Train with purpose, ascend with confidence
Discover the ASCEND difference. Our programs are designed to empower athletes to achieve their full potential, both on and off the track. Learn more about our unique approach to training.
Our training programs
At ASCEND Track & Cross Country Academy, we offer specialized training programs crafted to meet the diverse needs of young athletes, from aspiring beginners to competitive runners. Our focus is on holistic development, emphasizing growth, enjoyment, and lifelong health. We follow the science and cater to the athlete.
Youth development
Designed primarily for 4th–8th grade athletes, the Ascend Cross Country Program focuses on building a strong foundation for future running success while helping young athletes develop confidence, learn the sport, and—most importantly—find a love for running.
Fall 2026 Introductory Season — FREE
Our inaugural cross country season, running August through November 1st, will be offered at no coaching cost.
Families will only be responsible for:
- Ascend team jersey: $30
- Meet entry fees: Based on the number of Ascend athletes participating and will not exceed $25 per athlete
Individualized, Age-Appropriate Training
At Ascend, training is not one-size-fits-all. Athletes will be grouped and coached according to their current experience, training age, fitness, and understanding of the sport.
While athletes train together as a team, individual athletes may be prescribed different workouts, distances, repetitions, or intensities when appropriate.
Our goal is not simply to make athletes faster today. It is to develop them progressively over time, providing enough training to encourage growth while also giving their bodies the recovery needed to adapt and absorb that training.
What Does a Typical Practice Look Like?
A typical Ascend training session may include:
- Warm-up
- Dynamic mobility and stretching
- Running form drills and/or strides
- Age- and ability-appropriate workout
- Cool-down and stretching
- Light core and strength work
Along the way, athletes will also learn why they are doing different types of training, how to listen to their bodies, and how to begin taking ownership of their development.
Practice Schedule
Thursdays | 5:00-6:15pm
Estero Community Park
9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL 33928.
First practice is Thursday, August 20th
Aspire. Pursue. Ascend.
Homeschool Athletes
Flexible training opportunities designed around your schedule.
Ascend Track & Cross Country welcomes homeschool athletes looking to develop their running in a positive, structured, and individualized environment.
In addition to our regular team practices, daytime training sessions may be available for homeschool athletes and small groups, based on interest and scheduling. Athletes can receive age-appropriate training while still having opportunities to participate in Ascend team practices and select cross country and track competitions.
Interested in daytime training?
Contact breanna@ascendtrackxc.com to let us know your athlete’s age, experience level, and preferred days/times
Remote Coaching Program
Ascend Remote Training provides individualized coaching with the flexibility to train from anywhere. Each athlete receives a personalized training plan developed around their age, experience, current fitness, goals, and individual needs.
Personalized Training That Evolves With the Athlete
Athletes will receive an individualized monthly training program, but the plan is never set in stone. Training may be adjusted throughout the month based on how the athlete is feeling, responding to workouts, racing (if they choose), recovering, and progressing. The remote training plan is completely tailored to the athlete.
Communication is an important part of this process. Remote athletes will have unlimited access to their coach via text, phone, or email for questions, feedback, and training guidance.
Successful training isn't simply about following a schedule—it's about understanding how an athlete is responding to that schedule. Consistent communication between the athlete and coach allows training to evolve while keeping long-term, sustainable development at the center of the program.
More Than Just Remote
Remote athletes who are local are always welcome to join any in-person Ascend training session at no additional cost.
During the cross-country season, athletes will also have the opportunity to compete with Ascend in three cross country meets, plus the FLYRA State Meet
For pricing, email breanna@ascendtrackxc.com or call 708.704.1121
Why train with ASCEND?
Our commitment is to develop not just faster runners, but confident, resilient individuals. We focus on individualized coaching, injury prevention, and fostering a lifelong passion for running.
Gain confidence and understanding
At ASCEND, athletes build confidence by understanding the "why" behind every training session. We teach them to listen to their bodies, interpret physiological feedback, and make informed adjustments to their training while developing meaningful goal-setting skills. Along the way, they learn to embrace both the successes and challenges that are part of every athlete's journey, finding joy in the process rather than just the outcome. Through thoughtfully designed training and opportunities to compete in high-quality races, athletes gain valuable experience, discover their true potential, and develop the confidence to pursue continual growth.
Our unique coaching approach
Our purpose is to create an environment where every athlete can pursue excellence through individualized coaching, while developing habits that promote lifelong health and enjoyment of running. We train the individual, not just the group, building strong athletic foundations before chasing performance. Using science and evidence-based training maximizes development while reducing injury risk. We teach athletes to understand the purpose behind every workout, encourage independence by helping them listen to and trust their bodies, and foster a healthy balance between sport, family, school, and life.
How our programs are structured
Our in person training program will begin with 1 weekly in person training session. Practices will be held at Estero Community Park on Thursdays 5:00pm-6:15pm. We understand that schools are dismissed at different times so please email breanna@ascendtrackxc.com if a later start time is needed. Additional times and days may also be added. Please continue to check back...
For athletes who are unable to attend in person, ASCEND also offers a "Remote Coaching Program". Remote athletes receive individualized monthly training plans along with weekly check-ins to monitor progress, answer questions, and adjust training based on performance, recovery, and scheduling needs. They also have direct access to their coach by phone or email and are welcome to compete as members of the ASCEND Track & Cross Country team at designated meets.