Running For Jim Documentary

Movie presentation at Landmark Aquarius in Palo Alto on February 11th (Tuesday) from 7:30pm to 8:45pm.  

You can purchase your tickets at this link:
http://www.tugg.com/events/7265

We are thrilled to have sold enough tickets for the screening to take place.  In fact there are just 37 tickets left.  Please spread the word if you know anyone who would like to attend. Tickets will only be sold, online up to four hours prior to the screening (No tickets will be sold at the door.)

Tugg event url: http://www.tugg.com/go/b3xsfs

In their words: The race that stopped a nation

FORTY YEARS AGO ON SUNDAY AT THE 1974 COMMONWEALTH GAMES IN CHRISTCHURCH

The world witnessed one of the greatest middle distance races of all time.

Some say it was the greatest-contested by one of the best fields for a major competition. This is their story.

In their words: The race that stopped a nation

Los Gatos All-Comers Meet Results (1/25/14) Winners Only

http://www.prepcaltrack.com/ATHLETICS/TRACK/2014/LGAC4/lgac_4.htm

All-Empire girls cross-country: No teammates, no matter for Erin Thomas

No teammates, no matter for Erin Thomas

Los Angeles to host 2016 Olympic Team Trials For Men’s and Women’s Marathon

Los Angeles to host 2016 Olympic Team Trials For Men’s and Women’s

A Runner's Mind-Now in Burlingame and San Francisco

A Runner's Mind (ARM), the loveable, homey, warm, welcoming running specialty shop in Burlingame has branched out and we now have a second location in San Francisco! Nestled on Sacramento St. just blocks south of the Presidio and a block north of Laurel Village, A Runner's Mind SF is here to meet all your city running needs. Whether it's trail shoes to tackle the terrain just north in the Marin Headlands or light and supportive shoes to mix it up in Golden Gate Park or hydration/fuel products to get you to the finish lines of the San Francisco Originals races, we've got it all. We host weekly runs on Thursdays and Saturdays and have special nights about once a month where shoe companies come in and allow you to take some of their newest models for an extended test run. 

Our ARM team members have years of experience running in the bay area and we are always down to talk running or training with anyone that comes in. As runners ourselves, we know that having the right pair of shoes is vitally important and can be the difference you need to make training fun and exciting. Every time we fit someone for a new pair of shoes we offer a full gait analysis where we take the time to watch you walk and watch you run, just to make sure we find a pair of shoes right for your feet. To show our commitment to the high school runners in the bay area, we offer 10% off shoes to all athletes year round. Drop in sometime to try on some shoes or grab some new apparel or just to chill on the couch and hang out. Oh, and have you seen those snazzy neon ARM running shirts around town? Yeah, that's us. Check us out!

Golden West Invitational returns to Sacramento

As reported on Milesplit:
Golden West Invitational returns to Sacramento

How Hungarians Launched America's Greatest Track Era

For you historians out there, here is a great article in January's Running Times that details the great Hungarian coaches and their impact on American runners.
http://www.runnersworld.com/elite-runners/how-hungarians-launched-americas-greatest-track-era?page=single

Lauren Fleshman Joins 2014 Bay Area Running Camp Presenter Roster

For those of you that need a refresher on Lauren Fleshman, check out the camp link that includes many of her accomplishments at Canyon High School, Stanford University and beyond (CIF XC and TF champion, sub 15:00 5K runner etc).  Remember, the Bay Area Running Camp this year will take place once again at Corte Madera School in Portola Valley on July 21-25, 2014.  Along with Fleshman's bio, you will also find a link for registration.  Camp spots are filling up fast.

http://www.bayarearunningcamp.com/2014/01/lauren-fleshman-joins-2014-presenter.html

GryFun Run at Crystal Springs Uplands School on Sunday, February 23rd

5K Run/1 Mile Walk
Start Time:  9:00am
Cost:  $20 includes T-Shirt

All other information can be found here.

Nike Oregon Project

Following yesterday's American Record 2 mile race (8:07.41), Galen Rupp rested for a bit and then proceeded to accomplish the following workout which is detailed below by Craig Virgin (if you don't know who Craig Virgin is, Google him) on his facebook account.  Also check out the tweets by Anthony Famiglietti below.  I would like to think that the achievements by the Nike Oregon Project athletes are a result of talent and hard work but there are definitely many people who question the means that they are taking to get those results.  Thoughts?

Craig Virgin
Well, American Distance Superstar Galen Rupp was at it again last night. For the 2nd weekend in a row.... he set a US Nat'l record... running an indoor 2-miles in 8:07.41 in Boston! In and of itself... amazing... but he then rested for only 15 minutes (signing autographs?!?) and then commenced a track workout...5 x 1 mile intervals...in 4:21, 4:20, 4:20, 4:16, and then finishing up with an unbelievable 4:01! All documented by FloTrack website. Congrats are due but I'm not sure what to think... both Galen and his coach, Alberto Salazar, are definitely making a statement here! Why do this kind of workout after such a hard race...and risk injury or illness? What is Galen taking or doing... that is giving him such amazing recuperative/restorative powers? I have never seen anything like this...but he did it after his AR 13:01 5K last weekend and after his 3:50.9 mile indoors last January. I am sorry to sound so jaded... but after reading so much about Lance Armstrong and Alex Rodriguez's sophisticated and undetected doping schemes this past year .... I just don't know what to believe anymore. I wish USATF would release what Therapeutic Use Exemption medical treatments that Galen is on that may give us one hint of what is really going on here. I am tired of rumors about TUE's and we need some transparency in this area to maintain the integrity in our sport.

Anthony Famiglietti ‏@recklessrunning1h

A magic show can be impressive, but we go home largely unaffected as we understand the misdirection & deception that took place.

Anthony Famiglietti ‏@recklessrunning1h

Miraculous performances that are divinely inspired & rooted in truth are rare, but affect change in us forever. Aim for these when you run.

2014 Track and Field Notebook #2

Darting here and there.

Sacramento Running Association Hall of Fame class
Los Gatos All-Comers Meet Results for January 11th and 18th
Former Montgomery HS runner, Kim Conley wins mile at New Balance Indoor Games in new PR 4:24.54. (Race Video)
Congratulations to Northgate coach, Peter Brewer on his Distinguished Service Award by CIF.  
Former Holy Names/Castro Valley runner broke University of Oregon record in 60m. Hurdles with 8.10 in final at Rod McCravy Memorial Meet in Kentucky.
Mt. Pleasant HS athletes in action at New Balance Indoor Meet (Video #1 and Video #2)
McKinleyville HS runners and coach compete well at Trinidad to Clam Beach race.
Alhambra HS Track and Field Team Preview
Let's Take If From the Top (Former Aptos HS runner, Nikki Hiltz, Blog post)
Former Bishop O'Dowd runner Alexi Pappas blog
Meet of Miles on the historic Bud Winters Field (March 13th)
Nike Oregon Project post-record repeats (Rupp, Levins, Cain and Moser)  Great video!
West Coast Track and Field SuperClinic at Sacramento City College (February 1st)
Usain Bolt vs 116 years of Olympic Sprinters
7 Crippling Parent Behaviors That Keep Children From Growing Into Leaders

If you have other interesting information or links that I could add to the above, please email them to albertjcaruana@gmail.com.

Time to raise the bar

High School senior Mary Cain ran 4:24.11 in an indoor mile this evening to just miss the World Junior record by .01.

Here are the splits thanks to Track and Field News.

The first split is for 209.344 meters, the rest for the 200-meter laps:

33.8
32.8 [66.6]
33.2 [1:39.8]
33.1 [2:12.9]
32.6 [2:45.5]
33.0 [3:18.5]
33.5 [3:52.0]
32.1

Roughly speaking, that would be 440s of
65.5
66.6 [1:12.1]
65.9 [3:18.0]
66.1

What can we learn from the Richard Sherman situation

First off, I am a Niner fan.  I have been since my family moved here from Malta in 1981.  I still remember watching their first Superbowl victory against Cincinnati even though I had no idea what the game was all about at that time.  I have followed them through the many years through the many highs and also through the lows (Dennis Erikson and Mike Singletary!).  I have really enjoyed their revival the past three years despite the brutal endings in each of their last game.

The topic du jour the past few days has been Seattle cornerback, Richard Sherman (pictured above courtesy of www.kcconfidential.com).  There is no doubt that he made a great play and the Seattle Seahawks will have an opportunity to win their first Superbowl.  What really got the conversation going was his post play histrionics as well as the Erin Andrews interview immediately following the game.  With 30 seconds to go in the game, Sherman tipped the attempted touchdown throw and following his teammate's interception, chased down 49er wide receiver, Michael Crabtree to rub it in his face.  It appears there is a history between the two players.  After getting shoved away by Crabtee, Sherman then proceeded to make the choke sign toward Colin Kaepernick.  During the Andrew's interview, Sherman touted his own ability repeatedly and disparaged Crabtree multiple times to the point that the Fox Sports director cut away from the interview.  At the press conference following the game, Sherman continued to refer to Crabtree as a mediocre receiver.  Repeatedly, with emphasis.

Since then, Sherman has apologized for this actions and comments.  His defenders have said that is not the real Richard Sherman.  He grew up in Compton and graduated from Stanford.  He has overcome a lot to get to where he is now and he continues to carry a chip on his shoulder.  He has started his masters degree.  He has a family foundation.  He is a smart, shrewd player who antagonizes his opposition to the point were it's an advantage for him.  You would think differently if he played for your team.  What about Jim Harbaugh's actions on the sidelines?  Why doesn't he get the same venom from fans?  The interview was directly after a highly physical and emotional game and the adrenaline was still flowing.  They are all valid and I am sure that I have missed a few.

So what's the lesson here?  Why is this being posted on a Cross Country and Track and Field site?  I think we can learn a lot from what happened following the game.  For one, when you win, win with class and grace.  Sportsmanship is touted highly by CIF and each individual section.  If you visit the CCS website, you will see various examples of sportsmanship on the front page posted almost daily.  Richard Sherman is a professional athlete and high school athletes and younger watch him and learn from his antics.  Is this the kind of behavior that we should accept from younger athletes now?  Like it or not, Sherman is a role model.  Nobody finishes their career undefeated and at some point in time, you are going to face disappointment.  Nobody needs the proverbial foot on chest at that moment by one of your opponents.  When you rub it in an opponent's face, they will have an opportunity to compete against you and when they do, there will be an extra incentive for them to defeat you.  

I think we are very fortunate that we don't see this type of egregious acts in high school sports.  Most runners speak highly of their toughest opponents.  Most coaches share their knowledge and do everything in their power to make each individual sport better.  So remember the next time you win that race, turn around and be a gracious winner.  Shake hands with your opponents and wish them luck the next time you race them.  Thank your parents, coaches and teammates for their contributions toward your victory.  While you, individually, won the race, even your opponent helped you achieve just a little higher.  Richard Sherman made the play but his defensive linemen pressured the quarterback and his teammate hustled downfield to make the interception.  I think in time, he will understand that it's not really all about him.

Go Broncos!  

CCS Meeting Notes

http://www.prepcaltrack.com/ATHLETICS/TRACK/2014/ccs_agn.pdf

Unfortunately I missed the meeting and can't really comment on any of the handouts.  

What is the best Track and Field Invitational?

And why?  

Sir Christopher Chataway - obituary

Seen to the left rabbiting Roger Bannister to history's first 4 minute mile, Sir Christopher Chataway passed away today.  RIP.

Lots of former and current NorCal HS athletes in action this weekend...

Houston Half Marathon Results (including Daniel Tapia-North Monterey County (26th), Alia Gray-Maria Carrillo (9th) and Sara Hall-Montgomery (11th))

Houston Marathon Results (Stewart Harwell formerly of De La Salle HS-2:24:51 for 20th place)

Former Bishop O'Dowd runner, Alexi Pappas interviewed following her victory in the 3k at the Washington Indoor Preview.

Former Shasta HS runner, Blake Zufall won the Redding Marathon in 2:40:43.  This was the first marathon for the 2013 graduate.

On a different note, Jahvid Best formerly of Salesian HS has retired from the NFL due to concussions and will now join the Cal Berkeley football coaching staff.

Current Los Gatos senior and defending CCS pole vaulter champion Greta Wagner ties for first at Pole Vault Summit jumping 13'2" which matches her personal record from last year's outdoor season.

Any other runners or news pertaining to former NorCal athletes?

Maddy Price of Menlo School (CCS)

At yesterday's Great Southwest Track & Field Classic in Albuquerque New Mexico, Menlo School senior Maddy Price (picture below courtesy of Menlo School coach Jorge Chen) won her heat in the 60m. sprint, running 7.81 to finish 3rd overall.  She also won the 400m. race while setting a new meet record of 55.97 (old mark was 57.63).  She has already committed to run at Duke University in the fall.

Pacific Adds Karlie Garcia For 2014

http://www.pacific.edu/About-Pacific/Newsroom/2013/December-2013/Pacific-Adds-Karlie-Garcia-For-2014.html

Call All Comers Meet Live Results (1/18/14)

http://www.rtspt.com/events/cal/11814/ (Live now!)

St. Francis Distance Standout Madison Rawson Commits to Ole Miss

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – St. Francis senior Madison Rawson has verbally committed to attend Ole Miss next fall and run for the track and field/cross country program.
“I really like the community at Ole Miss,” said Rawson, who has competed for the St. Francis cross country and track and field programs. “The coaching staff and team are really welcoming. I am excited to be part of the Ole Miss program.”
Rawson, who lives in Roseville, Calif., has been one of the leaders of the St. Francis cross country program each of the last three seasons, helping the program garner three consecutive top-10 state finishes. The Troubadours finished fourth in 2011, second in 2012 and ninth in 2013. She placed 51st individually as a sophomore, 38th as a junior and 21st in a time of 18:05 this season.
“Being part of the Southeastern Conference is a big deal for me, especially after growing up in the South and being surrounded by it,” said Rawson, who lived in Pensacola, Fla., before moving to California. “It will be great to go back.”
As a senior, she was part of the lead pack all season. She finished among the top five in nine races, including a fifth-place finish at the prestigious Mt. Sac Invitational. She also finished 11th at the Stanford Invitational. She earned All-Delta River League honors for the third straight season, crossing second overall at the league meet.
Ole Miss is a member of the Southeastern Conference and is coached by Brian O’Neal. The Rebel cross country program placed ninth at the SEC Cross Country Championships and fifth at the NCAA South Regionals.
Rawson is among a talented St. Francis senior class that boasted 18 student-athletes who officially made college athletic commitments or signed during the NCAA fall signing period.
She can officially sign with Ole Miss on Wednesday, Feb. 5.
--SFHS--

What is your favorite track workout?

You can also add your toughest track workout which you think has really helped with improving your track times.  Is the workout for 800m.?  1600m.? 3200m.?

Feel free to comment below.  

Nike Waffle Prototype Sold for $1500

http://www.runnersworld.com/running-shoes/nike-waffle-prototype-sold-for-1500?cm_mmc=Facebook-_-RunnersWorld-_-Content-News-_-NikePrototype

Pretty cool historical find.

Central Coast Section Divisions for 2014 Season

Boys:  http://www.cifccs.org/playoffs/cbeds/13-14%20CBEDS%20for%2014-15%20boys%20cross%20country.pdf
Girls:  http://cifccs.org/playoffs/cbeds/13-14%20CBEDS%20for%2014-15%20girls%20cross%20country.pdf

West Coast SuperClinic on Saturday, February 1st at Sacramento City College

We are fortunate this year to bring together some of our sport's iconic coaches: Tom Tellez, Boo Schexnayder,Peter L. Thompson, plus many accomplished regional coaches. Any help spreading the word would be greatly appreciated!  I've attached our most recent detailed flyer for your use.

2014 West Coast Track & Field SuperClinic Flyer

David Shrock

PA/USATF Committee Chair President

Edinburgh XC Blogs: Anna Maxwell

http://usa.milesplit.com/articles/118843-edinburgh-xc-blogs-anna-maxwell#.UtTb8fRDuSp

My Top 9 Thought Provoking Books of 2013 by Steve Magness

http://www.scienceofrunning.com/2014/01/my-top-9-thought-provoking-books-of-2013.html#more

What books did you read in 2013 that should be added to that list?

Official First Practice dates for each California Section

North Coast Section (NCS)-Monday, February 10th
Central Coast Section (CCS)-Monday, February 3rd
Sac-Joaquin Section (SJS)-Monday, February 10th
Northern Section (NS)-1st contest, Tuesday, February 18th
Oakland Section (OAK)-Monday, January 27th
San Francisco Section (SFS)-Monday, January 27th
Central Section (CS)-Monday, January 13th
Los Angeles Section (LAS)-Tuesday, February 18th
San Diego Section (SDS)-Friday, February 24th
Southern Section (SS)-No date posted.

If you know the missing dates above, please add them in the comment section below.

2014 Track and Field Season Q & A

Here is your chance to ask any questions you like pertaining to the upcoming track and field season.  I will answer them as promptly as possible and if I don't know the answer, there are plenty of other visitors to this site who will be able to chime in as well.

Anna Maxwell 11th at Bupa Great Edinburgh XC Race

http://usa.milesplit.com/articles/118789-usa-juniors-earn-runner-up-spots-at-bupa-great-edinburgh-xc-race-in-scotland#.UtLMavRDuSo

2014 Southern Section Distance Races State Meet Contenders

The top 6 qualify to the state meet from the Southern Section unless you can qualify by surpassing the 2014 At-Large Time Standards.  Additions?  Changes?  Comments?

Girls 800m.
The favorite:  Sabrina Janes Saugus
Threats:  Megan Huebner La Quinta, Natalie Herberg Capistrano Valley, Amber Gore Redondo Union,
Wildcards:  Jackie Crowther Linfield Christian, Taylor Arco, Mission Viejo, Megan Melnyk Cresenta Valley

Boys 800m.
The favorite:  Jeremiah Bias Vista Del Lago
Threats:  Sahm Bazargan Oak Park, Eamon Smythe Edison
Wildcards:  Dustin Herold Redondo Union, Chris Polk Long Beach Poly, Keaton Smith Dana Hills, Garrett Mullennix Vista Murrieta

Girls 1600m.
The favorite:  Amanda Gehrich Tesoro
Threats:  Megan Huebner La Quinta, Destiny Collins, Kimberly Coscia South Torrance, Melissa Fairchild Serrano, Ashley Helbig Great Oak
Wildcards:   Sarah Baxter Simi Valley, Erin Holton Rancho Cucamonga, Claire Graves Citrus Valley, Haley Dorris Great Oak, Abby Hong Mira Costa

Boys 1600m.
The favorite:  Austin Tamagno Brea Olinda
Threats:  Phillip Rocha Arcadia, Garrett Corcoran Villa Park, Estevan De La Rosa Arcadia, David Luna Indio
Wildcards:  Sydney Gidabuday El Modena, Jacob Ogden Dana Hills, Brennon Koryta Brea Olinda, Hector Hernandez Canyon Springs, Alan Yoho Flintridge Prep

Girls 3200m.
The favorite:  Sarah Baxter Simi Valley HS
Threat: Bethen Knights Northwood, Samantha Ortega Saugus, Destiny Collins Great Oak, Roni Yamane Arcadia
Wildcards:  Haley Dorris Great Oak, Kimberly Coscia South Torrance, Abby Hong Mira Costa, Adeline Zerrenner Dos Pueblos, Kimberly Coscia South Torrance, Abby Hong Mira Costa, Erin Holton Rancho Cucamonga, Claire Graves Citrus Valley, Lizzy Thomas Harvard Westlake

Boys 3200m.
The favorite:  David Luna Indio
Threats:  Estevan De La Rosa Arcadia, Caleb Webb Big Bear, Garrett Corcoran Villa Park, Sydney Gidabuday El Modena, Alan Yoho Flintridge Prep
Wildcards:  Jacob Ogden Dana Hills, Benjamin Gonzalez Warren, Casey Celestin Palos Verdes, Mikey Giguere Westlake, Austin Tamagno Brea Olinda, Gabe Collison Crescenta Valley

2014 Track and Field Notebook #1

Darting here and there.

Los Gatos All-Comers Meet Results for January 4th
Willie Davenport Olympian Track and Field Clinic 2014 at James Logan HS (Feb. 8th)
Former Monterey HS sprinter Nick Cunningham qualifies for Winter Olympics in Bobsled
LA84 Foundation Track and Field Clinic, Saturday, January 11th.  Information and Registration
Stretching The Mind:  USATF/IAAF Elite Endurance Academy
West Coast Track and Field SuperClinic at Sacramento City College (February 1st)
Encounters with the Elders:  Questions for Dick Connors
'Identity-Based Goals' Are The Only Way To Make Good Habits Last
LEA WALLACE NAMED 11TH GREATEST FEMALE ATHLETE IN BIG SKY COUNTDOWN
Simi Valley’s Sarah Baxter receives Gatorade state cross country award for fourth time
Official Website of Kim Conley

If you have other interesting information or links that I could add to the above, please email them to albertjcaruana@gmail.com.

Catching up with Gunn HS senior, Sarah Robinson...

Today we chat with Gunn HS senior, Sarah Robinson.  I wrote the following as part of my preview of the upcoming Track and Field season and it will give you a pretty good idea of some of her accomplishments in the past year. 

"In the just posted All-NorCal XC teams, the debate for female NorCal runner of the year came down to Fiona O'Keeffe and Anna Maxwell.  Two terrific runners who each had a season for the ages.  Lost in the shuffle was one runner who had a quite a season for herself and in most other seasons, she would have ended up as the NorCal runner of the year.  Gunn HS runner Sarah Robinson became the 6th girl to break 17 minutes on the famed Crystal Springs course, she won at Stanford and CCS, finished 4th at the state meet and wrapped up her season with an 11th place finish at NXN.  During the last track season, Robinson recorded PRs of 2:14.44, 4:48.37 and 10:26.65.  At the CA state track and field meet, Robinson finished in 3rd place in the 1600m. and 5th place in the 3200m. recording PRs in both races.  She will be a force to be reckoned with during this coming season."

1)  How did you get your start in running?  What was your first success?
I have been running just to stay in shape for soccer since I was young. Since my entire family runs I began running at a young age. But I didn't really compete until high school. My sister convinced me the last day of summer vacation before my freshman year to do cross country.

2)  What about soccer?  When did you begin to play soccer?  What do you enjoy the most about that sport?
I began playing soccer at a very young age because my older sister played. I think I started playing at around 4 years old.  I enjoy the skill in the sport and the intensity. I also like how it is a team sport and all the team members depend on each other. I really enjoyed traveling with my club team and the national team.

3)  Tell us a little about your freshman experience in high school in both sports (XC and TF).  Highlights in both sports.  Who were your mentors or runners that you looked up to as a freshman?
As a freshman I was just running to have fun and simply because I loved to run. I thought it was awesome that I could run with my older sister and be on the same team with her.

I think in cross country a highlight would be placing 3rd in CCS. During track I was traveling quite a bit for soccer so I didn't get to compete in be post season but I guess it would be placing 3rd at the league meet in the 1600m.

As a freshman, I looked up to my sister and the other upper-class members on the team.

4)  What about your sophomore seasons?  Highlights in both sports?
For my sophomore cross-country season, I really improved. I think a highlight would be winning CCS and running on the Crystal Springs cross country course. Another highlight would be running the Footlocker West cross country meet and qualifying for the Footlocker National Meet. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend due to a commitment to the U-17 National Soccer Team.

For track I was traveling quite a bit for the national team and couldn't compete again in the post season. A highlight would be breaking five minutes in the 1600m.

5)  What do you feel was your best race during your junior cross country season?  What about during track season?
During my junior year cross country season I did not compete, but I competed during track. I feel that my best race during track was either the mile run at the Stanford Invitational or the 1600m and 3200m at the CIF California state meet.

6)  What did you do differently in preparation for your senior cross country season?  Workouts?  Typical mileage per week?  Races?
For my senior year cross country season, I trained with the Gunn team over the summer. We did more speed work on the track and did some hard tempo runs on the trails. We mixed in some hill training as well. Mileage was not as much of a focus as was the quality of my runs and workouts. But I think my mileage was around 40 miles/week and I cross trained one day a week.

The races at the beginning of the season were not all out efforts. My coach (Pattisue Plumer) wanted to work on specific pieces of a race rather than going all out. Then as the season progressed I began to push the races more.

7)  Looking back at this past cross country season, what do you feel were your best races and proudest accomplishments?
I think my best races were run at CCS , the state meet, and at NXN. I think my proudest accomplishments would be breaking 17 at Crystal Springs and earning All-American honors at NXN.

8)  What did a typical week look like for you during this past cross country season in terms of training?
It was a mix of long runs with hard workouts. Typically we would have a long run on the weekend and easier runs during the week. We would have around 2 hard workouts (either on the track, a hill workout, or a tempo run). I cross trained around 1 day a week.

9)  Tell us about your coaches throughout your four years at Gunn HS and how they helped you develop into the runner you are today.
The coaching staff has changed since I was a freshman but they have all been outstanding. My first coach at Gunn was Ernie Lee. He was a great support system and helped me transition into competitive running  easily. He still supports and helps me even though he no longer coaches at Gunn. Matt Tompkins was very fun to work with because he is entertaining and enthusiastic. He made the hard workouts easier by cracking jokes and making everyone smile. Pattisue Plumer is the coach I have had for the past couple of years. She has been amazing at developing my speed and endurance. She also helps me with things outside of just running and supports me in any way she can. I appreciate the time and effort of all the coaches I have had. I wouldn't have been able to be where I am today without them.

10)  Favorite XC course?  Favorite XC invitational?  Favorite XC workout?  Favorite distance run?  Favorite opponent(s)?  Favorite TF event?  Favorite TF invitational?  Favorite TF workout?
I think my favorite XC course was either crystal springs or the NXN course. The NXN course because it was so different from the all the other courses and the Crystal Springs course because there is great history to it and I ran it many times during my cross country seasons.
My favorite XC invitational would probably have to be the first away trip I did with the Gunn team. We went to the Stevenson Invite which is a relay. I thought it was a really fun way to open up the season.
My favorite XC workout would be "Gut-busters." In this workout we have a loop that ends with a big dirt hill. We repeat the loop about 12 times. It's challenging but very fun.

My favorite distance run would probably be anything at Rancho. The entire park is filled with dirt trails and mix between steep and long hills.

My favorite opponents would probably be some of the boys (Thomas Rassmusen and Antonio Puglisi) on the cross country team. I enjoy running with them because they push me.
My favorite TF event would probably be the 1600m because it uses both an incredible amount of speed and endurance. The 3200m is close behind; I do love the steady pace you can achieve in the 3200m.

My favorite TF workout was probably the wheel workout we did with 400s. We would do a 400 and jog a 100 and then begin another 400. Once we finished a wheel we would jog a lap. We did 3 wheels (12 400s) and the paces got faster each 400. It was incredibly challenging but felt great once we were finished because we knew it was such a hard workout.

11)  Peaking ahead to the track and field season, what are the meets that you are really looking forward to and what are some of your goals?
I think my goals would be to improve my times. I would also love to have solid races in the post season. I think the Stanford Invitational, or the Top 8 meet and any other invites I compete in should be fun.

Thank you very much for your time Sarah!  AJC

Boys' Top 3 Podium Teams in California State XC History (1987-2013)

Making the podium for the first time:
Madera South-Division I
Jurupa Hills-Division III
Dos Pueblos-Division III
Marin Academy-Division V

Bold numbers indicate 2013 podium placers.

As always, if you notice any errors please let me know either in the comment section below or email me directly at albertjcaruana@gmail.com

Girls' Top 3 Podium Teams in California State XC History (1987-2013)

Making the podium for the first time:
Davis Sr.-Division I
Big Bear-Division IV
Branson-Division V
Central Valley Christian-Division V

Bold numbers indicate 2013 podium placers.

As always, if you notice any errors please let me know either in the comment section below or email me directly at albertjcaruana@gmail.com

2013 Sac-Joaquin Section Cross Country All-Star Team

 Presented by www.buffalobabes.net   
   Note: for these rankings SJS Section meet is weighted more heavily than CIF State meet

SJS GIRLS RUNNER OF THE YEAR
Fiona O'Keeffe - Sophomore - Davis Sr. HS
GIRLS 1ST TEAM
Fiona O'Keeffe - Sophomore - Davis Sr. HS - D1 Champion at State (16:58) and Section (17:20), NXN Invitee, 4th individually
Lauren LaRocco - Senior - St. Francis HS - SJS 17:45 2nd place in D1, State 17:26 6th place
Sofia Castiglioni - Freshman - Davis Sr. HS - SJS 18:18 3rd place in D1, State 17:54 15th place, NXN Invitee, 3rd at USATF JO's
Kendall Derry - Sophomore - Bella Vista HS - D2 Section Champ 18:26, State 17:44 10th place, All-Region at FL-West
Miranda Myers - Junior - St. Francis HS - SJS 18:28 4th place in D1, State 17:52 13th place
Madison Rawson - Senior - St. Francis HS - SJS 18:31 5th place in D1, State 18:04
Jenica Dodge - Senior - Whitney HS - SJS 19:09 2nd Place in D2 , State 18:32
GIRLS 2ND TEAM
Rachel Peterson - Senior - Oak Ridge HS - SJS 19:07 6th place in D1, State 18:55
Giulia McIsaac - Junior - Davis Sr. HS - SJS 19:12 7th place in D1, State 18:30, NXN Invitee
Sarah Anderson - Sophomore - Vista Del Lago HS - D3 Section Champion 19:21, State 18:46
Hannah Wohlenberg - Sophomore - Bella Vista HS - SJS 19:21 3rd place in D2, State 18:46
Cessair McKinney - Freshman - Bella Vista HS - SJS 19:22 4th place in D2, State 18:51
Mikayla Florez - Senior - Riverbank HS - D4 Section Champion 19:25, State 18:25 5th place
Breanna Sewell - Senior - Vacaville HS - SJS 19:31 6th place in D2, State 18:43
GIRLS 3RD TEAM
Angela DiPentino - Freshman - Woodcreek HS - SJS 19:26 8th place in D1, State 19:19
Lauren Mason - Sophomore - Woodcreek HS - SJS 19:27 9th place in D1, State 19:20
Phoebe Zeiss - Freshman - Granite Bay HS - SJS 19:28 5th place in D2, State 19:18
Lizzie Meredith - Senior - Del Oro HS - SJS 19:34 3rd place in D3, State 19:11, 5th at USATF Jr Olympics
Maggie McManis - Junior - Davis Sr. HS - SJS 19:35 10th place in D1, State 18:52, NXN Invitee
Jordan Sienkewicz - Sophomore - Whitney HS - SJS 19:38 8th place in D2, State 18:51, All-American at USATF JOs
Leanne Jarvis - Senior - River Valley HS - SJS 19:40 5th place in D3, State 18:32, 3rd at USATF Jr Olympics
GIRLS ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM
Sofia Castiglioni - Freshman - Davis Sr. HS - SJS 18:18 3rd place in D1, State 17:54 15th place, NXN Invitee, 3rd at USATF JO's
Cessair McKinney - Freshman - Bella Vista HS - SJS 19:22 2nd place in D2, State 18:51
Angela DiPentino - Freshman - Woodcreek HS - SJS 19:26 8th place in D1, State 19:19
Phoebe Zeiss - Freshman - Granite Bay HS - SJS 19:28 5th place in D2, State 19:18
Alexandra Beitia - Freshman - Granite Bay HS - SJS 19:31 7th place in D2, State 19:26
Grace Schoenhoff - Freshman - Placer HS - SJS 19:32 2nd place in D3, State 20:06
Abigail Fisk - Freshman - Davis Sr. HS - SJS #1 non-Varsity freshman 13:01 - 2nd fastest SJS F/S time since 2007
BOYS RUNNER OF THE YEAR
Garrett Migliozzi - Senior - Nevada Union HS
BOYS 1ST TEAM
Garrett Migliozzi - Senior - Nevada Union HS - D1 Section Champion 15:33, State 15:18 6th place
Neilson Powless - Junior - Roseville HS - D2 Section Champion 15:51, State 15:28 8th place
Abdul Hamid - Senior - Sheldon HS - SJS 16:01 2nd place in D1, State 15:22 8th place
Nathan Wellington - Senior - Whitney HS - SJS 16:05 3rd place in D2, State 15:36 13th place
Brian Song - Junior - Davis HS - SJS 16:09 3rd place in D1, State 15:42 20th place
Andrew Brown - Senior - Jesuit HS - SJS 16:17 4th place in D2, State 15:50
Jasper Laca - Senior - Davis HS - SJS 16:18 4th place in D1, State 15:50
BOYS 2ND TEAM
Paul Zeiss - Junior - Granite Bay HS - SJS 16:03 2nd place in D2, State 16:20
Zach Morrett - Senior - Hughson HS - D4 Section Champion 16:15, State 16:13 15th place
Drew Childs - Senior - Bella Vista HS - SJS 16:23 6th place in D2, State 16:19
Tristyn Martin - Senior - Jesuit HS - SJS 16:25 7th place in D2, State 16:12
Steven Grolle - Senior - Sonora HS - SJS 16:26 2nd place in D4, State 15:50 8th place
Moses Wolfe-Polgar - Junior - Del Oro HS - D3 Section Champion 16:26, State 16:10
George Miao - Senior - Rocklin HS - SJS 16:27 8th place in D2, State 15:48
BOYS 3RD TEAM
Philip Kruse - Senior - Lodi HS - SJS 16:19 5th place in D1, State 16:44
Jack Ploeg - Junior - Elk Grove HS - SJS 16:29 9th place in D2
Isaiah Hanna - Sophomore - Whitney HS - SJS 16:31 10th place in D2
Michael Lackner - Sophomore - Jesuit HS - SJS 16:32, State 16:19
Michael Anderson - Senior - Cosumnes Oaks - SJS 16:34 5th place in D1, State 16:32
Edward Chance - Junior - Del Campo HS - SJS 16:35, State 16:00
Sean Kurdy - Sophomore - Jesuit HS - SJS 16:41, State 16:03 Contact: Joe Hartman runfan@msn.com