Spring 2015 Coach's Meeting

We had a great coach's meeting Saturday, January 24th at Mozarts. Thanks to the following people for showing up:

• Emily Cunningham
• Emily Baker
• Tim Lucason
• Brandon Batiansila
• Kim Batiansila
• Jan Jackson
• Cindy Samok
• Kade Schemahorn
• Matt Fouchek
• Allison Phillips
• Dave Phillips
• Courtney Ewing
• Judy Paul
• Melissa Brierley
• and Christopher Stanton of Ghisallo Foundation

It's always so great to get like minded people together and talk about ways to improve what we do and learn and grow from each other. Here is what we discussed at our meeting: 

1. After introductions, Christopher shared how the Ghisallo Foundation works, their badge system, and ways we can incorporate some of these ideas concepts into biking group this semester. We also discussed how we can use this model to try to create similar incentives for our running groups. 
2. We will be using a new fitness tracker card for the running groups this semester (see photo below). If coaches can complete their card and model with their runners, that will be very valuable. It is up to you and your group, but it was suggested that the coaches hold on to these cards and have Sharpies available for runners to fill out. We may use these with our biking groups, but use a distance covered rather then trying to time a mile race.
3. We also discussed having a Young Guns end of school year run or ride. The idea of having a duathlon came up and possibly having the option of relay teams with bikers and runners pairing up. We would need to find a time and place to allow for this to happen. It was suggested using Zilker or Town Lake for this event.
4. May is bike month and May 6th is National Bike to School Day! 
5. Alli brought up looking into having Young Guns at Wheel to Survive event supporting ovarian cancer research. Coaches could provide entertainment/obstacle course for kids while parents ride.
6. Christopher mentioned the Austin Fresh Fest is coming at the end of March and this might be a good way to get involved in the community in regards to fitness.
7. This semester we will be implementing a new late fee. If you have parents who show up late for pick-up on a regular basis, please email me and I will communicate to them our new policy, which is here: "If you are ten minutes past pick-up time, you will be charge a $10 late fee." 

Here are some ideas people shared for what works at their running/biking group:

• Having a standard warm-up that you use regularly and having different kiddos lead it.
• End 5 minutes before pick-up to go over skills covered, acknowledge runners, and do the YG's Chant (see note on right side).
• Try to always end with the Young Guns Trademark - a fun game! 
• Transitioning to a change of scenery, whether it be the neighborhood or a different part of the school, it is always fun and works well to keep the kiddos moving.
• To avoid having relays be a competition, you can have endless relays so it's hard to see who the winner is. You can also divide up teams randomly by color or giving them a number so the groups aren't stacked with older kiddos. 
• Other variations of relays included running to the end of one point, then once the first person gets there announce: where ever you are, turn around and run back! 
• At NYOS, coaches assign kids colors and this helps with organization and creating teams.
• When kids are reluctant to participate, you can try to pair them with a younger or older kiddo to help motivate them. You can also try to have them be the leader of group exercises or picking the game. If problem persists, you can let their parents know. You can also reminder them of the YG's Rules (see right). Always come ready to have fun! Always come ready to try your best. As Alli said, your best one day may not be as good as the day before or as good as someone else, but you need to keep working hard and giving it your best.