Ice cream run
MHS cross country team getting in shapeBy Kevin Pierson, kpierson@mariettatimes.com
Article Photos
Finding the motivation to venture outside when the mercury reads 90 can be a little difficult sometimes.
For the Marietta Lady Tigers' cross country team motivation comes in a cold, sugary sweet form - ice cream!
Over the past three summers the Lady Tigers have turned the conclusion of their weekly summer training into a day of enjoyment with an Ice Cream Tour, stopping at a local ice cream store every Friday afternoon.
"It's kind of like our treat day," explained Marietta senior Kylie Iadicicco, whose sister Kirsten, began the weekly tradition three years ago.
Each week the Lady Tigers head to a different stop for their Friday treat.
If they find a place they like the Lady Tigers are more than happy to add a "x2" to the Ice Cream Tour T-shirts they get at the end of the summer with their destinations marked.
So far this year the girls have stopped at Smitty's on Front Street June 13, Cone & Shake June 20, the Harbor June 27, Kreamy Kreations July 3, Devola Creamland July 11 and Bruster's Friday.
Having that Friday treat makes the rest of the week's training so much easier.
"You know at the end of the week there's going to be ice cream," Iadicicco laughed.
While the Ice Cream Tour is cool fun for the Lady Tigers it also has a more serious role.
"Summer mileage is key to having a good season," said Marietta junior Taylor Varnadoe.
"It (summer mileage) makes it a whole lot easier to keep up your speed during the race," said Marietta sophomore Emily Garrison.
Making Friday's run to Bruster's were Iadicicco, Garrison, Varnadoe, Jessie Frazier, Chelsea Hugh, Colleen Miracle and Annie Weaver.
Putting in the miles on last year's Ice Cream Tour led to the Marietta girls making a trip to the Ohio state cross country meet.
Every girl that made it to the state ran on the Ice Cream Tour, proving that good taste and fun can lead to success once the season starts.
"That shows you the importance of the summer miles," said Marietta assistant cross country coach Larry Cassady.
Running the Ice Cream Tour also creates a bond between the young athletes that helps them run better as a team.
"They get so used to running together that they feel uncomfortable if they're not," Cassady said.
It also helps the girls bond with their coach, even prompting them to purchase a bicycle for Cassady after he injured his foot and couldn't run last year, allowing him to ride along and enjoy the great outdoors.
With summer vacations and running camps participation in each week's ice cream run varies anywhere from two to nine girls, but usually encompasses the majority of the team.
"It's a good group of girls and everyone works really hard," Iadicicco said.
