How many kids are in the club?
Typically ranges from 20 to 60 kids.
Is the club for experience and/or competitive athletes only?
No! The club is for everyone interested in learning and improving in running and/or field events.
When is practice?
Typically Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 - 7:30pm. Additional practice days may be added as needed. Training at home during non-practice days may also be required.
Where is practice?
Primarily Sanlando Park for Cross Country.
Sanlando Park, Lake Brantley High School and Trinity Prep for Track & Field
What's the rain policy?
We practice and compete in the rain. Practice is cancelled when conditions are dangerous due to lightning and storms, etc.
How do I find out if practice is cancelled?
Check the information hotline (206-309-0319) to find out if practice is cancelled. We typically do not call practice off until 15 minutes after the practice start time, due to the fact that weather can change quickly in Florida. When practice is questionable, athletes travelling a long distance are advised to practice at home, rather than risk driving all the way to practice.
What should I do if I am going to miss a practice?
Notify the coach (info@cfgliders.com) as soon as possible and ask for a practice to do at home if one has not been provided.
Why do experienced athletes have a later registration deadline?
Because they have already been training and competing on their middle and high school track & field teams. Beginners will have insufficient time to prepare for qualifying meets or to catch up with other new Gliders that have been training for 6 weeks.
What should I wear?
Athletes should wear properly laced running shoes for practice. Tennis shoes, soccer shoes and basketball shoes, etc., are unacceptable. Two pairs of running shoes are recommended, as they will get wet and muddy. Athletes should wear properly laced running spikes or running flats for competition.
Athletes should wear any comfortable and appropriate shorts and t-shirt to practice and Central Florida Glider uniforms for competition. Bring and wear sweats as necessary.
Insect repellent sprays are recommended at Sanlando at times.
Sunscreen is recommended at the Lake Brantley HS track.
Do not wear spikes at practice unless specifically instructed by a coach.
What are the uniform sizes?
| Size Chart | |||||||
| 8-9 | 9-10 | 10-12 | 12-14 | 14-15 | 16+ | 16+ | |
| VEST | YS | YM | YL | S | M | L | XL |
| MEN'S | 34" | 35" | 36" | 40" | 44" | 46" | |
| WOMEN'S | 34" | 35" | 39" | 41" | 44" | 46" | |
| SHORTS | YS | YM | YL | S | M | L | XL |
| WAIST | 18" | 20" | 22" | 24" | 26" | 28" | 30" |
| INSEAM-MEN'S | 4 1/4" | 4 1/4" | 4 1/4" | 4 1/4" | 4 1/4" | 4 1/4" | 4 1/4" |
| INSEAM-WOMEN'S | 3 1/4" | 3 1/4" | 3 1/4" | 3 1/4" | 3 1/4" | 3 1/4" | 3 1/4" |
| SPEEDSUITS CAN BE 5", 7" OR 9" INSEAM | |||||||
What running spikes should I buy for competition?
Today there are a confusing array of spikes for every event.
For Track & Field competition, we generally recommend:
Sprint spikes for those athletes focusing on the 100m and 200m
Long distance spikes, running flats or Cross Country (XC) spikes for the long distance runners (1500m and above)
Middle distance spikes for everyone else (400-800m, hurdlers, jumpers and undecided).
- Metal or non-metal spikes are OK, and the suggested spike length/style is 3/16 inch pyramids.
For Cross Country competition, we generally recommend:
Cross Country (XC) spikes
Running flats, running shoes, or trail running shoes (especially if course is dry and hard)
Where should I buy running shoes and spikes?
Locally, both Track Shack and Fleet Feet are sponsors of the CF Gliders and sell excellent running shoes and spikes. They also ensure that your child is fitted correctly. Mentioned that your child is with the Gliders and you may receive a discount. Track Shack has a much wider selection and is a major sponsor, so please support them first whenever possible.
When Track Shack isn't running a special, the cheapest place to get running spikes is usually at www.EastBay.com. Pay close attention to the sizing information as many shoes run small, and you run the usual sizing/fit problem with mail order. Look for youth spikes in the adult spikes section. The following link has some coupon codes to save you even more: http://www.dealtaker.com/Eastbay-coupon-code-a162-c.html.
What should I do if I get injured?
If you get injured at practice or at a meet, please notify a coach immediately. For treatment please see your family physician or consult with Bill Biaggi at Orlando Sports Medicine, the Gliders' preferred provider of Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine for many years.
Remember:
Protect
Rest
Ice
Compress
Elevate
What else do I need to do?
Central Florida Gliders requires a big commitment from both athlete and parents. Parents/guardians will be asked to volunteer at track meets, get involved in fundraising events, and to generally support the team in any way possible. Please let us know if you have track & field, XC or other event experience as an athlete or coach.
What's fartlek training?
Fartlek, developed in the 1930's, comes from the Swedish for 'Speed Play', combines continuous and interval training. Fartlek allows the athlete to run whatever distance and speed they wish, varying the intensity, and occasionally running at high intensity levels. This type of training stresses both the aerobic and anaerobic energy pathways. For detailed fartlek training click here.
