Coaching Cross Country: Annual Training Plans

with Dee Brown,
Iowa Central Community College Director of Track & Field and Cross Country;
2025 NJCAA DI Men's Cross Country National Coach of the Year;
6x Men's NJCAA National Cross Country Championships (2014, 2015, 2017, 2020, 2021, 2025);
8x Women's NJCAA National Cross Country Championships - an NJCAA record (2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2019);
8x Men's NJCAA Half Marathon National Titles - an NJCAA record (2007, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2021);
6x Women's NJCAA Half Marathon National Titles - tied for an NJCAA record (2011, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022);
14x National Cross Country Coach of the Year;
President of the NJCAA Cross Country Coaches Association;
President of the NJCAA Track & Field Coaches Association from 2019-2023;
USTFCCCA Board Member

In an easy to follow discussion and presentation, Dee Brown provides years of cross-country knowledge and success to explain the how, what, and why he includes on an annual basis for Iowa Central Community College's Cross Country training plans.

Coaching Approach

Coach Brown gives you insight on the weekly mileage, race strategy, and the 10-day cycle that has worked best for his program. He emphasizes the importance of "Coaching the Head, Heart & Body" of all team members. Brown also shares numerous charts and examples of individual methods of communication that have served his program well throughout the season.

What You'll Get

The video includes a detailed look at:

• The training for incoming junior college first and second year girls and boys team members and the steps used to ensure a coach understands the athletes' past training.
• The three phases included in annual training, when they begin, and how each phase blends together.
• Incorporation of the 10-day cycle and why Coach Brown prefers the "Double Peak" to prepare for a mid-season key race.
• The importance of athlete logs, weekly meetings, goal sheets, and post-race evaluation throughout the season.

The numerous charts and athlete communication examples, along with Coach Brown's detailed descriptions, provide you with great insight into coaching a high-level cross country team. This video gives you the necessary tools for programming and progressions throughout the cross country season so your athletes will feel good and preform their best when it matters most.

53 minutes. 2021.