OFF SEASON Coach Ed Dear Coach Ed, Im 13 years old and love cross-country running. I would like to know how long the off season lasts. I also would like to know how I should train during the on season. Thanks a lot, Fran Dear Fran, Very good question Fran. Off season is when you are not training specifically for competition. With athletes your age, six weeks before your first track or XC meet is "In Season" You should have already established some base mileage and should start speed workouts. Your focus is on the upcoming season during this period. I suggest if athletes are doing weight or strength training to discontinue that at this time. Once you are competing you are still "In Season". During the competition phase of the season I suggest athletes taper to prepare for the meets and then recover after the meets. Once the meets end, do some light jogging then start building base mileage again. Now you are in "Off Season". Time to get back to strength training, cross training (mix in some bike riding, hiking, and things like that. The short answer to your question on how to train during the season is: prepare to race, race, then recover, and you repeat this cycle over and over. For some training tips and schedules look for All Coach Ed's Advice on this website . You will find all types of information in the XC section. Again Fran, excellent question. Good luck, Coach Ed Ed Poirier, "Coach Ed", recently was invited by the United States Olympic committee to attend a workshop and training seminar at the Olympic training center in California. Feel free to email the kid's editor at goodrow@infi.net with comments on this column.