Post 10

My last day of practice at Sandwich concluded with an excellent 4-mile tempo run.

It feels weird, frankly, knowing I’m moving on into the unknown. It still hurts leaving behind the old team, but I will always support them in their gallant efforts at state and regional recognition. Seeing so many new freshman on their team, with hidden talent waiting to emerge, gave me feelings of hope and optimism. In a way, I am so much like the newbies on the Sandwich team. They will have much to learn about this sport, as will I if I make it on the college team. Being at the bottom of the barrel is a humbling experience, but no doubt it will be beneficial in our endeavors. We need to gain experience before we can make real progress. I wish the Sandwich team well.

Tomorrow is the big move-in day. Hopefully I can update this blog in the meantime.

Post 9

Today marked the first day of Sandwich XC’s seasonal practice. Being there with old teammates brought back old feelings of nostalgia and good times. They certainly have a tough running season ahead of them; they must try to hold onto Sandwich TC’s title of state and league champions, and with competing teams like Marshfield, Pembroke, and Bishop- Feehan, they must work overtime to ensure their title.

I feel like all of us have our own personal goals and aspirations, as well as goals regarding the whole team. My old teammates certainly want to score big wins, but they also have personal records they want to break as well, and for the seniors, this could be their last chance. For me, I just hope to make it to the URI team and have some kind of positive impact for their season. I feel as though I’ve trained as hard as I can without wearing myself out or reaching a peak. Only the future holds the answers. I feel I’ve reached a set of crossroads that will either lead me to success or failure.

It will be a bittersweet last week of summer practice. I hate to leave my old team behind. But I know they’ll keep the Sandwich TC legacy of victory alive.

Post 8

I have exactly one week left of summer before move-in day at URI. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t anxious, or nervous, but I’m certainly not unprepared for the start of cross country tryouts. I will definitely post pictures of the campus, track, and maybe what the dorms look like on here.

On a different note, another track workout done today, a few thousands at 5:15 pace.

Post 7

There are only about two weeks of summer left, which means only two weeks left to squeeze in some last miles and workouts before I try out.

The nervousness and anxiety is finally now starting to get to me. Before, college only seemed distant, but now it will soon become my new life, and I’m hoping I can handle the transition.  Not only that, the pressure to correctly demonstrate my ability in front of the coach feels more and more heavy. I can no longer simply hope for a place on the team, I have to earn it.

Yesterday was a grueling 13 mile run. The air was not as humid as I thought it would be, I guess Autumn must be around the corner.

Post 6

Here’s a test of adding pictures. This is one of a hilly run called the “Hills of Death” that is very popular with Sandwich runners.

Post 5

No one said making this team would be easy.

Besides staying in shape, there are a lot of specific details you must hammer out before you’re capable of trying out for a college team. They include registering for the NCAA, paying the fee, having your sport accepted by the NCAA, receiving a registration code, and even having  a sickle cell test done on you.

For the hardcore athlete, these tasks seem trivial in the long run, for the team is the most important goal. I’m not complaining about the steps you have to take to try out, but I am saying that this team requires strict commitment and dedication, in every aspect of your life.

Anyways, I went for a tempo run tonight, and the feeling of gliding across a dark road, feeling as if you’re light as a feather, is amazing.

Post 4

I swear, if this humidity doesn’t subside soon, I’m going to give myself a heatstroke.

I did my first workout of the summer today, some 1200’s at around 5-minute pace. I had almost forgotten what it felt like to run short and fast. But it was quite enjoyable. I’m going to keep at it until I’m on the team.

Also, I should have some photos on this blog soon, when I figure out how to use a digital camera.

Post 3

Under a hot humid August sun, my old teammates and I completed a hilly 12-mile run, which took a toll on all of our bodies. Fatigue, dehydration, and nausea were all symptoms shared among us from a tiresome day full of hard work, as we prepared for our coming seasons on the high school and college levels.

I do not mind training hard; yes, sometimes it can be exhausting, but it is a welcome pain, as I know it only improves my strength and endurance. What really ruins my performance are these hot summers, which make any sort of physical activity intolerable, especially these high-mileage excursions along un-shaded roads and through barren terrain.

Still, though, we trudge on, and make sure not to burn ourselves out or cause unnecessary damage to ourselves. Running in a group, or just with a friend, makes these long-distance runs that more enjoyable.

2nd Post

Today I began the slow and steady progression of my summer training, by switching gears from a lighter less-mileage kind of schedule to a much more intense schedule. I can already feel my body regaining lost strength and accepting familiar punishments from longer distance runs, just like the old seasons.

Although I only went 8 miles today, I plan on increasing my mileage to 60 per week. That means about 9, 10, and 12 mile days, accompanied by some work outs, ab routines, and stretching exercises sent to me on a paper by the URI coach.

If you’re a “type 2 varsity runner” like me, and have not yet talked to a coach about workout scheduling, definitely look into it and make a call or email. Every bit of work counts, and we need all the preparation we can acquire to give us an edge in the fall. As long as we don’t get injured, we should be fine.