Elite Training

Our elite training division is for the very serious open, post-collegiate, high school, and masters age group athletes. All our coaches are Level I or Level II certified and coach all the events in track & field as well as cross country. However, we especially specialize in the hurdles, jumps, distance and multi-events. This select group will train 4-6 days per week from February through July in specialized and sometimes individual training sessions, depending on the event. This elite training group is designed for the athlete who has made a commitment to improve their skill base to compete in state, national and international competition. The cost of training in this elite division is $100 per month, excluding the cost of a uniform, competition and travel fees, etc. Elite athletes that qualify for USA National competition will receive some financial assistance.

Interested athletes should contact Coach Wise for additional information.  

Full-Season and Summer Track Program for High School Middle Distance Elite Runners

 The Central Florida Gliders Track Club now offers two middle and long distance programs for elite high school runners as follows:

1. A 26-week minimum full-season program that runs from December through through July (dependent on the date of planned peak performance meet) offered to elite high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors that are home-schooled or in schools with no or inadequate distance track programs.
2. A 12-week maximum summer program that runs from mid-May through July offered primarily to high school juniors and seniors looking to master their event(s) and boost school year PRs to meet university standards. Elite high school Juniors, sophomores, and rising freshmen are also welcome.

Both programs are available onsite in Altamonte Springs or offsite at your home location, with supervised practices available 3-5 times per week.

Program Objectives:

1. To improve season best 800, 1600 or 3200m time in the 26-week program as well as the 12-week program.
2. To educate athletes on current middle distance training principles, so they understand the what, when, why and how of their training.
3. To end the season with peak performances at Addidas cross country championships, New Balance Nationals Outdoor, AAU National Club Championships or the Junior Olympic Games.

High potential athletes that did not achieve their season goals due to illness, injury, or inadequate coaching, training or effort, etc., will benefit the most.

University Scholarship Standards:

The following table will give you a general idea of the performance times required to meet scholarship and walk-on standards.  Keep in mind that the standards at the top schools are typically faster. In general, only runners with performance marks good enough to score points at the conference meet are considered for full-athletic scholarships.

Gliders Elite Program Performance Standards:
Unlike our standard track & field program open to athletes of all abilities, this elite program is only open to experienced runners that have performance marks that meet or exceed the performance standards below:

*Athletes must meet at least one group standard to be assigned to that group.

 Training & Coaching:

Systematic and methodical training will be based on current USTFCCCA and USATF academy recommendations for middle distance runners and include strength, flexibility, coordination and strategy components in addition to multi-paced runs to train the aerobic, anaerobic glycolytic and anaerobic alactic systems.

The primary coach shall be the Gliders Head Endurance Events Coach Craig Wise  He is USTFCCCA event specialist and USATF Level 2 certified in Track & Field.  

Practice Times and Locations:

Practice locations and times are subject to change based on availability, weather and program adjustments.  For example, consistent afternoon thunderstorms, may require some early morning practice substitutions. This is a well balanced and intense program with plenty of recovery days but limited off days, especially for older athletes.  Athletes will be allowed to complete some supervised training days at home if desired, but are expected to come to practice at least 2-3 times per week if in the onsite program.  Athletes will be given advance notice when attendance is considered critical.

Practice days, times and locations are subject to change.  

Check your email for advance notice and the hotline for last-minute updates.)
Meets:

Everyone should plan on attending the highlighted meets.      (Qualifying may be necessary.  Other meets are optional)

1. Gliders Elite Membership Fee – $100 to join club and $100 per month, paid in advance.
2. Meet fees ($15-$45 per meet)
3. Uniform fee ($32)
4. AAU ($14) and/or USATF ($20) membership fees.  Coach will advise, as scheduled meets will determine required memberships)
5. Away meet travel, hotel and meal costs

What You’ll Need:

1. Wrist watch with stop watch function
2. Appropriate running/training shoes and racing spikes
3. A healthy lifestyle

If interested, please complete this online registration form and show up at the next scheduled practice for a free 1-week trial.