Cross Country can be a very rewarding sport but it requires a high level of discipline, grit, and determination. We expect team members to give 100% at practices and also to show a willingness to train outside of practice as needed. We ask that team members commit to participate in all Meets with rare exceptions for important family or other engagements. 

We typically run between 2 to 5 miles during practices, depending on the training focus for the day and the ability level of the runner. We also engage in running drills and full body workouts as a team. We expect team members to train a minimum of 3-4 days a week, whether that's at a Hammers practice or on their own time. Our Monday morning practice at Birmingham involves very hilly, wooded terrain meant to challenge and build strength. Our Wed/Thur practices at Fowler may involve any of the following: speed training on the track, distance running on the Greenway, or interval running on the trail around the soccer fields. 

Our commitment to you as coaches is to provide a safe and encouraging environment where each runner is challenged and enabled to run faster and longer and to grow in character.

If your son plans to join, please print out the attached Anvil Cross Country Physical Form and have it filled out and signed by a medical professional. 

**This form must be turned in or emailed to me PRIOR TO your son's participation in any Anvil cross country practice or Meet.

It is very important for your son to train over the summer if he intends to join the team in August.

You'll find the training plan attached. We would like each runner to print out a copy and make notes of the workouts he completes. Guys can adjust the training plan as best fits their schedule and workout focus, though we recommend that boys follow the sequence of workouts as closely as possible. We will ask boys to hand in their completed training sheets at the beginning of the school year. The main point is that guys stay active this summer and come prepared for competitive running in August. 

We encourage all runners to record their 2 mile times at the beginning, middle, and end of the summer, to chart their progress.

Some resources to help in the summer training plan:

DAREBEE Workouts (click on a focus to narrow down the search. ex: ABS, UPPER BODY, or LOWER BODY)

What is Perfect Running Form?

5 Beginner Run Drills

5 Essential Beginner Drills to Run Faster

In order to compete in a Meet, each runner must be able to run 2 miles in 25 minutes or less.

In order to participate in Practices, all team members must be able to run 2 miles in 30 minutes or less. For safety reasons, if a team member is unable to meet this expectation, we ask that the family provide a responsible chaperone to accompany him at practices until he meets the 30 minute minimum for practices. 

Pre-season Practices:

August 5, 7, and 12, 7:00-8:00 a.m. at Bell Memorial Park (15245 Bell Dr, Milton)

NOTE: No afternoon practices the first week of school (Aug - 14/15).

Regular Season Practices (starting Aug. 19)

Monday: 7:00-8:00 a.m., at Birmingham Park (750 Hickory Flat Rd, Milton)

Wed/Thur: 3:15-4:45 p.m., at Fowler Park (4110 Carolene Way, Cumming) - drop-off and pick up at the track

Our three weekly practices this year are available to ALL members of the team. We encourage guys to participate in at least two a week if possible. For those attending an after-school practice on their cohort day, transportation to practice will be provided. 

additional meets pending

Pre-Season (all runners qualify)

8/10 - Horizon Christian Classic - 10am - Horizon Christian Academy - 1270 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040

8/20 - Middle School Grand Prix - Time TBD (after school) - Horizon Christian Academy - 1270 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040

Official Season

8/31 - Hurricane Alley - 8:20am - Cartersville MS - 825 Douthit Ferry Road, Cartersville, GA 30120

9/7 - Rangers XC Invitational - 10:30am - Frogtown Trail - 8799 Nicholson Road, Cumming, GA 30028

9/14 - Warpath Invitational - 12:00 & 12:50pm - Cherokee HS at Boling Park - 1200 Marietta Hwy, Canton, GA 30114

TBD - GAAPS Middle School Championship

$200 for the season. Includes cost of training shirt and uniform. Billing will be done through your FACTS account after registration later this summer. 

Please note each Meet has its own entry fee for spectators.

Each boy will receive a training shirt. These will be ordered at registration later this summer. Each boy who has qualified to run in a Meet will be loaned a uniform for competitions.