How has running culture evolved? What is the value of athletics in high school? Why are wet leaves as dangerous as ice? In this illuminating interview, Mike Cohen, the nationally recognized former coach at Simsbury High School, shares his knowledge, experience, and philosophy on coaching cross country and track and field.
Produced by Kevin Jordan SHS ’13
With Coach Cohen’s permission, I’d like to highlight and potentially raise some money for a nonprofit I’ve volunteered with and wholeheartedly believe in.
‘Go Run is a project of the Chicago Area Runners Association, where Dominique and her dedicated team of volunteers host FREE timed 5k/1 Mile races. The events rotate through several Chicago Park District locations, focusing on the south and west side. This year they held 38 weekly races! with the last event of the year taking place 11/16/24.
The events are the most inclusive and welcoming running events I have ever seen. Attendees and volunteers are incredibly supportive and proud of participants at all levels for challenging and bettering themselves.
Photos I took from some of the races.
Additionally, several other nonprofits utilize ‘Go Runs to supplement their programs. One of them, Chicago Run, empowers young people (Pre-K–12) through running and physical activity, emphasizing the development of resilience to stress and trauma, as well as social and emotional skills.
In the twelve races I’ve been involved with, it’s been impossible to leave without a smile, inspired by everyone’s positivity, perseverance, and camaraderie.
I want everyone to have the opportunity to reap the benefits of running and exercise, as I have. ‘Go Run has been Championing this idea since its inception in 2016 and had record attendance this past season.
Thank you!
*CARA is registered 501(c)3. You may be able to increase your donation if your employer has a matching program!
Some Books Coach Recommends
- Daniels’ Running Formula by Jack Daniels, PhD
- Grit by Angela Duckworth
- How Bad Do You Want It? Mastering the Psychology of Mind Over Muscle by Matt Fitzgerald
- Once a Runner by John L. Parker Jr
- Peak Performance by Brad Stulberg & Steve Magness
- Road Racing For Serious Runners 5k-Marathon Multispeed Training by Pete Pfitzinger & Scott Douglas
- Road to the Top: A Systematic Approach to Training Distance Runners by Joe I. Vigil, PhD
- Running Periodization by Jason Karp
- Running with the Bufaloes by Chris Lear
- Slaying the Dragon by Michael Johnson
- The Achievement Zone by Shane Murphy
- The Champion’s Mind: How Great Athletes Think, Train, and Thrive by Jim Afremow
- The Science of Running by Steve Magness
Kevin William Jordan 