the foundation of our team and have be in love with cross country since. I have been very blessed to coach so many tremendous athletes and teams and have always felt that cross country runners are inspiring. They energy and support amongst the group for each other can be overwhelming. I most enjoy the relationships with the kids and watching kids do things they never dreamed could happen. If you hang around them long enough, these kids will make you a better person.
Runners by morning.....mermaids by nightpic.twitter.com/sAxeJ2Mufb
-- Smithson Valley XC (@sv_crosscountry) September 26, 2015Boys Gold Results
| Team Scores | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Place | Team | Points | Scorers | Times | ||
| 1 | Katy | 140 | 10+14+33+40+43 (97+157) | 0:35 1-5 Split | 15:48 Avg | ||
| 2 | Grapevine | 159 | 5+20+29+51+54 (56+109) | 0:48 1-5 Split | 15:50 Avg | ||
| 3 | Smithson Valley | 252 | 27+31+38+65+91 (103+199) | 0:36 1-5 Split | 16:05 Avg | ||
Girls Gold Results
| Team Scores | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Place | Team | Points | Scorers | Times | ||
| 1 | Marcus | 73 | 2+8+18+19+26 (39+52) | 1:09 1-5 Split | 17:57 Avg | ||
| 2 | Kingwood High School | 107 | 3+7+17+29+51 (60+62) | 1:23 1-5 Split | 18:04 Avg | ||
| 3 | Smithson Valley | 117 | 11+12+14+35+45 (55+84) | 0:45 1-5 Split | 18:14 Avg | ||
Team Profile
