The Importance of Communication in Training

Communication is one of the most important tools an athlete can have.

At 813 Elite, we often work with athletes who participate in multiple sports—and while that dedication is great to see, balancing several training schedules can be tricky. Track and field is a demanding sport that requires both effort and recovery. When athletes don’t communicate about their other workouts or practices, it’s easy to cross the line into overtraining.

If you’re lifting at the gym, running outside of practice, or training with your school team, your coaches need to know. That information helps us adjust your training load, recovery time, and event focus so you can perform your best without burning out.

Why Communication in Training Matters

Many athletes believe that more training equals faster improvement. It’s natural to think that doing your 813 Elite workouts and your school practices - or even doubling up in one day - will give you an edge. But that approach can actually slow you down.

In sprinting, especially, performance depends on fresh muscles, explosive power, and proper recovery. Overworking your body breaks that balance, leading to fatigue, slower times, or even injury. The best athletes aren’t the ones who do the most work; they’re the ones who do the right work consistently.

Listening to your body isn't weakness - it's discipline

Listen to Your Body

Unlike sports such as basketball or football, track training focuses on precision, efficiency, and recovery. Every workout has a purpose, and recovery days are part of the plan. If you’re feeling worn down, sore, or unusually tired, that’s your body telling you to take a step back.

Listening to your body isn’t weakness - it’s discipline. And when you communicate how you’re feeling, your coaches can help you adjust instead of risking setbacks.

Trust the Process

As Coach Gamble always says, “Trust the process.” Improvement takes time. Sprinting, in particular, is about developing strength, form, and speed gradually. Trying to rush that process by overtraining doesn’t speed things up - it slows progress and can lead to frustration or injury.

Parents, this is an important reminder for you, too. Encourage your athletes to talk openly about their training and trust that recovery is just as valuable as hard work. Balanced, consistent training builds confidence, prevents burnout, and leads to better long-term results.

Communication in training isn’t just about logistics - it’s a sign of maturity and respect between athletes, parents, and coaches. When we’re all on the same page, athletes stay healthy, motivated, and on track for success.

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Coach Cruz brings years of experience as a multi-sport athlete and dedicated youth mentor to his role as Middle Distance Coach at 813 Elite. A former collegiate football and track athlete at Webber International University, he competed in the 400m, 400m hurdles, 800m, and relay events. Known for his energy, discipline, and athlete-first approach, Coach Cruz is passionate about helping young runners develop confidence, balance, and endurance—both on and off the track.