The COVID-19 pandemic is touching all corners of the globe in every imaginable way.  From the physical ailments and rising mortality, to the social and economic implications, everyone has been impacted by this pandemic.  As we come to terms with a new normal, the way businesses operate will feel strangely different in the coming months, before we may ever get back to the way things were pre-COVID.  To practice in a safe and practical manner, Whisper will resume operations with a “Soft Reopening” for families who purchased the Annual Training & Team Registration membership (these are not Runcard practices).  Resuming practice in this manner will allow us time to learn the new art of social distancing.  And while continuing social distancing will be a challenge in the sport of running, we will do our best to sustain healthy practices to lessen the risk of any transmission.  The soft reopening for annual members will begin during the final week of May and operate for this population through June 12.  During this period, we will perform general running workouts, nothing too calculated, to come off the edge of intense training for some, or work into some semblance of conditioning for others.  If your child has been training continuously for several months, early June would be the ideal time to take a one to two-week break.  If you are uncertain as to whether your child should take a break from running during this time, please contact coach Dave to inquire.  

TRACK MEETS: If your child has continued working hard through this unconventional time, then they are encouraged to register and participate in the races on our athletic.net schedule.  Two Whisper meets remain, as well as two NSAFxAthleticNET meets.  The Whisper meets require athletes 13 years old and older to register, which is free.  To register, runners in the Whisper meets, runners should download the athletic.net app, create a profile, join the Whisper team using code NP6X2BGU8, and register for any event listed.  Runners under the age of 13 must have their parents complete the registration process for them.  The NSAF meet is $20 per runner and is registered through the coach.  If you wish to participate, please see our athletic.net page, click on the NSAF Meet 2 or 3 option, view the meet information and meet schedule, and email Coach Dave with the races your child would like to participate in.  This is for Whisper runners who have purchased the XCTF Meet Registration membership which is good for both track and cross-country. These races must be video recorded and show evidence of social distancing efforts.  Races in groups of two or more should not register for the NSAF race.

SUMMER TRAINING: Since schools are in semi-operation mode through June 19, Summer Training will officially begin on Monday, June 22.  Although Summer Training practices will be offered five days each week through Thursday, August 13, runners will have the same attendance option as in years past – they may attend Monday’s or Tuesdays, everyone is welcome at practice on Wednesday’s, and then again on Thursday’s or Friday’s.  Practices will be 9-11am and locations are still pending at this time.  Please see the Whisper Calendar for training dates, locations, and times.

Note: After Friday, June 12, and before the start of Summer Training (Monday, June 22), practices will be available just as they were in the past – either through the Annual Registration or the Runcard. 

GEAR REFUND: Prior to the end of Winter Training 2020, many families registered for the 2020 XCTF seasons via Whisper, with hopes their child would participate in track this spring, and quite likely, cross-country this fall.  Warm-ups and uniforms may have been purchased for their participation.  If your child participated in the Teddy Twilight, or hasn’t competed yet, and has no intentions of participating in the fall, please contact Coach Dave to discuss the uniform and/or warm-up refund options. Please do so by June 15. Thank you.

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS: In mid-May it was determined the Summer Surf & Run Camp would be cancelled. Days later, the announcement came that Spokane to Sandpoint would also be cancelled.  For families who have registered for the Camp, refunds have been issued.  For families who registered for Spokane to Sandpoint, refunds will be issued in the coming weeks.  If you need more information about this, please contact Coach Dave.

In the midst of the all the change, the refunds, cancellations, etc., a Whisper parent shined a positive light via email with me earlier in the week. It was a quick note, but a great reminder of how blessed I know I am, and I hope you are as well.  When informing her family that the Spokane to Sandpoint relay was cancelled, she replied, “We kind of expected this news but it's still disappointing!  However, our glass is "half full" as we have remained healthy while others are less fortunate.”

Today, I am grateful for my health, and for the ability to practice healthy habits, such as running. 

Thanks for reading. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Dave.