It's official- the track season is underway! After a few weeks off after the end of the cross-country season, track practices began December 1st. We had a fun intrasquad meet last Thursday. This "blue-white" meet gave us a chance to compete and have fun.
Our training group split into co-ed teams of 4 and each team raced a 4 x 800m relay against each other. My team, the "velociraptors," :-) was made up of Hunter, Shanna, Kim and I. (In order of relay leg raced) We raced at the old fieldhouse on campus. Some people and students were watching which made it a fun atmosphere. Our team finished 4th place (of 8?) and no one got injured.
Our next meet is after the Christmas break.
Happy Holidays everyone!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
WAC/Regionals
Our team had the goal of winning WAC championships this year and doing well enough at Regionals to go to Nationals. No USU team in history has qualified for nationals. My personal goals of being a scorer (among team's top 5) and pushing my teammates in a competitive/positive way were made with the idea of accomplishing the team goals. Unfortunately, after the Notre Dame race my coach decided not to take me to any more races. Despite finishing 7th (6th and 7th runners are "displacers"- still a varsity spot) on my team for two back-to-back invitationals coach gave me a vote of no confidence.
With my season ending sooner than expected and in a frustrating manner, I've tried to stay positive, keep my confidence, support my teammates, and learn what I can from this experience and season. I'm so happy for my teammates who finished 1st place on Nov 1st @ Las Cruces, NM. This was USU's 4th straight 1st place finish! Tomorrow they leave for Fort Collins, CO to compete in NCAA Regionals. With a good outing many of them, if not all, I believe can qualify for Nationals. I love my teammates and wish them the best this weekend!
With my season ending sooner than expected and in a frustrating manner, I've tried to stay positive, keep my confidence, support my teammates, and learn what I can from this experience and season. I'm so happy for my teammates who finished 1st place on Nov 1st @ Las Cruces, NM. This was USU's 4th straight 1st place finish! Tomorrow they leave for Fort Collins, CO to compete in NCAA Regionals. With a good outing many of them, if not all, I believe can qualify for Nationals. I love my teammates and wish them the best this weekend!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Notre Dame
I was cleared last Wednesday night by the USU doctor to go run at Notre Dame's invitational. Despite spraining my ankle and inflamming a tendon I was able to feel okay thanks to a boot and some medicine. Thursday at 4:30 am we left Logan for the SLC airport! We got to see Chicago on Thursday and Notre Dame's campus on Friday. I loved Chicago's heavy-crusted pizza and Notre Dame's legendary-old feel. Of course we got pictures at the football stadium in front of "touchdown Jesus." (Pictures coming soon hopefully!)
Unfortunately our race Friday night didn't go that great. Our team only got 16th of the 25 teams and I was in the last 10% of the race in the 7th position on my team. The course was a flat golf course and I should have done better.
On Saturday Dani ran the St. George marathon in the pouring rain. She had a great attitude the whole time and ran a 3:23! I'm so proud of you Dani!
Unfortunately our race Friday night didn't go that great. Our team only got 16th of the 25 teams and I was in the last 10% of the race in the 7th position on my team. The course was a flat golf course and I should have done better.
On Saturday Dani ran the St. George marathon in the pouring rain. She had a great attitude the whole time and ran a 3:23! I'm so proud of you Dani!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Provo and Bozeman
Our 2nd race of the year was in Provo on September 6th. Our coach thought we'd try something new- everyone running together for the first 1.5 miles of the 5 mile race. Unfortunately, with so many teams crammed into the starting chute, we quickly all separated from one another.
I took the 1st mile out really slow so I wouldn't have a week 1 repeat of dying in the race. I sped up as I went, finishing strong, and felt good about the race (finished 10th on my team.) I was so happy to have my parents, Dani, and my high school coach there to cheer me on. I really loved their support!
Race #3 of the season was an 8K (5 miles) held in Bozeman, Montana. It was a fun road trip for our team- we stopped multiple times on our way to the race in Yellowstone Park to see wildlife and geysers...The race was Sat 9/20 at a golf course. I'm so proud of my team's performance! We finished 2nd overall of 15 teams, beating Wyoming and Montana State who were ranked ahead of us in the regional polls. Heavenly Father truly blessed me that race, as I was able to PR with a 25:59 and finish in the top 30 overall. I'm so thankful for His help in my life.
Next up we have the Notre Dame Invitational on Friday in South Bend! I'm so excited and know that our team will perform well!
I took the 1st mile out really slow so I wouldn't have a week 1 repeat of dying in the race. I sped up as I went, finishing strong, and felt good about the race (finished 10th on my team.) I was so happy to have my parents, Dani, and my high school coach there to cheer me on. I really loved their support!
Race #3 of the season was an 8K (5 miles) held in Bozeman, Montana. It was a fun road trip for our team- we stopped multiple times on our way to the race in Yellowstone Park to see wildlife and geysers...The race was Sat 9/20 at a golf course. I'm so proud of my team's performance! We finished 2nd overall of 15 teams, beating Wyoming and Montana State who were ranked ahead of us in the regional polls. Heavenly Father truly blessed me that race, as I was able to PR with a 25:59 and finish in the top 30 overall. I'm so thankful for His help in my life.
Next up we have the Notre Dame Invitational on Friday in South Bend! I'm so excited and know that our team will perform well!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Let the season begin!
We had our first race of the season on Saturday! We raced at home on our course at the American West Heritage Center. The race was 4 miles long. Unfortunately our team lost to Weber State and I was only 11th on my team and 22nd overall. Despite that and my time of 21:44 I was happy to have finished my first cross-country race since my freshman season in '04. I may not be in great shape with much of a base under me but at least I'm healthy right. Baby steps...
Next up is the race @ BYU on Saturday at 9am. We don't get to run on the golf course this year but actually we will be doing laps on the grass around the outdoor track. It will be a 5 mile race (8K) so just a bit longer. I love being "in season!" It makes running so much more worth it!
Next up is the race @ BYU on Saturday at 9am. We don't get to run on the golf course this year but actually we will be doing laps on the grass around the outdoor track. It will be a 5 mile race (8K) so just a bit longer. I love being "in season!" It makes running so much more worth it!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Giving it your all!
I'm so proud of Dani! This morning she ran the Top of Utah half marathon here in Cache Valley in a time of 1:36.06. This not only was her PR but also good enough for 1st place in her age division! She let me run the last 5 miles or so with her and I was inspired by her effort. She truly gave it her all! And as a bonus she got to take home a large rock with a skinny wire Indian figure on top as her award. :-)
This week provided a great opportunity for my fellow teammates and I to give what we had. To start our team's cross-country camp on Wednesday we had to do a 15K (9.3 miles) time trial in Logan. It was an out-and-back course with road and trail mixed. After two miles I was running with Ben and Chio, who finished 1 and 2 respectively. Unfortunately at mile 3 we hit some nasty uphills that wasted me and put me way back. I was running 10th on the team from just under mile 4 until about mile 6. About there I was able to pick up my pace again and use some downhill to get back into the 7th position. I finished the 15K at the 8th spot on our team in a time of 54:35. I'm neither proud of myself nor disappointed. It was a good effort, not a great one, but I'm happy. I know I can improve and be in the varstiy top 7 and even into one of the top 5 scoring spots very soon.
The time trial definately wasted me. I had to take two naps on both Wed and Thursday and sleep tons both those nights. I've had a headache and very sore legs. Luckily today I feel much better!
Our camp at Bearlake was fun. In addition to running each morning we had lots of fun swimming, going on a ropeswing and dropping into Bloomington Lake, playing cards, eating well, going to a play, and of course watching the Olympics. The 14 on our team and the 14 girls on the girls' team were all able to bond and have fun! I think we're all ready to give it our all this season!
This week provided a great opportunity for my fellow teammates and I to give what we had. To start our team's cross-country camp on Wednesday we had to do a 15K (9.3 miles) time trial in Logan. It was an out-and-back course with road and trail mixed. After two miles I was running with Ben and Chio, who finished 1 and 2 respectively. Unfortunately at mile 3 we hit some nasty uphills that wasted me and put me way back. I was running 10th on the team from just under mile 4 until about mile 6. About there I was able to pick up my pace again and use some downhill to get back into the 7th position. I finished the 15K at the 8th spot on our team in a time of 54:35. I'm neither proud of myself nor disappointed. It was a good effort, not a great one, but I'm happy. I know I can improve and be in the varstiy top 7 and even into one of the top 5 scoring spots very soon.
The time trial definately wasted me. I had to take two naps on both Wed and Thursday and sleep tons both those nights. I've had a headache and very sore legs. Luckily today I feel much better!
Our camp at Bearlake was fun. In addition to running each morning we had lots of fun swimming, going on a ropeswing and dropping into Bloomington Lake, playing cards, eating well, going to a play, and of course watching the Olympics. The 14 on our team and the 14 girls on the girls' team were all able to bond and have fun! I think we're all ready to give it our all this season!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Looking Back on the Summer
As summer comes to a close I've reflected on how this summer of training went. The day in June that I tore ligaments in my thumb killed my dream of making the Utah State basketball team as a walk-on. However, from that day my dream of becoming a great cross-country runner has been renewed with even more energy. I'm proud to say that I haven't missed a day of training since the end of June and I'm hoping to accomplish my goal of being in the top 5 this season for USU.
I was fortunate to have a great variety in my training this summer. I remember one week in July when I ran twice in Salt Lake, twice in Logan, and twice in New York City. The last two weeks I've spent on vacation in Cali and Baja Mexico and so I have been able to run in both those places as well. It's been awesome!
Now it's off to Logan today for the beginning of our Cross-country team camp. We have team meetings today and tonight, a 15K time trial tomorrow morning, and then it's off to Bear Lake to train as a team until Friday. I'm so excited for our season to be getting under way! Go Aggies!!!
I was fortunate to have a great variety in my training this summer. I remember one week in July when I ran twice in Salt Lake, twice in Logan, and twice in New York City. The last two weeks I've spent on vacation in Cali and Baja Mexico and so I have been able to run in both those places as well. It's been awesome!
Now it's off to Logan today for the beginning of our Cross-country team camp. We have team meetings today and tonight, a 15K time trial tomorrow morning, and then it's off to Bear Lake to train as a team until Friday. I'm so excited for our season to be getting under way! Go Aggies!!!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
July 24th race and more mileage
I'm late writing about the 24th of July. My dad, Emma, Ali and I ran the Deseret News 10k on Pioneer Day. We all started together and finished pretty close to one another. I was especially proud of Emma who beat her goal by more than 4 minutes. It was fun reminiscing about 13 years prior when we did this same race- our older brother Rich talked us in to doing it, our first race ever. Emma and I ran the race together that time too!
I especially liked the idea of two girls who we saw racing with pioneer bonnets and skirts! Ha Ha
As for my weekly running times these last 3 weeks since my last post, they have been 306,306 and 321 minutes. Slowly I'm getting to where I want to be! I'm just glad I'm still healthy and not injured!
I especially liked the idea of two girls who we saw racing with pioneer bonnets and skirts! Ha Ha
As for my weekly running times these last 3 weeks since my last post, they have been 306,306 and 321 minutes. Slowly I'm getting to where I want to be! I'm just glad I'm still healthy and not injured!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Weekly Mileage
My mileage last week was the most I've run yet this summer. For USU we don't keep track of miles, but minutes and we report them to our coach. So I ran 281 total minutes (about 36-40 miles) which isn't really much yet. I wish I could do more but I have to slowly ease into mileage (10% increase from week to week) in order to not get injured.
That's all for now!
That's all for now!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
Heart attack and Moose
Saturday after my run on the upper pipeline trail I decided to ice my legs in the Mill creek. I sat down in the middle of the river on a rock and it was ice cold! An older lady walked by, looked down, saw me, stopped, and began yelling things at me from the road. The only thing I picked out above the noise of the river was "HEART ATTACK!" She was pointing at her heart and I guess she thought it was dangerous for me to be doing what I was doing. I just waved at her and said, "thank you, I'm only in for a few minutes. Take care!"...funny stuff.
Today as I ran down the Alexander Basin trail in Mill Creek Canyon I froze as I saw a large animal on the trail. Twenty feet directly in front of me was a huge moose. We stared at each other, time seemed to stop, and a hundred thoughts went through my mind like, "Do moose (meese for plural perhaps) attack humans? Am I faster than this guy? What should I do?"
I slowly backed up the trail, picked up some rocks, and watched the guy eat. Finally, about 10 minutes later he moved off the trail maybe 25 feet and continued eating. I took the opportunity to creep away down the trail.
It was fun and scary seeing the moose up close and personal!
Today as I ran down the Alexander Basin trail in Mill Creek Canyon I froze as I saw a large animal on the trail. Twenty feet directly in front of me was a huge moose. We stared at each other, time seemed to stop, and a hundred thoughts went through my mind like, "Do moose (meese for plural perhaps) attack humans? Am I faster than this guy? What should I do?"
I slowly backed up the trail, picked up some rocks, and watched the guy eat. Finally, about 10 minutes later he moved off the trail maybe 25 feet and continued eating. I took the opportunity to creep away down the trail.
It was fun and scary seeing the moose up close and personal!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Independence Day
Happy Independence Day!
I love our country!
My family, girlfriend Dani, and I ran the East Millcreek 5K early Friday morning to celebrate our independence. The race started at 7am so we were up early. My dad and I got there around 6:35. After warming up with Dani, stretching and doing strides the race was starting. I found a spot on the 2nd row. I started quickly off the gunshot, putting myself into 2nd place next to Thatcher Olsen, a kid who also ran at Skyline High School, but after I did. He's on his way to BYU to run for their program this fall.
I tried to stay with Thatcher as long as possible but lost him before a mile. He took the 1st mile out fast- 5:00! And three of us were right behind him. The group thinned and I slipped into 4th place during the 2nd mile where I sustained my position and finished out. I was exhausted by the finish line, and crossed the line in just over 17 minutes.
I was happy for my family and Dani. Dani placed 8th overall on the women's side, running just under 22 minutes with a cold. My dad and my sister Ali also received medals for placing in their age divisions and my sister Emma placed 4th in her age group. They did awesome!
Go America!
I love our country!
My family, girlfriend Dani, and I ran the East Millcreek 5K early Friday morning to celebrate our independence. The race started at 7am so we were up early. My dad and I got there around 6:35. After warming up with Dani, stretching and doing strides the race was starting. I found a spot on the 2nd row. I started quickly off the gunshot, putting myself into 2nd place next to Thatcher Olsen, a kid who also ran at Skyline High School, but after I did. He's on his way to BYU to run for their program this fall.
I tried to stay with Thatcher as long as possible but lost him before a mile. He took the 1st mile out fast- 5:00! And three of us were right behind him. The group thinned and I slipped into 4th place during the 2nd mile where I sustained my position and finished out. I was exhausted by the finish line, and crossed the line in just over 17 minutes.
I was happy for my family and Dani. Dani placed 8th overall on the women's side, running just under 22 minutes with a cold. My dad and my sister Ali also received medals for placing in their age divisions and my sister Emma placed 4th in her age group. They did awesome!
Go America!
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