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Name: Larry Clark
HS coach at Wren
Years coaching: 18
Favorite workout: right before state, shorter, faster repeats
Favorite quote: the body can achieve what the mind can conceive. -my dad
How and when did you get involved in coaching?
Right out if college in '91 I began coaching cross country
Tell us about your competitive running background, if applies (past or present).
I was an all-ACC and All-American Runner while at Clemson. I ran two years on the roads with NIKE.
What do you hope for your team to achieve this coming season?
I hope for our girls team to he in contention for State.
Looking at 2013 success, how do you help athletes with their focus for upcoming season?
We lost some key people and we also had a few to get injured right before cross country state.
What kind of terrain do you prefer for your team to train on?
As tough and varied a possible. It makes them prepared for the Sandhills course.
How do you prepare for summer and fall training?
We will do a variety of things to make them stronger.
What philosophies do you have with your athletes?
Each one is different and so should their training styles. Some do well with high mileage some do not. You have to adjust for that.
Are you a coach that prefers high mileage, low mileage or speed for training and how do you adapt for different levels and backgrounds?
Not a fan of high mileage for high school kids. They burn out easier and injure much easier. You have to remember that their bodies are changing, so they need workouts that will allow them success as they change. It a huge mental thing as well.
What role do you have in summer training?
I run with them and make it fun for them to train in the heat.
What is the value for your team in summer training?
Base for the season.
Looking back at each previous season, do you make any changes for summer training?
Always. You have to adjust to what best suits that specific group of kids. There is no set mold.
Do you include weight training in summer conditioning?
Strength is key. You have to.
What do you see that has changed in the sport?
More teams, more people wanting to change the class that goes with the sport, but yet every year I see cross country teams that are the tightest knit group of any sport there is! XC kids are the best! They bond well.
How do athletes interested find out about your team?
Word of mouth From other athletes. They accept each other and each one has a role in the success of the program whether they are a major contributor or a first year JV runner. They are all important and, hopefully, will learn life skills to carry on for future success in school and careers.