Marble Falls runners embracing challenges to prepare for season

To prepare for the cross country season, the Marble Falls High School program began having organized practices last week.

New head coach Brenda Gonzalez was pleased with several traits. Top of the list is the number of runners who came — 15 including three Marble Falls Middle School boys and at least five girls.

“I think they started training with them during the school year,” she said of the middle school boys. “I’m excited about the girls, too. Most are young.”

This year’s cross country schedule is more challenging. While the team will still compete in the Eagle Nation Six-Mile Relay hosted by Johnson City High School Aug. 16, Marble Falls also will run in the Chaparral Invitational in Del Valle, the Profit Invitational in Temple, and the Southlake First Invitational in Southlake all by Sept. 7.

“The relay is a good way to start the season,” Gonzalez said. “I’m excited to see it.”

Marble Falls will host the District 24-4A meet Oct. 8 that includes Burnet, Georgetown Gateway, Jarrell, Lampasas, Liberty Hill Legacy Ranch, Salado and Taylor. Legacy Ranch, Salado and Taylor are new to the district after the University Interscholastic League announced realignment in February.

Gonzalez acknowledged the schedule, which also includes the Round Rock McNeil Invitational Sept. 20-21 at Old Settler’s Park, which is the site of the Class 4A state meet, is more challenging and was compiled that way on purpose.

That’s why having so many runners participating in workouts now is incredibly important.

“Like I told the runners, it builds that engine,” she said. “It takes time to get to where we want to. It’s an assessment of where we’re at. We want to have that foundation as a program to build that engine.”

While some runners aren’t at the level of senior Tyler Hamblin, who has competed at state meets in cross country and track, Gonzalez praised the athletes for their efforts, especially since they’re running at 6:30 a.m. in an effort to avoid the hottest parts of the day.

“I have a few kids who are beginners,” she said. “I told them, ‘In a month from now, you’ll be better because you showed up.'”

And the runners aren’t simply running timed trials. Other elements are part of the workout with one big objective.

“We’ve added some strength and mobility at the end of every session,” she said. “The goal is to keep them healthy.”

The athletes are laying the ground work of preparation right now that includes getting enough sleep, staying hydrated and eating correctly so they have the necessary fuel to get the most of their workouts. Gonzalez said the workouts are meant to challenge them physically, and she’s been pleased with how they treat each other.

“The support for each other,” she said. “They’re willing to work together. Not everyone runs at the same level.”

She also has encouraged them to be honest with her regarding the workouts themselves. Are they too taxing or to advanced for where they are right now?

“I want them to give me feedback and be able to feel comfortable,” she said. “There’s not always going to be a yes, and I’ll make adjustments.”

Gonzalez noted this training couldn’t be done without assistant coach Alex Lozoya, who returns to the program for the third year. He knows many of the runners and has shared insights with Gonzalez, which has made the creation of the training sessions more effective.

“Working with coach Lozoya has been very helpful,” she said.

The other important piece is the runners are talking about who isn’t part of the team or attending the sessions and how they are making it a point to have conversations with them. And their program goals haven’t changed. Two years ago, the Mustangs won the district championship and finished as the runners-up last year. As a team, Marble Falls has advanced to the state meet for several years. Gonzalez pointed out they’re motivated to keep it going.

“They have a goal — they want to return to state,” she said. “I want to continue that. People graduate and others come through without having to rebuild every year. Tyler has been showing great leadership. I told the guys, ‘My approach may be different; the goal is the same.’ I’m seeing the respect from there. I’m liking what I see thus far.”

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