There are different methods of thought when it comes to training long distance runners. Adel-Desoto-Minburn Tigers head cross country coach David Zwank talked about some of his training methods with Raccoon Valley Radio as we highlight preseason topics ahead of the 2018 fall sports season in Iowa. Zwank says over the years has tried to incorporate speed the Tigers’ workouts regiment. “When you watch the end of any high-quality race, those endurance athletes have to use speed and speed mechanics (to finish strong),” Zwank said, “So I try to incorporate that in a way to take kids out of their comfort zone, but when they’re finishing a race they’re prepared for it.”

Zwank told Raccoon Valley Radio he uses strength and core workouts he got from a sprinters coach two or three times a week to work on his long distance runner’s speed. The 2018 competition season for the ADM cross country teams begins Saturday, September 1 in the Urbandale Cross Country Invitational.