Library card

The call comes to my phone, and I get a jolt of excitement. Something I requested from the library has arrived. I get to the Hyde Park Free Library as soon as I can to pick up the materials. The front desk person scans my card, gets the book that I requested. I hear that crinkly noise of the plastic book cover open, as they scan the bar code, and I get another rush of adrenaline as I anticipate what awaits from the book that I ordered – sometimes weeks and months ago.

Call me a nerd (go ahead, I don’t mind!), call me a dinosaur (one of my early morning running buddies, in effect, did by saying, “you still order BOOKS from the LIBRARY?), but I still get a rush out of checking out books from the public library. My kids do too, making them perhaps the last generation to have such an interest.

The library card is my window to the world of printed material. Oh sure, nowadays I read the newspaper on my phone or my laptop. I have even read parts of books on my wife’s iPad. But I still love that crinkly feel of a library book – three weeks of freedom to try to finish reading the book in the allotted borrowing time. I sometimes fail at this imposed deadline – but usually only by a few days. On a side note, I often request large print books too. This has a twofold purpose: 1. It allows me to avoid using the reading glasses that have become the norm for me; 2. It gives the effect of reading fast, as I flip the large-print pages much more quickly than a “normal” book.

The library card is one of my most prized possessions, and it remains one of my personal links to the memory of my beloved mother-in-law, who we continue to miss each and every day more than two years after her passing. She loved the library, and could always – ALWAYS – be seen with a crinkly covered novel in her possession. She was a voracious reader, known to whip through entire novels in a single day and a single sitting. She always returned her books on time or earlier, a habit that I try to emulate. I will sometimes accrue minor fines of like 30 cents, but by and large I get the books back close to on time.

When she passed away suddenly back in February 2012, I felt it was my duty to return the last book she checked out, as well as her well used library card. “I’m sorry for your loss,’’ the front desk guy said when I explained why I was handing in her book, and ultimately, her library card. When I use my library card now, I think of her, and I know she would approve of being one of the last holdouts of non-electronic reading materials.

Colonial Relays: Women's record-setting team photo

From left, the women's 4x1500-meter relay team of Michelle Gaye, Nicki Nesi, Janelle Solviletti and Kristen Traub are all smiles after a hard-fought and well-earned school record on Saturday. It was a thrill to watch them all put together the great relay on the sunsplashed Virginia afternoon.

Colonial Relays: Men's record-setting team photo

The 4x1500-meter relay team of Pat Rynkowski, Billy Posch, Ken Walshak and Nick Salek broke the record on Saturday. Pat and Nick ran the open 1,500 on Friday and Billy and Ken ran the open 3,000 on Friday. None of the guys was fresh for Saturday's record run. All ran tough and strong, and we are proud of them.

Colonial Relays: Women's results, day 2

A scintillating 4x1500 relay school record for the ladies, besting last year's mark by 12 seconds. It was a well-balanced relay with everyone doing their job and doing it well. I will post a relay team photo as soon as I can. Here are the numbers:

Colonial Relays, Day 2 results and splits for women

College of William and Mary, Zable Stadium

Williamsburg, VA

Saturday, April 5, 2014

400-meter relay

17. Marist (Ashley Haynes, Danielle Asaro, Nicole Scicolone, Molly Weeks) 56.12; note: botched relay pass in first zone

800-meter relay

21. Marist (Ashley Haynes, Danielle Asaro, Meaghan Gillespie, Alexia Santiago) 1:47.99

1,600-meter relay

24. Marist (Danielle Asaro 63.6, Courtney Cartwright 63.0, Jackie Gamboli 63.0, Molly Weeks 59.6) 4:09.82

3,200-meter relay

22. Marist (Bryn Gorberg 2:27.8, Marissa Porter 2:31.3, Kim Schwartz 2:33.3, Jackie Bunce 2:39.4) 10:12.14

6,000-meter relay

4. Marist (Kristen Traub 4:41.2, Nicki Nesi 4:48.9, Michelle Gaye 4:45.0, Janelle Solviletti 4:49.0) 19:04.69 *school record, old record 19:17.19, set in 2013 by Kathryn Sheehan 4:39.8, Christine Coughlin 4:58.5, Rebecca Denise 4:54.4, Kristen Traub 4:44.1.

Kristen Traub, 4:41.2: 73, 2:29 (76), 3:44 (75), 4:41.2

Nicki Nesi, 4:48.9: 74, 2:33 (79), 3:51 (78), 4:48.9

Michelle Gaye, 4:45.0: 74, 2:30 (76), 3:47 (77), 4:45.0

Janelle Solviletti, 4:49.0: 71, 2:29 (780, 3:51 (82), 4:49.0

Distance medley relay

19. Marist (Christine Coughlin 3:58.3, Courtney Cartwright 61.9, Jackie Gamboli 2:28.5, Erin Thompson 5:39.1) 13:08.31

Christine Coughlin, 3:58.3: 76.6, 76.8, 84.8

Courtney Cartwright: 61.9

Jackie Gamboli: 68.4, 80.1

Erin Thompson: 74.2, 89.4, 90.6, 86.9

Colonial Relays: Men's results, day 2

The biggest highlight of the day was the 4x1500 relay team breaking last year's school record in the event. All four men were doubling back, so that made this feat extra special. I will post a team photo when I can access my email -- for some reason, the bus internet blocks my email provider. Here are the numbers:

Colonial Relays, Day 2 results and splits for men

College of William and Mary, Zable Stadium

Williamsburg, VA

Saturday, April 5, 2014

1,600-meter relay

23. Marist (Zach Berzal 51.9, Kyle Heubner 52.6, Nate Lungarini 52.4, Matt Edwards 51.9) 3:28.86

Sprint medley relay

5. Marist (Joe Cafaro, Tim Johnson, Matt Edwards 50.9, David Marthy 1:55.4) 3:32.94

3,200-meter relay

25. Marist (Nestor Taylor 1:59.3, Mark Vuono 2:01.6, Kyle Heubner 2:03.5, Nate Lungarini 1:59.3) 8:04.31

6,000-meter relay

10. Marist A (Pat Rynkowski 4:05.7, Ken Walshak 4:03.1, Billy Posch 4:06.9, Nick Salek 4:01.1) 16:17.39 *school record, old record 16:26.89 by Mark Vuono 4:08.1, Nick Salek 4:03.5, Charlie Ropes 4:07.2, Billy Posch 4:07.8)

Pat Rynkowski: 65, 2:11 (66), 3:15 (64), 4:05.7

Ken Walshak: 61, 2:07 (66), 3:14 (67), 4:03.1

Billy Posch: 64, 2:10 (66), 3:18 (68), 4:06.9

Nick Salek: 62, 2:07 (65), 3:12 (65), 4:01.1

19. Marist B (Nick Salamone 4:17.6, Kyle Hannafin 4:11.9, Johnny Lee 4:19.0, Saad Baig 4:12.3) 17:01.37

Nick Salamone: 67, 2:13 (66), 3:23 (70), 4:17.6

Kyle Hannafin: 64, 2:13 (69), 3:22 (69), 4:11.9

Johnny Lee: 66, 2:14 (68), 3:25 (71), 4:19.0

Saad Baig: 63, 2:12 (69), -- , 4:12.3

Colonial Relays: Men's results, day 1

Here are results from Day 1 for the men:

Colonial Relays Day 1

Friday, April 4, 2014

Men’s results and splits

100-meter dash

49. Joe Cafaro 11.84

400-meter dash

41. Matt Edwards 51.23

51. Tim Johnson 51.78

64. Kyle Heubner 52.90

800-meter run

41. Kyle Hannafin 1:59.67 (first lap, 58)

48. Nestor Taylor 2:00.57 (first lap, 57)

55. Mark Vuono 2:01.46 (first lap, 58.1)

1,500-meter run

26. Nick Salek 4:07.05

65.1, 2:09.8 (64.7), 3:16.4 (66.6), 4:07.05 (67.05 last 400)

33. Pat Rynkowski 4:09.24

65, 2:12 (67), 3:19 (67), 4:09.24 (67.24 last 400)

34. Nate Lungarini 4:10.30

64, 2:11 (67), 3:19 (67), 4:10.30 (68.30 last 400)
3,000-meter run
12. Ken Walshak 8:41.90
69, 2:18 (69), 3:28 (70), 4:38 (70)
5:48 (70), 6:59 (71), 8:08 (69), 8:41.90 (33.90)
23. Billy Posch 8:59.76
69, 2:19 (70), 3:29 (70), 4:40 (71)
5:54 (74), 7:09 (74), 8:24 (75), 8:59.76 (35.76)
24. Johnny Lee 9:03.37
68, 2:20 (72), 3:32 (72), 4:45 (73)
5:58 (73), 7:13 (75), 8:27 (74), 9:03.37 (36.37)

5,000-meter run

7. Saad Baig 15:19.06

78, 2:32 (74), 3:44 (72), 4:57 (73)

6:10 (73), 7:23 (73), 8:36 (73), 9:49 (73)

11:05 (76), 12:21 (76), 13:38 (77), 14:47 (69)

15:19.06 (32.06)

55. Mark Valentino 15:44.30

71, 2:22 (71), 3:34 (72), 4:46 (72)

5:59 (73), 7:12 (73), 8:28 (76), 9:43 (75)

11:03 (80), 12:22 (79), 13:43 (81), 15:05 (82)

15:44.30 (39.30)

10,000-meter run

26. Billy Hild 32:58.29

75, 2:30 (75), 3:44 (74), 4:59 (75)

6:14 (75), 7:29 (75), 8:45 (76), 10:01 (76)

11:16 (75), 12:34 (78), 13:53 (79), 15:12 (79)

16:32 (80), 17:53 (81), 19:13 (80), 20:34 (81)

21:56 (82), 23:19 (83), 24:41 (82), 26:04 (83)

27:27 (83), 28:49 (82), 30:13 (84), 31:37 (84)

32:58.29 (81.29)

First 5km: 15:49; second 5km: 17:09

1600-meter splits: 4:59, 5:02, 5:11, 5:22, 5:30, 5:33

400-meter hurdles

22. Zach Berzal 57.26

43. Joe Cafaro 1:00.56

3,000-meter steeplechase

28. Jake Hensler 9:47.45

73, 2:28 (75), 3:45 (77), 5:04 (79)

6:25 (81), 7:47 (82), 9:06 (79), 9:47.45 (41.45)

Colonial Relays: Women's results, Day 1

Here are the results and splits from Day 1 of the meet:

Colonial Relays, Day 1

Friday, April 4, 2014

Women’s results and splits

100-meter dash

24. Danielle Asaro 12.75

56. Ashley Haynes 13.21

79. Alexia Santiago 14.71

200-meter dash

50. Danielle Asaro 26.42

66. Ashley Haynes 26.90

85. Alexia Santiago 28.45

400-meter dash

34. Molly Weeks 1:00.14

800-meter run

52. Marissa Porter 2:25.46 (first lap, 73)

60. Bryn Gorberg 2:28.77 (first lap, 74)

66. Olivia Lappas 2:34.18 (first lap, 73)

1,500-meter run

33. Taylor Mueller 5:21.33

81, 2:45 (84), 4:14 (89), 5:21.33 (67.33)

36. Megan Brady 5:31.68

82, 2:49 (87), 4:21 (92), 5:31.68 (70.68)

3,000-meter run

8. Michelle Gaye 10:07.65

80.6, 2:42.5 (81.9), 4:02.3 (79.8), 5:22.7 (80.4)

6:42.6 (79.9), 8:02.9 (80.3), 9:25.1 (82.2), 10:07.65 (42.55)

40. Annie Gould 10:52.87

84, 2:52 (88), 4:19 (87), 5:45 (86)

7:09 (84), 8:38 (89), 10:08 (90), 10:52.87 (44.87)

45. Brianne Vess 11:13.82

84, 2:52 (88), 4:19 (87), 5:48 (89)

7:20 (88), 8:56 (96), 10:29 (93), 11:13.82 (44.82)

100-meter hurdles

43. Meaghan Gillespie 17.11

400-meter hurdles

56. Courtney Cartwright 1:10.78

Colonial Relays: Reach the beach

How odd was it, after shivering through the past four months, to be at Colonial Relays with blazing hot sun and beach-like weather this afternoon on the first day here in Williamsburg? It was equally odd considering the weather for the morning distance races was cool and overcast. Once the sun burned through, the sun burned through -- on our ears, the backs of our necks, foreheads and any other exposed skin.

Who knew? We have spent weeks and months trying to avoid exposing our skin to the cold and wind and ice and snow. Today, we reached for the sunscreen to protect our exposed skin from the 80-degree beauty of the afternoon.

Saturday's weather looks a bit cooler, sunny and in the 70s. We'll take it.

Colonial Relays: Saturday's schedule

11:10 a.m.: Women's 4x800 relay
11:30 a.m.: Men's 4x800 relay
11:50 a.m.: Women's 4x100 relay
12:05 p.m.: Men's 4x100 relay
12:20 p.m.: Women's DMR
12:50 p.m.: Men's DMR
1:35 p.m.: Women's SMR
1:55 p.m.: Men's SMR
2:40 p.m.: Women's 4x200 relay
3:05 p.m.: Men's 4x200 relay
3:30 p.m.: Women's 4x1500 relay
3:55 p.m.: Men's 4x1500 relay
4:20 p.m.: Women's 4x400 relay
4:45 p.m.: Men's 4x400 relay

Colonial Relays: Lonliness of the long-distance runners

Day 1 of Colonial was a long morning, afternoon and evening of track and field in the aforementioned summerlike weather. We arrived early (before 8 a.m.) for the unseeded distance races and we stayed late (past 10 p.m.) for the evening distance events. The entire travel party headed back to the hotel at around 6 p.m., except for three men's distance runners -- freshman Jake Hensler, who had completed the 3,000-meter steeplechase in the late afternoon, junior Mark Valentino, who ran the seeded section of the 5,000-meter run at night, and senior Billy Hild, who ended the evening in the 10,000-meter run.

We just arrived back at the hotel a little after 11 p.m. Having other athletes stay and cheer on these guys would have made zero sense, after a long day in the sun and with a day of competition to follow on Saturday. It was a small crew of us there under the lights, but such is the nature of a long day at the track.

Colonial Relays: Visits from special friends

Because we are so far away from home, we do not get the usual family support down here in Virginia. But we did get a nice surprise, all-day visit from recent Marist Running Alum Rachel Lichtenwalner. Rachel L hung out with the team and spent all day with us, and it was great to have her along again.

Then, in the evening, the O'Sullivans visited from nearby Virginia Beach. Kevin O'Sullivan is a recent Marist Running Alum and his family made the trip to check out the evening portion of the meet. We appreciate the effort and the support.

Jeter's farewell tour

As I type this in our hotel room in Newport News, a Red Sox-Orioles game is on. The background noise of baseball is welcome to me, for sure. Baseball has begun, which certainly makes this old guy happy. I just love the rhythm of the season, where I can find a game on TV virtually every night for the next six months -- like I did tonight, with very little searching.

This year’s New York Yankees’ season is tinged with melancholy, as it will be the final go-around for Derek Jeter. It is highly unlikely that his farewell tour will have the ballyhoo and grandeur of the great Mariano Rivera’s last season in 2013. But we would do well to pause at his every at-bat, because it is likely there will not be another player like him.

Jeter has played 20 seasons with the Yankees. That is likely to never happen again. He has done it with quiet class and with an almost obsessive abhorrence to self-promotion; I'm a big fan of humility, and Jeter has cornered the market on that. Some may not agree with that assessment. But as an avid Jeter watcher for the past two decades, I can tell you this: It’s always about the team with him. And, despite dating high-profile women throughout his career, he has never once mis-stepped and caused himself or others embarrassment. It is unfathomable how he has done it, in the minefield of the Social Media Generation.

Obviously, I’m a big Jeter guy, but even ardent Yankee-haters and Jeter-haters at the very least have to respect him for what he has done over these past 20 seasons in pinstripes. Let's do our best to enjoy these final few months.

Smart ideas

Now that I've got this Smart Phone and I can read the New York Times (all sections, but my favorites, in order, are Sports, Opinion, and the Well Blog) and the Daily News sports section on it whenever I want, I find myself spending less and less time on my laptop, where I am right now. I can and do check my email on my phone as well, a true novelty to me but something that the rest of the world has been hip to since, oh, 2007 or so (or so my good pal Sean T. McMann says).

So anyway, the one thing I have NOT gotten around to on my phone – and I doubt that I will – is replying at length to emails or writing blog posts like this. I have sent a few “Oh, OK, great thanks” email replies, but little else. It is pretty remarkable how much I rely on this new device now, and also how quickly the battery runs out of juice. I have been told this is very common for Smart Phones. I still remain a not-so-smart Smart Phone user. But I am adapting.

Arriving in April

We are in Newport News, Va., after a long day on the bus. But it was worth every minute, as the temperature currently is in the mid-60s as the sun is about to set. After a long, long, long winter, it's nice to be warm. And we will be warm tomorrow at Colonial Relays in Williamsburg, where the forecast highs are going to be near 80 degrees. 80 degrees. What a concept.