Bringing out the rescue clubs.

As the leaves begin to fall and the temperatures begin to cool (I wish) cross country season rears its ugly face.  For much of the last two weeks the Razorback cross country team has been getting in great quality aerobic work while rounding into better and better shape.  The team competed in their opening meet last weekend right here in Fayetteville, Ar.  The Arkansas men swept spots 1-10 while gliding along the course seemingly effortlessly.  While not everybody raced we did get our chance to attack the cross country course bright and early the next morning for the team long run.  Usually these runs can last anywhere from as little as an hour to as much as 1:45.  This run fit into the category of the long run only in distance but not in time.  As it became evident quite early in the run this would be no normal long run.  The pace quickened with each step all the way until the last.  Bryan and I finished our 11 mile run in 59 minutes, for those of you who don't make mental math a habit that is roughly 5:15 pace.  Enter the rescue clubs:  After much of this week followed suit with the long run last weekend Coach Bucknam issued an executive order, an easy weekend of running with a day off on Sunday.  This came as a huge relief to much of the team.  The long run this weekend was an easy 80 minutes which felt like jogging in place.  As Stanford draws closer the workouts will begin to pick up, at this point we have only done 1 real workout.  We have been promised a grueling set of quarters at the golf course this week so I will post after the workout to let you know how everything goes!

Wooo Pig Soooie!

Well I am back in the mix with the hogs and it is safe to say that this team is as poised a team as any other out there. The team is looking incredible with the additions of some great new recruits many returning guys, and a desire to win! I have been running with the team everyday since arriving back on camous in late August. It has been a great change of pace literally. After running most of the summer by myself at my own pace I am finally back in the mix with a team and the dynamics are completely different. We have our first meet of the season tomorrow! It is hard to believe that my last cross season is already starting but luckily not just yet as I will be sitting out the first couple meets as I round into better shape. I will keep you posted on how the meet goes on friday and the long run on saturday!

stateside

After 3 countries, 2 continents, and nearly a full day of riding on planes I am finally back stateside. It was bittersweet leaving Australia, I didn't want to leave but it is nice to be eating salty, greasy American food again! I just couldn't stomach bread or cheese anymore. The jet lag hasn't been unbearable as I managed a full 12 hours of sleep last night, but I fear that needing a nap only an hour after waking up cannot be a good omen. I spent much of my last day in Australia on the southern coast which was blasting 40 mph winds, rain, and cool temperatures, so being greeted by a 70 degree day in Chicago was quite splendid. I am eager to start training with the team again for the cross country season. The team has now been together for a little over a week so I am a little tardy in my return but rest assure I needed the vacation. I have been feeling pretty lonely the last 24 hours seeing as Rachel was by my side everyday for the last 2 weeks, but we parted ways in L.A. yesterday morning. This blog is about to heat up! I will be competing for the Razorbacks this fall and for the first time since last March. So stay tuned folks!

Holiday

The days are getting shorter as the time draws ever closer to mine and Rachel's departure from Australia. Since arriving in Melbourne 6 days ago everyday has been a reminder of just how blessed my life has been. I am visiting a foreign country with my beautiful girlfriend Rachel, my knee is 99% healthy, and nearly all my friends are getting married....or so it seems. Not all epiphany comes from running, and this trip has reminded me that each moment needs to be a constant reminder of just how precious life is. carpe diem!

Making tracks...literally.

The past few days I have been going for my run in the mornings to catch the short but amazing pockets of sun. I have been running along the coast taking in great views of the beaches and the Melbourne skyline. The cool temperatures have really helped me extend my runs which are now right around an hour long. My knee has stayed pretty much pain free throughout the extended runs. Luckily I stumbled upon a nice dirt path that winds through the trees along the coast, making for a soft running surface with views to die for.

Australia.

Well After nearly twenty hours of flying Rachel and I finally arrived in Australia. It is quite a bit cooler than what I am used to at the moment but it sure feels nice when I am running. I went for my first jog since shaking my serious case of jet lag. It was a beautiful run along the ocean with a great view of downtown Melbourne in the distance. My knee feels surprisingly good at the moment which is very encouraging for future runs here in Oz! I will try to keep you all posted on future events! Later mates.

Let the summer begin!

This summer has been a little backwards for me, but this all changes this thursday.  Until now I have been attending class everyday so far this summer with the occasional weekend trip or wedding to break up the daily grind.  This Thursday I will be leaving for home, where I will be an usher in my cousin's wedding, hitting downtown Chicago for a couple nights and then leaving for Australia for ten days!  NOthing like starting your summer while most people are wrapping theirs up.  

Training has been going well, so well in fact I have recently bumped my runs from 40 minutes to 45.  I am also getting a little better adapted to the heat, which right now at eight p.m is still 96 degrees!  Seeing as it is winter in Australia I think it will be a nice reward running in the mid 60's as compared to the daily temp of anywhere from 110-115 here in Fayetteville.  I will post again before leaving for Australia, and then again while I am in the land of the kangaroos.  Hopefully I will get some sweet pictures to share with you all.