Often times distance runners want to avoid "speed work", and just run miles. This is a mistake. Long, slow, distance runs are great at building strength, but the faster you can run a 400, means the faster you can run a mile. You need BOTH!
Coaches:
You wouldn't apply a one-size-fits-all approach to workouts and mileage. Nor should you for the psychological and emotional coaching that you provide. Each athlete is an individual and should receive a unique coaching experience tailored to them.
Most HS distance runners have no idea which single muscle accounts for ~90% of forward propulsion.
Understanding how your body works, how your muscles work in harmony to move you forward, is so, so important.
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"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day, or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run."
-John Bingham
We all know that kid who doesn't run all summer, shows up to XC season out of shape, and misses out on the whole racing season just getting in shape.
Don't be that kid!
Start now!