AAU practice day 1

About a month ago, I was approached by Coach Tally (HS CC coach) about Hunter running AAU cross country. I was nervous and had a long list of questions for him to answer. Sought counseling from Coach Ricky (Hunter cc coach) and some friends who older children run in different states. They all said the same thing: "DO IT!! They have NEVER asked anyone younger then 13 to join the team." 

 

Brian and I talked with the Coaches (some of who we never met), asked why they wanted Hunter to run and were very impressed with them. They said that with his heart, determination, season performance, grades and times he is what they are looking for. (going to brag a minute--his 5K time (3.1 miles) was 20 minutes, he never had run one before the October fest race--his time was faster then some on the HS) and decided to let Hunter do AAU.

 

He practices with the HS team and has fit right in. They have accepted him as their own-pushed him to become the best-encouraged him when he has needed it and helped to set goals for himself both near and far. Times are already better, he is running a 5:45 mile, an 11:40 3k, and ran a 5K in 19:20 yesterday!!

 

 Practices are very intense  from 3-6 daily, with additional strength training that needs to be done at home on his own time. He is on the HS running and training schedule--so far he has done wonderfully. Very sore at the end of the week, but its a good sore. I was told that I am not allowed at practice (can't even take pictures) because there is to be NO distraction for them! I was upset at first and then realized they are right--its serious when you get to HS

 

 

 

We (Hunter and I) leave on Dec 4 to head to Georgia with 40 of the best athletes from the State of Kentucky. I am super excited that he has been given this opportunity and can't wait to see him run.

Praying that all his hard work will pay off and he will get a scholarship in years to come