Foss Running Camp Tribute (Kevin Maloney)

Dear Kevin Maloney,

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the wisdom and advice you've shared that has transformed my life. Your words have not only inspired me but also others around me. Over the past nine years, Foss Running Camp has brought me the magic of true beauty, and I'm incredibly fortunate to have crossed paths with exceptional mentors like George Rose, Michael Clark, Artie Demers, and Rick Kates.

Witnessing the excellence of individuals like Aaron Ladd, James Fletcher, Rebecca Trachsel, Dennis Sheppard, Perry Pappas, and Erin Dromgoole has been invaluable. Moreover, the impact Foss Running Camp has had on my student athletes at 242 Willey Pond Road, Strafford NH, has left an indelible mark on the city of Boston. I acknowledge that I'm not perfect, and if my actions have offended anyone, I extend my sincere apologies. You understand my passion lies with the kids and the sport that shaped me into the person I am today.

I deeply appreciate your belief in me and the motivation you've provided. Your words in 2017 about my potential to rejuvenate the city carry immense weight, and I'm committed to that endeavor. With your support and that of the running community, I am resolute in making Boston, Massachusetts, the global epicenter of running.

Thank you once again for everything.

Dreams are Tangible Goals

Foss Family Orphan LOL that did his way

#TheSonOfFranklinPark
#GrandsonOfMonetusJeanLouis
#DreamsAreTangibleGoals
#WeAreLive
#Year9
#AdversityBecomesDestiny

1st Run of 2021 | Gotta date with Destiny

Soundtrack of the Day: Find Ya Wealth

At this stage of my life, I am still a competitor, but running is a place I find solitude. Plus I am looking forward to spending time with my family. If you get a chance you can follow my journey on Strava, I am usually on Instagram. I have neglected this audience., regardless the year may change, the weather may change the but the mantra stays the same: Dreams Are Tangible Goals

Wow so much has happened since I last posted on my Blog, since the last time I actually held a DATG podcast. I have some real exciting news. First and foremost I have joined the Parenthood Club, I am an official Member of the Good Dad Gang, when my wife (Petruvna) and I had a our first child on September 20, 2020. Bare with me as I attempt to Back to track. What’s is key is what’s special that’s about to take place in the next 76 Days.

First run of 2021. I did a 6 min warmup from my house to the Franklin Park Playstead. Ran a Mile, then did another 6 min cool down.

18 Days to Foss

25 Days to the Start of the XC Season

75 Days to _________

Sneakers: Clifton 7

Questions to my Former Self w/ Aaron Lucci @peachylucci

The running community its deep. We feel connected to strangers from the mere word of “PR”. The connection between runners goes beyond the confines of gender and class. I am very fortunate in my journey to have met some beautiful souls, amazing people along the way. In the tradition of paying it forward, i wanted to continue the Questions to my former self series. Today we catch up with Aaron Lucci. For the last few summers my main man, Coach Perry Pappas of Wakefield HS XCTF here in Mass, always talked highly about the kids who were amazing runners, leaders and teammates. Lucci was one of those kids, who is now a college graduate.

I was fortunate this past summer Year 5 for me but first time attending week one at Foss Running Camp this is where I got to see and experience the legend of Lucci

Question to my Former Self with Aaron Lucci:

Social Media

Instagram: peachylucci

Twitter: @Green_Lucci

Facebook: Aaron Lucci

First & Last name: Aaron Green Lucci

Age: 23

HS Graduated & year graduated: Wakefield Memorial High School 2014

College & Year of Graduation: The University of Vermont 2018

Running Club: Battle Road Track Club

Events:

PR’s 8kxc 25:04 3k 8:30 mile 4:11 1500 3:51

DATG: Who are your biggest influences in your life and why ?

Aaron Lucci: My two biggest personal influences are defiantly my parents Pam & Rob. My mother ran at Wakefield High school (with coach Deke and Duff) and still runs now, completing her first half marathon this past year(2019). Her parents both started running during the jogging boom of the 1970s, and ran into there late 60s. My grandfather completed his first marathon in the 1980s and my grandmother completed her first half marathon a few years ago 2008 when she was 67 . From day one I have been so fortunate to have overwhelming support from them. My dad did not play any sports in High School (also Wakefield High School) but began running in his late 40s as my sister and I became involved in the sport. My father has had a much bigger influence on my musical tastes. Giving me all of his records, and buying me my first iPod in 2008 (which I still have). He first introduced me to Jazz, The Grateful Dead, and Jimi Hendrix. I still remember him pulling out Jimi's "Electric Lady Land" Album when I was in 5th grade. Later when I was starting to play bass in school Jazz band he gave me Herbie Hancock's "Headhunters" album, and Charles Mingus's "Mingus 5x" album. Both parents have given me the tools and inspiration to become the runner and musician I am today.

DATG: Who do you listen to or what artists gets you in the zone before competition or do you have different warm up routine ?

Aaron Lucci: I typically do listen to music on the way to competition, but as soon as I am out of the bus or car my ears are out of the headphones. In high school and college I would always try to be a good team member and not isolate myself in a meet setting. I remember Mike Rutt (current UML coaching staff) talking about how he used to do his drills listening to music, but stopped at some point and found he was more relaxed and raced better. I have continued to try to be in the moment in the hours before competition. However on the way to the Battle Road Workout tonight I hope to listen to Mac Demarco.

DATG: if you have a chance to go for a run with anyone in the world who would it be and why ?

Aaron Lucci: I would go for a run with my old roommate Pat Coppinger (Lowell, UVM) because he has the most interesting stories.

DATG: What inspired you to start Vlogging ? What’s the url address (I will Hyperlink it)

Aaron Lucci: I was inspired to start Vlogging after watching Bri Ilarda's VLOG about training and her day to day life. I have always loved taking pictures and this feels like a natural extension of that.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPMFDT3NJ7G80FfLCnYccCw?view_as=subscriber

DATG: what’s your go to cereal ?

Aaron Lucci: Cheerios

DATG: What was it liked being Coached by Coach Perry Pappas ?

Aaron Lucci: I got to see Pap turn the program around. He was an assistant until my junior year at which point he became the head cross country couch. I can still remember him explaining what the difference between an aerobic and anaerobic run to us, using a white board as we sat on the outdoor track. I always felt like he could explain why we were doing the workouts he gave us, and he was always learning something new. I had complete trust in him as a coach, and I think that is one of the most important things an athlete can have.

DATG: what advice or experience would you like to share to the future Freshmen who will be entering Wakefield High School and they are interested in running?

Aaron Lucci: I almost played soccer the fall of my freshman year, and making the decision to run cross country was the best decision I have ever made.. Ill say it again running Cross Country was the single best decision I have ever made. My advise , Don't Quit.

DATG: When & Where did you run your personal Best in your most memorable race

Aaron Lucci: A race I will never forget is the America East DMR Indoor 2018. I ran the 1600 leg smart and we finished 2nd. Awesome race, and the only conference medal I got with a relay team in College.

DATG: When did you first started running competively?

Aaron Lucci: I won the middle school mile in 8th grade. That's the first race I can remember being excited leading up to it, hurting during, and feeling exhilarated after.

DATG: Where do yourself in five years ?

Aaron Lucci: In five years I hope to have lowered all of my college PRs. Everything else is out of focus, but I will probably still live in or around Boston, and call my grandparents on Sundays.

DATG: Why do you keep coming back to Foss Running Camp ?

Aaron Lucci: Foss is the first place I met a group of adults who all ran in college and put running first in there day-to-day. Not to mention all the friends from different towns I made in High school who became role models and future teammates. I keep coming back because I know I can pass on that focus and hopefully inspire some high-school kids to run in College. On a selfish level, its the best week of training I get all year.

DATG: why are you still running as a Post Grad ?

Aaron Lucci: The desire to improve my PRs, a love of racing, and a love for training. The first two I have had since day one, running the mile in middle school gym class. Its only been in the past four years I have slowly come to realize just how good it feels to be in great shape and to strive for that feeling. Once you are in love with the process there's no turning back.

DATG: Why battle Road Club

Aaron Lucci: After College I reached out to a few clubs in Boston and Battle Road was the first club to get back to me. Now that I know more about the other clubs around Boston I am glad I am here, because there are no hobby joggers on the team. There is a diversity in ability, but all the people on the team seem to be focused on running. It is also great to now train with a bunch of guys from America East I used to race. (and who used to beat me) I also like that we are underdogs and not too big. USATF Club Nats is next week in PA! (dec14)

Great Questions, I can't wait to hear from other athletes and coaches!!

Best

Lexington Captures Both Middlesex League XC Titles via Bay State Running

The setting is the Woburn Country Club. The weather is perfect for cross country racing, and the course features its own unique intricacies: rolling hills, tight turns, and deceiving straightaways. If an athlete is going to make a decisive move, it better be a tactical one.

This was my first time attending the Middlesex League Championship, and I was looking forward to seeing some of my peers, who just happen to be a collection of some of the best coaches in the state. New Hall of Famer Matt Carr of Burlington, the legend Bill Babcock of Lexington and my Foss Family of Coach Perry Pappas of Wakefield and Meet Director/Head Woburn Coach James Fletcher.

As I approach the starting line, I start to see some familiar faces: Rick Kates (the man of many hats) - Executive Director of the MSTCA, Coach of Notre Dame Academy (Hingham) and member of the Foss Running Camp Family. Head Coach of Boston Latin, Michael Meagher, served as the head referee of the meet, and never fails to start his conversation with me, "What's up big guy?" I feel this is a common phrase heard by many coaches in Massachusetts. However, I also think Coach Meagher wanted to get another look at the Lexington Girls as his BLS girls will battle against them on November 9th for the Emass Divisional 1 Title. We are officially in the postseason! Coaches and runners are waiting for results and gearing up for their respective Divisional meets, almost like its Christmas.

The girls race had many storylines that I was eager to see. How does the Winchester duo of Lizzy Reynolds and Ella Aldrich compare to the Lexington pack of Dana Ofek, Mirra Payson, and Pauline Steines. Melrose's senior duo of Alex Cotugno and Katie Duffy, and the talented freshman from Arlington Simone Harrison all seem to be in the mix for individuals. And, despite a fairly down year, don’t count out any of the hometown Tanners.

Working my way to the starting line, I was enjoying the meanest chocolate chip cookie I’ve had in a long time, complemented by a small hot chocolate. Salute to arguably the best concession stand this Championship Weekend, as the Woburn Boosters/Families had the spread to die for. I am content, and now looking at the athletes getting in their last strides. The official’s voice echoes, "2 more minutes" across the first fairway. At this stage different teams are having group huddles, and I’m seeing several packs of girls leaning in a circle, quiet and composed. I believe the team component will be the theme of today’s race.

As the gun goes off, Winchester’s Lizzy Reynolds established the lead from the start, Lexington’s top 5 immediately tuck in to a tight pack, and mixed in with them were the Melrose and Woburn girls. It is truly commendable to see a runner take it from the gun, pace a race for well over two miles, but Reynolds could only hold on for 4,995 meters. Lexington’s Danna Ofek closed hard in the last 1000m, and caught Reynolds at the line, defending her Middlesex League Championship with a photo finish ending. Ofek registered a time of 19:25, Reynolds finished in 19:26.57, and the stellar frosh Payson from Lexington finished third with a 19:26.98. The Lexington girls team cruised easily to win the The Bill O’Connor Girl's Race, and are set up well for the Divisional Meet November 9th.

Before the John DiComandrea Boy's Varsity Race, I made another stop at the concession stand, this time for some delicious white chocolate chip macadamia cookies. However, I knew the real treat was coming up next. Many of the student athletes competing in the Boy's Varsity race are athlete's that I have developed a rapport with over the last four years, whether it be from Foss Running Camp or Bay State Running. As much as I wanted to enjoy a good competitive race, I had some unanswered questions. One of the biggest was figuring out just how healthy Lexington junior Nick Porter is. We have a lot of kids that could win today, starting with Lexington's seniors Micah Benson and Adam Bernstein, Junior James Johnson from Burlington, the senior duo from Wakefield Matt Roberto and Tanner Jellison, and Woburn's own Alex Cravens. There were a lot of athletes in the mix for the individual title.

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With last years featured talents like Ryan Oosting and Rishab Parkash gone, this left the door open for a potential upset, and Coach Babcock even opined, "Any kid could win today". From the start of the race Matt Roberto from Wakefield dictated the pace with Micah Benson from Lexington and Alex Cravens from Woburn, bringing the crowded group through the mile in about 4:58. The golf course had it's twist and turns, and fittingly, so did the race. After the mile, the lead pack started paying a little for the early pace, and new faces emerged from the crowd. Stephen Carvalho from Belmont, followed by Bernstein from Lexington and Johnson from Burlington. In the end, Carvalho held on to win the individual title in close with a time of 16:09, ahead of Adam Bernstein with a time of 16:10 and James Johnson with a time of 16:11. Wakefield's Tanner Jellison had the kick of the day, as he was sitting in ninth or tenth but blasted the last 200 meters to earn fourth overall in 16:25. The Lexington Boys easily won the team title scoring 36 points and placing 2-6-8-9-11.

In conclusion, thanks to Coach Fletcher for the invite. I believe the late, great Coach O'Connor would be proud of how he conducts the meet year in and year out. Nerveless, The Lexington program looked solid in all races and will be competing respectively for a Division I title in both genders. I especially loved the story of Stephen Carvalho, the underdog, who beat the favorites and who will make his bid as an All-State qualifier along with Alex Cravens and the rest of the Woburn team in the Division 2 meet. The talented team from Wilmington measured their efforts today and feel they match up well against Newburyport in the Division 5 meet. Lastly, Wakefield’s Roberto and Jellison will be amongst the top runners in Division 3.

Personally, I cannot wait for November 9th!

Dreams Are Tangible Goals

Coach H

A Glimpse of the MLK Dream

Worldwide people celebrating the life of the Reverend Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. An apostle of peace, whose actions, whose testimony changed how the world views race relations. Your social media timelines should be flooded with meme's of Dr.King or images of the beloved civil rights leader. 

Today i am reflecting on how Dr.King's teaching and philosophies have impacted my life and hopefully the people around me.  On August 28, 1963 the famous speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and freedom. Dr King spoke to the audience and said " I have a dream that my four little children (well) will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character". via I have dream Address  King Institute Standford University. 

I personally I am taken by the specific words from the speech " One day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. Sports is a powerful tool which transcends boundaries from age, gender, culture, unites people from all walks of life. I am very fortunate that I am in the world of running/track & field. I believe that serving as the BPS(Boston Public Schools) City Wide Head XC Coach, I have been put in a position to continue the legacy and the platform that I get to utilize is the sport of running one of the venues I use is Foss Running Camp. 

Salute to the staff of Foss Running Camp, first and foremost to founder  Coach Kevin Maloney, Head Coach of Notre Dame Academy in Hingham Rick Kates, Legendary Hall of Fame Coach George Rose & Coach Dennis Sheppard of Marshfield Boys & Girls Track & Field. Foss is a special place located in Strafford New Hampshire, the longest running XC camp in the New England Area. Over the last four years i have been honored to bring the BPSXC team, by attending Foss my student athlete's and myself have established a lifetime of memories and friendship to cherish.  For a week student athlete’s seeking to get a better perspective on their upcoming XC Season, but while we are away from our respective communities, the purpose of bettering ourselves is the reason why we come together. I preach that competition has no color, humility isn’t prejudice neither is the notion to have respect for you common man. By the end of the week I tend to have bittersweet emotions, the rural areas provide peace of mind as well as an opportunity to train. Walking around Camp grounds not worried about being racially profile, if anything I am engaged in conversations with campers and faculty.

After reflecting on the pictures and reminiscing on the times, I am taking by surprise how much ground these two programs have conquered in terms of race relations. Single Parent household isn’t unique to the urban areas. I have learned that kids will be kids no matter the median income of the neighborhoods or the, educational level of the parents. I am confident that I have been exposed to students from all walks of life courtesy to the beloved of Sport of Running, which allows me to get a glimpse into what King’s Dream looked like.

Q&A with NH Legend XC Coach Art Demers

Entering my fourth season as BPS XC Head Coach I am fortunate that I have an opportunity to pick the brains of some of the best coaches in the region, I am very fortunate for them to share their wisdom, experiences and stories. Today I got to pick the brains of Coach Art Demers New Hampshire Hall of Fame Legend

DATG: Coach when did you start running ?

Art Demers: I started running in 1973 when I was a freshman in high school. I was walking home from school on the first day of the school year and I saw a group of kids running past me. I turned around and headed back to the high school and saw this man standing in front of the school with a clipboard and a stop watch. I asked him if he was associated with the group that was running. He said, "yes". I asked him if I could join the team. The next afternoon I showed with my black hitop basketball sneakers and I was on the cross country team. One week later still wearing my black hitop basketball sneakers won my first race and the team won the first varsity win in all sports at Pelham (NH) High School. I was hooked. It did take me three meets legendary NH Cross Country Coach Larry Martin saw me in a race and told my coach to have me buy running shoes! 

DATG: How many years have you been involved in the running community including your running and coaching years ?

Art Demers: I ran 4 years of cross country at Pelham at Pelham HS. Pelham did not have indoor or outdoor track. I was able to run indoors my senior year.

I then went to Plymouth University for two years. They dropped the indoor and outdoor programs in my sophomore year. So I transferred to UMASS Lowell my Junior year. I wish I had gone there from the start. I am not sure why I did not. The coach there, George Davis assumed I was coming my freshman year. I loved UMass Lowell, the academics, the athletics, and social atmosphere.

I developed as a runner at UMass Lowell. I spent three years at Lowell. I graduated with a double major of economics/political science. My coach suggested that I should become a teacher and a coach at all places Nashua High School!. I said I had other plans, my father and coach thought I was insane when I announced that I planned on joining the Peace Corps.

I joined the Peace Corps and served my two years in the Marshall Islands, but I surprised everyone and extended for another year and a half. I met my wife at the going away party and I extended my original two years.

When my three and a half years were over. Jane and I moved back to the United States in 1987. We both went back to school and both earned teaching degrees. During that time, I became the UMass Lowell assistant cross country/track coach for two years. I also became the Greater Lowell Road Runners assistant for the next seven years.

In 1995, I was going for my second master's degree and I ran into a man who asked me if I had some time to work with his son. I talked with his HS coach at my Alma Marta if he needed my assistance. He was new to coaching and welcomed my assistance. I worked with his team that fall and they showed some success. We were able to get indoor and outdoor track that year. At the end of the first indoor season the coach left the school district and the program fell on my lap.

DATG: How many team titles in NH do you have ? 

Art Demers: I won seven Class M/S titles at Pelham HS. The Pelham Boys and Girls won the first State titles in Pelham High School History in any sports. They also had 4 runner-up titles. They also had many individual state champs in cross country as well as track.considering I was not teaching and I was working a job where I got out at 4:30 pm.

I left Pelham in 2001 when I got a job teaching at Nashua High School. I coached at cross town rival Bishop Guertin HS in 2003. We tied for second at the NHIAA Division One meet, but our sixth runner was a few places behind the eventual second place team. This is a great reminder, how important your sixth and seventh runner can be. A former runner of mine at Pelham HS took over the BG program when I was offered the Head Cross Country program at Nashua South program. I coached a team that was now divided. Nashua High became Nashua South and Nashua North. 

We went from a dwindled team to Division One Champions in 2008. I am very proud of that team. It was the first team at Nashua High South to win a Division One Championships since the split and the first Boy's Cross Country Championship in the city since 1984. More impressive was I had the five fastest boys in Division One ever to run on the Derryfield course in NH. Two of the boys were 25 minute 5k runners when they were freshman and sophomores. Never give up on a kid.

DATG: How many schools have you coached at ?

Art Demers: Pelham, Bishop Guertan HS, Nashua South High School, and Alvirne HS. Plus Nashua PAL (USATF)

DATG: What kind of attributes and intangibles where you looking for in your captains ?

Art Demers: A love for the sport is one I feel is important. Another who has questions about the sport and my coaching, and understands his teammates ups and downs. I feel a good captain can listen and speak for his teammates. As a coach I do want to know about the lives of every athlete I coach. How is school going? Social life? Family life? Do they have any injuries they are hiding? I do not want a snitch, but extra eyes and ears that benefit the athletes and myself. Sometimes an athlete will tell me direct, or I over heard it when I ran with them but a good captain also keeps a coach informed of any problems an athlete is having on and off the team.

DATG: To build a successful program what does it take ? 

Art Demers: Enthusiasm and getting athletes to believe. I remember a kid at Pelham saying to me, "We're from Pelham, we do not win anything."  The next year we placed second in the division championships losing by 2 pts and then the next year we won. This same kid went on to a very successful collegiate career and then became a phenomenal coach and his team went on to win NH State Championships.

Getting kids to believe that they can. I have kids who told me that they were going to win state championships and I am thinking what planet are you from? And they went out and did it. I had one girl who never won a race in her life, win the Division Three Cross Country title and ran so hard, she did not even remember it.

You have to believe in yourself, your coach, and your team to achieve your goals. I have so many memories of kids believing in themselves and teammates.

I also remember the fun they had. Spaghetti dinners, mini golf, hanging out and building wonderful friendships. Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors all taken care of each other.

DATG: Does Sports and politics coincide ?

Art Demers: Yes, sport and politics coincide. Good coaches have to stand up for their teams. The cross country and track teams are on the same level as all other programs in the school. Some schools put cross country on a lower level than other sports. The coaching staff as well as student athletes, and their families have got to make their sport an equal program in their school and community.

While coaching at Pelham, the student athletes and families pushed the school district and community to build a track complex and sure enough the town and a generous donation from an incredible man's donation built the Harris Family Track.

And at Alvirne HS, the student athletes and their families led the effort to resurface and renovate the Hudson HS Track two years ago.

DATG: How was your experience in the Peace Corps ?

Art Demers: Loved every minute of it. For the first two years I spent two years on the island of Lib. Marshall Islands. No electricity, running water, no radio communication with the outside world. The boat came every five months with the mail. I did little running on this island. It was only one third square mile. I ran but not as much as I would like.

At the going away party, I met my future wife and stayed in the Peace Corps for another year and a half.  I taught school and also worked on developing a local government on the outer island. In my third year I taught a few classes at the Community College of Micronesia. I also worked with the Marshall Islands Department of Interior  and Outer Island Affairs, working on a handbook for running local governments. 

I always wanted to give back to the country and in the early eighties the military was not hiring or at least not in the areas I was interested in.

DATG: What was the feeling to see your son Phil grow as a rising runner ?

Art Demers: When Phil was three I knew we had to get Phil involved in sports. He had so much energy and needed something to do. We enrolled him in gymnastics. From three years old till eighth grade he was a gymnast. He loved it. He would train three hours a day three days a week. He would then compete on weekends. One day on the way home from the Eastern Gymnastics Championships, Phil told me he decided not to do gymnastics anymore. I told him that was fine, but he needed to find another activity to get involved in. I said physical activity, not playing video games. He said, I think I will try running. I really have to thank all the people I coached through the years as well as the people from Camp Foss. Phil has gone there since he was three or four. Walking Mr. Maloney's dog, listening to guest speakers, staying in cabins with or without me in there. He has seen people who love the sport.

I am proud of Phil's accomplishments on and off the course and track. He is now running for UMass Lowell where I ran. He is having a blast running and studying Public Health. 

He is also a NH certified official. I think he is the youngest in the organization. He also understands the sport. He is an integral part of setting up the NHIAA Meet of Champions each year at Nashua South High School. He and I have been setting up the course since he was in junior high. We know every landmark in the Nashua South course. If he decided to become a Coach or teacher I think he would be great. Whatever he does, he will do well.

DATG: What does the future behold for the legend ?

Art Demers: Hmm that is a tough question. I still have one or two bad days a week. I wish I knew when they were going to occur. For your readers, I had T-10 tumor that left me with parapalegia in 2012, I cannot walk without hand canes or a walker. I use a wheelchair for most of my day. Since the removal of the tumor I have had a stroke, a blood transfusion, spinal menengitis and continuing bouts of UTI'S.

I had to retire as a coach and teacher, but as soon as I can get healthy I would love to return to full time coaching and possibly teaching.

I will stay involved with the NHIAA Cross Country Committee as well as putting on the NHIAA Meet of Champions as well as the Battle of the Border.

I will continue officiating for the New Hampshire Track and Field Officials

@FossRunningCamp Week 2 (August 19th-26th) Review

#FossFamily Sports is a powerful tool no matter your residence your school district your gender and most important complexion of your skin. Competition doesn’t have a color. Proud of these boys the respect for our common man is the motto.

Entering my Third year as Staff at Foss Running Camp, it came a perfect time. The everyday hustle of city life can wear one’s soul and body, occupying my mind with other people’s stresses. I couldn’t wait to get to Strafford New Hampshire. Fortunately I was placed in the Zelander Cabin with the boys team of North Attleboro and Cohasset respectively. Nevertheless I am familiar with the North Attleboro XC, kept in contact over the last year since camp with several members so I knew this week would be a smooth week.

Every year when I attend camp, I pick the brains of the guest speakers and the coaches who are there who I wouldn’t usually have the opportunity to do so. Besides close mentors in Coach Kevin Maloney, Rick Kates & George Rose. I was fortunate to speak with Coach Phil Maia and Art Demers, in my opinion two of the best the New England Region has seen in the last two decades. My father once told me to be sponge, and soak up the wisdom, knowledge and experiences. I have learned valuable lessons, most of the top notch coaches had some hurdle to conquer on the way to a successful season and careers. Most important lesson taught this year is learning how to prioritize the Wife and balance out coaching and personal life.

Write here…

Special Salute to Caroline Johannes from Hingham HS Camper of the Week #HuntingSeason

Man oh man recovery after runs !

Q&A with @Coachladd #FearTheFlannel #HollistonTFXC #GiddyUp

I am a very fortunate in my short coaching career of 5 years that I have met some of the best an amazing individuals that keep the sport of running alive and vibrant here in Massachusetts. 3 years ago I started my position at the Head Coach of the BPS(Boston Public Schools) City Wide team. My first experience meeting Coach Aaron Ladd was an intimidating one from a distance, honesty is the best policy, he was coaching at the time with Lexington Boys XC team a perennial program here in Massachusetts. Before I even got to shake the man's hand I just saw a School Flagged being waved vigorously side to side before the Emass Divisional meet in 2015, I was amazed. I had never seen a XC program with so much school spirit and at the helm of the charge was this man with sun glasses on. My first time as a HC at Emass Divisional 1 XC meet here in 2015 I thought I was a football game the intensity was unmatched. 

Moving forward I got to interact with Coach Ladd over the last three years, from his enrollment to organizing the High School segment for the New Balance Grand Prix here in Boston Massachusetts, to his involvement as Cabin Coach for Foss Running Camp. Now as the head coach of Holliston High School XC & Track Field programs, I am even more proud that I i consider Coach Ladd a friend. Aaron is a class act, one of thee most humble, genuine individuals I have ever met. I was more amazed by Coach Ladd when I attend his house warming this past fall in Ashland, Mass, where he showed me how many races he has ran nation wide and his collection of medals. Coach Aaron Ladd a man of many milestones and achievements in his personal and professional career with a dynamite spouse in Katrina. I wanted to pick the brain of my peer especially after being a Guiding eyes for Blind Boston Marathon runner Thomas Panek. Please check out the article on the NY TIMES, A Blind Runner and his guide dog

DATG: Coach Ladd first and foremost it's truly a pleasure of mine conducting this Q&A, you mean so much to the sport of running here in Massachusetts. When did you fall in love with the sport of running ? How old where you ?

Coach Ladd: My older brother ran Cross Country & Track in high school and is 8 years older than I am, so probably by age 6 I starting Hershey track meets and trying to catch my brother. That's for the activity of running, as a kid the sports of Baseball, Basketball, a little soccer were my real interests. As i've gotten older my interest in Baseball has waned (5 hours for a game?), but I still enjoy watching local teams in hockey, football, basketball. The "sport" or running is a little tougher to describe. To be honest, the sport of running is struggling, as not many people like watch others run. What they, and myself do love is the community of running. Being on a team, building a program, cheering on neighbors and friends at road races, that's really where the love of running has come forward for me. The community of running, is unmatched by any other sport with good people, energetic events and camaraderie, but the sport of running still needs work.

DATG: Lexington is a perennial program here in Massachusetts, Who was your coach ? What was your experience running in the Middlesex League in High School ? What where your events and personal records ? 

Jeff Glew was my high school cross country coach, and Bill Babcock my track coach at Lexington.  I was a perennial improving JV kid to be honest. By senior year I was able to be 5-7th man on league champion cross country team, and ran 4:51 mile scoring some varsity points in track. My best memories of high school track were competitive dual meets with league rivals like Woburn and Reading, where we focused on racing rather than running times. There were some great battles and I remember focusing on giving a 100% effort not on my times, that was the best part of high school track.

DATG:  Where did you attend undergrad ? Did you run in College and if so what events as well as personal records ? 

I went to St. Lawrence University, D3 school in northern NY. Again I was constantly improving from being a back of the pack freshmen walk on to top 3-5 runner my senior year in XC. I never really put together a great track season to be honest, but was proud to run 4:14 for 1500m and 9:20 for 3000m both in the same league meet my sophomore year to help score team points for a conference championship. In XC I ran 26:45 for 8K and was a 1st team league all-star which I am proud of for my senior year.

DATG: What was the most difficult moment in your running career and how did you overcome adversity ?

I can't think of the most difficult moment, sometimes it was just a period of time where lack of motivation has crept in. Changing routines, signing up for a race or getting back to running with others can help with that. I've always just thought of it as a chance to grind it out when you struggle, and realize it takes work. 

DATG: How many races have you ran post undergrad ? Which was the toughest course ? Which was your favorite scenic ?

Too many to count, 100+? Toughest course is subjective, but a marathon along the course of NJ had the toughest conditions 40-50mph head wind the entire way. It wasn't as wet as the Boston Marathon this past weekend, but wind was almost comical at some points, I stopped and sat down at one point to get out of the wind and wait for it to calm down. That day was all about finishing. Most scenic race was definitely the Missoula Marathon in Montana. Starting next to a cattle ranch, with sun rising over 10,000' snow capped mountains, running down a country road, with whitewater river nearby. I've been blessed to have done some amazing races around the country.

DATG: How critical is support from your spouse as a Coach/Runner ?

It helps that she ran high school XC and track and "gets it". She likes running and appreciates the time sacrifices needed to be successful. She's a great cheerleader and has come and supported teams I've coached, a little to the surprise of the kids, but is so important for us to share together.

DATG: What's your diet look like nowadays ? Do you have a cheat day if so ? What's your go to dish ? 

Maybe not as good as it should be, but I try to follow a "triangle" diet for most meals. One protein, one vegetable and one grain/carb. Eat a balanced diet, avoid fried food and keep it simple. I try to know the ingredients in what I eat. Go to dish is definitely pasta. 

DATG:  What's the next race on schedule ? Are you traveling out the country to run anywhere anytime soon ?

I've only ever raced in Canada so no out of the country racing, but this weekend 4/21 i'm off to Olathe Kansas to run the Garmin Marathon, state #25 in my goal to run one in all 50 states. After that it's some short sprint triathlons in June in Massachusetts, a trail marathon in upper peninsula of Michigan in July and then Chicago in October, the real goal race for the year. 

DATG:  How did you meet Thomas Panek ? What that experience serving as guiding eye in the Boston Marathon of 2018 ?

I met Tom, about 30 minutes before the start of the race. Brooks (who i'm a member of their coaching community) was looking for a guide for the 1st half of the race, and living 3 miles from the start line made it easy to coordinate. My parents have raised guiding eyes for the blind puppies for 20+ years and Tom is the CEO of that organization so it seemed like a great connection. I was happy to do it. The experience was memorable to say the least. Tom and I were quickly able to bond and learn the procedures for guiding during the traffic of other runners during the race, there is a lot of mutual trust that is built instantly when I realize i'm responsible for his safety and he needs to trust my vision. Tom summed it up best after the race via text "If a blind man can run a marathon through this weather, make sure to not accept any excuses from your high school runners"

DATG: What does the Future behold of Aaron Ladd ? 

Other than upcoming races and travel, just work and coaching. Excited to go into year #2 of XC at Holliston. It has been an adjustment leaving my alma mater of Lexington where I coached for 7 years to start coaching at a smaller town where I knew nothing about the community, but have started to build new traditions (Fear the Flannel). Being a 10 minute drive from home though really helps with the balance of work and coaching though. #GiddyUp