XC Training System Track Training System Mental Skills Course Articles Login
XC Training System

The XC Training System for High School Coaches

What if there was a way to have the best cross country season your team’s ever had, without athletes getting injured along the way?

If you’ve ever packed up the team tent at the last meet of the year wondering if you could have done more for your athletes, or you’ve left that meet with a slight sinking feeling that your kids didn’t run their best race of the year on the most important day of the year, then you no doubt want 2024 to be different.

To make 2024 different for you, and more importantly, your athletes, consider two simple questions... 

First, can you change or adjust your training so that kids will stay injury-free and race their fastest at the end of the season?  

If you can, then you’ll have your best seven runners at the starting line of the most important races of the year (rather than having one or two of your best athletes sidelined with an injury). 

Second, can you coach your team in such a way that all your athletes have great races at the biggest meets, and a couple of them have A+ races?  

If you can do that, you’ll not only finish higher as a team than you did last year, you’ll be able to pack up the team tent with a grin, knowing you did everything in your power to give your athletes the best cross country experience possible. 

If you think those are both achievable outcomes, and outcomes that will allow your kids to have a blast training and racing, keep reading... 

“I have coached for 25 years, and have tried to stay current on training and coaching methodology throughout my career.  

I can confidently say the XCTS is the best value and input I've received in my coaching career and was effective both as far as results and injury prevention.  

My 25 runner freshman program was 100% on the "no prior training" XCTS plan and for the first time in my coaching career no athlete was injured during the entire season!!!  

The top runner set the school record for the 3K and 5K and the team overall did well by historical standards.  

The training system for my varsity was greatly influenced by the XCTS. The 16:09 team average at our Divisional meet was the fastest in school history and every member of our team had a PR at Divisional or States. Injuries were much less frequent.  

Overall, the team was in the trainer's room less and was highly competitive in the most competitive division in the state of MA.” - Seth Kirby, BC High School

The only question now is, what are you going to do?

"Coach Jay's knowledge of the body and how it performs best leads to his incredible ability to turn a runner into a finely-tuned machine.

 

His track and strength workouts led me to a national title at the US Cross Country Championships."

- Brent Vaughn, former Nike and University of Colorado Runner

I’m going to share a training system that'll take your program to the next level. 

  • This system works in any environment.  

  • It works in big schools and small schools. 

  • It works for girl’s teams and boy’s teams and combined programs. 

It’s Time to Make a Change

Because you work so hard all summer and fall to help your athletes, and because you care for them deeply, you deserve to leave the course at the last meet of the year knowing your team ran to their potential and that all the work you put in since the first day of summer practice was worth it. 

And more than anything you want the kids to leave the course proud of how they ran, and with the satisfaction a runner can only get when they know they raced to their fitness level. 

Last year over 300 coaches used the XC Training system to take their program to the next level.

If you think it’s time for you to do the same, and to see where you and the athletes can get to this fall, the XC Training System is for you.

XC Training System (XCTS) 

The XC Training System (XCTS) is a comprehensive training system – including warm-ups, thoughtful progressions of workouts, and time-tested post-run routines – that will keep your athletes injury-free and help them run their best races of the year in the last three meets of the year. 

This system works in any environment – small school or big school – and works for girl’s teams and boy’s teams, as well as combined programs. And if you’re a coach who works with middle school athletes, there is detailed training for those athletes as well. 

Here’s What’s Inside the XCTS... 

24 Weeks of Training

24-week training plans for all levels of athletes, from kids who are already running some serious mileage to athletes who are just coming out for the team and will be in the “no prior training” group.

Strength and Mobility Training

Post-run strength and mobility training, which can be done anywhere. This crucial part of every training day will progress to more challenging work throughout the season. You’ll get access to videos of every exercises, and your athletes can get these videos on their phone. 

Plans for All of Your Athletes

Daily plans for athletes ranging from "no prior training" up to athletes that will run 90+ min long runs. Kids stay injury-free with these progressive plans.

Priority Email Access

Priority email access with me throughout the year. I’m here to coach you so you can coach your athletes in the best, most thoughtful way possible (...most days I only answer questions from coaches in my training systems and am unable to answer questions from coaches not in the system...).

Warm-up Routines

A thoughtful warm-up, with a detailed video that teaches you how to teach the warm-up. This is more than simply leg swings and the lunge matrix - it's the best warm-up I can offer you in 2023.

Five Live Classes

Five live classes with me where I’ll answer your questions. All the classes are recorded, and the audio of each one is recorded so you can listen to them on your phone like you would a podcast.

You enroll once.

You own it forever.

You get lifetime updates.

Check out the XC Training System in this concise video.

There’s no reason it should take you years to make your program one of your state’s best. While I can’t help you with the challenging work of recruiting talent, I can take the guesswork of training and help you learn a system that works in any environment, one you can own over the coming years. 

 

These coaches are using the XCTS to take their program to the next level. 

Scott Akers
Jackson High School, Ohio

“After using the XCTS for only two seasons, the boys at Jackson High School won the first state title in program history.

The XCTS meets the needs of runners of all ability levels. The warm up and post run activities improve mobility, strength, and flexibility and keep our athletes healthy. Our athletes have embraced the training plans and thoroughly enjoyed the workouts.

Jay is always readily available to guide you through the training system.

I am thrilled with the results of the XCTS.”

Corey Baird
Saldao High School, Texas

“This was my 2nd year implementing the XCTS. Last year (2022) our team finished 9th in state. 

This year, after two full seasons of following your XCTS, our team finished 3rd with 5 girls running a pr at the state meet. 100% worth the investment! 

I was very intentional about the pre & post work routine this year. Our injuries this season were minimal compared to past seasons. 

Thank you for sharing your knowledge & passion.”

 

 

Matt Schock
Seneca East High School, Ohio

“We have been using the XCTS for the past year now at Seneca East and have implemented it step by step with our athletes. 

The system is 100% worth the investment I compare the investment of XCTS to an Athletic Department purchasing one baseball bat or one football helmet (something they do each year and multiple times). It's not that expensive when you look at it that way, and it will be yours for a lifetime! I encourage coaches to ask their schools to assist them with this one-time fee and help ALL kids improve by implementing the XCTS. 

It is a simple and easy to use program that meets the student athletes at their level! So far we have had no injuries and we have had exceptional growth amongst both our boy and girl athletes with nearly everyone reaching new PR's and some individuals who have improved by minutes! 

The best thing about XCTS is the fact that it is simple and easy to understand through the use of the videos and sheets and it is not something that feels overwhelming to someone who has never seen it before."

 

Glen Gardiner
Wauwatosa East Head Girls XC Coach

“Using Jay's pre and post-work has markedly improved the number of girls that are injury-free. Many parents and athletes have mentioned to me this year that compared to what we had previously done, there are many fewer lower leg injuries, i.e. the dreaded shin splints.

When joining XCTS, you are getting A LOT. I have been using it for almost 3 years now and am still learning and finding ways to better implement the system across my girls' XC and track programs.

Jay has made a very concerted effort to update the systems as he sees areas for improvement and to enhance the program, all at no additional cost and benefit to the coach/athletes.

We had the most successful year in our school's history in XC (5th at D1 state) with an outstanding track season as well.”

I’ll Be With You Along The Way

I’ll be with you every week of the cross country season.  

I’ll answer your questions during the webinars, and I’ll answer any questions you have during the season. I’ll give you detailed feedback on your training plan this summer so you have time to adjust things before the season starts.

You won’t have to guess if you’ve got the right training, and you won’t be making adjustments on your own in weeks with key races.  

In the same way your athletes have a hard-working coach in their corner, I’ll be in yours.

XC Training System

$495 - Lifetime Access

Or pay over 12 months - Click Afterpay at checkout

  • Multiple 24-week plans for all levels of athletes 
  • Video library of all pre- and post-run routines that you can watch on your phone at the track, including Jeff Boelé's Essentials video library
  • Videos explaining the rationale behind each workout
  • Priority email support from Jay throughout the summer and fall
  • Monthly classes – June through November – to answer questions you have about the training (all classes will be recorded) 
  • Articles and video updates throughout the season to help you implement the training 
Join Now

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions simply email me at [email protected].

I’ll respond promptly.

We both know June is one of the most important months for a cross country program, so if you’re ready to purchase the XCTS but need clarification on something, or ask a question, please email me now. 

A bit about me...

I’ve coached high school, collegiate, and professional runners for more than two decades, including three USATF champions in cross country, indoor track, and road racing. I studied kinesiology and applied physiology at the University of Colorado, where I was a member of the varsity cross country team featured in Chris Lear's cult-classic Running with the Buffaloes. I earned my M.S. in Kinesiology and Applied Physiology from CU in 2000.  

Consistency Is Key: 15 Ways to Unlock Your Potential as a High School Runner was published in June 2020 and has sold over 13,000 copies.  

I‘ve written for brands such as Nike, sites like PodiumRunner.com, and magazines including the much beloved but defunct Running Times. I’ve been quoted in several publications, including Wired, Outside, and Runner's World.  

I post videos frequently on my YouTube channel, which has over 2.9 million views. I post on Instagram and Twitter.

You can email me at [email protected] if you think I can be helpful, or if you have questions about the XCTS.

I ran modest PRs of 3:49.5 (1500m) 8:20 (3k) 14:20 (5k) and 30:15 (10k) as a collegiate athlete. In cross country I was the slowest guy on some very good teams 😀. I ran 2:00, 4:25 and 9:45 in high school. 

“We finished our season yesterday. We won both girls and boys 4A and had the girl and boy individual champion.   

Your influence on this program has been significant. I have told you of the importance your work had on our Track program in the spring. The same is true for this fall.

Where it is true that you have helped redefine how we train: warm ups, cool downs, workouts; you have really influenced the philosophy behind how and why.   

I refer to you as my coaching mentor and my kids often ask what does coach Jay say? To listen to my veteran runners tell our young runners, “consistency is the key” is just a small example of how you have impacted Greenville. 

Specifically, your frequent statement, “when in doubt do less” was the mantra for this XC season.  

All season we faced one setback after another: illness, staff change, inclement weather, etc.    

Prior to State we had only been able to have our complete varsity available to race for 2 meets. Time after time I wanted to try and make it up by pushing, but we stayed with the principle of do less and focused on the things that matter.”  

- Bob Collins, Greenville High School

Let’s both be honest...

If you've read this far, you’re likely convinced that the XCTS can take your program to the next level.

You’ve read how it’s changed programs, how it’s helped coaches keep their kids injury-free, and how it’s helped some teams win state championships. 

The XCTS, coupled with guidance from me, can change your program for the better, and make you a better coach.

Let’s help you have that special moment at the last meet of the year where you leave the course knowing you did everything in your power to give your kids the best experience possible in a sport they love. 

Let’s go!

XC Training System

$495 - Lifetime Access

Or pay over 12 months - Click Afterpay at checkout

  • Multiple 24-week plans for all levels of athletes 
  • Video library of all pre- and post-run routines that you can watch on your phone at the track, including Jeff Boelé's Essentials video library
  • Videos explaining the rationale behind each workout
  • Priority email support from Jay throughout the summer and fall
  • Monthly classes – June through November – to answer questions you have about the training (all classes will be recorded) 
  • Articles and video updates throughout the season to help you implement the training 
Join Now