After the postponement of the Fall 2020 season, San Diego men's and women's cross country got to work training during an unusual fall. We checked in with Coach Guarino to see how the team is adapting and what he's noticed out from his team.
 
1. What was your favorite part about having some of the team back in San Diego this fall?
 
After being away from them for such a long time, it was exciting to see them back in person. Being around people and the energy that the scholar-athletes bring to training. Their passion, joy, and also at times the defeat of a workout. Seeing them appreciate each other's presence was a lovely sight. These are all elements that cannot be duplicated deeply on zoom. The non-verbals are critical for full communication is required to help an athlete reach their potential.
 
2. What impressed you the most about your group of athletes?
 
I felt that this group had to be more grown-up.  They were asked to take care of one another, and be responsible for their actions on and off the practice field.  They were asked to grow up early regardless of the year that they were.  They had to stay optimistic even when another change was thrown their way.  If a competitive season was canceled they had to pivot to running for the love of it. 
 
I felt that they were challenged in so many directions, but the fact that they have overcome so many obstacles is a testament to their inner strength that they dig for during these challenging times. 
 
3. Describe how training has looked during the COVID-19 era. 
 
The training was different for we had to adapt to pods early on, and wearing masks and gaters.  We also had to isolate away from the public as much as we could.  This required us to change workout sites and also develop different starting times for pods.  We also introduced cycling training to augment our running training.  Once we found out that we were not able to use the spin bikes nor the pool in the ways we normally would, we looked for a creative way to challenge the cardiovascular system, and we looked at the bike as our solution.  This required biking safety education, sunrise bike rides, and creating workouts that would duplicate our training cycle. 
 
We connected those athletes that took on the challenge by extending our training grounds to incorporate the beauty of San Diego. Loved how biking has and will now be part of their training balance to reduce the impact on their legs.  Ultimately it makes them well-rounded athletes.  
 
 
We also had to be more creative for we could not use large groups in training so the positive was that we had more of small group detail. 
 
The segment that everyone missed was the pre-camp that we do during the early stage of the season. This is where the team gets to know each other through activities that bond you as a unit. 
 
 
4. What stood out to you the most during fall training?
 
The support that I have received from our community has been so positive.  I have received texts, calls, and even socially responsible visits from our community. Their focus has been purely checking up on our athletes.  They want the best for them and want to make sure that they are cared for.  This support has come from friends, parents, coaches, alumni, donors, and parents.  Knowing that we have a group of people that care during these hard times, is so rewarding for you know you are not in it alone.  It is the community that feeds the hunger to push our young people to believe in the power of doing it now regardless of COVID. 
 
 
5. Describe your team leaders and what they are bringing to the table.
 
Leadership is the driving force that leads us to our vision. What I love about both our Captains and our Seniors is how they approached a season that was so different from anything I have seen in my lifetime. They had to stay positive and come together. They had to do it without much team bonding and at times not be able to see other teammates. I saw everyone challenged, but the way that they dug deep to find the inspiration to help each other drive towards living in the moment is what inspires me to coach. I also loved how the younger athletes contributed to the vision, that although they did not have the authority that their optimistic outlook provided us with the vision of being a traveling lemonade stand that was going to sweeten up the lemons that were given to all of us. 
 
6. What are your goals and hopes for the team as they look to compete in the spring?
 
Competition is what athletes miss most and that is where the goal setting takes place. I want the athletes to get back to a normal competitive season. To a platform that they can display their dreams, training, teamwork, and competitive drive. This platform is the purpose of why we are athletes, and I would love to see that for them. I want them to be safe and be back to being focused on being young. My goal is simply to get them to the line to begin developing the competitive model that cannot be incubated at practice. It is to explore their uniqueness and to show them how they can push through the obstacles. While giving them positive experiences that will carry them throughout their life journey.