Be Prepared!
That's a good motto for tomorrow's Sectional meet. From what I can tell, the various weather flakes don't agree on how much rain and lightning will be around tomorrow, but they do agree there will be some. This means you need to ensure you can stay warm and dry, and you need to be mentally and physically prepared for the possibility of a long day, if weather delays occur. So, conserve energy, but be sure to get in a proper warm-up before your event(s).
For your consideration (this year, or next year, as appropriate), here are some key times from last year's meet (six places score):
800
1st G - 2:19.66 (I'm pretty sure it will be faster this year)
6th G - 2:24.64 (yeah Megan)
12th G - 2:33.12
1st B - 1:55.73
6th B - 2:01.63 (Marc)
12th B - 2:09.86
1500/1600
1st G - 4:46.79
6th G - 5:06.13
10th G - 5:21.73
1st B - 4:23.97
6th B - 4:44.76
9th B - 5:02.45
3000/3200
1st G - 10:21.99
6th G - 11:16.60
12th G - 12:08.45
1st B - 9:26.45
6th B - 10:03.53
12th B - 10:17.04
Steeplechase
1st G - 7:09.50
6th G - 7:51.18
9th G - 8:40.25
1st B - 9:54.31
6th B - 10:32.24
12th B - 11:12.87
4x400 Relay
1st G - 4:03.26
4th G - 4:08.02 (Schroeder)
5th G - 4:12.25
1st B - 3:26.29
6th B - 3:40.46
9th B - 3:47.22 (10th was 4:32)
4x800 Relay
1st G - 9:42.03
5th G - 10:25.38 (Penfield)
6th G - 10:25.39 (Schroeder)
7th G - 10:50.69
1st B - 8:08.29
6th B - 8:26.69
9th B - 8:54.67 (10th was 9:11)
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Rush and Youngsters
I didn't get a report on the Frosh/Soph meet that I missed (and Nate did not bring splits home, as planned), so I had to look up the results.
800
2. Nico 2:13.37
7. Whitty 2:24.61
4. AJ 2:18.16
9. John 2:35.73
10. Joe 2:37.45
1600
1. Nico 4:58.91
3. Chris 5:09.19
23. John 5:48.69
4x800
1. Soph 9:14.11 (not bad for a bunch of youngsters running alone)
2. Frosh 9:40.00 (very respectable)
Unfortunately, the R-H meet was rescheduled between Counties and Sectionals, and on the day of the Frosh/Soph meet, so the distance ranks were depleted and limited in duty.
R-H swept the girls 400, with Chelsea running just under 64.
Our only 1600 entry was Mark, doing some Pent training:
Mark 73 2:31 3:54 5:09
The 1500 went much better, and the girls put up some fine times:
Alaina 87 2:57 4:23 5:34 (gave the R-H girls a nice scare for 1200m)
Clare 88 3:01 ~4:36 5:42
Becka 89 3:03 ~4:40 5:45
Ryan pulled off the win in the 800 (I missed his final time; he was out in 61). JP was 79 2:39. The girls couldn't quite get under 2:40.
Alaina 77 2:41
Becka 80 2:41
Clare 86 2:52
The slow heat of the girls 200 actually turned out to be the fast heat for Webster, as the distance runners showed the sprinters how it's done. Chelsea took the heat in 28.9 and Megan (coming off the hurdles) ran 29.1.
Kenny was alone against a boatload of R-H kids in the 3200 (seemed like last year). He ran a smart race, using the R-H 3-5 runners for the first mile, before walking down the 2nd runner, passing him for good with a strong move with 250m to go.
Kenny 78 2:40 4:05 5:31 6:56 8:24 9:50 11:06
800
2. Nico 2:13.37
7. Whitty 2:24.61
4. AJ 2:18.16
9. John 2:35.73
10. Joe 2:37.45
1600
1. Nico 4:58.91
3. Chris 5:09.19
23. John 5:48.69
4x800
1. Soph 9:14.11 (not bad for a bunch of youngsters running alone)
2. Frosh 9:40.00 (very respectable)
Unfortunately, the R-H meet was rescheduled between Counties and Sectionals, and on the day of the Frosh/Soph meet, so the distance ranks were depleted and limited in duty.
R-H swept the girls 400, with Chelsea running just under 64.
Our only 1600 entry was Mark, doing some Pent training:
Mark 73 2:31 3:54 5:09
The 1500 went much better, and the girls put up some fine times:
Alaina 87 2:57 4:23 5:34 (gave the R-H girls a nice scare for 1200m)
Clare 88 3:01 ~4:36 5:42
Becka 89 3:03 ~4:40 5:45
Ryan pulled off the win in the 800 (I missed his final time; he was out in 61). JP was 79 2:39. The girls couldn't quite get under 2:40.
Alaina 77 2:41
Becka 80 2:41
Clare 86 2:52
The slow heat of the girls 200 actually turned out to be the fast heat for Webster, as the distance runners showed the sprinters how it's done. Chelsea took the heat in 28.9 and Megan (coming off the hurdles) ran 29.1.
Kenny was alone against a boatload of R-H kids in the 3200 (seemed like last year). He ran a smart race, using the R-H 3-5 runners for the first mile, before walking down the 2nd runner, passing him for good with a strong move with 250m to go.
Kenny 78 2:40 4:05 5:31 6:56 8:24 9:50 11:06
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Quandary
I was without an Internet connection for the 4-day weekend, so I haven't been able to get the JV County Meet splits up. Maybe tonight or tomorrow.
Speaking of tonight, I have a tough decision to make. Most of the varsity will be competing in our final dual meet of the year, against strong Rush-Henrietta teams. Meanwhile, the boys frosh/soph squad will be at their own meet at Aquinas. That leaves me with an agonizing decision. It's a shame that the varsity teams felt the need to reschedule the meet for the Tuesday between Counties and Sectionals - we really don't want to overwork the distance team today.
And just a quick word about the JV County Meet: awesome. Winning the 4x800m relay was quite an accomplishment, rounding out a day of very strong performances.
Speaking of tonight, I have a tough decision to make. Most of the varsity will be competing in our final dual meet of the year, against strong Rush-Henrietta teams. Meanwhile, the boys frosh/soph squad will be at their own meet at Aquinas. That leaves me with an agonizing decision. It's a shame that the varsity teams felt the need to reschedule the meet for the Tuesday between Counties and Sectionals - we really don't want to overwork the distance team today.
And just a quick word about the JV County Meet: awesome. Winning the 4x800m relay was quite an accomplishment, rounding out a day of very strong performances.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Boys and Girls Win!
Well, the Spencerport meet turned out to be fairly exciting, with the outcome still not certain as the relays started. The meet held close to form for the Distance Runners, with a few exciting exceptions.
The first surprise was Chelsea taking the victory in the 400 in 63.8.
The next surprise came in the 1600m, where Chris managed to grab 3rd place:
Nico 68 2:20 3:39 5:01
Chris 71 2:30 3:52 5:06
John 76 2:45 --- 5:48
Joe 75 2:45 --- 5:55
Megan ran a smart race to grab 2nd in the 1500, ahead of a whole bunch of fine performances:
Megan R 78 2:47 4:18 5:19
Alaina 84 2:56 4:30 5:36
Clare 88 3:02 4:37 5:43
Becka 88 3:04 4:39 5:44
Chelsea K 91 ~3:09 ~4:51 6:05
Megan 90 ~3:09 ~4:50 6:06
Spencerport had their top 2 runners in the 800, so Nico had to settle for 3rd, after making a solid attempt at 2nd. AJ and Steve also went out quite hard in an attempt to stay in the mix. Afro Johnny continues to drop his time:
Nico 62 2:16
AJ 63 2:17
Whitty 64 2:24
John 75 2:33
Joe 75 2:40
The girls 800m was the most exciting race of the day. Chelsea got off the line and Megan and Katie Sanders from Spencerport were content to follow her thru the 200 in 38 and the 400 in 80. Then things started to heat up. Megan took the lead on the backstretch and they were both able to hold off Katie, who tucked back in for the final turn. The last 100 was a blazing sprint and I was unable to judge the order from nearly 50m away. But it turned out that Megan and Chelsea went 1-2 for 8 big points. Megan's last 400 was a 72:
Megan R 81 2:33
Chelsea 80 2:33
Alaina 85 2:46
Clare 86 2:52
Megan 86 3:00
Alana 87 3:01
Chelsea K 90 3:11
Alisha -- 3:38
In the 3200, Cyril Dunham was going to be unbeatable, but Chris led Nate and Kenny to early control of the next 3 spots, with Nate and Kenny then taking over with alternating leads each lap, and Nate's kick leaving him just shy of breaking the 11 minute barrier:
Nate 78 2:39 4:02 5:26 6:50 8:17 9:40 11:00
Kenny 79 2:39 4:02 5:26 6:50 8:17 9:42 11:04
Chris 78 2:38 4:09 5:40 7:10 ~8:45 ~10:16 11:32
3000 and Relays to come...
The first surprise was Chelsea taking the victory in the 400 in 63.8.
The next surprise came in the 1600m, where Chris managed to grab 3rd place:
Nico 68 2:20 3:39 5:01
Chris 71 2:30 3:52 5:06
John 76 2:45 --- 5:48
Joe 75 2:45 --- 5:55
Megan ran a smart race to grab 2nd in the 1500, ahead of a whole bunch of fine performances:
Megan R 78 2:47 4:18 5:19
Alaina 84 2:56 4:30 5:36
Clare 88 3:02 4:37 5:43
Becka 88 3:04 4:39 5:44
Chelsea K 91 ~3:09 ~4:51 6:05
Megan 90 ~3:09 ~4:50 6:06
Spencerport had their top 2 runners in the 800, so Nico had to settle for 3rd, after making a solid attempt at 2nd. AJ and Steve also went out quite hard in an attempt to stay in the mix. Afro Johnny continues to drop his time:
Nico 62 2:16
AJ 63 2:17
Whitty 64 2:24
John 75 2:33
Joe 75 2:40
The girls 800m was the most exciting race of the day. Chelsea got off the line and Megan and Katie Sanders from Spencerport were content to follow her thru the 200 in 38 and the 400 in 80. Then things started to heat up. Megan took the lead on the backstretch and they were both able to hold off Katie, who tucked back in for the final turn. The last 100 was a blazing sprint and I was unable to judge the order from nearly 50m away. But it turned out that Megan and Chelsea went 1-2 for 8 big points. Megan's last 400 was a 72:
Megan R 81 2:33
Chelsea 80 2:33
Alaina 85 2:46
Clare 86 2:52
Megan 86 3:00
Alana 87 3:01
Chelsea K 90 3:11
Alisha -- 3:38
In the 3200, Cyril Dunham was going to be unbeatable, but Chris led Nate and Kenny to early control of the next 3 spots, with Nate and Kenny then taking over with alternating leads each lap, and Nate's kick leaving him just shy of breaking the 11 minute barrier:
Nate 78 2:39 4:02 5:26 6:50 8:17 9:40 11:00
Kenny 79 2:39 4:02 5:26 6:50 8:17 9:42 11:04
Chris 78 2:38 4:09 5:40 7:10 ~8:45 ~10:16 11:32
3000 and Relays to come...
Monday, May 19, 2008
Spencerport Preview
It looks like Spencerport has one dominant runner on the girls' and boys' sides, and then a significant gap.
For the boys, Cyril Dunham has gone 4:23 and 9:52, so he's a lock to win the events he enters (well, maybe not the 800). They also have a Nick Cholewa who has gone 2:05 in the 800. The next best effort that I could find was a Steeplechaser that went about 11:15. They have put together a 9:17 4 x 800 relay this year.
For the girls, Katie Sanders is the only one on the radar, but she is good, having run 2:28, 5:03 and 11:37. Their 4 x 800 has only gone 11:16.
So, this should shape up to be quite a battle for the 2nd and 3rd place finishes, much like our close battles with Spencerport in XC (the boys won 27-28 and the girls lost 28-28 and we split with them at Counties/Sectionals).
For the boys, Cyril Dunham has gone 4:23 and 9:52, so he's a lock to win the events he enters (well, maybe not the 800). They also have a Nick Cholewa who has gone 2:05 in the 800. The next best effort that I could find was a Steeplechaser that went about 11:15. They have put together a 9:17 4 x 800 relay this year.
For the girls, Katie Sanders is the only one on the radar, but she is good, having run 2:28, 5:03 and 11:37. Their 4 x 800 has only gone 11:16.
So, this should shape up to be quite a battle for the 2nd and 3rd place finishes, much like our close battles with Spencerport in XC (the boys won 27-28 and the girls lost 28-28 and we split with them at Counties/Sectionals).
Friday, May 16, 2008
Long Weekend
After three straight days of hard effort, the boys varsity distance runners have earned three easy days. While the JV runners head for a meet today, the varsity can get in an easy run. A slightly longer easy run is in store for Saturday, while Nate and I (and Luke) are orienteering in Ottawa. A Sunday run is optional, but with the meet on Monday, I would suggest an easy three-miler rather than nothing. After Monday's final home meet, it will be time to focus on the County Meet.
Yesterday's 4x400 workout went quite well. No one managed to challenge the 4-minute barrier, but I was pleasantly surprised by most of the times (and I hope the boys were as well). And everyone will be back next year to take a shot at 4 minutes (or even Marc's team record 3:50?).
Yesterday's 4x400 workout went quite well. No one managed to challenge the 4-minute barrier, but I was pleasantly surprised by most of the times (and I hope the boys were as well). And everyone will be back next year to take a shot at 4 minutes (or even Marc's team record 3:50?).
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Fairport Splits
While we lost the war against Fairport, we won some excellent battles. And I guess our 3 studly boys 4 x 800m relays scared them right off the track.
Nico ran a very nice strategic race against the swarm of Fairport runners in the 1600 and Joe and Johnny put up decent times as well. We still need to be better in the middle of the race:
Nico 75 2:29 3:40 4:49
Mark 80 2:48 4:16 5:31
Joe 80 2:48 4:16 5:42
John 82 2:52 4:23 5:47
Alex 83 2:52 4:26 5:55
Kevin 87 3:06 4:52 6:41
The girls had some very nice performances behind Megan in the 1500, with Alaina really starting to show her stuff:
Megan 74 2:40 4:13 5:25
Alaina 85 2:55 4:27 5:29
Clare 89 3:07 4:44 5:51
Krysta 90 3:08 4:45 5:56
Megan 90 3:08 4:46 6:06
Karen 90 3:08 4:58 6:20
Alana 90 3:11 5:01 6:20
Nico came back to run the 400 Hurdles, finishing just behind AB's 61.8, with a 63.6.
The 800m run came with some surprisingly fast times. Ryan was tossed in at the last minute, and wound up winning the thing (I think, I missed the last few meters). Nate was promised he could skip the 3200 if he went under 2:15 and Whitty almost broke that barrier as well:
Ryan 59 2:03
Nate 64 2:12
Steve 65 2:16
AJ 68 2:18
Thunder 75 2:35
Joe 75 2:37
The girls race became exciting on the second lap. Chelsea and Megan followed the trio of Fairport girls for the first 200, then allowed them to open a bit of a lead. With 300 to go, Chelsea went to work, zipping by one Fairport girl, then smoked a second girl at the top of the final straight, to get a PR. Megan also got by one girl, with Alaina not far behind, once again:
Chelsea 74 2:27
Megan 75 2:35
Alaina 79 2:40
Clare 87 3:00
Megan 88 3:05
Alana - 3:13
Alisha - 3:42
The 3200 was probably even less friendly than the 1600. But Kenny maintained his cool and showed his finishing speed again, with a 74 last lap to squeak out the victory. Chris ran tough for 6+ laps before holding onto 3rd place:
Kenny 82 2:45 4:08 5:33 6:53 8:20 9:45 10:59
Chris 81 2:44 4:07 5:32 6:53 8:19 9:48 11:10
Becka was alone for the team in the 3000, and knocked quite a bit of time off her PR by hanging on after a quick early pace:
Becka 89 3:07 4:43 6:23 ~8:06 9:53 11:35 12:21
4 x 800m Splits
Nico 62 2:14
AB 67 2:20
Nate 66 2:18
Vanzo ~61 2:19
Kenny 70 2:28
Whitty 67 2:25
AJ 69 ~2:21
Chris ~74 ~2:27
JP 77 2:35
Johnny ~73 2:32
Joe 73 2:38
Alex 76 2:42
Chelsea 76 2:36
Megan ~74 2:34
Clare 88 2:57
Alaina - 2:42
Nico ran a very nice strategic race against the swarm of Fairport runners in the 1600 and Joe and Johnny put up decent times as well. We still need to be better in the middle of the race:
Nico 75 2:29 3:40 4:49
Mark 80 2:48 4:16 5:31
Joe 80 2:48 4:16 5:42
John 82 2:52 4:23 5:47
Alex 83 2:52 4:26 5:55
Kevin 87 3:06 4:52 6:41
The girls had some very nice performances behind Megan in the 1500, with Alaina really starting to show her stuff:
Megan 74 2:40 4:13 5:25
Alaina 85 2:55 4:27 5:29
Clare 89 3:07 4:44 5:51
Krysta 90 3:08 4:45 5:56
Megan 90 3:08 4:46 6:06
Karen 90 3:08 4:58 6:20
Alana 90 3:11 5:01 6:20
Nico came back to run the 400 Hurdles, finishing just behind AB's 61.8, with a 63.6.
The 800m run came with some surprisingly fast times. Ryan was tossed in at the last minute, and wound up winning the thing (I think, I missed the last few meters). Nate was promised he could skip the 3200 if he went under 2:15 and Whitty almost broke that barrier as well:
Ryan 59 2:03
Nate 64 2:12
Steve 65 2:16
AJ 68 2:18
Thunder 75 2:35
Joe 75 2:37
The girls race became exciting on the second lap. Chelsea and Megan followed the trio of Fairport girls for the first 200, then allowed them to open a bit of a lead. With 300 to go, Chelsea went to work, zipping by one Fairport girl, then smoked a second girl at the top of the final straight, to get a PR. Megan also got by one girl, with Alaina not far behind, once again:
Chelsea 74 2:27
Megan 75 2:35
Alaina 79 2:40
Clare 87 3:00
Megan 88 3:05
Alana - 3:13
Alisha - 3:42
The 3200 was probably even less friendly than the 1600. But Kenny maintained his cool and showed his finishing speed again, with a 74 last lap to squeak out the victory. Chris ran tough for 6+ laps before holding onto 3rd place:
Kenny 82 2:45 4:08 5:33 6:53 8:20 9:45 10:59
Chris 81 2:44 4:07 5:32 6:53 8:19 9:48 11:10
Becka was alone for the team in the 3000, and knocked quite a bit of time off her PR by hanging on after a quick early pace:
Becka 89 3:07 4:43 6:23 ~8:06 9:53 11:35 12:21
4 x 800m Splits
Nico 62 2:14
AB 67 2:20
Nate 66 2:18
Vanzo ~61 2:19
Kenny 70 2:28
Whitty 67 2:25
AJ 69 ~2:21
Chris ~74 ~2:27
JP 77 2:35
Johnny ~73 2:32
Joe 73 2:38
Alex 76 2:42
Chelsea 76 2:36
Megan ~74 2:34
Clare 88 2:57
Alaina - 2:42
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Quick Fairport Scouting Report
Pat DuPont.
OK, I'll add a bit more. Pat has run 1:58 in a dual meet, 4:19 and 9:13.
Fairport boys have also posted some other good times, for example:
Andrew Rice 2:01, 4:30
Justin Green 2:06
Tim Lukenbill 2:06, 4:48
Andrew Pries 2:06
Matt Spitzer 2:10 (a freshman)
Tyler Dufault 4:41, 10:11
Chris Rowe 4:46, 10:53
Steve Ryck 4:50, 10:37
Andrew Landers 10:48
The Fairport girls are also quite strong:
Angela Ryck 2:17.24, 4:51
Jenny Springer 2:25.24, 5:17
Jenn Spitzer 2:27.24, 4:52, 11:10
Hillary Snyder 2:31.24, 11:25
Natalie Dickerson 2:32.74, 5:11, 11:39
Jordyn Naylon 2:32.84
OK, I'll add a bit more. Pat has run 1:58 in a dual meet, 4:19 and 9:13.
Fairport boys have also posted some other good times, for example:
Andrew Rice 2:01, 4:30
Justin Green 2:06
Tim Lukenbill 2:06, 4:48
Andrew Pries 2:06
Matt Spitzer 2:10 (a freshman)
Tyler Dufault 4:41, 10:11
Chris Rowe 4:46, 10:53
Steve Ryck 4:50, 10:37
Andrew Landers 10:48
The Fairport girls are also quite strong:
Angela Ryck 2:17.24, 4:51
Jenny Springer 2:25.24, 5:17
Jenn Spitzer 2:27.24, 4:52, 11:10
Hillary Snyder 2:31.24, 11:25
Natalie Dickerson 2:32.74, 5:11, 11:39
Jordyn Naylon 2:32.84
Monday, May 12, 2008
Marion Results
Here are some splits from the Marion Invitational on Friday.
Steeplechase
Becka 1:34 3:10 4:52 6:42 8:28
Nico 75 2:37 4:03 5:28 6:55 8:22 ~9:52 10:41
Nate 80 2:44 4:10 5:39 7:10 8:43 10:16 11:07
Chris 79 2:44 4:15 5:49 7:29 9:13 10:48 11:41
4 x 800 Relay
Ryan 62 2:06
Whitty 63 2:20
JP 77 2:38
AB 62 2:10
1600m
Joe Fro 77 2:45 4:16 5:41
Johnny 81 2:51 4:21 5:47
Alex N 78 2:49 4:24 5:57
400m
Chelsea 64
800m
Chelsea 75 2:36
Whitty 68 2:23
Nico 64 2:09
AB 65 2:14
3200m
Chris 74 2:38 4:00 5:25 6:50 8:15 9:38 10:56
Kenny 77 2:40 4:02 5:27 6:51 8:16 9:41 10:56
Nate 76 2:39 4:00 5:26 6:54 8:23 9:51 11:15
Steeplechase
Becka 1:34 3:10 4:52 6:42 8:28
Nico 75 2:37 4:03 5:28 6:55 8:22 ~9:52 10:41
Nate 80 2:44 4:10 5:39 7:10 8:43 10:16 11:07
Chris 79 2:44 4:15 5:49 7:29 9:13 10:48 11:41
4 x 800 Relay
Ryan 62 2:06
Whitty 63 2:20
JP 77 2:38
AB 62 2:10
1600m
Joe Fro 77 2:45 4:16 5:41
Johnny 81 2:51 4:21 5:47
Alex N 78 2:49 4:24 5:57
400m
Chelsea 64
800m
Chelsea 75 2:36
Whitty 68 2:23
Nico 64 2:09
AB 65 2:14
3200m
Chris 74 2:38 4:00 5:25 6:50 8:15 9:38 10:56
Kenny 77 2:40 4:02 5:27 6:51 8:16 9:41 10:56
Nate 76 2:39 4:00 5:26 6:54 8:23 9:51 11:15
Thursday, May 8, 2008
On The High Price of Gas
OK, so another Distance Runner has been driving for a few weeks now and the price of gas has skyrocketed - is there correlation or causality? Probably not. I don't think Kenny is driving quite enough to alter the world market for oil. However, there is an interesting question of whether the high price of gas will affect Cross Country competition in the fall. Are we well-positioned to take advantage of any behavior changes?
I expect the high gas prices ($3.719 / gal was the best I could do this AM) will have an impact on high schoolers' travel this summer. In bike- and pedestrian-friendly areas, I expect less driving and more biking and walking. This could lead to some improved performances around Monroe County next fall. Not to get into "back in MY day" mode, but... when I first got married a "few" years ago, we could only afford one car, so Chris would drop me off on the way to her job and I would run home (~7 miles), or I would bike both ways. I went from being the most out-of-shape I had been since I had started running 9 years earlier, to being a real runner again, just over the course of the summer.
Do we stand to benefit more than others? Yes, Webster is a nice area for biking and running - many of the shopping areas (which are also high school employment areas) are quite accessible for bikers and pedestrians. Many of our team members live in, or near, the village, which affords them the opportunity to walk or bike to most summer destinations. I'm committed to find a way to bike to work at least once per week this summer. I hope the team can also get out of their cars and use routine daily activities to enhance their training this summer. I count 25 school days left after today, so summer is coming soon!
I expect the high gas prices ($3.719 / gal was the best I could do this AM) will have an impact on high schoolers' travel this summer. In bike- and pedestrian-friendly areas, I expect less driving and more biking and walking. This could lead to some improved performances around Monroe County next fall. Not to get into "back in MY day" mode, but... when I first got married a "few" years ago, we could only afford one car, so Chris would drop me off on the way to her job and I would run home (~7 miles), or I would bike both ways. I went from being the most out-of-shape I had been since I had started running 9 years earlier, to being a real runner again, just over the course of the summer.
Do we stand to benefit more than others? Yes, Webster is a nice area for biking and running - many of the shopping areas (which are also high school employment areas) are quite accessible for bikers and pedestrians. Many of our team members live in, or near, the village, which affords them the opportunity to walk or bike to most summer destinations. I'm committed to find a way to bike to work at least once per week this summer. I hope the team can also get out of their cars and use routine daily activities to enhance their training this summer. I count 25 school days left after today, so summer is coming soon!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Friday's Meet
So, we're in the middle of a long week of training, with no dual meet this week. And we'll be booted off the track early again today, since Thomas has a home track meet. So, today's workout will have to be short and focused.
Looking ahead to the Marion invitational on Friday, let's hope the rain in the forecast doesn't materialize, or at least avoids the 5-10pm time window. The temperatures should be cool enough to provide optimal conditions for the distance runners to knock out some County and/or Sectional qualifying times. So, let's be ready!
Looking ahead to the Marion invitational on Friday, let's hope the rain in the forecast doesn't materialize, or at least avoids the 5-10pm time window. The temperatures should be cool enough to provide optimal conditions for the distance runners to knock out some County and/or Sectional qualifying times. So, let's be ready!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
OK, I'm Back
I missed the His & Hers Invitational at Victor on Saturday, but I heard it was great fun, until the rains came. Anyway, the results are here for Boys and here for Girls.
I was away for the weekend at West Point for some serious orienteering. I had a very poor race, then a very good race, then a good race that could have been great. My problem in the last race is that I thought I was not doing well, based on the splits, and I let that discourage me for a few controls, before I rallied for the last few. If I had maintained focus and effort, I could have shaved a few minutes off my time and that would have made a big difference in the results.
Why am I saying this? Because this often happens to people in the longer track races (1500m and up) - a loss of focus leads to a slower pace in the middle of the race, which cannot be made up by sprinting the last 100 (or 200). And the same thing can happen over the course of a season. Early excitement can fade as the workouts get tougher and the little aches and pains become noticeable. But it is important to get through the meat of the season, so that you are ready for the championship races.
Yesterday's workouts for the boys (possibly the toughest workout of the year, when done correctly), and the girls (some very quick 200s after getting worn down with a couple of 800s), were a good test of where everyone stands in terms of both fitness and commitment. And I was generally impressed with what I saw. I'm looking forward to the last few weeks of the season. I hope you are, too.
I was away for the weekend at West Point for some serious orienteering. I had a very poor race, then a very good race, then a good race that could have been great. My problem in the last race is that I thought I was not doing well, based on the splits, and I let that discourage me for a few controls, before I rallied for the last few. If I had maintained focus and effort, I could have shaved a few minutes off my time and that would have made a big difference in the results.
Why am I saying this? Because this often happens to people in the longer track races (1500m and up) - a loss of focus leads to a slower pace in the middle of the race, which cannot be made up by sprinting the last 100 (or 200). And the same thing can happen over the course of a season. Early excitement can fade as the workouts get tougher and the little aches and pains become noticeable. But it is important to get through the meat of the season, so that you are ready for the championship races.
Yesterday's workouts for the boys (possibly the toughest workout of the year, when done correctly), and the girls (some very quick 200s after getting worn down with a couple of 800s), were a good test of where everyone stands in terms of both fitness and commitment. And I was generally impressed with what I saw. I'm looking forward to the last few weeks of the season. I hope you are, too.
Friday, May 2, 2008
So Close!
The boys team had quite the battle with Penfield last night, and needed to win 2 of the 3 relays to win the meet. Since Penfield went to the State XC Championships last fall, there was no way we could win the 4x800, so we had to win the first two. The 4x100 came through, but the 4x400 got edged out. So, our rag-tag 4x800 relay took the line:
- Nico, our young, up-and-coming runner, went 2:12 to give us an early lead.
- Karl, the volleyball player, new to the 800, ran 2:19 to keep us in contention
- AJ, the freshman who still has to learn about even pace, showed incredible speed in the final straight, running 2:15 and handing off in the lead. Could it be? A bunch of "nobodies" challenging the top distance team in Section V?
- Ryan, the hurdler, anchored for the team, fresh off a leg on the 4x400 relay. He matched the Penfield anchor for 500m, before fatigue from the day caught up with him.
Still, an awesome effort by a team that had absolutely no chance to win the relay!
In the 1600, Nico made a bold move to go after 2nd place, but ended up settling for 4th. Everyone else was out way to fast, but hung on for decent times:
Nico 70 74 71 80 4:55
AJ 74 84 87 73 5:18
Chris 71 85 87 79 5:22
Joe 77 90 90 95 5:52
John 79 92 94 88 5:53
In the 1500, Megan let the Penfield girl lead much of the way, but waited too long to make her move and was outkicked:
Megan 92 87 86 60 5:25
Alaina 97 92 93 65 5:47
Clare 96 92 96 67 5:51
Nico jumped into the 400 Hurdles (and grabbed third), so in the boys 800, it was all Penfield:
AJ 69 2:23
John 78 2:40
Joe 76 2:42
The girls race looked like it would be exciting, the early pace was somewhat slow, with Megan and Chelsea content to follow the Penfield girl. When the Penfield girl made her move just after the 400, Megan couldn't cover and Chelsea didn't go around her, and they couldn't close the gap back up. Katie showed some serious speed the last 100m or so - when she learns to run this race, she should immediately drop 15 seconds or so:
Megan 76 2:35
Chelsea 77 2:36
Clare ? 2:54
Katie ? 3:03
Alana ? 3:04
The 3200 was uninspiring, as our boys could not maintain contact with Penfield's third runner, who was well over 11 minutes.
Chris 78 86 88 92 85 85 85 80 11:19
Kenny 80 86 86 88 87 88 88 80 11:23
Nate 79 86 86 89 88 91 95 88 11:42
I didn't get to see much of the 3000, since they were run simultaneously, but Alaina pulled well ahead of Brianna in the middle of the race, but not by enough to break 13 - she was 13:07, Brianna 13:35, and I missed the other times.
The girls 4x400 featured some distance runners, as they won easily:
Megan 67.64
? 68.31
Kayleigh 69.63
Chelsea 66.87
Three of the girls came back for the 4x800, but the results weren't as good as Molly took it out much too hard and faded at the end of the second leg:
Megan 84 2:44
Molly 77 2:57
Kayleigh 80 2:55
Chelsea 83 2:48
And here are the splits from the boys relay:
Nico 63 2:12
Karl 66 2:19
AJ 65 2:15
Ryan 67 2:28
JP 75 2:39
Joe ~72 2:47
Kenny 75 ~2:36
Chris ? ~2:49
Good luck tomorrow at the Boys & Girls Invitational!
- Nico, our young, up-and-coming runner, went 2:12 to give us an early lead.
- Karl, the volleyball player, new to the 800, ran 2:19 to keep us in contention
- AJ, the freshman who still has to learn about even pace, showed incredible speed in the final straight, running 2:15 and handing off in the lead. Could it be? A bunch of "nobodies" challenging the top distance team in Section V?
- Ryan, the hurdler, anchored for the team, fresh off a leg on the 4x400 relay. He matched the Penfield anchor for 500m, before fatigue from the day caught up with him.
Still, an awesome effort by a team that had absolutely no chance to win the relay!
In the 1600, Nico made a bold move to go after 2nd place, but ended up settling for 4th. Everyone else was out way to fast, but hung on for decent times:
Nico 70 74 71 80 4:55
AJ 74 84 87 73 5:18
Chris 71 85 87 79 5:22
Joe 77 90 90 95 5:52
John 79 92 94 88 5:53
In the 1500, Megan let the Penfield girl lead much of the way, but waited too long to make her move and was outkicked:
Megan 92 87 86 60 5:25
Alaina 97 92 93 65 5:47
Clare 96 92 96 67 5:51
Nico jumped into the 400 Hurdles (and grabbed third), so in the boys 800, it was all Penfield:
AJ 69 2:23
John 78 2:40
Joe 76 2:42
The girls race looked like it would be exciting, the early pace was somewhat slow, with Megan and Chelsea content to follow the Penfield girl. When the Penfield girl made her move just after the 400, Megan couldn't cover and Chelsea didn't go around her, and they couldn't close the gap back up. Katie showed some serious speed the last 100m or so - when she learns to run this race, she should immediately drop 15 seconds or so:
Megan 76 2:35
Chelsea 77 2:36
Clare ? 2:54
Katie ? 3:03
Alana ? 3:04
The 3200 was uninspiring, as our boys could not maintain contact with Penfield's third runner, who was well over 11 minutes.
Chris 78 86 88 92 85 85 85 80 11:19
Kenny 80 86 86 88 87 88 88 80 11:23
Nate 79 86 86 89 88 91 95 88 11:42
I didn't get to see much of the 3000, since they were run simultaneously, but Alaina pulled well ahead of Brianna in the middle of the race, but not by enough to break 13 - she was 13:07, Brianna 13:35, and I missed the other times.
The girls 4x400 featured some distance runners, as they won easily:
Megan 67.64
? 68.31
Kayleigh 69.63
Chelsea 66.87
Three of the girls came back for the 4x800, but the results weren't as good as Molly took it out much too hard and faded at the end of the second leg:
Megan 84 2:44
Molly 77 2:57
Kayleigh 80 2:55
Chelsea 83 2:48
And here are the splits from the boys relay:
Nico 63 2:12
Karl 66 2:19
AJ 65 2:15
Ryan 67 2:28
JP 75 2:39
Joe ~72 2:47
Kenny 75 ~2:36
Chris ? ~2:49
Good luck tomorrow at the Boys & Girls Invitational!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Rain, Rain, Go Away
Let the tracksters go out and play.
Since the meet is rescheduled for the Penfield track today, we can hope the rain holds off this afternoon.
I hope everyone has clothes that will keep them warm and dry between events, just in case.
Since the meet is rescheduled for the Penfield track today, we can hope the rain holds off this afternoon.
I hope everyone has clothes that will keep them warm and dry between events, just in case.
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