I just wanted to write and say hello to those of you who are planning to run cross country again this fall. I hope everyone's summer is going really well and you are all enjoying yourselves. And, of course, I hope you're all getting lots of great running in. :o) Here are a couple of important things to keep in mind.

CAMP
Can you believe it's almost CAMP time? Our captains and camp leaders have been doing a lot of planning and we're in for a great week. I don't know about anyone else, but I'M looking forward to having Coach Turner lip sync! There's lots of information for all athletes who will be attending at: http://www.newportxc.com/camp. In addition, there are two information attachments (that will be on the website very soon) included in this email. If you're going to camp, please check them out. I think the camping list was put together by athletes a few years back, but it emphasizes some key stuff. You WILL need to have enough running clothes to get you through the week without getting too stinky—remember, you'll be doing two runs a day (although, of course, distance will vary). You WON'T need anything fancy. You'll spend most of your time in running clothes or sweats. In fact, sweats are really key! It is CHILLY at Fort Flagler in the mornings and evenings (and sometimes all day).

TRAINING
Now that we are in mid-July it is really important that all XC athletes are getting good consistent mileage. That means running at least 5 times per week (6 for many of you). Distance will vary based on experience, but you need to be getting those bodies out there almost every day. There is no need to be doing track workouts, but getting your distance runs in is really key. It will make a huge difference in the way you feel those first few weeks of practice in August, and will certainly impact your success throughout the season. There will be certainly times during the summer when consistent running is easier to do than others. I understand that family vacations or trips to do volunteer work can make it tricky, but it really is necessary to find the time to do your running as much as you can. If you have ANY questions be sure to contact a coach!

FORMS
Just a reminder that you MUST have your eligibility forms in BEFORE practice starts on August 20th. See the team website (www.newportxc.com) for the dates the Newport Athletics staff will be available to collect your paperwork. Returning athletes who are not cleared before the first practice won't be allowed to turn in forms late! This is important to understand. If you are going to be away the week before practice, take care of your paperwork in advance. Your coaches cannot make exceptions for you with regard to this, so take responsibility for you own ability to participate.

PRACTICES
Summer practices will continue to meet on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. See www.newportxc.com for more information.

SCHEDULE FOR PLANNING
The meet schedule is up and available on www.newportxc.com/events—check it out NOW so that you can plan around meet days. All Newport XC athletes will be expected to participate in EVERY mid-week meet. See the Standards page on the team website for meet participation guidelines.

COOL NEWS:
One of our distance track athletes just qualified for the National Championships in the 800 at the Junior Olympics! Unfortunately that means Emily Albrecht will be in Southern California running fast instead of joining us at camp (BUMMER), but if you see her wish her luck! Congrats Emily! Alisa Poplawski is going to be joining her in another age division—awesome Alisa! We can't wait until Alisa's in HS. :o)