No, because our children are involved in so many activities, we understand that they might not be able to make it to every practice. We do recommend practicing at least 2 to 3 times per week so that your athlete has the best chance to improve during the MTC season.
To prevent injuries on those days it is cold and damp, you should always dress in layers. You can shed your sweatshirts, jackets, stocking caps, gloves, and pants when your muscles get stretched and warmed. It's cool to be prepared, un-cool - unprepared. Bring a water bottle to every practice. It is important to keep your body hydrated. And STAY AWAY FROM THE SODA!
Practices are generally not cancelled unless storms and lightening. Because we have a track to use, we do not have to worry about wet fields. MTC uses the TeamSnap app to communicate practice cancellations or if practice is called off early. If it begins to storm during practice we would like you to pick up your child, they will be kept safe in the locker rooms at the field until you arrive.
They should only wear their track spikes during their events. Track spikes ARE NOT to be worn an entire practice or meet. Every athlete is to change back into their regular shoes after their event.
Ideally, a track spike should fit like a glove - almost like running barefoot. Therefore, if any sock is going to be worn, a thin sock is recommended. For a more experienced athlete, my recommendation would be no socks with track spikes.
Because of the uncertainty of weather conditions, come prepared. When weather reports have called for sunny and warm days, we've experienced at times rainy and cold. If in doubt, bring sweatshirts/sweatpants, change of shoes, socks, umbrellas (which are good for rain or sun).
Healthy snacks. Some ideas would be orange slices, bananas, cut up melon, grapes, crackers, rice cakes, sandwiches, juices and of course water. Even good foods should be eaten in moderation and not right before your event. No sodas, candy, chips or fast food. Please save that for after the meet.
The track club usually meets at a designated time and place so we can follow each other out to a meet. If that's not possible, we usually provide directions (the web site often has drivings directions to the meets).
For developmental and invitational meets, yes. As the season progresses, the meets get a bit more competitive and athletes need to qualify to continue on. Fortunately, there are developmental and invitational meets throughout the season that anyone will be able to attend.
The sun is very draining to athletes. Sitting in the sun during a track meet can create dehydration, fatigue and other heat related injuries. This is also the cause of feeling sick after running an event. Track meets are usually long and when an athlete does need to be out in the sun, be sure to have sun block.
MTC membership fees pays for 2 meets (Clay Center and our Home Meet in Riley). Otherwise, the parent and the athlete are responsible for track meet fees and turning in registration forms on time. Contact Matthew Curtis at (320) 250-0132 for assistance or questions.
Every track meet will be different as track meets are unpredictable. When you are sure that all of your events are done, and you have received your metals, you can leave. We would appreciate it if you would let us know that you're leaving.
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