I just want to expand my thoughts about the vast wasteland of middle distance running last track seasons. It was a vast wasteland. That's a fact. As a coach, I take full responsibility and blame for that. It's on me, not on the athletes.
When we graduated DeMarco, Bambi, Quinn, Carroll and all the other record-setting relay runners who made up our great long sprint and middle distance squad for many years, I failed to replenish that area of the team through recruiting and development. That's on me as a coach. So when I referred to that vast wasteland, that points to a failure of mine as a coach and not of the athletes.
Colin Johnson ran 1:59 for an open 800 and was our fastest open 800 runner indoors and outdoors last year. Chuck and I are extremely proud of this! Colin was a high school hockey player and a 2:10ish half-miler in high school. I did my best to dissuade him from running on the team (true story!), yet he kept coming back, kept showing up, kept working hard. I kept telling him he wouldn't make our travel squad. He kept showing up, kept working hard. And now he is a legit sub-2:00 800 guy, and should be a player on some of our relays this year. He deserves all the credit for how he has developed, and so does Chuck for sticking with him and working hard. I was able to work closely with him during the track seasons last year and I grew to realize what a great runner he is, to go along with being the great person we all knew he was all along.
Maynes did break 2:00 on relay splits and came agonizingly close to a sub-2:00 open 800 on too many occasions to mention. He will agree that this is a disappointment and it is a disappointment for me as a coach. It wasn't for a lack of trying on either of our parts, and he was a valued member of the team for 4 years.
I think B-Dix and T-Dix would agree that their senior seasons were up and down and somewhat disappointing as well. Again, not from a lack of trying. And again, it was great to have them on our squad for 4 years and they are missed as well.
Lastly, our 4x400 was just not good all year, indoors or outdoors.
Again, Chuck and I will do our best to change this for the 2009 track seasons.
I defend my choice of words (vast wasteland), and our mission it to change it this year. One step and one race at a time.
Off to the world of Mickey Mouse. I do not have a laptop so no blogging unless there is a public computer at the hotel. If I can, I will. If not, check www.goredfoxes.com for updates on the women's and men's team performances.
Blog on, brothers and sisters.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
A visit from Bambi
What a great antidote for an otherwise gloomy Tuesday: Our old pal Michael J. Bamberger was in town for a lively visit to the McCann Center.
You remember Bambi: The Ayatollah of Schmoozolah. The Mayor of McCann. Everybody's Best Friend.
And, oh yeah: A great former captain and multiple school record holder. When the "Bro of the Boards" graduated with his classmates, out the door walked the best relay teams I ever had the honor to coach. I knew it, too. Last winter and spring was a vast wasteland of middle-distance running without Bambi and Friends. But that will change, my friends. Stay tuned.
Anyway, when you put all his joking and schmoozing aside, there's no one I would trust more with a relay stick in his hand than Bambi. Don't think for a second that he doesn't miss it, either. As he watched the women's team do intervals in McCann (yes, we were inside on this hideous day), he reminisced about ripping out 53-second, workout-ending quarters on that ancient and slippery 160-meter oval.
He misses it. I miss having him around. No really, I do.
Sure, he annoyed the heck out of me as he held court with the current team members, half of whom he never even ran with. He told stories about stuff I didn't even know he did, which of course didn't go over well with his old coach. He knew it, too. It's all part of the Bambi Charm.
Speaking of which: Why does everyone who has ever worked in McCann love this guy? He's like a Hug Magnet! Man, oh man.
Yeah, it was great having Bambi back for the day. Like all alums, he is welcome anytime.
Love ya, BRO!
You remember Bambi: The Ayatollah of Schmoozolah. The Mayor of McCann. Everybody's Best Friend.
And, oh yeah: A great former captain and multiple school record holder. When the "Bro of the Boards" graduated with his classmates, out the door walked the best relay teams I ever had the honor to coach. I knew it, too. Last winter and spring was a vast wasteland of middle-distance running without Bambi and Friends. But that will change, my friends. Stay tuned.
Anyway, when you put all his joking and schmoozing aside, there's no one I would trust more with a relay stick in his hand than Bambi. Don't think for a second that he doesn't miss it, either. As he watched the women's team do intervals in McCann (yes, we were inside on this hideous day), he reminisced about ripping out 53-second, workout-ending quarters on that ancient and slippery 160-meter oval.
He misses it. I miss having him around. No really, I do.
Sure, he annoyed the heck out of me as he held court with the current team members, half of whom he never even ran with. He told stories about stuff I didn't even know he did, which of course didn't go over well with his old coach. He knew it, too. It's all part of the Bambi Charm.
Speaking of which: Why does everyone who has ever worked in McCann love this guy? He's like a Hug Magnet! Man, oh man.
Yeah, it was great having Bambi back for the day. Like all alums, he is welcome anytime.
Love ya, BRO!
Clarification
Thanks to all the comments from the previous post.
To clarify: Cator was the one who actually suggested we do tempo/fartlek on that very specific upper-loop trail/road course that we currently use. Like it or not, the kid gets the credit.
I am well aware of the great job our upperclassmen have done and currently do with showing the newer runners all the fantastic marked and unmarked trails there are to run on around Marist in the south Hyde Park area. If you are disoriented enough and get lost, you might even wind up in my backyard! In fact, on more than one occasion Kirkles has run from Marist to my house and back, almost exclusively on trails, during his marathon-training long runs.
Speaking of which, good luck to our big-footed friend at NYC on Sunday. He'll be running his heart out while we are flying back from Florida.
Blog on, brothers and sisters.
To clarify: Cator was the one who actually suggested we do tempo/fartlek on that very specific upper-loop trail/road course that we currently use. Like it or not, the kid gets the credit.
I am well aware of the great job our upperclassmen have done and currently do with showing the newer runners all the fantastic marked and unmarked trails there are to run on around Marist in the south Hyde Park area. If you are disoriented enough and get lost, you might even wind up in my backyard! In fact, on more than one occasion Kirkles has run from Marist to my house and back, almost exclusively on trails, during his marathon-training long runs.
Speaking of which, good luck to our big-footed friend at NYC on Sunday. He'll be running his heart out while we are flying back from Florida.
Blog on, brothers and sisters.
Monday, October 27, 2008
The Cator Loop
Nice job on the tempo cruise ints today at FDR. We just got it in before this nasty, windy and cold weather barrels into the region tonight and Tuesday.
I'm taking a liking to the Cator Loop up top at FDR. The loop is named after the former, personable Marist harrier who unfortunately decided to ply his trade at another "M" school down south. He suggested it to me a few years ago; at first, I resisted, like I do to most new ideas not proposed by me.
But now, it really makes sense for late-season workouts. It's flat and soft, and footing is not an issue like it would be on a lot of leaf-covered trails nowadays in late autumn. And it's easy and quick to get to. Heck, Girma ran to and from the workout today, and I'm guessing he made it back to campus in plenty of time for his class group meeting.
And oh by the way fellas: Your days of Culinary Trails are numbered. Once Hunting Season starts in a couple weeks, we do not venture into any woods at any times. Even Joe Mac and his fluorescent colored hats. Stay out until the guns are put away.
I'm taking a liking to the Cator Loop up top at FDR. The loop is named after the former, personable Marist harrier who unfortunately decided to ply his trade at another "M" school down south. He suggested it to me a few years ago; at first, I resisted, like I do to most new ideas not proposed by me.
But now, it really makes sense for late-season workouts. It's flat and soft, and footing is not an issue like it would be on a lot of leaf-covered trails nowadays in late autumn. And it's easy and quick to get to. Heck, Girma ran to and from the workout today, and I'm guessing he made it back to campus in plenty of time for his class group meeting.
And oh by the way fellas: Your days of Culinary Trails are numbered. Once Hunting Season starts in a couple weeks, we do not venture into any woods at any times. Even Joe Mac and his fluorescent colored hats. Stay out until the guns are put away.
Attention Jerk Squadrons: Read this
Hello Men:
I just received this e-mail (below, in italics) and it sounds like a great event to take part in. I would love to see some of you guys doing this.
And if I am not mistaken, the second day of this occurs right around Jerk Squad time. Maybe you can show up an hour early to JS and put in some community service. Seriously. It sounds great. Here is the email I received. Even if one person does it, it will have been worth posting this. See you soon.
Coach Pete
Dear Marist Community,
It's that time of the year again for the St. Jude Letter Writing Party, Up 'til Dawn! Just like last year, this year's party will be a two night event, Tuesday October 28th and Wednesday October 29th in the Cabaret. The letter writing will begin at 7 PM and will run until 11 PM. Although the event runs for four hours, the entire process of filling out your letters only takes up to an hour. This year, as in years past, the Letter Writing Party includes free food and entertainment lasting the entire night.
For those of you who have never participated in Up'til Dawn before it really is a special event. All you need are 20-25 addresses per person and the physical ability to hold a pen and write! All you need to do is fill out your name on the letter and address the envelope, the letter is pre-written!
This is a huge event for Marist every year because we, as Red Foxes, get the ability to help save lives of children with cancer. Without the funding that we and many other schools across the nation provide, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital could not function in their task of saving the lives of cancer-diagnosed children.
Please take time out of your evening to come out to the Cabaret and help save lives. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Student Government Association at ext.2206.
Thanks and see you soon!
Steve Townsend
President, Class of 2010
I just received this e-mail (below, in italics) and it sounds like a great event to take part in. I would love to see some of you guys doing this.
And if I am not mistaken, the second day of this occurs right around Jerk Squad time. Maybe you can show up an hour early to JS and put in some community service. Seriously. It sounds great. Here is the email I received. Even if one person does it, it will have been worth posting this. See you soon.
Coach Pete
Dear Marist Community,
It's that time of the year again for the St. Jude Letter Writing Party, Up 'til Dawn! Just like last year, this year's party will be a two night event, Tuesday October 28th and Wednesday October 29th in the Cabaret. The letter writing will begin at 7 PM and will run until 11 PM. Although the event runs for four hours, the entire process of filling out your letters only takes up to an hour. This year, as in years past, the Letter Writing Party includes free food and entertainment lasting the entire night.
For those of you who have never participated in Up'til Dawn before it really is a special event. All you need are 20-25 addresses per person and the physical ability to hold a pen and write! All you need to do is fill out your name on the letter and address the envelope, the letter is pre-written!
This is a huge event for Marist every year because we, as Red Foxes, get the ability to help save lives of children with cancer. Without the funding that we and many other schools across the nation provide, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital could not function in their task of saving the lives of cancer-diagnosed children.
Please take time out of your evening to come out to the Cabaret and help save lives. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Student Government Association at ext.2206.
Thanks and see you soon!
Steve Townsend
President, Class of 2010
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Winning form
Team captain and blog-reading regular John Keenan, this one's for you! Photo courtesy of one of my former teammates, Mike Carey, now a Radio Guy in the capital district. Thanks, Mike!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Top-5 average
Last word on Albany:
Yeah, yeah, I know it was a fast course. And smart runners ran tangents to cut serious time. No hills. Road course. Fast, fast, fast. But you still gotta run it.
And ran it we did, to the tune of a top-5 man average of 24:54.5. First time in school history, as far as I know, that our top-5 average was sub-25:00.
For a numbers geek like me, that's pretty darn cool.
On to November.
Yeah, yeah, I know it was a fast course. And smart runners ran tangents to cut serious time. No hills. Road course. Fast, fast, fast. But you still gotta run it.
And ran it we did, to the tune of a top-5 man average of 24:54.5. First time in school history, as far as I know, that our top-5 average was sub-25:00.
For a numbers geek like me, that's pretty darn cool.
On to November.
Disney travel info
A few points of interest for next week's Disney trip:
1. As per athletic department policy (and because it's the right thing to do), men will travel wearing shirt and tie, slacks and dress shoes (no sneakers, flip-flops, etc). We can wear our new warmup jackets on top assuming it is chilly, and plane cabins tend to be chilly as well.
2. That same outfit (or another formal outfit) is required for our post-meet awards banquet at Disney Saturday night.
3. VERY IMPORTANT: Spikes (the actual spikes) cannot be carried on, they must be checked. You can bring your spiked racing flats with the spikes out on the carry-on, but the actual pointy things -- the spikes -- must be checked. Coach Chuck is planning on ordering more replacement spikes and checking them in his luggage.
4. It goes without saying, but I will say it, anyway: The primary purpose of this trip is to run well in our first championship of the month. As a result, we fully expect team members to CHILL OUT on Friday and not go park-hopping in the hot sun at Disney on Friday afternoon. It doesn't mean you need to sit in your room and read a book (although I like the sound of that), but you don't want to tire yourself out walking around. Save that for Saturday ... for AFTER the race.
That's all I can think of right now. More later ...
1. As per athletic department policy (and because it's the right thing to do), men will travel wearing shirt and tie, slacks and dress shoes (no sneakers, flip-flops, etc). We can wear our new warmup jackets on top assuming it is chilly, and plane cabins tend to be chilly as well.
2. That same outfit (or another formal outfit) is required for our post-meet awards banquet at Disney Saturday night.
3. VERY IMPORTANT: Spikes (the actual spikes) cannot be carried on, they must be checked. You can bring your spiked racing flats with the spikes out on the carry-on, but the actual pointy things -- the spikes -- must be checked. Coach Chuck is planning on ordering more replacement spikes and checking them in his luggage.
4. It goes without saying, but I will say it, anyway: The primary purpose of this trip is to run well in our first championship of the month. As a result, we fully expect team members to CHILL OUT on Friday and not go park-hopping in the hot sun at Disney on Friday afternoon. It doesn't mean you need to sit in your room and read a book (although I like the sound of that), but you don't want to tire yourself out walking around. Save that for Saturday ... for AFTER the race.
That's all I can think of right now. More later ...
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Some Sunday thoughts
-- Our women's team continued to improve as we tied for fourth place at the Albany meet. We have still not hit our stride as a team yet, but we're hoping to put all the pieces together for Championship Season. A major improvement over last year at this meet, top to bottom! They are a great group of athletes to work with, and it has made my fall even more enjoyable.
-- MAAC Championships. It is always dangerous to assume. That's all I'll say. Do some research. There are several runners and several teams that are pretty strong out there -- other than the obvious in Iona. We would be foolhardy to take anyone or any meet lightly. Ever. We are good, but we are not THAT good where we can just sashay into a situation and feel we can do whatever the heck we want. It is a Championship. Treat it with the proper respect that it deserves. I would expect nothing less.
-- I wasn't aware of the Web Site Slight (if you don't know what I'm talking about, ask Rolek!) until Rolek and Geist brought it up to me. Rolek, in particular, wrote a stinging note about it. While I appreciate the support, we want to make sure not to be negative toward other Marist programs in the process. Sounds corny, but I feel we are all in it together, and the more teams that succeed the better we are as a school. It just occurred to me that a lot of you reading this probably have no idea what I am talking about. Sorry.
-- We have a lot of history as a program at the Albany meet. Heck, I even ran it back in my slow collegiate days in the early 1980s! The meet literally changes every year, just look at how the course is altered year to year. And you never know who will show up and who will not. I like having it on our schedule. If they keep it on the same corresponding weekend, we will continue to attend and compete. They do a nice job with the meet, and we have a lot of ties as a program to the Capital Region.
-- MAAC Championships. It is always dangerous to assume. That's all I'll say. Do some research. There are several runners and several teams that are pretty strong out there -- other than the obvious in Iona. We would be foolhardy to take anyone or any meet lightly. Ever. We are good, but we are not THAT good where we can just sashay into a situation and feel we can do whatever the heck we want. It is a Championship. Treat it with the proper respect that it deserves. I would expect nothing less.
-- I wasn't aware of the Web Site Slight (if you don't know what I'm talking about, ask Rolek!) until Rolek and Geist brought it up to me. Rolek, in particular, wrote a stinging note about it. While I appreciate the support, we want to make sure not to be negative toward other Marist programs in the process. Sounds corny, but I feel we are all in it together, and the more teams that succeed the better we are as a school. It just occurred to me that a lot of you reading this probably have no idea what I am talking about. Sorry.
-- We have a lot of history as a program at the Albany meet. Heck, I even ran it back in my slow collegiate days in the early 1980s! The meet literally changes every year, just look at how the course is altered year to year. And you never know who will show up and who will not. I like having it on our schedule. If they keep it on the same corresponding weekend, we will continue to attend and compete. They do a nice job with the meet, and we have a lot of ties as a program to the Capital Region.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Albany today
Great day for us.
For those that were not there: It was a two-loop, road course and very fast. Obviously. Weather was sunny and chilly (40s), with a brisk wind. Most of our guys ran very well, in both races. A good primer for another fast course at Disney. That race will be softer (grass/dirt) and warmer (70s, probably).
It's always fun dominating a meet like this, but now we round the bend into championship season (November) and the stakes are higher. We must be ready for the challenges ahead of us.
Here are the numbers from today:
RK Munsey Championship race (Varsity)
Team standings: 1. Marist College 23, 2. Brandeis 91, 3. University of St. Thomas 113, 4. Colgate University 166, 5. University at Albany 190, 6. Middlebury 196, 7. Sacred Heart 222, 8. Adelphi 242, 9. Wagner 266, 10. Rochester Institute of Technology 281, 11. Ramapo 290, 12. Bryant 301, 13. Oneonta 315, 14. Delhi 363, 15. Vassar 365, 16. Harvard 404, 17. Springfield 419, 18. Keystone 451, 19. Siena 498, 20. St. Thomas Aquinas 535, 21. Clarkson 578, 22. Molloy 701.
Individual results, 8,000-meter course
1. Girma Segni 24:35.2 (course record; new course, again)
2. David Raucci 24:38.7
4. Conor Shelley 24:48.3
5. Will Griffin 25:05.1
11. Matthew Flint 25:25.5
19. Tim Keegan 25:37.5
31. Joe McElhoney 25:53.5
38. Curtis Jensen 25:57.0
42. Nick Webster 25:59.4
186 finishers
Men’s Purple race (JV race)
Note: Team standings to follow when I get them.
Individual results, 8,000-meter course
1. John Keenan 25:58.6
2. Matt Janczyk 26:22.0
3. Alex Emerel 26:27.6
5. Sam McMullen 26:33.7
6. Tom Lipari 26:36.0
13. Kyle Havard 27:02.2
14. Frank Stewart 27:03.1
15. Patrick Duggan 27:04.1
22. Brian Townsend 27:13.4
23. Greg Masto 27:17.7
26. Zak Smetana 27:26.1
42. Ryan Brown 27:57.3
70. Kris Geist 28:41.4
106. Mike Holinko 29:56.4
148. Alex Lombardozzi 32:11.9
170 finishers
For those that were not there: It was a two-loop, road course and very fast. Obviously. Weather was sunny and chilly (40s), with a brisk wind. Most of our guys ran very well, in both races. A good primer for another fast course at Disney. That race will be softer (grass/dirt) and warmer (70s, probably).
It's always fun dominating a meet like this, but now we round the bend into championship season (November) and the stakes are higher. We must be ready for the challenges ahead of us.
Here are the numbers from today:
RK Munsey Championship race (Varsity)
Team standings: 1. Marist College 23, 2. Brandeis 91, 3. University of St. Thomas 113, 4. Colgate University 166, 5. University at Albany 190, 6. Middlebury 196, 7. Sacred Heart 222, 8. Adelphi 242, 9. Wagner 266, 10. Rochester Institute of Technology 281, 11. Ramapo 290, 12. Bryant 301, 13. Oneonta 315, 14. Delhi 363, 15. Vassar 365, 16. Harvard 404, 17. Springfield 419, 18. Keystone 451, 19. Siena 498, 20. St. Thomas Aquinas 535, 21. Clarkson 578, 22. Molloy 701.
Individual results, 8,000-meter course
1. Girma Segni 24:35.2 (course record; new course, again)
2. David Raucci 24:38.7
4. Conor Shelley 24:48.3
5. Will Griffin 25:05.1
11. Matthew Flint 25:25.5
19. Tim Keegan 25:37.5
31. Joe McElhoney 25:53.5
38. Curtis Jensen 25:57.0
42. Nick Webster 25:59.4
186 finishers
Men’s Purple race (JV race)
Note: Team standings to follow when I get them.
Individual results, 8,000-meter course
1. John Keenan 25:58.6
2. Matt Janczyk 26:22.0
3. Alex Emerel 26:27.6
5. Sam McMullen 26:33.7
6. Tom Lipari 26:36.0
13. Kyle Havard 27:02.2
14. Frank Stewart 27:03.1
15. Patrick Duggan 27:04.1
22. Brian Townsend 27:13.4
23. Greg Masto 27:17.7
26. Zak Smetana 27:26.1
42. Ryan Brown 27:57.3
70. Kris Geist 28:41.4
106. Mike Holinko 29:56.4
148. Alex Lombardozzi 32:11.9
170 finishers
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Albany on Saturday
For those that are in the area and interested: There are four races at the Albany meet on Saturday.
Women's JV: 10 a.m.
Women's varsity: 10:35 a.m.
Men's varsity: 11:10 a.m.
Men's JV: 11:50 a.m.
Top 9 run varsity. For our team, this means a lot of high quality runners are in the second race.
Hope to see you there ...
Women's JV: 10 a.m.
Women's varsity: 10:35 a.m.
Men's varsity: 11:10 a.m.
Men's JV: 11:50 a.m.
Top 9 run varsity. For our team, this means a lot of high quality runners are in the second race.
Hope to see you there ...
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Joey Tat's race report
I found Joe Tarantello's post-Hartford email. Here it is for the world to see ...
hey coach,
I thought I'd let you know how things went and maybe you can post it for the other guys. So overall it went OK I guess. I took your advice and went out slower than goal pace. I came through the half at 1:26:04 and felt absolutely amazing, wasn't hurting at all and just felt fantastic.
So I ran with this other fellow for a while and we were banging out 6:30s very comfortably until mile 22. I would say up until 22 I was on pace for 2:52-2:53 but this is when everything started to fall apart. (Coach Pete interjects: Been there, done that!)
Right after the 22 mile marker both my legs started cramping up uncontrollably and so from there to the finish I had to stop a couple times every mile to stretch, though it didn't do much. Basically I stumbled in the last 4 miles and finished in 2:57.51. I definitely lost a lot of time those last 4 miles but it was just excruciating pain.
I'm not sure if it was dehydration because I felt like I was hydrating enough throughout the race or if it was a lack of enough long runs. I think next time I will throw in a few more 20-22 milers because I think that was the reason. Overall though I'm pleased. I got under 3 and qualified for boston. I'm just a little disappointed because I was on pace for a really good time and breathing wise I wasn't even that tired by the end, it was just my legs that gave way.
It was a learning experience though so now I have more of an idea what to expect for next time.
Coach Pete commentary to Joe T: Again, great job. Your self-analysis/critique is right on the mark. Overall, you had a solid, first-marathon experience and achieved the primary goals of sub-3:00 and Boston qualifier.
However, the lessons are clear: More mileage and more longer long runs. There is no doubt that is the missing ingredient. This is not to say your training was not sound; it was excellent given the time you had. You just need to do more of it, for longer.
Easy to write; hard to do. I have no doubt you'll get it done in the future.
Note to other alums: Feel free to send your post-race reports to me via email and I will post it on the blog.
hey coach,
I thought I'd let you know how things went and maybe you can post it for the other guys. So overall it went OK I guess. I took your advice and went out slower than goal pace. I came through the half at 1:26:04 and felt absolutely amazing, wasn't hurting at all and just felt fantastic.
So I ran with this other fellow for a while and we were banging out 6:30s very comfortably until mile 22. I would say up until 22 I was on pace for 2:52-2:53 but this is when everything started to fall apart. (Coach Pete interjects: Been there, done that!)
Right after the 22 mile marker both my legs started cramping up uncontrollably and so from there to the finish I had to stop a couple times every mile to stretch, though it didn't do much. Basically I stumbled in the last 4 miles and finished in 2:57.51. I definitely lost a lot of time those last 4 miles but it was just excruciating pain.
I'm not sure if it was dehydration because I felt like I was hydrating enough throughout the race or if it was a lack of enough long runs. I think next time I will throw in a few more 20-22 milers because I think that was the reason. Overall though I'm pleased. I got under 3 and qualified for boston. I'm just a little disappointed because I was on pace for a really good time and breathing wise I wasn't even that tired by the end, it was just my legs that gave way.
It was a learning experience though so now I have more of an idea what to expect for next time.
Coach Pete commentary to Joe T: Again, great job. Your self-analysis/critique is right on the mark. Overall, you had a solid, first-marathon experience and achieved the primary goals of sub-3:00 and Boston qualifier.
However, the lessons are clear: More mileage and more longer long runs. There is no doubt that is the missing ingredient. This is not to say your training was not sound; it was excellent given the time you had. You just need to do more of it, for longer.
Easy to write; hard to do. I have no doubt you'll get it done in the future.
Note to other alums: Feel free to send your post-race reports to me via email and I will post it on the blog.
Alumni race results
Sorry for the delay in posting these. I was waiting on more details to fill in some blanks.
At the Mohawk Hudson River Marathon in Albany, Steve Hicks debuted with a sterling 2:37:13, good for 2nd place overall and a $300 cash prize. Steve's story of how he got to the exact time goal he was shooting for is very interesting. I will not retell it here, but shoot him a call, text or email and I'm sure he'll fill you in on the gory details.
It was a great day for the Hicks family. Steve's wife and former Marist runner Christine ran the half marathon in 1:40:38.
Steve's dad, William Hicks, sizzled the course in 1:37:41. Steve's mom, Sharon Hicks, ran equally well in 1:51:49.
At the Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon:
Matt (CT) Szymaszek (did I spell your name right, dude? I butchered it for 4 years straight!) smoked the half marathon in 1:14:17, and then repped the Marist Alumni Racing Team for several minutes in a TV interview. Nicely done on both fronts, CT, and look out, Philly Marathon!
I reminisced with CT today about how it was just a mere 4 years ago (the last Disney year) when I made that wildly unpopular (and, ultimately, WRONG) decision to leave CT home from the 14-man travel squad to Disney back in 04. Since that time, CT has done nothing but prove me wrong (I'm totally cool with that!) and showed what a marvelous runner and hard worker he is at the sport. Although I did not show the faith in him I should have back in that decision time way back when, I always knew he had it in him, and I am proud to see him continue to blossom in the sport. He has only just begun.
Joe Tarantello had a strong marathon debut of 2:57:54. He emailed me his race report but I have misplaced it (shocking, I know). When I find it, I will post it here. Anyway, a nice job by Joey Tat! Next stop, Boston.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST:
Justin Harris burst onto the multi-sport scene in a big way on Sunday at a duathlon (run-bike-run) called the American Zofingen. The race consists of a rugged (read: crazy hilly and tough) 5-mile trail run at Mohonk Preserve, followed by a crazy, insanely hard 29-mile cycle, and finishing with the same, 5-mile trail run.
Official results have not been posted, at least I cannot find them. Jut trashed the field! He won by 12 minutes and broke the previous race record by more than 15 minutes. His eye-popping run splits were 32:07 and 33:0x (not sure), far faster than anyone expected or has ever done.
Everyone thinks/thought Jut was/is a great runner; what we all knew and know is that Jut is a beast on the bike as well.
Now, the duathlon world knows all about Jut.
Obviously, as always, I am extremely proud of all these results and more.
Blog on, brothers and sisters.
At the Mohawk Hudson River Marathon in Albany, Steve Hicks debuted with a sterling 2:37:13, good for 2nd place overall and a $300 cash prize. Steve's story of how he got to the exact time goal he was shooting for is very interesting. I will not retell it here, but shoot him a call, text or email and I'm sure he'll fill you in on the gory details.
It was a great day for the Hicks family. Steve's wife and former Marist runner Christine ran the half marathon in 1:40:38.
Steve's dad, William Hicks, sizzled the course in 1:37:41. Steve's mom, Sharon Hicks, ran equally well in 1:51:49.
At the Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon:
Matt (CT) Szymaszek (did I spell your name right, dude? I butchered it for 4 years straight!) smoked the half marathon in 1:14:17, and then repped the Marist Alumni Racing Team for several minutes in a TV interview. Nicely done on both fronts, CT, and look out, Philly Marathon!
I reminisced with CT today about how it was just a mere 4 years ago (the last Disney year) when I made that wildly unpopular (and, ultimately, WRONG) decision to leave CT home from the 14-man travel squad to Disney back in 04. Since that time, CT has done nothing but prove me wrong (I'm totally cool with that!) and showed what a marvelous runner and hard worker he is at the sport. Although I did not show the faith in him I should have back in that decision time way back when, I always knew he had it in him, and I am proud to see him continue to blossom in the sport. He has only just begun.
Joe Tarantello had a strong marathon debut of 2:57:54. He emailed me his race report but I have misplaced it (shocking, I know). When I find it, I will post it here. Anyway, a nice job by Joey Tat! Next stop, Boston.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST:
Justin Harris burst onto the multi-sport scene in a big way on Sunday at a duathlon (run-bike-run) called the American Zofingen. The race consists of a rugged (read: crazy hilly and tough) 5-mile trail run at Mohonk Preserve, followed by a crazy, insanely hard 29-mile cycle, and finishing with the same, 5-mile trail run.
Official results have not been posted, at least I cannot find them. Jut trashed the field! He won by 12 minutes and broke the previous race record by more than 15 minutes. His eye-popping run splits were 32:07 and 33:0x (not sure), far faster than anyone expected or has ever done.
Everyone thinks/thought Jut was/is a great runner; what we all knew and know is that Jut is a beast on the bike as well.
Now, the duathlon world knows all about Jut.
Obviously, as always, I am extremely proud of all these results and more.
Blog on, brothers and sisters.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Lipari's got a 5 o'clock class ...
The running joke for our near-daily, off-campus practices in the fall is that we have to hustle and get moving because "Lipari's got a 5 o'clock class." Lipari, for those alums and others who don't know, is freshman Tom Lipari, a great guy and a burgeoning distance running talent from (where else?) Long Island.
And while Lipari does, indeed, have 5 o'clock classes for which we have to rush back on most days ... so do several other guys. But again, once I get fixated on some stupid, repetitious phrase, I beat it into the ground with regularity.
Anyway, I was hammering home the "Lipari's got a 5 o'clock class" line pretty hard yesterday, since we went over to New Paltz for mile repeats on the rail trail. This is a rare, midseason foray to New Paltz, since it is time consuming. But it was well worth the rushing over there.
And yes, Lipari and others got back with 22 minutes to spare for their 5 o'clocks. Perhaps a little smelly, but they got there.
The men and women blitzed through the mile repeats at an alarming speed. This is not surprising since the rail trail mile repeats are: 1. straight. 2. flat (the northbound ones were faster and slightly downhill). 3. easy terrain. 4. perfect weather.
And so, everyone hit their splits or faster. We will revisit this workout again soon, but at slightly more challenging venues. This will get us back closer to goal race pace for the longer distances. It was great to get some speed going.
OK. Gotta go. Because ... you guessed it ... Lipari's got a 5 o'clock class tonight!
And while Lipari does, indeed, have 5 o'clock classes for which we have to rush back on most days ... so do several other guys. But again, once I get fixated on some stupid, repetitious phrase, I beat it into the ground with regularity.
Anyway, I was hammering home the "Lipari's got a 5 o'clock class" line pretty hard yesterday, since we went over to New Paltz for mile repeats on the rail trail. This is a rare, midseason foray to New Paltz, since it is time consuming. But it was well worth the rushing over there.
And yes, Lipari and others got back with 22 minutes to spare for their 5 o'clocks. Perhaps a little smelly, but they got there.
The men and women blitzed through the mile repeats at an alarming speed. This is not surprising since the rail trail mile repeats are: 1. straight. 2. flat (the northbound ones were faster and slightly downhill). 3. easy terrain. 4. perfect weather.
And so, everyone hit their splits or faster. We will revisit this workout again soon, but at slightly more challenging venues. This will get us back closer to goal race pace for the longer distances. It was great to get some speed going.
OK. Gotta go. Because ... you guessed it ... Lipari's got a 5 o'clock class tonight!
Foot in the door
Congratulations to senior cross country runner Alex Emerel (Holmdel, NJ) for getting accepted to both Podiatry Schools to which he applied: New York (Harlem) and Temple (Philly).
Alex told me yesterday he is leaning toward "going to Temple," which of course let me to the very easy Jewish puns: Are you "going to Temple" or "going to temple"? Typical, immature coach Pete humor.
Anyway: Congrats to Emerel, future Foot Doctor for Marist Running!
Alex told me yesterday he is leaning toward "going to Temple," which of course let me to the very easy Jewish puns: Are you "going to Temple" or "going to temple"? Typical, immature coach Pete humor.
Anyway: Congrats to Emerel, future Foot Doctor for Marist Running!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Busy weekend for alums
Hello again. Sorry for the delay in posts for you avid blog followers. It was a busy and incredibly successful weekend on the roads and trails for Marist Alumni Runners. I'm proud of you all and of your efforts. I will try my best to summarize everyone's races later in the day or Tuesday, after I get more details.
Again: You guys did some GREAT things out there this weekend!
In the meantime, here is a photo taken from the Iona Meet of Champions a few weeks ago.
Back at you in a bit ...
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Fast forward
I know the majority of this blog's readers are men's team alumni, members, parents, friends, etc. This post strays from the "norm" as I will blog about the women's team today.
As you all know, with Phil's retirement, our Track Family was slightly restructured and I was given a fancy new title.
Coach Chuck is the women's coach, but we work very closely as dual programs and practice together every day. We are each other's assistant coaches, and athletes from both teams know they can talk to each of us any time. Our training approach for both teams is identical. The women do a little less volume for the obvious reason that their race distance is shorter. Otherwise, the training paradigm follows the same model.
It is a lot of fun to be directly involved in the women's program. I can honestly say that I not only enjoy it but it has also reinvigorated me as a coach. It's like a new challenge, after all these years. Again, Chuck is the MAN in terms of leadership of the women's team, but I'm putting my two cents in there as well.
Anyway, we were up there at Ogden Mills on Monday as the women were doing the old guys' hill workout (you know, from the poll question of a few weeks ago). Toward the end of it, as the ladies were banging up the hill, working hard and working together in several packs, I found myself getting pretty pumped up.
This is a TEAM, and potentially a darn good one. And it was exciting.
I must say that this is not intended to be a knock on previous and recent women's teams, or on Phil, who is one of my best friends. It is just that Phil and I did things separately in terms of practices, for whatever reason, and I never felt a part of the women's team -- except on meet days. Now, that has changed, and it's a lot more fun.
As you all know, with Phil's retirement, our Track Family was slightly restructured and I was given a fancy new title.
Coach Chuck is the women's coach, but we work very closely as dual programs and practice together every day. We are each other's assistant coaches, and athletes from both teams know they can talk to each of us any time. Our training approach for both teams is identical. The women do a little less volume for the obvious reason that their race distance is shorter. Otherwise, the training paradigm follows the same model.
It is a lot of fun to be directly involved in the women's program. I can honestly say that I not only enjoy it but it has also reinvigorated me as a coach. It's like a new challenge, after all these years. Again, Chuck is the MAN in terms of leadership of the women's team, but I'm putting my two cents in there as well.
Anyway, we were up there at Ogden Mills on Monday as the women were doing the old guys' hill workout (you know, from the poll question of a few weeks ago). Toward the end of it, as the ladies were banging up the hill, working hard and working together in several packs, I found myself getting pretty pumped up.
This is a TEAM, and potentially a darn good one. And it was exciting.
I must say that this is not intended to be a knock on previous and recent women's teams, or on Phil, who is one of my best friends. It is just that Phil and I did things separately in terms of practices, for whatever reason, and I never felt a part of the women's team -- except on meet days. Now, that has changed, and it's a lot more fun.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Homecoming weekend
Great to see all the alums -- some from 20 years ago, others from a few months ago -- on campus this weekend. The older alums -- Nicosia, Reardon -- commented how "they wished they went to THIS school," referencing how upgraded and sharp the Marist campus is.
This week's poll question is a goofy one and deals with Matt Maynes (class of 08) and his (a-hem) NEW BEARD. Quite a radical look from the Tollander.
I realize this question is limited in scope to those that know Maynes and those that have seen him recently. But this poll was suggested by some alert recent alums.
Blog on, brothers and sisters.
This week's poll question is a goofy one and deals with Matt Maynes (class of 08) and his (a-hem) NEW BEARD. Quite a radical look from the Tollander.
I realize this question is limited in scope to those that know Maynes and those that have seen him recently. But this poll was suggested by some alert recent alums.
Blog on, brothers and sisters.
Depth
Just playing around with some of the numbers and results. While it wasn't a banner day for Marist cross country at Lehigh, there were plenty of positive signs. This team has a lot of depth.
Disclaimers:
1. I am factoring Vess' excellent debut race (albeit unattached) in these listings because he is on the team and a big part of what we do now and in the future, regardless of his redshirt status or not for fall 08, which is yet to be determined.
2. I know Paul Short is a fast track and an 8km PR factory, but you still gotta run it.
Having said that: Here are some of the numbers for you to illustrate our depth:
If you take our second 5 runners (runners 6-10), here is what you get:
Matt Flint 25:43
Tim Keegan 25:47
Nick Webster 25:52
Conor Shelley 26:01
Curtis Jensen 26:03
Comment: Average of 25:53.2. A pretty damn good team any year for us.
If you include Vess and Will in our varsity based on their times, here is what you get (for runners 1-5):
Girma Segni 24:27
David Raucci 25:12
Joe McElhoney 25:14
Adam Vess 25:15
Will Griffin 25:23
Comment: A spread of less than 1:00, and a top-5 average time of 25:06.2. Pretty darn good again.
If you simply pull out our freshmen and make them a "team," here is what you get:
Will Griffin 25:23
Matt Flint 25:43
Curtis Jensen 26:03
Tom Lipari 26:28
Brian Townsend 26:36
Comment: This averages to 26:00.6 per man, and would have placed you in front of 12 teams in the varsity race, including three MAAC schools.
I'm proud of these numbers and this depth. While our focus remains squarely on the upcoming month-and-a-half, as a longtime coach I'm always looking ahead and planning.
And as noted optimist Hopkins pointed out to me last week: The future looks bright.
Disclaimers:
1. I am factoring Vess' excellent debut race (albeit unattached) in these listings because he is on the team and a big part of what we do now and in the future, regardless of his redshirt status or not for fall 08, which is yet to be determined.
2. I know Paul Short is a fast track and an 8km PR factory, but you still gotta run it.
Having said that: Here are some of the numbers for you to illustrate our depth:
If you take our second 5 runners (runners 6-10), here is what you get:
Matt Flint 25:43
Tim Keegan 25:47
Nick Webster 25:52
Conor Shelley 26:01
Curtis Jensen 26:03
Comment: Average of 25:53.2. A pretty damn good team any year for us.
If you include Vess and Will in our varsity based on their times, here is what you get (for runners 1-5):
Girma Segni 24:27
David Raucci 25:12
Joe McElhoney 25:14
Adam Vess 25:15
Will Griffin 25:23
Comment: A spread of less than 1:00, and a top-5 average time of 25:06.2. Pretty darn good again.
If you simply pull out our freshmen and make them a "team," here is what you get:
Will Griffin 25:23
Matt Flint 25:43
Curtis Jensen 26:03
Tom Lipari 26:28
Brian Townsend 26:36
Comment: This averages to 26:00.6 per man, and would have placed you in front of 12 teams in the varsity race, including three MAAC schools.
I'm proud of these numbers and this depth. While our focus remains squarely on the upcoming month-and-a-half, as a longtime coach I'm always looking ahead and planning.
And as noted optimist Hopkins pointed out to me last week: The future looks bright.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Paul Short addendum
Also: Our top-5 average time of 25:17 is believed to be a school record. I certainly cannot recall doing anywhere near that. Two years ago at PS, our average was 25:45.
BUT AGAIN: Not a great day for us overall.
Consider that teams we were near (Penn, Lehigh, St. Joe's, Stony Brook) at Iona MOC all were ahead of us, either by a little or a lot. So obviously, we were off from that effort at VCP.
We have been working hard. Maybe too hard. If that is the case, the blame lies with me. I'll take it. That's OK for early October. November is far more important. We now have a mileage/training plan for the next 6-7 weeks. We must implement.
Mostly, we must believe.
Have an excellent evening.
BUT AGAIN: Not a great day for us overall.
Consider that teams we were near (Penn, Lehigh, St. Joe's, Stony Brook) at Iona MOC all were ahead of us, either by a little or a lot. So obviously, we were off from that effort at VCP.
We have been working hard. Maybe too hard. If that is the case, the blame lies with me. I'll take it. That's OK for early October. November is far more important. We now have a mileage/training plan for the next 6-7 weeks. We must implement.
Mostly, we must believe.
Have an excellent evening.
Paul Short
Guys:
Here is what I wrote for the Marist Web site (www.goredfoxes.com). Sounds a lot better than it was. More thoughts later in the weekend. Be safe, be smart, tonight.
coach pete
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Senior captain Girma Segni (Bronx, NY) ran a personal-best time of 24:27 for 8,000 meters and placed 31st out of nearly 300 runners in a field stacked with nationally-ranked teams, leading the Marist College men’s cross country team to a 21st-place finish out of 45 teams at the Paul Short Run, held on the campus of Lehigh University Friday afternoon.
It was Segni’s first sub-25:00 for 8K cross country. Two weeks ago, Segni broke the long-time school record at the Van Cortlandt Park 5-mile course.
On Friday at Lehigh, the top six Marist runners all notched 8K personal-best times on the Paul Short course. Senior David Raucci (Clermont, NY) was 105th in 25:12. Graduate student Joe McElhoney (Beacon, NY) was 110th in 25:14, a major personal-best time. Freshman Matt Flint (Queensbury, NY) and sophomore Tim Keegan (Huntington, NY) rounded out the top-5 scoring pack, with times of 25:43 (154th) and 25:47 (165th). Sophomore Nick Webster (Latham, NY) was 175th in a personal-best time of 25:52.
In the non-varsity race, there were several stellar performances as well. Freshman Will Griffin (Columbia, CT) burst on the scene with an 11th-place time of 25:23, which would have cracked him into the varsity scoring pack. It was an improvement of nearly 1:30 over his first 8K race two weeks ago.
In addition, seven other runners finished faster than 27:00 on the 8K course, all personal-best times: Freshman Curtis Jensen (Atlantic Highlands, NJ) 26:03; senior captain John Keenan (Centereach, NY) 26:11; freshman Tom Lipari (Greenvale, NY) 26:28; freshman Brian Townsend (East Setauket, NY) 26:36; sophomore Sam McMullen (Newton, NJ) 26:45; senior Alex Emerel (Holmdel, NJ) 26:53; sophomore Matt Janczyk (Bristol, CT) 26:55.
The top four teams in the meet – Wisconsin, Syracuse, Villanova and Iona – are all nationally ranked. The Red Foxes were 21st with 565 points. Complete team results can be found at www.paulshortxcrun.com
Paul Short Run, Lehigh University
Marist finishers
31. Girma Segni 24:27
105. David Raucci 25:12
110. Joe McElhoney 25:14
154. Matt Flint 25:43
165. Tim Keegan 25:47
175. Nick Webster 25:52
187. Conor Shelley 26:01
JV race
11. Will Griffin 25:23
47. Curtis Jensen 26:03
56. John Keenan 26:11
76. Tom Lipari 26:28
88. Brian Townsend 26:36
96. Sam McMullen 26:45
105. Alex Emerel 26:53
108. Matt Janczyk 26:55
143. Frank Stewart 27:20
185. Trevor Thomas 27:44
190. Zak Smetana 27:49
193. Greg Masto 27:50
200. Kyle Havard 27:27
269. Kris Geist 29:22
273. Mike Holinko 29:29
Here is what I wrote for the Marist Web site (www.goredfoxes.com). Sounds a lot better than it was. More thoughts later in the weekend. Be safe, be smart, tonight.
coach pete
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Senior captain Girma Segni (Bronx, NY) ran a personal-best time of 24:27 for 8,000 meters and placed 31st out of nearly 300 runners in a field stacked with nationally-ranked teams, leading the Marist College men’s cross country team to a 21st-place finish out of 45 teams at the Paul Short Run, held on the campus of Lehigh University Friday afternoon.
It was Segni’s first sub-25:00 for 8K cross country. Two weeks ago, Segni broke the long-time school record at the Van Cortlandt Park 5-mile course.
On Friday at Lehigh, the top six Marist runners all notched 8K personal-best times on the Paul Short course. Senior David Raucci (Clermont, NY) was 105th in 25:12. Graduate student Joe McElhoney (Beacon, NY) was 110th in 25:14, a major personal-best time. Freshman Matt Flint (Queensbury, NY) and sophomore Tim Keegan (Huntington, NY) rounded out the top-5 scoring pack, with times of 25:43 (154th) and 25:47 (165th). Sophomore Nick Webster (Latham, NY) was 175th in a personal-best time of 25:52.
In the non-varsity race, there were several stellar performances as well. Freshman Will Griffin (Columbia, CT) burst on the scene with an 11th-place time of 25:23, which would have cracked him into the varsity scoring pack. It was an improvement of nearly 1:30 over his first 8K race two weeks ago.
In addition, seven other runners finished faster than 27:00 on the 8K course, all personal-best times: Freshman Curtis Jensen (Atlantic Highlands, NJ) 26:03; senior captain John Keenan (Centereach, NY) 26:11; freshman Tom Lipari (Greenvale, NY) 26:28; freshman Brian Townsend (East Setauket, NY) 26:36; sophomore Sam McMullen (Newton, NJ) 26:45; senior Alex Emerel (Holmdel, NJ) 26:53; sophomore Matt Janczyk (Bristol, CT) 26:55.
The top four teams in the meet – Wisconsin, Syracuse, Villanova and Iona – are all nationally ranked. The Red Foxes were 21st with 565 points. Complete team results can be found at www.paulshortxcrun.com
Paul Short Run, Lehigh University
Marist finishers
31. Girma Segni 24:27
105. David Raucci 25:12
110. Joe McElhoney 25:14
154. Matt Flint 25:43
165. Tim Keegan 25:47
175. Nick Webster 25:52
187. Conor Shelley 26:01
JV race
11. Will Griffin 25:23
47. Curtis Jensen 26:03
56. John Keenan 26:11
76. Tom Lipari 26:28
88. Brian Townsend 26:36
96. Sam McMullen 26:45
105. Alex Emerel 26:53
108. Matt Janczyk 26:55
143. Frank Stewart 27:20
185. Trevor Thomas 27:44
190. Zak Smetana 27:49
193. Greg Masto 27:50
200. Kyle Havard 27:27
269. Kris Geist 29:22
273. Mike Holinko 29:29
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Minnewaska clarification
Just so current team members know: Walsh's Minnewaska Marathon is verboten (that means you can't do it), as long as you have remaining eligibility.
Running marathons while you are in college is not a good idea. Take it from me. I did it. Five times, starting at the age of 19. It is one of the reasons I am a washed-up old runner at age 44. I want you to be a vibrant Marist Alumni Racing Team member well after your Running Red Foxes days are over. If you so choose.
Anyway, Walsh seems very motivated to pull this thing off. At the very least, it appears he is committed to running the darn thing. Good for him.
By the way, alums: Let me know if you are coming up this weekend. And if you are, do not CORRUPT current team members. They (we) are on high alert. They (we) are in season!
Have an excellent evening, everyone.
Running marathons while you are in college is not a good idea. Take it from me. I did it. Five times, starting at the age of 19. It is one of the reasons I am a washed-up old runner at age 44. I want you to be a vibrant Marist Alumni Racing Team member well after your Running Red Foxes days are over. If you so choose.
Anyway, Walsh seems very motivated to pull this thing off. At the very least, it appears he is committed to running the darn thing. Good for him.
By the way, alums: Let me know if you are coming up this weekend. And if you are, do not CORRUPT current team members. They (we) are on high alert. They (we) are in season!
Have an excellent evening, everyone.
Tattoo you
Keenan showed off his fancy new tattoo today at practice.
It's a winged foot, on his back near the shoulder blade. Oh gosh. Another winged foot. How cliched, right? Well, this one is REALLY COOL. The tattoo artist must double as a podiatrist, because the bone detail in the foot part of the winged foot is pretty excellent. Emerel, the soon-to-be podiatry school guy, would be proud.
Used to be tattoos were rebellious and noteworthy. Now, they are kinda ho-hum. I would venture to guess that more than half the team's got a stitch of some sort, somewhere on their bodies.
You know, the only time I remotely considered a tattoo -- and I mean, I thought about it for about 14 seconds -- my idea was to get the M/Fox logo on my ankle. Damn. Shoulda done it, would have been a novelty, collector's item type tattoo now that we have the fancy new Fox logos. Right? Right.
Anyway: Just got off the phone with The Wife (that's what I call her in My Other Blog, by the way), and she informed me that I received a big box package at home today. I'm guessing that it contains the Running Pants. FYI.
It's a winged foot, on his back near the shoulder blade. Oh gosh. Another winged foot. How cliched, right? Well, this one is REALLY COOL. The tattoo artist must double as a podiatrist, because the bone detail in the foot part of the winged foot is pretty excellent. Emerel, the soon-to-be podiatry school guy, would be proud.
Used to be tattoos were rebellious and noteworthy. Now, they are kinda ho-hum. I would venture to guess that more than half the team's got a stitch of some sort, somewhere on their bodies.
You know, the only time I remotely considered a tattoo -- and I mean, I thought about it for about 14 seconds -- my idea was to get the M/Fox logo on my ankle. Damn. Shoulda done it, would have been a novelty, collector's item type tattoo now that we have the fancy new Fox logos. Right? Right.
Anyway: Just got off the phone with The Wife (that's what I call her in My Other Blog, by the way), and she informed me that I received a big box package at home today. I'm guessing that it contains the Running Pants. FYI.
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