All training is conducted outdoors on either a local track and/or practice field. This allows me to customize training to best match/simulate the environment that your athlete competes on.
For example, track athletes who train on a real track will be better equipped to properly conduct pacing due to spacial awareness and where they are on a track. Soccer players, training on grass turf will best be able to match/simulate real field conditions and movement on a field.
Outdoor training also helps me keep fees affordable since I do not have the monthly operating expense to pass on to you to cover the cost of owning a facility.
Unfortunately, outdoor training does have some drawbacks as the weather does not always cooperate. To make sure my athletes are safe, I have implemented the following weather policy.
Makeup Policy Due To Weather Cancellations:
I do my best to hold all sessions to the best of my ability and when safe to do so. Safety is my #1 priority.
I also realize that Ohio can be prone to bad weather and I don’t want weather to be a major factor on whether or not you choose to participate in my coaching/training services. Therefore, you do not pay for sessions cancelled due to weather even if you prepay.
Any missed sessions due to weather will be either made up at a time that is mutually agreed upon, used to extend your coaching agreement an additional week, or refunded at the end of the current coaching cycle on a prorated bases.
We will discuss which option works best for you should this occur.
If a refund is chosen, then to determine the refund amount, I use the total coaching term cost, divided by the total number of sessions purchased to get the average cost per session. I then multiply that average cost by the number of sessions missed to determine the refund amount. All monetary refunds will be given at the end of the current coaching term.
In other words, I take on all risk for bad weather.
How weather cancellation decisions are made
My number one concern is athlete safety. All decisions are first and foremost made based on that. It is fairly rare to cancel, but on average there is a need to cancel once or twice per season.
I do my best to make a decision in advance based on local weather reports and Doppler radar. In most cases, it is the right decision. However, Ohio has a weird way to change the weather on me. What looks bad on radar, may clear up rapidly and vice versa. All decisions are made based on my best effort to take into account what info I have at the time.
Winter Cancellations
Winter comes with a unique set of challenges, mostly wind chill and icy surface conditions. Most athletes adapt to the cold within about 2 weeks of exposure to cold temperatures. What may initially feel cold, may feel comfortable once acclimated. Historically speaking, most days we see temperatures in the 20’s, 30’s or 40’s with an occasion day here and there in the teens. Trust me, I am out there for 7-8 hours so I don’t want to be out there when weather in too extreme either.
Here is my general rule of thumb based on how things have worked in the past. (subject to change slightly though based on a combination of factors),
I cancel when non wind-chill temperatures get below 12-15 degrees. 20 degrees for athletes under 12. When an athlete is fully warmed up, they will feel about 20 degrees warmer than actual temperatures, when dressed appropriately for the weather.
I cancel when wind chill is below 0-5 degrees regardless of actual temperature.
I cancel when the track has a snow/ice depth greater than 2″. The schools often clear their parking lots and service roads very fast so when possible, training will be moved there when safe to do so and based on space availability
Winter Gear
A wind-proof jacket and track pants, with a warm hat and gloves can make a huge difference in comfort level. Be sure to dress in layers. Most athletes will warm up within 5-10 minutes and will need to shed clothing. If you need gear recommendations, let me know. I spend a considerable amount of time out in the weather and have learned a lot about keeping warm/dry.
Summer/Spring/Fall Cancellations
The biggest culprits here are severe weather (mainly lightning and heavy rain – we train in light rain) and extreme heat.
I cancel when storms are in the area, or have the potential to be in the area during your training time. If lightning is visible at any time, the session is cancelled/suspended.
I cancel when temperatures are typically above 90-93 degrees and humidity is an issue. In some cases, I can move sessions to shady areas, or reduce intensity of the workouts, however, at no time will I take a heat risk with an athlete and will be closely monitoring all athletes for potential heat illness. If it is borderline temperatures, I give longer water breaks, lower intensity, to have a safe workout.
I cancel when there is heavy/moderate sustained rain. Light rain, training is still most likely on. Proper gear can help here as well. If you need gear recommendations, let me know.
Summer Gear
Moisture wicking clothes, especially moisture wicking shirts, open-top headgear, socks and shorts help wick away sweat and improves the evaporative / cooling effect. A light water-resistance running jacket that vents can help keep you dry, while allowing heat to dissipate, can keep you comfortable.