We run, and then we run some more. Track meets and practices take place in all weather conditions except lightening. But if there's lightening, you don't get to go home - we wait it out. In other words - hope for sunshine because you'll be at practice and meets either way.

Literally, and in most instances, all day long - 9 hours, 540 minutes, 32,400 seconds - get the picture?

If you come on time or if you're late? Usually 1 1/2 hours - for those who come on time.

Parents - whatever you want. Athletes - healthy, light non-vomitus foods (fruit, sandwiches, energy bars, etc.)

Much more than you paid for - Regular season meet entry fees, t-shirt, uniform, USATF & AAU membership cards, USATF & AAU Entry fees (local, association, regional, national), equipment to use and whatever else we can squeeze out (regional, Junior Olympic, and club championship entry fees, discounted transportation, end-of-year function, etc.) If it's not listed, it's not included.

Nothing expensive! -- but definitely a well-built/comfortable running shoe for practice. As far as the "other" shoes go (spikes, etc.) -- we won't honestly know until we see where your child's strengths lie. Spikes may not be necessary if they're primarily doing field events; sprint spikes (there are different kinds of spikes based on the event) may not be necessary if your child is more of a middle distance runner - yeah, yeah - we know they're "super fast" just like you used to be when you ran the 220 or 440. Bottom line -- don't rush out and start making a lot of unnecessary purchases. All they really need is a sturdy pair of "running shoes" - name brand not required.

The Coaches - the end. However, if they come to practice, we guarantee that your child will participate in more than one event at every meet and that they will participate in most, if not all, age (and skill level) appropriate events before the season ends. Every now and then we do an "athlete's choice" - feel free to try and influence your child's choice. Also, as the season progresses the coaches will may - it is detectable - gear your athlete's competition to events in which they excel and/or demonstrate interest (unfortunately - this is not always one in the same).

Only if you want to see your child entered in the last event of the meet for the remainder of the season. We do understand that there may be occasions when you will need to leave at the conclusion of your child's events, however, we are a family-oriented team and we're real big on the "team support concept." If you care about team support for your little "Johnny" you better be there yelling for someone else's little "Jane." Also, as Coaches who also have work, families, -- lives outside of track -- our sympathy for your "needing to leave" is usually at a "minimum."

You can't - at least not this season. That also includes "sideline" coaching. Tracey Wilkinson, the Head Coach and Mitch Mitchell, Commissioner, are very protective and selective regarding the staff and team, for several reasons. We have worked with most of the staff for a long time - for some since we started 22 years ago. We have developed an "understanding" that we believe works well and benefit your child(ren). We also believe very strongly in using our homegrown collegiate and former athletes, and others (e.g., team parents) who have demonstrated a commitment to the program and its "method." Our method is clearly not the only method, and may not be the best method - but it is our method and it has produced excellent results with minimal drama. Bottom line -- we need to really know who's working with our children -- their strengths, their style, what they can offer the program, and how well they work with our current staff so that Marlboro Track does not go the way of many other programs - i.e., in two, three or four different directions. If you really want to coach with Marlboro Track - we recommend becoming a team parent. In reality, our Team Parents serve as "assistant coaches" and share in the work and the accolades for our athletes' accomplishments. That's our viewpoint, but we're always listening.