Hi Tino Runners,

I am Paul Armstrong.  Most of you know me from coaching track last season.
This year I will be filling in for Coach Stebbins during cross country.
I have a lot of running experience that includes cross country (4 years
college), road races, and marathons (2:42 best), as well as track.  I still
run and race competitively (when I'm not injured) and I plan to run with
you all some of the time this fall.

Los Gatos is still having their "All Comers Meets" which started June 27th at
6:00PM (running events) and go every Thursday until August 15th.  It's $3.00
entry fee and you can run as many of the races as you can handle.  All sorts of
ages and levels of athletes show up to these meets and it's fun (plus, if you
win your division, High School, you get your name in the paper the next day,
usually). If you want to see where you are in terms of your training, you
still have time to attend a meet and run the 1 mile or 2 mile or both or other
races.

There are also a number of local Road Races that you can compete in.  To get a
listing pick up a magazine called "The Schedule" in your local running store, or
you can check the website, they're at: http://www.theschedule.com.

At West Valley College every Wed afternoon at 5:15 a group of runners (headed by
the Wilcox coach) work out on the track.  Tuesday nights another group works out
at WVC (5:30PM).  There is another group that works out on the track at DeAnza
College around 6:00PM.

We will start XC training on Aug. 12th at 6:00PM (we meet at the track).  We'll
start off with an 1 mile time trial on the track and then some fitness   By the
end of the season, you'll be able to run at least 6 miles in the hills without
breaking a sweat.  You need to have your Athletic/Activity Participation Authorization form,
Athletic Pre-Participation Screening Exam form pages 1 and 2,  and Athletic Emergency Information form
submitted before you can OFFICIALLY run for the team.  So please get your packet
and get your physical ASAP.  I suggest you print off the PRE-SEASON CHECKLIST form
found on the 2002 XC web site to see what's needed for XC.  Everyone is expected to
join the Cupertino Boosters.  This group helps support sports and other activities.
More information on Boosters will be presented at the Parent Meeting which will be
held at the beginning of the year. The CHECKLIST will need to be completed before
you can compete - get a start on it now.  You can get more info by going to the Web
page (URL at the bottom). Please get your checklist items in ASAP so you won't miss
a single race.  We expect some great things from you runners this year. Please let
people from last year's team and incoming freshman know about the start of the season.
Recruit your friends to join the team. Please share this letter with your parents.
Practice will be from 3:15PM to 5:30PM when school starts (most days we will be
finished by 5:00PM), Monday through Friday, and Saturdays generally in the morning.
Sundays will usually be our rest day.

A few words about running/racing shoes: Depending on how much you want to spend,
you can get by for as little as $50 on sale or as much as $160. Most important, get a
good pair of training shoes with good absorption and arch support if the foot needs
it. I strongly recommend that you buy your shoes at a reputable running store,
such as MetroSport in the Oaks (across from De Anza) or Ryan's Sport Shop (Homestead
& Lafayette near SC University) especially if you do not have much experience with
running shoes. These stores have knowledgeable staff that will help you find the
right shoe for you and let you try it out before you buy. The shoe may also double
as a racing flat but will be heavier than if you were to buy a separate racing shoe.
A good training flat will run you about $80 but both Metrosport and Ryan's Sport
Shop will give you a 10% or 10-20% respectively -depending upon if you buy trainers
or racing flats- discount if you tell them you run for Cupertino High School. Make
sure the fit is comfy with toe room. A racing flat will be many ounces lighter and
make you feel like you're flying when you put them on, but it's also another $80 or so.
Your choice. I prefer to race in shoes that I do not train in.  I strongly recommend
that you obtain a new pair shoes every year or running season, because the shoes
will breakdown over time and continued use will lead to injuries.  Also, Spenco inner
sole inserts are recommended to help with shin splint type problems, especially if you
have them now.

I'll be around for the rest of the summer, trying to get in shape.  Check the track
website, (http://pages.prodigy.net/coacha) to see when I'm working out on the track at
Cupertino.  I will have some of the various forms with me.

Have a good time with what's left of the summer.  I'm looking forward to XC.

Coach Armstrong