On December 23, I sent a text to a new family providing options for their child to attend their first practice as a free trial. One of the options happened to be the next day, December 24, Christmas Eve. They quickly replied, “Tomorrow???”, to which I replied, “Great! See you then!” Total misunderstanding, as I quickly learned they were questioning why a youth sport organization would conduct practice on Christmas Eve.
The moment described brings about one of the original philosophies of Whisper: Practices are optional. Nothing would shoo away a runner quicker, particularly in a sport that is hard enough as it is, than required attendance. Participating in 1-2 practices each week is encouraged, and 3-4 practices each week is where runners really mature, but in an effort to promote autonomy and optional intrinsic motivation, practices are optional.
Philosophy two: Club meets are also optional. While club racing is touted as a celebration of the work athlete’s have completed through months of training, it is understandable that Whisper is competing with other sports, so asking a child to choose between sports is not a fair proposition.
Philosophy three: Multi-sport play is critical in shaping a well-rounded athlete. Whisper training diversifies training to build an athlete first, and runner second. Training includes seasonal weightlifting, mobility training, and even aqua jogging, to challenge their bodies in multiplane angles and movements, for stronger and more resilient bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles, as well as enhanced coordination, reaction time, and proprioception.
Philosophy four: This one is paramount - Confidence. When new runners come into the program, there are two primary goals: 1) make a friend, and 2) build’em up! When children make friends, they’re happier, and will want to return to practice. When children learn more about their bodies through the training at Whisper, they push their ceiling of limitations to boundless heights! While present, there is little room for negative self-talk at Whisper. Positive vibes through companionship, from coaches, pacers, and peers, and healthy experiences are at the core of Whisper.
Philosophy five: Play. Flow (in sport) is defined as an optimal stage of consciousness, where feelings and athletic performance are at their best. Sustaining a playful atmosphere is why I chose the header image of me and Savannah, during a moment after a solid practice. It also happens to be one of my favorite pictures from 2025. This particular evening practice was titled “Lukewarm Hot Chocolate Night” and occurs 2-3 times each year, and they are intended to stoke community, connection, fun, and playfulness.
Many more philosophies exist, but today, these are the ones most valued in the program. Maybe tomorrow, there might be another top-5, but when I look at the product we have on the track, these are important to communicate, particularly to new, or potentially new, families in the program.
As we commence 2026, the team has some mighty goals.
We aspire to build a program kids yearn to attend, and miss when they can’t.
Continue building competitive club teams in each age bracket (8U, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-18) and in both genders.
Qualify as many teams and individuals to into the USA Track and Field Cross Country Junior Olympics, which are December 12, 2026, in Lafayette, Louisiana.
Practices are offered 3-5 nights per week. The Calendar page has training dates, locations, and times. The Contact page is a way to get in touch. Winter Training begins January 19, and includes three registration options. And of course, Coach Dave can be reached anytime at whisperrunning@comcast.net, or by phone at 360-989-0935.
Let’s begin!