Thursday, July 31, 2008

Thursday Night Run #3

Well, we just got back from our Thursday night run. We drove Provo and ran up the Y Trail to the big white Y on the mountain. We were small in numbers this week, due in large part to those of you at Youth Conference this week, but we had a good time. It is an amazing view, but one HECK of a climb t intoo get there. From the top, though, it was definitely worth it!

We are getting VERY close to the end of summer, and we really need to make a real effort to be to practice from here on out. We've got to begin preparing for the season by getting paperwork done, ordering team shirts, sweats, etc., etc. Please be to practice!

One thing we need to do this next week is fundraising. We have a GREAT opportunity to make some money by selling advertising for the fall sports program. We need your help though. As a result, we're going to offer an incentive for all those who help us raise money. For every ad you sell, 10% will go directly to your benefit (activity fees, T-shirt, etc.) It is a quick and easy way to make a bunch of money for our team, and for yourself! We are going to go through the list of available businesses on MONDAY morning at practice, so please be in attendance.

Okay, one last thing. We will be taking our team photograph for the Fall Sports Program and yearbook on August 18th at 7:30 am. Please make EVERY EFFORT to be there for this picture. We will have our uniforms by then, and we want to have a good looking team photo. If you need to make arrangements at work, do it now so we can get the photo done. It will only take 15-20 minutes, and we'll be done.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Thursday night run #2

Just thought I'd add a few pictures of our most recent run this week. We went up Hobble Creek Canyon for a nice cool evening run. We had a great time, and those of you who didn't make it...well, you missed out.

Remember that next Thursday night run will be canceled due to the 24th of July Festivities. We do want you to run in the Speedy Spaniard 10K in Spanish Fork that morning. Go to http://www.runnercard.com/e/runner.Main?meet=1534 to get registered right away. Until then, we'll see you at our morning runs.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Stewart Falls


Well, our first Thursday night run was a great success. We met at the high school and drove up Provo Canyon to the trailhead. It was a great trail that started off by going straight up the mountain for the first half mile or so. For an old man, I thought I was going to die in the first three minutes. But, luckily it leveled off after that and rolled along the mountain for the next mile or so. The trail ends at the base of a 200 foot high waterfall.

While there, I think we started a new annual tradition...getting under the falls (at least most of us, Cassidy...) They were definitely cold, but it was a great way to cool off after the long run. The only problem was that by the time we got back to the vans, our shoes were all quite black... It was a great time, and just the beginning of the fun we will be having this year in cross-country. We work hard, but we DEFINITELY have fun too.

For those of you who didn't make it this week, be sure to be with us next Thursday night at 7:00 pm. We'll go someplace else fun (we still haven't decided where yet). Also, don't forget to come to our morning practices on Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning at 7:00 am.

Also, as a reminder, there is the Best Buddies of Utah 5K this Saturday at Mountain View High School in Orem. The race starts at 8:00 am, with registration before that. Contact Mindy Langford at 435-630-0691 for more information. Also, the 31st annual Speedy Spaniard 10K will be on the 24th in Spanish Fork. We REALLY want you to run this race if you're around on the 24th. It's a great race, and is a great chance to see where we're at. Go to http://www.runnercard.com/e/runner.Main?meet=1534 to register. It's cheapest if you register before Tuesday, JULY 15th, so hurry. I'll be there at the finish line to cheer you in!

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Thursday Night Runs

I hope your summer is going well, and you're getting out and running regularly. We are continuing to meet each MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY morning at 7:00 am at the school. Please make an effort to be there with us. We're getting pretty much the same kids every morning, and need the rest of you to join us. If you're afraid to come because you're not in shape, relax. We are adjusting workouts for each individual. For example, this morning we had some runners go 2 miles, and others go 7 miles, and everything in between. Don't feel like you can't join us till you're in shape--COME RUN! That's why we're running, is to get into shape.

The second reason I'm writing is to let you know we are starting our THURSDAY EVENING runs this Thursday. Normally we will meet at 7:00 pm at the high school, and go from there. However, this week (July 10th) we are meeting at 6:00 pm. We will be going to Stewart Falls in Provo Canyon, and it takes a little longer to get there, run the trail and get back before dark. If you've never been to Stewart Falls, you will LOVE IT!!! It is one of my favorite short hikes I've ever been on. These Thursday night runs are a lot of FUN, and are important to make EVERY effort to be to. PLEASE ATTEND!!! Also, if you can drive, please do so, as we may not have sufficient room in the school vehicles we're taking. Give me a call if you have any questions.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Mid-Summer Updates

A few quick items:

1- We have been meeting the last couple weeks as a team on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 7:00 am at the school. We are getting quite a few kids, but are missing many of you. Please make every effort to be to practice each day. We are getting into shape, and it appears we are going to have a great team. However, we are small in numbers right now and NEED YOU!!! If you have conflicts, email me back and let me know, so I am aware of where you are. I know some of you are probably intimidated to come run with us. DON'T BE!!!! There's only one way to get better, and that is to practice. We are working with all ability and experience levels, and will push you, but not beyond what you are capable of right now. Come out and give us a try!

2- Due to the holiday, we will not be holding practice on Friday. Instead, try to run in one of the many road races around the state this weekend. Provo's Freedom festival 5K is a great race if you are around. The website is http://www.freedomfestival.org/public/event_details/25

3- There is an additional road race that I just found out about next Saturday, July 12th. It benefits the Best Buddies of Utah. It will start at Mountain View High School at 8:00 am. I will have registration forms at practice for those interested. This race is inexpensive and goes to a great cause.

4- Starting next Thursday (July 10th), we will meet at 7:00 pm on Thursday nights for a team run. We will try each week to go to different locations around the valley. Some places we are looking at going are: Stewart Falls, the Provo Canyon Parkway, Hobble Creek Canyon, The Hot Pots, Payson Lakes, Red Lake, etc. PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO BE IN ATTENDANCE!!! If you have access to a car, please try to drive on Thursday nights, so we can carpool. These Thursday night runs are always a GREAT time, so please attend. Again, we will start on July 10th.

5- For those of you who were unable to attend the meeting last week, I will get you the necessary paperwork at practice.

6- We are in the process of organizing a Salem Hills Cross Country Parents' Booster Club. If your parents would be interested in joining this parent group, have them email me their name, phone #, address, email address, etc. Keri Minson has agreed to be our Booster Club President, and is looking for help.