Volume 5
NHXCTF caught up with the Lady Bulldogs to get the key to their success over countless seasons. Boasting the current number one runner in the state in Mikita Barry and a strong supporting cast, Bedford is setting themselves up for another trip to the Meet of Champions and possibly New Englands. This is nothing new for them as last year’s senior duo of Fiona Lee and Kelsey O’Neil propelled them to a 2nd place finish at Division 1’s and a 4th place finish at MOCs. This was their 6th straight MOC appearance, which is the 4th longest among all women’s teams in the state! Let’s see what time tested workout will lead the Bulldogs to another winning season.
NHXCTF: Who are you?
“Stephanie Burnham. I started coaching 16 years ago. I have coached for 12 years at Bedford High School”
NHXCTF: What program do you represent?
“Bedford Girls”
NHXCTF: What workout would you like to feature from your program?
“Gate to Gate”
NHXCTF: How long has this been a go to workout?
“I’ve been using this style of workout (an out and back tempo) since I started coaching, but this particular version has been in existence since 2020.”
NHXCTF: What part of the season do you usually implement this workout?
“We incorporate different variations of the “Gate to Gate” workout throughout the season. We typically do our first “Gate to Gate” tempo run in the first week of the season to establish some early pace groups. We often revisit it a few weeks in to check progress. Toward the end of the season, we sometimes follow the tempo with some short intervals or even strides.”
NHXCTF: Where did you get the workout and how did it come about?
“When Coach Saviano started coaching at Bedford, she established this particular route from the high school and named it “Gate to Gate” during the winter season. It incorporates sidewalks (which we have very few of around our high school) and a quiet side street with little to no traffic. Students learn the route within the first week of the season.”
