Would you have your athletes race the same day as a flight?

High School Running Distance

2 months ago 05/29/2024 11:18am EDT

My high school's boys and girls 4xMile relay teams just got a last-minute entry into Nike Outdoor Nationals. Stoked for the kids, but we've got a bit of a logistical challenge. Several of my seniors are graduating the day before the 4xMile, meaning we'd need to fly out to Eugene the day OF the race. The girls' race isn't until 7:30 pm and the boys race isn't till 8:11 PM, but the only flight we could get is from LAX to Eugene from 8:26 am to 10:40 am. That's a pretty lengthy travel day before racing a 4xMile at a national meet. What do you think - would you have your athletes make that flight and compete later that evening? Or would you advise against it due to the travel?

2 months ago 05/29/2024 11:28am EDT

re: concerned coach

They might not be as good--more because it will be a long day getting up at 5-6 to catch their flight and racing at 8pm, rather then the actual flight. They'll be sitting down a lot which is what they would have been doing anyways. Make sure they get up, walk around and stretch a bit at the airport and while on the plane. If they can catch a nap in the afternoon, so much the better. With that said, it can't be any worse than sitting being in school all day on race performance. Plus they are teenagers, they are almost indestructible and the meet is for fun.

2 months ago 05/29/2024 11:45am EDT

re: POW

It will be fine, just make sure the athletes get moving after the flight. If there is a long commute to a hotel or the track, whatever after touchdown, have them walk around for 20 mins or so if they have the time.

I drove 8 hours to a meet on the day I returned from winter break to college (at a school about an hour away from my school) and pr'd once. Less travel is always ideal, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

2 months ago 05/29/2024 12:12pm EDT

re: concerned coach

Same time zone and relatively short and direct flight, seems like it would be fine to me. If it was a layover or to Portland and you had to drive then I'd be weary, but a short direct flight to Eugene is fine. They could even take a nap mid day and be ready to race in the evening feeling as fresh as ever.

2 months ago 05/29/2024 1:10pm EDT

re: concerned coach

concerned coach wrote:
My high school's boys and girls 4xMile relay teams just got a last-minute entry into Nike Outdoor Nationals. Stoked for the kids, but we've got a bit of a logistical challenge. Several of my seniors are graduating the day before the 4xMile, meaning we'd need to fly out to Eugene the day OF the race. The girls' race isn't until 7:30 pm and the boys race isn't till 8:11 PM, but the only flight we could get is from LAX to Eugene from 8:26 am to 10:40 am. That's a pretty lengthy travel day before racing a 4xMile at a national meet. What do you think - would you have your athletes make that flight and compete later that evening? Or would you advise against it due to the travel?

Don’t do it. Bad idea, is it really worth it? Even the NFL requires ALL teams to arrive the night before. They don’t arrive the day of for a reason - which is what you’re requiring them to do.

2 months ago 05/29/2024 1:17pm EDT

re: concerned coach

HS kids do this all the time... they are teenagers, not 60 yr old men.

I recall quite a few years ago at the National meet in Greensboro, A NY 4x800 team.... flew from NY, put their gear on in the car on the way from the airport and made it to the line minutes before the gun went off...They ran 7:36! I am sure there are stories with the opposite results

2 months ago 05/29/2024 1:19pm EDT

re: concerned coach

concerned coach wrote:
My high school's boys and girls 4xMile relay teams just got a last-minute entry into Nike Outdoor Nationals. Stoked for the kids, but we've got a bit of a logistical challenge. Several of my seniors are graduating the day before the 4xMile, meaning we'd need to fly out to Eugene the day OF the race. The girls' race isn't until 7:30 pm and the boys race isn't till 8:11 PM, but the only flight we could get is from LAX to Eugene from 8:26 am to 10:40 am. That's a pretty lengthy travel day before racing a 4xMile at a national meet. What do you think - would you have your athletes make that flight and compete later that evening? Or would you advise against it due to the travel?

What in the world? You are considering not letting them run in a national meet because they have to get up early and take a quick flight? How is this even a question?

2 months ago 05/29/2024 2:06pm EDT

re: Surprise!

Surprise! wrote:
What in the world? You are considering not letting them run in a national meet because they have to get up early and take a quick flight? How is this even a question?

They just graduated! I know. How is this even a question to deny these graduates the last time to be with buddies. How dare this coach take that from them.

2 months ago 05/29/2024 4:16pm EDT

re: concerned coach

Do you think that WW2 paratroopers took a day to rest after they jumped out of their planes behind enemy lines? Heck no!

2 months ago 05/29/2024 5:04pm EDT

re: concerned coach

Go to graduation. Next day fly to Eugene and run the race. You only live once and you're only in high school once as well. They will remember that weekend for the rest of their lives.

2 months ago 05/29/2024 5:31pm EDT

re: Katir fan

Katir fan wrote:
Do you think that WW2 paratroopers took a day to rest after they jumped out of their planes behind enemy lines? Heck no!

Why is it that the "Greatest Generation" never includes Germans or Japanese?

2 months ago 05/29/2024 6:14pm EDT

re: concerned coach

concerned coach wrote:
My high school's boys and girls 4xMile relay teams just got a last-minute entry into Nike Outdoor Nationals. Stoked for the kids, but we've got a bit of a logistical challenge. Several of my seniors are graduating the day before the 4xMile, meaning we'd need to fly out to Eugene the day OF the race. The girls' race isn't until 7:30 pm and the boys race isn't till 8:11 PM, but the only flight we could get is from LAX to Eugene from 8:26 am to 10:40 am. That's a pretty lengthy travel day before racing a 4xMile at a national meet. What do you think - would you have your athletes make that flight and compete later that evening? Or would you advise against it due to the travel?

this is a BAD post

2 months ago 05/29/2024 9:45pm EDT

re: NotAScientist

NotAScientist wrote:
concerned coach wrote:
My high school's boys and girls 4xMile relay teams just got a last-minute entry into Nike Outdoor Nationals. Stoked for the kids, but we've got a bit of a logistical challenge. Several of my seniors are graduating the day before the 4xMile, meaning we'd need to fly out to Eugene the day OF the race. The girls' race isn't until 7:30 pm and the boys race isn't till 8:11 PM, but the only flight we could get is from LAX to Eugene from 8:26 am to 10:40 am. That's a pretty lengthy travel day before racing a 4xMile at a national meet. What do you think - would you have your athletes make that flight and compete later that evening? Or would you advise against it due to the travel?
Don’t do it. Bad idea, is it really worth it? Even the NFL requires ALL teams to arrive the night before. They don’t arrive the day of for a reason - which is what you’re requiring them to do.

Just goes to showing that distance runners are tougher than football players.

2 months ago 05/29/2024 10:20pm EDT

re: concerned coach

concerned coach wrote:
My high school's boys and girls 4xMile relay teams just got a last-minute entry into Nike Outdoor Nationals. Stoked for the kids, but we've got a bit of a logistical challenge. Several of my seniors are graduating the day before the 4xMile, meaning we'd need to fly out to Eugene the day OF the race. The girls' race isn't until 7:30 pm and the boys race isn't till 8:11 PM, but the only flight we could get is from LAX to Eugene from 8:26 am to 10:40 am. That's a pretty lengthy travel day before racing a 4xMile at a national meet. What do you think - would you have your athletes make that flight and compete later that evening? Or would you advise against it due to the travel?

It’s totally fine… have done it multiple time with our college team (and had multiple PRs), it’s not ideal but it’s fine when you don’t have better options.

2 months ago 05/29/2024 10:23pm EDT

re: concerned coach

Yeah it is doable

Pay extra for early check in so you can take a nap after you get off the plane.

Eat a massive lunch, take a massive dump, then get race ready

I used to have to take a 6am bus for 3 hours to race indoors on a banked track in college. I did fine

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