We had a team meeting instead of practice on Friday. From now until Jan. 3 practices will be on our own. In place of having team practices for the next three weeks, we were given bright orange books with our workouts in them. They have been stuffed full of interval workouts, weight training schedules, and results of past meets.
On top of the information we need to train on our own, the meet schedule for the season is printed on the back. After taking a gander at it, I realized just how much time track is going to consume. Compared to cross country, track is a long season. Indoor track rolls straight into outdoor competition with only a week off in between (if you qualify for nationals, two weeks off if you don't).
There was a little humor handed out with the bright orange books. On the inside cover lists the Coyote Track and Field Faculty. As athletes received their books they quickly noticed the misprint. Turns out that Coach Kindler's previous team, Kansas Wesleyan, was the Coyotes. Needless to say, the 'Cats gave him a little grief for the mistake.
Break is looking to be relaxing if the expected ice storm doesn't prevent me from heading home when I wanted. Hopefully, the roads will be cleared by then, or better yet, we just won't get any ice.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Dropping Temperatures & Increasing Speeds
As the temperature drops the splits for our intervals speed up. Now when Coach calls the distance runners over, that is not me. I am headed off with the sprinters. Odd, I know. Just a few weeks ago I was running over three miles for a race. Now I will be running less than a mile.
The workouts are consisted of shorter intervals at a faster pace; a much faster pace. It is such an increase that I am using muscles that my body forgot I had resulting in some extreme soreness. It's okay though, my gimpy walk has to make some people smile. On top of the faster pace, I have started lifting three times a week; creating muscles I definitely do not have.
One of my biggest challenges so far has been a hurdle drill. Six hurdles are set up touching each other to make a continuous line in one lane. You then have to step over the hurdle without turning sideways or swinging your leg over. This is supposed to improve flexibility and work on coordination; neither of which I have been blessed with. After we did that a few times every other hurdle was raised. We then had to go over one and then under the next with our butts lower than our ankles, all with only one foot in between each hurdle. Now imagine me going up, down, spinning, smacking into hurdles, and mumbling sarcastic remarks about how stupid this is. It was quite the show for the rest of the team. Needless to say, I will have to keep working on my flexibility and coordination.
As for the rest of the Cross Country runners, they are off to Baton Rouge tomorrow morning to participate in a half-marathon. Good luck to all of them.
The workouts are consisted of shorter intervals at a faster pace; a much faster pace. It is such an increase that I am using muscles that my body forgot I had resulting in some extreme soreness. It's okay though, my gimpy walk has to make some people smile. On top of the faster pace, I have started lifting three times a week; creating muscles I definitely do not have.
One of my biggest challenges so far has been a hurdle drill. Six hurdles are set up touching each other to make a continuous line in one lane. You then have to step over the hurdle without turning sideways or swinging your leg over. This is supposed to improve flexibility and work on coordination; neither of which I have been blessed with. After we did that a few times every other hurdle was raised. We then had to go over one and then under the next with our butts lower than our ankles, all with only one foot in between each hurdle. Now imagine me going up, down, spinning, smacking into hurdles, and mumbling sarcastic remarks about how stupid this is. It was quite the show for the rest of the team. Needless to say, I will have to keep working on my flexibility and coordination.
As for the rest of the Cross Country runners, they are off to Baton Rouge tomorrow morning to participate in a half-marathon. Good luck to all of them.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
On the Track
I attended my first track practice yesterday afternoon, and compared to the fall season of cross country, track's workload is looking promising.
Let me fill you in on the happenings of the rest of the 'Cats. Some of the cross country runners are going to Louisiana for a half marathon in Baton Rouge the beginning of December. To prepare for this, they are spending their off season logging as many, if not more, long-slow miles. Yesterday they went on a ten mile run while me and some other middle distance track people switched to actual track practice.
Our workout consisted of walk/jogging to the track, stretching, drills, and done. Yes, that is correct. My watch, which I did not have to use because I did not have to run continuous miles, read 4:14 p.m. A miracle for me. Needless to say, I am looking forward to practice this afternoon and tomorrow. A red, eight-lane track beats ten miles any day, for me at least.
Dec. 8 is the first chance for the Wildcats to compete. Only a few tracksters will get to compete at the first meet. It is mostly division one and division two schools, so Coach will only be taking the athletes that he feels are ready for strong competition that early in the season. As for me, I doubt I will be in those select few with my illness a few weeks earlier and just now getting back into training, but nevertheless, I have high hopes for track..
Let me fill you in on the happenings of the rest of the 'Cats. Some of the cross country runners are going to Louisiana for a half marathon in Baton Rouge the beginning of December. To prepare for this, they are spending their off season logging as many, if not more, long-slow miles. Yesterday they went on a ten mile run while me and some other middle distance track people switched to actual track practice.
Our workout consisted of walk/jogging to the track, stretching, drills, and done. Yes, that is correct. My watch, which I did not have to use because I did not have to run continuous miles, read 4:14 p.m. A miracle for me. Needless to say, I am looking forward to practice this afternoon and tomorrow. A red, eight-lane track beats ten miles any day, for me at least.
Dec. 8 is the first chance for the Wildcats to compete. Only a few tracksters will get to compete at the first meet. It is mostly division one and division two schools, so Coach will only be taking the athletes that he feels are ready for strong competition that early in the season. As for me, I doubt I will be in those select few with my illness a few weeks earlier and just now getting back into training, but nevertheless, I have high hopes for track..
Monday, October 29, 2007
Back to Writing but Not to Running
If you are here because you clicked the link from the cross country article, then you already know how the HAAC conference meet went for me. I did not go at all. Around 3 a.m. I woke up with a 102 degree temperature and a sore, swollen throat. After calling coach, I spent the morning of Sept. 20 sitting in a walk-in medical center in Lawrence trying to get some relief from my symptoms, while my teammates lined up on a moist, windy course.
I was treated for strep throat on Saturday, but as the antibiotics proved to be providing no relief I returned to the medical center on Monday morning only to test positive for Mono. I stayed in Lawrence for the next few days while my boyfriend made sure I was staying hydrated and keeping my fever down.
After suffering through five days of a swollen throat and fever I drove the three hours home to see my family doctor. There they took more of my blood and confirmed the medical clinic's advice to not run for a minimum of four weeks.
The women's team came in fifth, which is two places lower than expected. I feel bad for not being able to run for the team, but there was not a whole lot I could do about being sick. I wish them the best of luck at the regional meet next weekend, and hopefully I will be able to train soon and get ready for indoor track.
I was treated for strep throat on Saturday, but as the antibiotics proved to be providing no relief I returned to the medical center on Monday morning only to test positive for Mono. I stayed in Lawrence for the next few days while my boyfriend made sure I was staying hydrated and keeping my fever down.
After suffering through five days of a swollen throat and fever I drove the three hours home to see my family doctor. There they took more of my blood and confirmed the medical clinic's advice to not run for a minimum of four weeks.
The women's team came in fifth, which is two places lower than expected. I feel bad for not being able to run for the team, but there was not a whole lot I could do about being sick. I wish them the best of luck at the regional meet next weekend, and hopefully I will be able to train soon and get ready for indoor track.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Did You Say Stop?
The single most bizarre and irritating experience in my cross country history happened on Saturday at the Mid-States Classic in Winfield. All 32 teams were lined up, the gun went off, and about 600 meters later the leaders took a wrong turn. Almost 40 women in the front pack missed a left hand turn and got at least a 200 yard lead. After mass confusion on the course, of which I found myself almost to a complete stop, the rest of the pack continued on the right course. Around the one mile mark people were telling us to stop running. The race was officially stopped and one hour later all the women lined back up and raced again.
Next Saturday is the conference meet held in Olathe. Being so close to home will be convenient and beneficial. We won't have to leave incredibly early in the morning like last Saturday (5:45 a.m.) and we will be able to go to the course ahead of time and run on it. The womens team is ranked third in conference and there are high hopes for the race.
Next Saturday is the conference meet held in Olathe. Being so close to home will be convenient and beneficial. We won't have to leave incredibly early in the morning like last Saturday (5:45 a.m.) and we will be able to go to the course ahead of time and run on it. The womens team is ranked third in conference and there are high hopes for the race.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Mid-Season and Midterms
This weekend was splendid. There was no nervousness and no exhaustion. Even though we ran both days on our own, not having a meet provided a much needed stress-free break. Getting to spend time with my family was great, and I have to admit I got a little depressed as I drove away from them on my way back last night.
This week looks to allow us fresh legs for Saturday's meet at Winfield. Tonight will bring a hard workout followed by easy miles tomorrow morning (6 a.m. to be exact). From now on the Baker 'Cats Cross Country team will be up before the sun on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but relieving us of practice in the afternoon.
With midterms all this week, I'm sure most of us will be feeling some extra stress and spending late hours in the library. The good news is that if the freshmen have GPA's above a 3.0, then they no longer have to clock in three hours a week in the library (even though I'll still be spending that much time in there anyways).
The miles have been backing off with Conference approaching, and that is wonderful news. It's amazing how fast this season has been going, and soon I won't have anything to blog about. But until then, I'll keep you posted.
This week looks to allow us fresh legs for Saturday's meet at Winfield. Tonight will bring a hard workout followed by easy miles tomorrow morning (6 a.m. to be exact). From now on the Baker 'Cats Cross Country team will be up before the sun on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but relieving us of practice in the afternoon.
With midterms all this week, I'm sure most of us will be feeling some extra stress and spending late hours in the library. The good news is that if the freshmen have GPA's above a 3.0, then they no longer have to clock in three hours a week in the library (even though I'll still be spending that much time in there anyways).
The miles have been backing off with Conference approaching, and that is wonderful news. It's amazing how fast this season has been going, and soon I won't have anything to blog about. But until then, I'll keep you posted.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Time For a Break
As the season reaches the halfway point, we finally get a weekend off. Sweet relief lies ahead with a weekend lacking a meet. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy competing, but this is going to be a beneficial break.
Not only will it help us rest our legs before the Mid-State Classic at Winfield, it's going to give the team a chance to go home and spend time with their families. I plan on spending my weekend back home in Cheney chatting with my parents, going shopping with my grandma, and getting to chill with my sisters.
As far as last weekend's meet at Jones Park in Emporia went, a lot of the team had new personal best, while I struggled to finish the race. It was a warmer day on a grassy, tree covered course which aggravated my exercise induced asthma. Needless to say, the next meet will be a better one for me.
Not only will it help us rest our legs before the Mid-State Classic at Winfield, it's going to give the team a chance to go home and spend time with their families. I plan on spending my weekend back home in Cheney chatting with my parents, going shopping with my grandma, and getting to chill with my sisters.
As far as last weekend's meet at Jones Park in Emporia went, a lot of the team had new personal best, while I struggled to finish the race. It was a warmer day on a grassy, tree covered course which aggravated my exercise induced asthma. Needless to say, the next meet will be a better one for me.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Proof
The BU Wildcat Cross Country team found proof that Kansas is indeed as "flat as a pancake" (at least in some places). Saturday's meet was held at Marion Reservoir about two hours west of here. A ditch next to one of the roads the course intersected was the biggest incline for the whole 5K.
When coach told us the course was going to be flat I was initially excited. Finally, a course with some relief. Well, it wasn't more than a mile or so into the race before I realized just how monotonous this run was going to be. There was absolutely zero change, as far as elevation was concerned.
The scenery was interesting, though. The first part curved pretty distinctly to the right and then wrapped us back around into a "nature trail." This part was a nightmare for anyone with allergies, mostly because we were surrounded by sunflower-like plants on both sides. Then we disappeared into the trees for quite a ways before emerging back into the sunlight in front of the spectators.
Overall, we had a good meet. We finished fourth (and it might be worth mentioning, Kansas Wesleyan, coach's old school, finished two spots in front of us...awkward) and the top three girls, Mary, me, and Amber, were all within three seconds of each other. This week we compete at Emporia. Gun goes off at 5:00 p.m., and this one is close enough to invite you all to come watch.
When coach told us the course was going to be flat I was initially excited. Finally, a course with some relief. Well, it wasn't more than a mile or so into the race before I realized just how monotonous this run was going to be. There was absolutely zero change, as far as elevation was concerned.
The scenery was interesting, though. The first part curved pretty distinctly to the right and then wrapped us back around into a "nature trail." This part was a nightmare for anyone with allergies, mostly because we were surrounded by sunflower-like plants on both sides. Then we disappeared into the trees for quite a ways before emerging back into the sunlight in front of the spectators.
Overall, we had a good meet. We finished fourth (and it might be worth mentioning, Kansas Wesleyan, coach's old school, finished two spots in front of us...awkward) and the top three girls, Mary, me, and Amber, were all within three seconds of each other. This week we compete at Emporia. Gun goes off at 5:00 p.m., and this one is close enough to invite you all to come watch.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Welcome to the Big Time
As I crossed the 5,000 meter mark of our 6,000 meter race, I heard a man announcing the time of the first finisher. My initial thought was, "Wow! That is soooo not fair." Then I had to chuckle to myself (as much as you can chuckle after 5,000 meters). The girls crossing the finish line had blown my pace out of the water, they had pushed harder than me to get there first, it was perfectly fair, and reasonable for that matter, that they finish before me.
We were in the 21st chute on a starting line longer than I had ever seen before (to give you an idea, the 21st chute put us about in the middle). It only took a matter of seconds after the gun went off for me to get lost in a sea of 223 runners all headed for the same narrowing curve up ahead.
The good news is that I didn't take out too fast with the pack this time. I knew there was a reason I was running for Baker University and not Nebraska or K-State. The bad news was that I started out way too slow. I remember hearing a coach yelling to his runner that she was in 119th place; I was just a few behind her. I worked my way up the pack the entire race. I crossed the finish line behind only 86 of the 223 competitors, with a time that landed me the 13th fastest 6K time for BU. I was satisfied.
The rest of the team did well, too. Our pack time remains close, which is a good thing (pack time is the amount of time difference between the first BU runner and the last BU runner to cross the finish line).
It was a rather chilly morning, which helped keep our heart rates down and our minds off the longer race. This week's practices are supposed to be plenty easy in order for us to have fresh legs for the meet at Marion Lake this weekend, hosted by Tabor.
We were in the 21st chute on a starting line longer than I had ever seen before (to give you an idea, the 21st chute put us about in the middle). It only took a matter of seconds after the gun went off for me to get lost in a sea of 223 runners all headed for the same narrowing curve up ahead.
The good news is that I didn't take out too fast with the pack this time. I knew there was a reason I was running for Baker University and not Nebraska or K-State. The bad news was that I started out way too slow. I remember hearing a coach yelling to his runner that she was in 119th place; I was just a few behind her. I worked my way up the pack the entire race. I crossed the finish line behind only 86 of the 223 competitors, with a time that landed me the 13th fastest 6K time for BU. I was satisfied.
The rest of the team did well, too. Our pack time remains close, which is a good thing (pack time is the amount of time difference between the first BU runner and the last BU runner to cross the finish line).
It was a rather chilly morning, which helped keep our heart rates down and our minds off the longer race. This week's practices are supposed to be plenty easy in order for us to have fresh legs for the meet at Marion Lake this weekend, hosted by Tabor.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
The Ups and Downs
If you haven't already noticed, my blogs are getting distanced by more and more time each entry. I will go ahead and blame this on an increasingly busy schedule, and also, the fact that I've needed almost a week to regain enough strength to type.
Consider the following: wake-up, sometimes a morning run, inhale some breakfast, off to class, grab some lunch, head to the library for study hall, get back to my room and change for practice, spend 15 minutes complaining about how I don't want to go to practice, get to practice, run, abs, stretch, weights, dinner, crash.
The good news is mileage is slowing down. Coach is easing off a little bit, and we're getting our legs back underneath us. The bad news is between allergy season approaching and having practice in the chilly rain, most of us are getting colds. It's okay though, it makes our voices sound funny, and that'll make us laugh.
This week we head off to Lincoln, NB, to run at the Woody Greeno Invitational, where we will be reminded that there are a lot of incredibly talented runners in this country. And also, that there are a lot of hills in this country. I will let you all know how we hold up.
Consider the following: wake-up, sometimes a morning run, inhale some breakfast, off to class, grab some lunch, head to the library for study hall, get back to my room and change for practice, spend 15 minutes complaining about how I don't want to go to practice, get to practice, run, abs, stretch, weights, dinner, crash.
The good news is mileage is slowing down. Coach is easing off a little bit, and we're getting our legs back underneath us. The bad news is between allergy season approaching and having practice in the chilly rain, most of us are getting colds. It's okay though, it makes our voices sound funny, and that'll make us laugh.
This week we head off to Lincoln, NB, to run at the Woody Greeno Invitational, where we will be reminded that there are a lot of incredibly talented runners in this country. And also, that there are a lot of hills in this country. I will let you all know how we hold up.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
One Down, Another One on Friday
Our first meet went well. The girl's team came in fourth overall, versus last year's seventh place finish. As far as my personal experience, you can call me a fortune teller. My previous post pretty much explains what happened. That's okay though, at least I was prepared.
I'll tell you the one thing that kept my mind off how nervous I was right before the race; stripping down from sweats to spandex! My high school uniform consisted of a close cousin of the basketball shorts and a loose tank top. Saturday's attire was a change. Of course, as soon as the gun went off my mind wasn't on how uncomortable I felt.
Tomorrow we leave for a meet in Missouri. The course should have "rolling hills," which in this part of the country I've found to be close to mountainous when you have to run them. Other than that, it should be fun getting to experience my first away meet with my new team.
Oh, and props to my roommate, Mary, for coming in number one on the girls side.
I'll tell you the one thing that kept my mind off how nervous I was right before the race; stripping down from sweats to spandex! My high school uniform consisted of a close cousin of the basketball shorts and a loose tank top. Saturday's attire was a change. Of course, as soon as the gun went off my mind wasn't on how uncomortable I felt.
Tomorrow we leave for a meet in Missouri. The course should have "rolling hills," which in this part of the country I've found to be close to mountainous when you have to run them. Other than that, it should be fun getting to experience my first away meet with my new team.
Oh, and props to my roommate, Mary, for coming in number one on the girls side.
Friday, August 31, 2007
On Your Mark
In less than 24 hours I will have stood on the starting line of my first college cross country meet. I will have taken out too fast with the pack. I will have died in the middle of the race. I will have crossed the finish line with my stomach inching up my throat. Last but not least, I will have realized that it's just another race and my nerves will be gone.
Until that moment, I will continue to feel a queasy swirl in my stomach. I have reason to believe that butterflies have gone on a spawning frenzie and found shelter in my tum. My weekend doesn't start until the race is over tomorrow morning. Even with classes out of the way, no homework, and a three day weekend, the race is the lingering obstacle in front of a few days of freedom.
I'm not just nervous about my debut as a college runner. I am excited as well. There are no expectiations of the first meet, especially as a freshman. The team should do well, and I know we will have fun with the meet.
Until that moment, I will continue to feel a queasy swirl in my stomach. I have reason to believe that butterflies have gone on a spawning frenzie and found shelter in my tum. My weekend doesn't start until the race is over tomorrow morning. Even with classes out of the way, no homework, and a three day weekend, the race is the lingering obstacle in front of a few days of freedom.
I'm not just nervous about my debut as a college runner. I am excited as well. There are no expectiations of the first meet, especially as a freshman. The team should do well, and I know we will have fun with the meet.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Brushin the Dust Off
When I was told that these blogs were supposed to be a "fun and entertaining" insight to Baker Cross Country, I thought, "How in God's great world am I supposed to make running sweat-soaked, sun-burnt mile after mile seem "fun and entertaining?" Well, it's a good thing I'm a person up for a challenge.
The first week on campus seemed rather surreal to me. Being a freshman in college comes with a lot of change and transition. Add 50 miles a week on top of that transition and BOOM! that "dream-like" quality becomes a quick reality.
I had run - what I considered - a decent amount of miles this summer, so when the first week of practice started I knew that I'd be brushing some dust off those slow, steady strides. After having experienced those first two weeks of practice I would like to change to word "brush" to "power-washing" the dust off. The workouts are still tough and the mileage is still high, but I believe it's safe to say that I'm a lot more comfortable with weight of practice than I was the first week.
Throughout the past 17 days, the team has spent a lot of time together, including not just hours in practice, but eating meals together, going camping, and just hanging out in the spare time we have. The upperclassmen girls on the team have been amazing in welcoming the new freshmen and encouraging us to keep with the hard work even when it is on tired legs.
We have our first meet this Saturday at the golf course here in town. We would love to have your support. The girls race at 10:00 and the guys at 10:45.
The first week on campus seemed rather surreal to me. Being a freshman in college comes with a lot of change and transition. Add 50 miles a week on top of that transition and BOOM! that "dream-like" quality becomes a quick reality.
I had run - what I considered - a decent amount of miles this summer, so when the first week of practice started I knew that I'd be brushing some dust off those slow, steady strides. After having experienced those first two weeks of practice I would like to change to word "brush" to "power-washing" the dust off. The workouts are still tough and the mileage is still high, but I believe it's safe to say that I'm a lot more comfortable with weight of practice than I was the first week.
Throughout the past 17 days, the team has spent a lot of time together, including not just hours in practice, but eating meals together, going camping, and just hanging out in the spare time we have. The upperclassmen girls on the team have been amazing in welcoming the new freshmen and encouraging us to keep with the hard work even when it is on tired legs.
We have our first meet this Saturday at the golf course here in town. We would love to have your support. The girls race at 10:00 and the guys at 10:45.
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