Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
R.I.P. McCann Center Track
Well, Marist finally did it. They might as well have cut our track program as it feels that's where it's headed. OK, so I'm being dramatic. But Pete called us to a meeting last night, all 88 of us in the Enhancement Center in McCann. Tight squeeze. There were possibilities of what he called us in for swirling around the air. Was the men's program cut? What about the women's program? Was Chuck leaving? Like I said, craziness. Well, Marist is taking away our McCann center indoor track around the basketball court. They're replacing it with a hard wood floor and they refuse to put lanes on it. The basketball team and other teams can then practice at more times because there's more room. So we were shunted to early morning workouts or late night ones if we want to try and use the hard wood. But, no lanes. They didn't even consult Pete. So April 18th, it will be gone. the boys were joking around, saying they were going to sit on the track when they come in to tear it up. Or doing some type of protest. But we know it's hopeless.
So. How do we move on? W have no outdoor track to shovel and no nearby indoor facilities. We're being relegated to road workouts. Distance runners will live. But the Sprinters? Maybe the turf field? It just really stinks. We're Division I Athletes. How can they expect us to stay a competitive program with no track AT ALL??? Sure, basketball brings in more money. And our women's team does fantastic. But is it really fair to dump the track kids out in the cold? they didn't even give us a chance to bring in revenue or find somewhere else to go. Pete is thinking of suggesting a bubble dome in the back with another little rubber track for us to use. That will take a while though. I suggested they get us more treadmills because the regular students are always on them and there's only like 10 as it is. How can 88 athletes do track workouts on 10 treadmills? Hopefully they find some way to help us. Or things might get ugly.
It's interesting how they say to appreciate what you have. We complain about McCann and how it gives us shin splints or hip problems. Now it's gone and we've realized just how vital it was to our program. It was our facility. It had a certain novelty to it since we don't even have an outdoor track. But like Pete said, We Are Marist Track & Field. We are tough and we will survive this storm. We're the toughest, strongest group of athletes on this campus. So they can throw what they want at us. In time, we WILL come out on top. If we have to do it without the respect and support of our athletic department, then so be it. In the end, we will be the better for it.
In our news, I did 8 by 1,000m repeats at the Vassar track today. Might I add, they have a beautiful track and they're only D3. Go figure. The wind today was BRUTAL. 16mph, gusting higher at times. So 8 x 1k...not the best for a day like today. But I toughed it out. The wind took my breath away in some spots, but otherwise I felt alright. Little tired from this weekend still.
Splits:
3:35, 3:40, 3:38, 3:36, 3:38, 3:38, 3:40, 3:36
Not awful. Chuck wanted me to hit all 3:40's. So I succeeded, just had to put in a little extra effort. The 12 mile run yesterday also took a little more out of me than I thought I guess. haha
Alright well...I need to shower. I have a law exam tomorrow. I managed to tackle a good 10 pages on the Reckoning Essay. We need 12 maximum, so I just need to go in and edit and maybe add some detail. Fingers crossed that I'm on the right track.
I want summmerrrr. :(
So. How do we move on? W have no outdoor track to shovel and no nearby indoor facilities. We're being relegated to road workouts. Distance runners will live. But the Sprinters? Maybe the turf field? It just really stinks. We're Division I Athletes. How can they expect us to stay a competitive program with no track AT ALL??? Sure, basketball brings in more money. And our women's team does fantastic. But is it really fair to dump the track kids out in the cold? they didn't even give us a chance to bring in revenue or find somewhere else to go. Pete is thinking of suggesting a bubble dome in the back with another little rubber track for us to use. That will take a while though. I suggested they get us more treadmills because the regular students are always on them and there's only like 10 as it is. How can 88 athletes do track workouts on 10 treadmills? Hopefully they find some way to help us. Or things might get ugly.
It's interesting how they say to appreciate what you have. We complain about McCann and how it gives us shin splints or hip problems. Now it's gone and we've realized just how vital it was to our program. It was our facility. It had a certain novelty to it since we don't even have an outdoor track. But like Pete said, We Are Marist Track & Field. We are tough and we will survive this storm. We're the toughest, strongest group of athletes on this campus. So they can throw what they want at us. In time, we WILL come out on top. If we have to do it without the respect and support of our athletic department, then so be it. In the end, we will be the better for it.
In our news, I did 8 by 1,000m repeats at the Vassar track today. Might I add, they have a beautiful track and they're only D3. Go figure. The wind today was BRUTAL. 16mph, gusting higher at times. So 8 x 1k...not the best for a day like today. But I toughed it out. The wind took my breath away in some spots, but otherwise I felt alright. Little tired from this weekend still.
Splits:
3:35, 3:40, 3:38, 3:36, 3:38, 3:38, 3:40, 3:36
Not awful. Chuck wanted me to hit all 3:40's. So I succeeded, just had to put in a little extra effort. The 12 mile run yesterday also took a little more out of me than I thought I guess. haha
Alright well...I need to shower. I have a law exam tomorrow. I managed to tackle a good 10 pages on the Reckoning Essay. We need 12 maximum, so I just need to go in and edit and maybe add some detail. Fingers crossed that I'm on the right track.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Weekend Update
So the race ended up going really well. Paul and I got stuck in traffic 5 miles from the meet...we literally moved 2 miles in 40 minutes. I was ready to run the rest of the way. I totally could have except I didn't know all the turns I had to make. ha. But I ended up placing 3rd in the 5k, ran 18:16. It's not good, but not awful. I'm calling it a stepping stone. I took the lead too early and then spent a lot of time breaking the wind for the other girls. I switched off a couple times, but the pacing was kind of sloppy and I spent a lot of time thinking on my ride home about what I could have done differently. Paul got some great pictures. I'll post them at the bottom. He went and got my camera while I was warming up and then proceeded to take about 250 pictures. Some pole vaulting ones, steeple...then the relays. And finally, the 5k. ha. He yelled at me before going on my warm-up to bring my cell phone. Thanks, Mom. haha. And then he got really nervous during my cool down because I was taking longer than 10 minutes. I tried explaining I usually do 3 miles, but he was having none of that. But the ride home was quieter. We were both exhausted. It was a smoother ride with less traffic though. We went to Eveready for late night breakfast. It has never tasted so good. But I was too tired to even finish my dinner. What a bummer. We went home and finished looking at the pictures and then went to bed. I think we were both out by midnight the latest. Kind of shocking seeing as we could both usually stay up all night even when we're tired.
And then the next day we went rock climbing in New Paltz at the Inner Wall! So cool! I just took pictures for the day, but the place was great. We met Ryan, Paul's friend from RIT whose home for a little while. He hadn't seen anyone, so we met up with him and they climbed for a good 3 hours. I think I'm going to try it next time I go up to RIT. I didn't want to get hurt and I was having way too much fun watching and snapping pictures. One of the employees asked me to send the pictures to their Facebook page so they can put them on the website when it's eventually up and running. I'll have to do that. It was a really fun afternoon though and we'll definitely be going back. There were even these really little kids learning to climb. Adorable. haha.
We said good bye to Ryan and Paul brought me back to school. :( I hate when he leaves. I warmed him up some of the pasta I had made Friday night and he kept telling me not to cry because I did last time he left. Not fair. I had a much rougher day when he was here a month ago. My car broke down and all other things were going wrong! haha. So he gave me a quick kiss and then I watched him drive out of the parking lot. Made myself busy doing laundry and homework though. It worked. I didn't get to go to bed until after 1. So yeah...it was a good weekend though. I really need to get working on my Reckoning Essay. I think it's fleshing itself out in my head because I just sit and think about it all the time.
And then the next day we went rock climbing in New Paltz at the Inner Wall! So cool! I just took pictures for the day, but the place was great. We met Ryan, Paul's friend from RIT whose home for a little while. He hadn't seen anyone, so we met up with him and they climbed for a good 3 hours. I think I'm going to try it next time I go up to RIT. I didn't want to get hurt and I was having way too much fun watching and snapping pictures. One of the employees asked me to send the pictures to their Facebook page so they can put them on the website when it's eventually up and running. I'll have to do that. It was a really fun afternoon though and we'll definitely be going back. There were even these really little kids learning to climb. Adorable. haha.
We said good bye to Ryan and Paul brought me back to school. :( I hate when he leaves. I warmed him up some of the pasta I had made Friday night and he kept telling me not to cry because I did last time he left. Not fair. I had a much rougher day when he was here a month ago. My car broke down and all other things were going wrong! haha. So he gave me a quick kiss and then I watched him drive out of the parking lot. Made myself busy doing laundry and homework though. It worked. I didn't get to go to bed until after 1. So yeah...it was a good weekend though. I really need to get working on my Reckoning Essay. I think it's fleshing itself out in my head because I just sit and think about it all the time.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Friday Morning
So it's Friday morning. Pre-Race day! Monmouth is tomorrow and the team will be taking the 2 and a half hours long bus ride down to Long Branch, NJ. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. I haven't raced in...well...I did a race here an there, but they weren't good because I was still injured, so let's say over a year since I was last on a track, competitively. I already have butterflies. I plan on not eating a good 2 hours before because I know my stomach will pull its usual stunts in an even grander fashion. You know, just to kick off the season right! My whole body is sore from the workouts and runs this week though. I stepped up my training because it's still earlier and I need to start pushing now. I don't want to be hammering in runs and workouts like this when the bigger races start rolling around. I also hope that my legs can hold up after not having to go through these hoops for a while. We shall see.
On another note, I've been working on my reckoning essay for nonfiction. I decided to braid in aspects of the Daphne and Apollo myth, a Dali painting - "Swans reflected as elephants", and "The Kiss" statue by Rodin. Oh and the Lake Isle of Innisfree poem. It should be interesting. But it's focusing mainly on how I always used to run from things. I originally ran from Otis because I was so self conscious of how I looked. then I found running and met Paul. and now I run to Otis to escape school and troubles. The tables have turned. And I know I fight with Paul a lot, but at the same time, we've brought each other through a lot. It's been 6 years of the ups and downs and THAT does have a consequence on how you act as a person. So I think I'll be exploring that a bit. It has to be 12 pages and I'm work shopping first, so I made a dent in that yesterday afternoon. But tonight will be all about making my Law Exam Review sheet.
I want all these projects to be done and papers written, but am I ready to move on to Senior year and a spring internship? I think mostly I run from growing up. It has to be done. but I have such strong connections to my memories and past events that I have trouble leaving them behind. Remembering them isn't enough sometimes. I used to feel that way about high school, but at this point, I'm fine with it being a memory. Hey, high school kind of sucks anyways! ha. And I still have Rachel, Arie, Ange, Dana, Sean and Fran to talk to. I was always closest with them and since still have them, I'm ok. Otis is different though. Each summer is so different. A roller coaster, but each one helps me find out something new about myself. Interestingly enough, Paul used to HATE me running. So I think I was lax about my training because I just wanted to spend time with him. I mean, he's 350 miles away most other times of the year. But lately, he's been more supportive in understanding that it's just something I HAVE to do. I have a year left. A little more if I use my red shirts. And I do love it. It makes me feel strong and it's something I can work at and see results. The injuries are what kill me. And he hated seeing me hurt all the time. I agree. It sucks. But I think we've found that middle ground. and as long as this summer doesn't blast the heat, then I'll hopfully pull off some nice summer running around the lake :)
Sorry this post is so jumbled. Morning ramblings. I should be getting cleaned up and doing an ab workout. Oh, procrastination.
Picture from Semi-Formal on Lake Erie last year :)
I'd figure I'd put in a different picture each day ha
On another note, I've been working on my reckoning essay for nonfiction. I decided to braid in aspects of the Daphne and Apollo myth, a Dali painting - "Swans reflected as elephants", and "The Kiss" statue by Rodin. Oh and the Lake Isle of Innisfree poem. It should be interesting. But it's focusing mainly on how I always used to run from things. I originally ran from Otis because I was so self conscious of how I looked. then I found running and met Paul. and now I run to Otis to escape school and troubles. The tables have turned. And I know I fight with Paul a lot, but at the same time, we've brought each other through a lot. It's been 6 years of the ups and downs and THAT does have a consequence on how you act as a person. So I think I'll be exploring that a bit. It has to be 12 pages and I'm work shopping first, so I made a dent in that yesterday afternoon. But tonight will be all about making my Law Exam Review sheet.
I want all these projects to be done and papers written, but am I ready to move on to Senior year and a spring internship? I think mostly I run from growing up. It has to be done. but I have such strong connections to my memories and past events that I have trouble leaving them behind. Remembering them isn't enough sometimes. I used to feel that way about high school, but at this point, I'm fine with it being a memory. Hey, high school kind of sucks anyways! ha. And I still have Rachel, Arie, Ange, Dana, Sean and Fran to talk to. I was always closest with them and since still have them, I'm ok. Otis is different though. Each summer is so different. A roller coaster, but each one helps me find out something new about myself. Interestingly enough, Paul used to HATE me running. So I think I was lax about my training because I just wanted to spend time with him. I mean, he's 350 miles away most other times of the year. But lately, he's been more supportive in understanding that it's just something I HAVE to do. I have a year left. A little more if I use my red shirts. And I do love it. It makes me feel strong and it's something I can work at and see results. The injuries are what kill me. And he hated seeing me hurt all the time. I agree. It sucks. But I think we've found that middle ground. and as long as this summer doesn't blast the heat, then I'll hopfully pull off some nice summer running around the lake :)
Sorry this post is so jumbled. Morning ramblings. I should be getting cleaned up and doing an ab workout. Oh, procrastination.
I'd figure I'd put in a different picture each day ha
Thursday, March 24, 2011
First Post!
So here we are, more than halfway through the spring semester!
Part of me is excited to have finally reached this point. I'm finally training for track, knock on wood. It's been a rough recovery and I know I still have a long road ahead. I forgot how tired I end up. ha.
Perhaps what I miss most is my big yellow Lab. I want to have his needle-like white fur stuck in my black sweatpants and drool stains on my favorite slippers. as he gets older, the more time I spend away from him, the more it makes me want to go home and just give him a big hug, despite his awful B.O.
It's overwhelming trying to find that place where I'm going to fit in or find myself in the future. I tend to be off on my own a lot these days. I'm ok with it, but at the same time, I wish I had some closer relationships. Paul is 350 miles away and sometimes a quick good night text is worse than hearing nothing at all. It's my own fault. I fought so hard for that relationship that I let other things slip by the wayside. I've made my decisions and need to just carry on. Working in insurance with my Dad is looking more promising. I just don't want to get sucked in and be so unhappy like he is at times. I want to write, but I've found that maybe I like creative writing more. And photography. I guess what this blog is going to explore is just my day to day experiences as I figure out where I travel.
The goofball in Otis. Love my Nikon :)
Come on lake! Fill up for summer!
Part of me is excited to have finally reached this point. I'm finally training for track, knock on wood. It's been a rough recovery and I know I still have a long road ahead. I forgot how tired I end up. ha.
Perhaps what I miss most is my big yellow Lab. I want to have his needle-like white fur stuck in my black sweatpants and drool stains on my favorite slippers. as he gets older, the more time I spend away from him, the more it makes me want to go home and just give him a big hug, despite his awful B.O.
It's overwhelming trying to find that place where I'm going to fit in or find myself in the future. I tend to be off on my own a lot these days. I'm ok with it, but at the same time, I wish I had some closer relationships. Paul is 350 miles away and sometimes a quick good night text is worse than hearing nothing at all. It's my own fault. I fought so hard for that relationship that I let other things slip by the wayside. I've made my decisions and need to just carry on. Working in insurance with my Dad is looking more promising. I just don't want to get sucked in and be so unhappy like he is at times. I want to write, but I've found that maybe I like creative writing more. And photography. I guess what this blog is going to explore is just my day to day experiences as I figure out where I travel.
The goofball in Otis. Love my Nikon :)
Otis again. Fooled around with the contrast a bit. It's the wheel to a jetski lift.
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