For starters, yesterday was a great practice. We had an awesome pack for a double Greaser. The run was packed with all of the classics: GTTG, Spotter, and See-Ya. Joining the top group was Austin DelRosso. He’s a freshman new to the team because he played soccer in the fall (maroon team). His first appearance was at camp over the summer, but now he’s part of the team and he got his spot up top with an awesome 5:04 at the time trial last week.
As for today, cruise intervals. We were joined by Potter!! He made his first distance team appearance to run some 800 repeats. It was so nice to have him back and I know Potter has been waiting for this day. Things just felt right having him with the squad. And he loved being able to do so "manly skips" today instead of that sprinter junk. Most importantly, the return of Potterman also means the return of the "Potter vs. Food" scoreboard. After one day its Potter=0 Food=1. Scherping was also running 800s. The rest of the guys had miles. And everyone kicked butt. Coach was really impressed with the solid performance.
With it being my first week back I had a long run instead of the CI. I was extremely grateful to be joined by my running mentors today. Joe Gibson and Kevin Lawder (Class of 2010), both on spring break, decided to come join me for a run. Just like the old days. It was great. So much fun to catch up and reminisce. There was no way we could have counted the number of times we said “Remember when…” I owe a lot to these two and I really appreciate what they did for me. They took care of me and got me started. We talked a lot about the 09 XC season. It could easily be turned into a sports drama on TV.
Today reminded me of all the fun of years past and why I do what I do. Its days like today that make running awesome. Just hanging out and remembering all the good times we’ve shared. I looking forward to the days I get to do this with the guys on the team now. Love what you do.
Quote of the Day: “We made the cake, but you guys pulled it out of the oven”- Gibby talking about the development of the close-nit team attitude of the DeSmet cross country team.
Joke of the Day: “So is that what that shire in our room is?”- Michael to Patrick after Pat said that there are people who worship Seamus.
Best Dressed: Kabes. He dressed to impress the Alums that came to run with him. Everything matched. He wore his classic orange shorts &hat and paired them with his brand new 2011 Miami Marathon shirt which has a sweet orange sleeve.
Theme Day Tomorrow: WEAR GREEN! It’s St. Pat’s Day.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Runnymede – The Greatest Neighborhood in the World
Typical St. Louis weather. Just when we think it will be nice spring time weather, we get snow. Again. Like we haven’t had enough already. To make it even better it’s supposed to get up to 70 on Thursday. The snow couldn’t stop us, but it did alter the practice plan.
With some impressive alterations Coach put together a good, safe practice today despite the snow. In a very unusual fashion we began with core. The sprinters beat us to the wresting room so we took over the hallway. Coach gave any passerbyers permission “run over” anyone who was in the middle of the hallway. Next we headed to Runnymede to knock out the hills instead of the typical Laude Hill. After the full loop warm-up groups took care of their reps in the sloppy mess.
It was incredibly awesome to be out there with you guys for the first time all year. I remembered why I run- all of you. Today was a blast. I’m looking forward to the rest of the week; it’s going to be so much fun! I’m feeling great and can’t wait for my first workout.
Today was special for another reason besides being a snow practice. It is the Traughbers anniversary . Congratulants Liz and T-Bone! The team roared into a thunderous applause when Coach mentioned this during our short 204 meeting.
Quote of the Day: “People thought we were going to cancel practice today. HA! Nonsense!”- Coach Traughber. He was on fire today. This was one of many good quotes.
Title: That’s what coach said about Runnymede (a neighborhood by DeSmet that is a team favorite especially after snow) during the warm-up today. He went on to mention that he once ran a half marathon there. If you want to hear a really good Runnymede story, talk to Rob- it’s unbelievable. Runnymede is considered the “Birthplace of Champions” as it is the typical location of the enormously important winter tempos and repeats.
Remember to enter the team’s bracket challenge. It’s going to be sweet! Trash Talk it up. And please come up with a creative name for your bracket.
With some impressive alterations Coach put together a good, safe practice today despite the snow. In a very unusual fashion we began with core. The sprinters beat us to the wresting room so we took over the hallway. Coach gave any passerbyers permission “run over” anyone who was in the middle of the hallway. Next we headed to Runnymede to knock out the hills instead of the typical Laude Hill. After the full loop warm-up groups took care of their reps in the sloppy mess.
It was incredibly awesome to be out there with you guys for the first time all year. I remembered why I run- all of you. Today was a blast. I’m looking forward to the rest of the week; it’s going to be so much fun! I’m feeling great and can’t wait for my first workout.
Today was special for another reason besides being a snow practice. It is the Traughbers anniversary . Congratulants Liz and T-Bone! The team roared into a thunderous applause when Coach mentioned this during our short 204 meeting.
Quote of the Day: “People thought we were going to cancel practice today. HA! Nonsense!”- Coach Traughber. He was on fire today. This was one of many good quotes.
Title: That’s what coach said about Runnymede (a neighborhood by DeSmet that is a team favorite especially after snow) during the warm-up today. He went on to mention that he once ran a half marathon there. If you want to hear a really good Runnymede story, talk to Rob- it’s unbelievable. Runnymede is considered the “Birthplace of Champions” as it is the typical location of the enormously important winter tempos and repeats.
Remember to enter the team’s bracket challenge. It’s going to be sweet! Trash Talk it up. And please come up with a creative name for your bracket.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Game Time
It is the most wonderfull time of the year. The March Madness Bracket will be released in about an hour. We will do a Yahoo bracket again this year. Track guys and alums are welcomed. Our scoring system is a little different, so check that out. No buy in, all bragging rights.
Click here to join
Past winners: Andrew O'Connor 2010
Click here to join
Past winners: Andrew O'Connor 2010
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Here for the Party
One year ago today, Zach, Jacob, and I stopped all whole distance team in the first bay of the locker room to reveal was then known as “the surprise.” We went through our whole semi-rehearsed “Picture This” unveiling. Announcing at the end that the surprise was a team blog titled the Milk Table.
In the first post ever, we asked that you guys hang in there while the Milk Table got off the ground. You have done so much more than that. The support, encouragement, energy, and excitement have been incredible. Thank you so much! For running, for reading, for commenting, for taking pictures, for everything.
Happy Birthday Milk Table!
Now, A look back at the first year:
The Milk Table Year One- By The Numbers
68,736 Words
19,500+ Page Views
481 Comments
147 Posts
119 Pictures
104 Likes on Facebook
52 Milk Table Shirts
51 Followers
49 International Page Views
32 Awards
8 Sunday Conversations
4 Blog Masters
3 Hall of Famers
3 Babies
2 Many Miles & Memories to count
1 Awesome Year
For more memories click here to reread the first week of posts.
Today’s practice found the DeSmet distance team at Creve Coeur Lake. The guys ran anywhere between 30 and 50 minutes around the scenic park. A DeSmet favorite, the crewers of CC Lake were in action this morning. For me, I had a 70 minutes on the elliptical which I knocked out at DeSmet before meeting up with everyone else. 70 minutes seemed daunting, but the time flew by because I was joined by none other than Taylor Swift.
After the run, strides, and core were complete, we celebrated by singing happy birthday and eating cupcakes. The delicious Disney Princess cupcakes (with rings!) were a huge hit. We had Jasmine, Snow White, Ariel, Cinderella, Aurora, and Belle. Jasmine seemed to be the most popular and I guess that means she’s the hottest Disney Princess. If you disagree, comment who you think it is below.
Quote of the Day: “Where’s the clapping?”- Michael as his group was in the middle of on one of their strides. Since I couldn’t do strides, I was cheering the other guys on. Michael was upset that I didn’t clap for them after I clapped on the pervious stride. I made it to them by giving my best slow clap their next time by.
Joke of the Day: “She’s a boy most of the movie!”- Someone (sorry, I’m not sure who it was). People were upset that Mulan wasn’t on a cupcake.
Best Dressed: Scherping, Waller, and Patrick. All three of them wore their Blog Shirts today not even realizing that today was its birthday. Very Festive. It the first time we’ve ever had three winners on the day, but it’s a special day. Some guys had it on yesterday. Good work, but you missed by a day.
In the first post ever, we asked that you guys hang in there while the Milk Table got off the ground. You have done so much more than that. The support, encouragement, energy, and excitement have been incredible. Thank you so much! For running, for reading, for commenting, for taking pictures, for everything.
Happy Birthday Milk Table!
Now, A look back at the first year:
68,736 Words
19,500+ Page Views
481 Comments
147 Posts
119 Pictures
104 Likes on Facebook
52 Milk Table Shirts
51 Followers
49 International Page Views
32 Awards
8 Sunday Conversations
4 Blog Masters
3 Hall of Famers
3 Babies
2 Many Miles & Memories to count
1 Awesome Year
For more memories click here to reread the first week of posts.
Today’s practice found the DeSmet distance team at Creve Coeur Lake. The guys ran anywhere between 30 and 50 minutes around the scenic park. A DeSmet favorite, the crewers of CC Lake were in action this morning. For me, I had a 70 minutes on the elliptical which I knocked out at DeSmet before meeting up with everyone else. 70 minutes seemed daunting, but the time flew by because I was joined by none other than Taylor Swift.
After the run, strides, and core were complete, we celebrated by singing happy birthday and eating cupcakes. The delicious Disney Princess cupcakes (with rings!) were a huge hit. We had Jasmine, Snow White, Ariel, Cinderella, Aurora, and Belle. Jasmine seemed to be the most popular and I guess that means she’s the hottest Disney Princess. If you disagree, comment who you think it is below.
Quote of the Day: “Where’s the clapping?”- Michael as his group was in the middle of on one of their strides. Since I couldn’t do strides, I was cheering the other guys on. Michael was upset that I didn’t clap for them after I clapped on the pervious stride. I made it to them by giving my best slow clap their next time by.
Joke of the Day: “She’s a boy most of the movie!”- Someone (sorry, I’m not sure who it was). People were upset that Mulan wasn’t on a cupcake.
Best Dressed: Scherping, Waller, and Patrick. All three of them wore their Blog Shirts today not even realizing that today was its birthday. Very Festive. It the first time we’ve ever had three winners on the day, but it’s a special day. Some guys had it on yesterday. Good work, but you missed by a day.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Kinda Cold for Spring Break
The highlight of today was the appearance of to alumni who are currently running at the collegiate level. Andy McWhorter (’09), Bellermine, and Zach Boyle (’10), Maryville, both are on spring break this week. They came up to DeSmet to catch up with Tbone and the team and get their run in. It was a lot of fun to see these guys and get a chance to hang out with them.
Today’s workout included an AE run on the Chasselle courses and core. It was chilly but another solid day for the distance squad. And of course it was ended with a tasty, refreshing carton of chocolate milk.
Scherping and I extended practice with a good weights session. Building up strength so we’ll be ready to run some fast times late in the season. It ended up being a long practice, but we know it’s these extra things that will help us reach our potential and put us in position to go after some school records. Scherping is eyeing the 800m record (1:55.68) which was set back in 1997. It’s a good drop from last year, but Brian is a totally different person, way more fit than he has ever been. I’m going after the record in the 1600m (4:17.1) set in 2002. We’re both super excited to be in this position. Keep it locked into the Milk Table to follow all the action.
I should also mention that two of three distance relay records could be broken this year—the 4x800 (7:57.5) from 2006 and the DMR (10:58.6) from 2009.
Check out these either new or updated posts:
Ellipticarty (weekend practices) – added today
Sprinter Like Me (Potter’s position) – added Friday
Let’s Go! – New picture
Legend of the FET (final winter post) – completed!
Quote of the Day: “Coach, is the baseball team still too good to use their own field?”- Zach Boyle, HOF
Joke of the Day: During core.“What’s this?!?” [throws it in the grass]- Seiler. “Hey! That was my watch.”- Scherping.
Today’s workout included an AE run on the Chasselle courses and core. It was chilly but another solid day for the distance squad. And of course it was ended with a tasty, refreshing carton of chocolate milk.
Scherping and I extended practice with a good weights session. Building up strength so we’ll be ready to run some fast times late in the season. It ended up being a long practice, but we know it’s these extra things that will help us reach our potential and put us in position to go after some school records. Scherping is eyeing the 800m record (1:55.68) which was set back in 1997. It’s a good drop from last year, but Brian is a totally different person, way more fit than he has ever been. I’m going after the record in the 1600m (4:17.1) set in 2002. We’re both super excited to be in this position. Keep it locked into the Milk Table to follow all the action.
I should also mention that two of three distance relay records could be broken this year—the 4x800 (7:57.5) from 2006 and the DMR (10:58.6) from 2009.
Check out these either new or updated posts:
Ellipticarty (weekend practices) – added today
Sprinter Like Me (Potter’s position) – added Friday
Let’s Go! – New picture
Legend of the FET (final winter post) – completed!
Quote of the Day: “Coach, is the baseball team still too good to use their own field?”- Zach Boyle, HOF
Joke of the Day: During core.“What’s this?!?” [throws it in the grass]- Seiler. “Hey! That was my watch.”- Scherping.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Ellipticarty
Because of the Freshmen El Camino retreat, we were on an odd practice schedule this weekend. We went Friday at 1:30. It was awesome. We had the whole place to ourselves. Not a ball in sight. The guys headed out for a nice early afternoon Spoede and finished up with some strides.
Saturday
This day is dedicated to those of us who are a little dinked up.
Three guys on the team spent all or at least the majority of their time in the weight room on the elliptical or bike. It was Seiler, O’Connor, and Abernathy. Usually the having to be on the elliptical is no fun, but today was different. We had an Ellipticarty. It was awesome. I ellipticized for 65 minutes. Jacob spilt his hour between the elliptical and bike and Matt did the same for his 40 minutes. We had the place pretty much to ourselves. This meant there was nothing to watch, but we could set the radio (Y98 then JoyFM) and talk without the slamming of weights. We had fun while going absolutely no where. Hussman who also falls into this category came in to hang out with us for a bit.
Matt and Jacob were just using this day a chance to give their bodies a break for the pounding of running. Both have had a little something bothering them, but it’s of no concern.
On the other hand, my situation is a little different. If you haven’t caught on, I have yet to participate in the running part of practice this year. I have been ellipticizing all week and haven’t actually ran for a couple weeks now. This started when I felt some minor pain in my leg. Coach and I decided to play it very cautious because it matters that I can run later in the season. We didn’t want it to get worse before it got better. I had it checked out with the doctor on Thursday and found out I have tibialis posterior tendinopathy It’s tendinitis which was good news. I will be back next Monday after some therapy sessions to strengthen that tendon this week. By that time, I will also have some rocking custom orthotics to help my flat feet and over pronation which are part of the reason I got tendinitis.
I’ve missed running. But I missed being with you guys even more. I can’t wait to get back out there. I’m feeling strong and ready to go.
Quote of the Day: “I don’t know why I thought I could balance both of the weights there.”- Jacob commenting on when he dropped the ten pound dumbbells off the stationary bike. Before that he was getting in a quality double workout—riding the bike and curling!
Best Dressed: Justin Potter. Sometimes looking good means knowing what to wear when. That’s exactly what Justin did. He was well aware of what was going on at DeSmet this weekend and dressed for the occasion. He wore his green (the unofficial color of 2010 DeSmet) El Camino shirt from last year.
Saturday
This day is dedicated to those of us who are a little dinked up.
Three guys on the team spent all or at least the majority of their time in the weight room on the elliptical or bike. It was Seiler, O’Connor, and Abernathy. Usually the having to be on the elliptical is no fun, but today was different. We had an Ellipticarty. It was awesome. I ellipticized for 65 minutes. Jacob spilt his hour between the elliptical and bike and Matt did the same for his 40 minutes. We had the place pretty much to ourselves. This meant there was nothing to watch, but we could set the radio (Y98 then JoyFM) and talk without the slamming of weights. We had fun while going absolutely no where. Hussman who also falls into this category came in to hang out with us for a bit.
Matt and Jacob were just using this day a chance to give their bodies a break for the pounding of running. Both have had a little something bothering them, but it’s of no concern.
On the other hand, my situation is a little different. If you haven’t caught on, I have yet to participate in the running part of practice this year. I have been ellipticizing all week and haven’t actually ran for a couple weeks now. This started when I felt some minor pain in my leg. Coach and I decided to play it very cautious because it matters that I can run later in the season. We didn’t want it to get worse before it got better. I had it checked out with the doctor on Thursday and found out I have tibialis posterior tendinopathy It’s tendinitis which was good news. I will be back next Monday after some therapy sessions to strengthen that tendon this week. By that time, I will also have some rocking custom orthotics to help my flat feet and over pronation which are part of the reason I got tendinitis.
I’ve missed running. But I missed being with you guys even more. I can’t wait to get back out there. I’m feeling strong and ready to go.
Quote of the Day: “I don’t know why I thought I could balance both of the weights there.”- Jacob commenting on when he dropped the ten pound dumbbells off the stationary bike. Before that he was getting in a quality double workout—riding the bike and curling!
Best Dressed: Justin Potter. Sometimes looking good means knowing what to wear when. That’s exactly what Justin did. He was well aware of what was going on at DeSmet this weekend and dressed for the occasion. He wore his green (the unofficial color of 2010 DeSmet) El Camino shirt from last year.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Sprinter like Me
Finally track season is here. After three months of training, it is time to get back to practice every day.
This year however, I won't be practicing with the distance team on a daily basis. After the over whelming questioning feedback on Facebook Monday night by recent alums, I'll break it down. The coaches think it will be best for me to train with the sprinters. In years past, we have had one guy who had primarily trained with the distance team make the switch to all sprints during their Senior track season to primarily run the 400. But those guys' main event was not the 800, so I still have so distance blood in me, and will be doing longer workouts than they did.
On Monday when the team was split into groups, and I stayed, I got a lot of surprised looks and questions from the sprinters. I thought it was funny. Tim Pickel asked if I was a sprinter or a hybrid. I'm a hybrid for sure.
It turns out sprinters run fake ins and outs. I got laughed at and congratulated for "winning the warm up" after I ran the entire straight away. I'v been doing ins and outs for a lot of years, and I have never stopped half way like all of them did, and I defiantly don't plan on starting now.
There are a couple other differences. One is I have gotten way more breaks this week then I have before. The other guys were laying on the ground ready to die when we did a ladder today, and I was ready to roll. Also the easy days. In the past I would do a 5 time run and be ready for the workout the next day. This week the sprinters did hurdle mobility drills and then watched youtube videos of the drills we do every day. I think the mobility drills were useful since I'm not very flexible.
I plan on starting to use my old friend the elliptical in the mornings next week. Michael Callahan jokingly asked Thursday if I feel like I can just show up anytime I want to after I walked over while the distance guys were doing core. Yep I do. I'll be around at practice and at Dynasty Club (first Milktable Dynasty Club mention?).
I wish I could still be a "distance guy" but this is what will keep me in one piece for the next 3 months. And in the end I want to do what will keep me healthy and hopefully allow me to go back to State. I feel great after 5 practices and am very, very excited about the team we have this season.
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