Frank Kelley Invitational 2019 @BpsXc_

Frank Kelley(FK) Invitational in Massachusetts serves as the middle of the season. FK Invite is a race where you can test your fitness, measure yourself against some tough competition. First race of the day was the Boys Middle School Race. 8th Grader Brandon Douglas has been working extremely hard and diligently, today we had a game plan to medal. Brandon in his first 3k placed 22nd overall running a time 12:44.14. Top 25 finishers in each race Medal at FK. Brandon set the tone for the remainder of his peers to have a good day.

​Boys 3k Middle School Results

Next race on deck would be the Boys Div 1 (9-10) Grade 3k. Last year Max Barcan as an 8th grader ran 13:19, this year Max came back smashed his previous best with a time of 12:06 placing 108th out of 369 runners in the race.

Div 1 3k (9-10) Boys Results

Boys & Girls Championship race would be featuring some of the top teams and individuals. The Boy's Varsity would be tested and for the most part we just missed out, the goal was to be Top 10 team with a bonus finishing in the top 5 we finished 11th overall. The tone was set with Adnan, Joshua, Johan sitting in the top 25-30 over the first mile. The same trio moved tactfully to both running personal best on the course .

Joshua Joseph 17:07 finished 17th
Adnan Abdi Rahman 17:08 finished 18th
Johan Sepulveda 17:34 finished 33rd
Ezra Tuab 18:49 finished 91
Cristian Novelle-Ruddy 20:19 finished 133rd

Boys Varsity Results

Seniors Luker Harrington & Pierre Kotell both run and finished their first respective 3k

Luke Harrington 12:34 finished 87 out of 166 runners
Pierre Kotell 13:18 finished 132 out of 166 runners

​Div 11-12 3k Results

In conclusion good day overall for the program we have much more to do..

Questions to my former Self w/ Catarina Rocha @catrocha11 #PeabodyFinest # ProvidenceFriar

As a coach we are educators and I find myself seeking and looking for stories of inspiration to share with the youth. What’s not better but sharing a story of Catarina Rocha from Peabody. The Rocha family has been a household name in the sport of running for over three decades especially in the New England Area. How many State Championships has this family produce ? For now we are entering All State Weekend Here in Mass, why not a Q/A with a winner Cat Rocha, i believe many can learn from her and her journey.

DATG: When you were younger you played soccer & basketball ? What positions in each respective sports you played and how did that assist you in your running career ?

Cat Rocha: Yes, I played a lot of different sports when I was younger. I was a really energetic kid so any sport that allowed me to move really interested me. My main sports that a played for many years were soccer and basketball. I started playing soccer when I was five years old until I was a sophomore in high school. My main position was midfield and on rare occasions I played goalie. I also began playing basketball at a young age (elementary school) until I was in eighth grade. Because I was so short, I played point guard. Being a midfielder and point guard both involve a great deal of running which assisted me in finding what I really love to do…RUN! I never would have found my passion unless I played those sports. Playing those sports not only helped me discover my passion but also be competitive and be a member of a team. Even though running is more of an individual sport there is nothing like going out and crushing a workout with your teammates, who also are some of your best friends. There is no better feeling than working together in order to achieve a collective goal. Playing team sports instilled this feeling in me and I am grateful. Some of my best memories in my life thus far have been with my high school and college teammates.

Side Note: I also played flag-football and honestly was one of my favorite childhood sports. I made an all-women’s team in middle school and we made it to the national tournament in Florida.

DATG: I notice you like music, is there a particular genre's is your favorite ?

Cat Rocha: I enjoy all music genres. Depends on the day what I feel like listening too. I listen to anything from country to pop to Indie!

DATG: Is there a pre-race routine that you do to get in your zone ? 

Cat Rocha: The morning of the race I try to stay relaxed and stay positive. I usually get nervous but that is natural for everyone. Once I get to the course, I throw in my music in and try to visualize the race. I try to visualize how I am going to run my own race and think about all the work I have put in to get here.

DATG: Why Providence for undergrad ? 

Cat Rocha: I chose Providence for undergrad because of the great academics and athletics. Providence’s rigorous liberal arts academics is what I was looking for in a small city school. They also have one of the best Elementary/Special Education Degrees around which is what I wanted to pursue. When you walk onto campus you can just feel that there is so much support from all Academic Departments, faculty, staff. The athletics was also a major factor in my decision to become a Providence Friar. Providence has a great athletic reputation, not just in cross-country/track but all sports. Being part of one of the strongest conferences (BIG EAST) in the country and having many sports nationally ranked drew me in. I wanted to be part of an institution that valued, supported, and took pride in their student-athletes not only in sport but in life. What sold me was the coaching staff and teammates on both the men’s and women’s cross-country/track team. They were all very welcoming and all were trying to achieve the same goal, which is what I really wanted. I chose to be a Friar because of the longstanding reputation of the program and my desire to continue running to the best of my ability. I trusted Ray and knew he was the best coach for me and would help me work towards my goals athletically and academically. Immediately after my official visit, I knew Providence was special and I wanted to be part of the Friar Family.

DATG: What was it like growing in Peabody with your Uncle & Father, at the helm of the Cross Country & Track & Field teams ? 

Cat Rocha: Growing up I knew my Father was the track coach and had great success as an individual athlete as well as a coach. Even though I knew this growing up I did not really realize the impact my father had on the programs and more importantly his athletes. My father had a major impact on the Peabody High XC and Track programs. He has coached multiple individual State Champions, HS All-Americans and won State Team Titles. He has helped student-athletes achieve their athletic goals, continue running in college at all Divisions, and even becoming Professional runners. More importantly my father had a major impact on the athletes themselves. He knew running came second to the well-being of his athletes. He cared for each of his athletes like they were one of his own. I did not get treated any differently in high school than any one of my teammates. My dad made everyone feel as though they belonged and that they brought something special to the team. Growing up and hearing that my dad has touched the lives of so many athletes was not a bad way to grow up. Knowing that the Peabody community respected him for not only his coaching abilities, but also character was something to admire.

DATG: Favorite pre & post race meal ? 

Cat Rocha: My favorite pre-race meal would have to be chicken-parm and pasta.  My favorite post-race meal is big cheeseburger and french fries !

DATG: Your the oldest of Jose & Gina's children. As the oldest siblings your younger brothers have carried the Rocha torch, describe the feeling when Marcelo won MA state title in XC ? Now Claudio attending Assumption. When you see them run do you see some similar attributes and traits that you see in yourself ?

Cat Rocha: When Marcelo won the MA State Title and Claudio committed to Assumption, I was extremely happy for both of them. When Marcelo won the State Title, I think I was more excited during that moment than when I won my own state title. I just knew how hard he worked and the lengths he went to win that title. When I found out Claudio committed to Assumption, I was so proud of him. He has been the underdog that no know thought twice of when we were young, and now he is one of the best runners in MA. Claudio is one of the toughest runners I know, and I wish I was half as gritty as he was in high school. I give both of them a great deal of credit and respect as well. I respect them a great deal because of how they overcame all the obstacles thrown in their way throughout their high school career. Whether those obstacles be an injury or teammates doubting their abilities, they overcame all those adversities. I honestly think in high school I could have not done what they did. After I graduated from high school, unfortunately they were known at first as Catarina Rocha’s brothers. But as they progressed throughout their career, they made their own names for themselves both athletically and academically. They created their own path that I believe tops anything I have done so far. I bet in a couple years people will be asking me, “Oh are you Marcelo and Claudio’s sister?”, and that would make me so happy!

DATG:  Reflecting on your career what was your "worst race", and how did you bounce back from it ? 

Cat Rocha: Throughout my career I have had many bad races, both in high school and college. I would say the “worst race” in my career so far would have to be the 5,000 meters outdoors in Florida at the NCAA East Preliminary Championships last spring. Going into this meet I had a great chance of placing top-12 and making it to the NCAA Outdoor Championships for the first time in my career. Unfortunately, I did not make it. It was not because I wasn’t capable or fit enough but because I doubted my abilities. It was one of the first times I went into a race having no confidence in myself. I convinced myself that I did not belong there, and I didn’t have a chance of making it to the NCAA Championships even though I could have. I was overthinking every move the lead pack made, I ran their race instead of mine, and just quit on the race with one mile to go because I convinced myself I wasn’t going to qualify.  I also feel that it was my “worst race” because it was the last race of my college career. It was difficult emotionally to take in because I knew I would never have another opportunity at the college level again.

I am going to be honest I was upset for a week or so. I was sad, mad, and disappointed not only in how the race went but in myself. During those couple weeks, I didn’t run one step and kept saying to myself I don’t think I want to run anymore. I kept feeling bad for myself and playing back that race in my head thinking I could somehow change it. After a weeks of not running, reflecting ,and much support from my family, friends, and coaches I realized some things…

1.      It is inevitable for every race you run to be great!  No matter how good you are or who you are, everyone has bad races. That is a major part of the sport and that’s why we run the races! We as runners put in so much work and get so little out but that is part of the sport!

2.      This ONE race does NOT define my running career. I ran some of my best races last year. I had won three-straight BIG EAST titles and was part of a team that supported me throughout the good and bad days.  What defines my career is how I bounce back from that and how I learn from that experience.

3.      I found out that I really do LOVE running. Those weeks after the race I was upset and told myself I don’t want to run anymore but I was kidding myself. I realized it was okay to be upset because it just showed how much I cared about the sport.

DATG: With a stellar career what would you have done differently if anything ? 

Cat Rocha: There are not many things I would have done differently in high school and college because I had such great experiences in both. The only thing I can think of is appreciating the little things in both my high school and college careers. As athletes, we need to appreciate our coaches, teammates and families because they are there for us through thick and thin. Appreciate the time you have with your teammates and the goals you want to achieve together. I would appreciate the hard workouts, the long runs, and each race you run. I say this because once you get older somedays you won’t always have that.

DATG: If we could go back in time, what would you tell yourself Freshmen year before you transitioned from Soccer to running ?

Cat Rocha: I would tell my freshman year self to enjoy my first year of high school and live in the moment. I would tell myself to not put any pressure on myself in regard to athletics. I would say to have fun being on the varsity soccer team and being the underdog. C

 DATG: Did High School prepare you for College and did College prepare you for the Pros?

Cat Rocha: In regard to running, I feel as though high school prepared me for college to an extent. My dad who was also my coach definitely prepared me for the type of training that I had throughout college. My mileage was very low in high school (40-45 miles per week) compared to college (60-65 miles per week) but the type of schedule and workouts were similar. During high school, I did a lot of strength workouts, such as four mile tempos and interval reps, and at PC I did the same except they were faster and longer. High school definitely prepared me for the type of training that was ahead of me, but it did not prepare me for collegiate racing. Racing in high school is very different than college. In college, everyone is the best of the best and very experienced, especially at the NCAA Championship Meets. I feel as I gained more experience in the collegiate scene throughout my five years, I became more comfortable and confident in both my training and races.  I learned a great deal about training, racing, recovery, and patience in college, which then prepared me for pro-racing. I would say one of the most important things I learned in college was patience. In college I found that patience is the essence of progress. Being patient and trusting in yourself, your abilities and your training will allow you to move forward and achieve your goals. One of the biggest obstacles I faced during my senior year of college was injury. I was injured for a full year and it was really difficult for me because I had never been injured for that long. Throughout that year, I learned that I need to be patient and let my body heal as it wants. It is not up to me and I can’t speed up the healing process. Being patient during my senior year definitely benefitted me in the long-run mentally and physically. It made me appreciate running more and being healthy. Learning how to be patient and progressing will hopefully lend itself in trying to run professionally. Being patient and accepting results is all part of this new running journey that I am just starting. My favorite quote about patience… “Patience is the calm acceptance that things can happen in a different order than the one you have in your mind”

DATG:  What is next for Catarina Rocha ?

Cat Rocha:To be frank I am not sure what is next, which is sort of exciting but also a little scary. Currently, I am a Graduate Assistant in Sports Information at PC and am finishing up my Masters in Counseling. On top of graduate school and my GA I run for the Ocean State Athletic Club. Ocean State Athletic Club is a group based out of Rhode Island that is sponsored by New Balance. We are coached by the legend/guru himself Ray Treacy, who was also my college coach. I am the only woman on the team thus far and just finished up my cross-country season last week. My last race was the USA Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida. I placed 24th and was one spot away from a NACAC USA Team. I am very happy with how my first post-collegiate cross-season went and ready to run some races on the outdoor track this coming Spring. I hope to run some PR’s on track and get in some decent road races during the summer under Ocean State. But as of right now I am just enjoying the ride and motivated to get better each and every day!

Questions to Former Self w/ Michael Maglio @mmaglio23 @marshfield_tc

I am very fortunate to meet some amazing people in the world of Sports from the amateur to professional level. Honesty is the best policy the more we can communicate with one another and have an honest dialogue the more we can learn from one another. When I Started Coaching XC I met the Marshfield Rams, their Head Coach & Student Athelte’s and their families for their support..I asked Former Captain Michael Maglio’s a few questions below are his replies

Name: Mike Maglio

Marshfield High School class of 2018

Attending Purdue University

Major: Industrial Engineering

 DATG: How Critical is confidence in your self to be successful ?                                                                                     

Mike Mags: Confidence is a huge key when it comes to being successful. A positive mental attitude goes a long way, whether it be academically, athletically, or in another field. Displaying confidence shows that you’re not afraid to do what you really want, and it also lets people know that you don’t fear failure. Without confidence, it’s impossible to get things done, and others will be less likely to trust you. If you don’t believe in yourself, why would anybody else believe in you?

DATG: Reflecting back on the last 4-5 years, there are no regrets but what would you have done differently?

Mike Mags:Over the last 4 or 5 years, I wish I was more ambitious, and I wish I took more initiative to achieve what I want and be who I want to be. Anybody can be whoever they want to be, -you shape your own life- but if you don’t have the drive to be that person or to do that thing you’ll never change. Throughout high school, I was a pretty ambitious kid, but there’s always more you can do, and I wish I seized the opportunities I had and excelled further.

DATG: Besides Your parents who was someone you confined in and why ?

Mike Mags: I always confided in my brother, Nick. Growing up, I never realized how much it meant to have someone as close as a brother until I started having real issues and needed             someone to talk to. Although I know I can always talk to my parents, there comes a point where they just don’t understand. My brother and I have a very personal relationship; we  understand each other deeply and are always there for one another. Along with this, we have very similar interests and desires, and we always help each other to reach a goal or fulfill an interest.

DATG: What would you do to improve XC & TF in HS ?

Mike Mags:High school XC and T&F could be improved by encouraging more kids to give it a shot. A lot of great athletes who play sports like football or soccer are missing out on an opportunity to do something huge in the world of track. There are so many people who have natural talent and don’t even realize it. All it takes is a little encouragement to try something new for a world of opportunities to open up. During my freshman year of high school, I was unsure about doing indoor track, even after an exciting XC season. An upperclassman on the team named Reed drawed me in along with many of my friends. I can’t thank Reed enough for doing that, because that was the beginning of a long and exciting adventure through high school running.

DATG: Who was your HS Coach ? Was he instrumental in your growth as a person ?

Mike Mags: My high school coach was Dennis Sheppard, aka Shepp. He was definitely a huge part of my high school experience, and he helped me grow as a person. Shepp taught me the meaning of hard work, and he made me into a tough person. He taught me to reach for my goals, and he helped me every step along the way in achieving them. Shepp became a mentor for me, and I always wanted to make him proud. Whenever I had a bad race, instead of making a big deal out of it, Shepp would tell me to just put it behind me and start looking forward to the next one. This attitude stuck with me; I learned that life is going to have its low points, but the important thing is to let go of any negative feelings and to make a plan to bounce back. Shepp’s knowledge and motivational skills make him a great leader, and I cannot thank him enough for what he has done for me.

DATG: Toughest lost or disappointed race in HS where and when how did you bounce back ?

Mike Mags:There two specific disappointing races that really stuck with me. First was my during my sophomore year of outdoor track at the Division 2 Eastern State Championships. We ran the 4x800m relay that day, and we were eager for a title. The one team standing in our way was the boys from Wellesley High School. We watched as their anchor leg ran hard earlier in the day to capture the 800m individual title, and this boosted our confidence knowing that he would be running on tired legs. When it was our time to go, we raced hard and did all that we could, but came up just short to take second place. It was a tough loss, but I quickly realized that second at this high of a level was outstanding, and we were given the opportunity to go to our first All State experience. The next week at the All State Championships, we placed 6th and broke the 8 minute barrier for the first time, a huge feat. Little did we know that this 4x800m team would go on to terrorize the state of Massachusetts for the next year, winning multiple state titles and earning All American honors. // The other disappointing race that reverberates with me was my last trip to New Balance Nationals at the Armory track in 2018. We ran the 4xmile relay that day, with our hopes set high at placing in the top 6. We came in dead last that race. We were out of the race by the second leg, and I remember waiting my turn to run my last indoor race by myself. By the time the stick reached me, my motivation had greatly dropped, and I just wanted to finish the race. I was the anchor leg, and I remember at one point being the only runner on the track with still a lap to go. That race was disappointing, but I was still grateful for coming this far, and I had my mind set on my last outdoor season. While my final season didn’t go as well as I hoped, I enjoyed myself and still made the most of it.

DATG: What was your favorite race in HS and why ?

Mike Mags: Out of all my high school races, there is one that stood out more than any other. On March 11, 2017, I ran the in the championship 4x800m relay at New Balance Indoor Nationals. Our 4x800m team had a tremendous season, highlighted with meet records and a trip to the Millrose Games, but we still had one race left, and one goal in mind. To place top 6 in this race would give us All American honors, and we believed that we had a chance. As the lead off leg, I was very nervous of the competition I would be facing, but I kept my confidence high and ran with the big dogs. I remember feeling great with 300 meters left, and I began to pass runners and work my way up. I handed off the baton in third place to Joey Donovan who quickly attached to the leaders. He ran extremely well and took the lead going into the second hand off to Derek Holmes. Derek, per usual, ran an extremely gutsy race, and he was key to keeping us where we need to be. We knew there were some real studs on the anchor legs, and we only had a shot if we were with the leaders going into the last hand off. All eyes on James Condon now. James is a beast. He took off with ambition and grit, but the studs soon passed him. He held on tight up to the very last moment. I remember counting the order that we finished, I counted 7. We were so close, I thought we actually had a chance. But then I looked up at the results- I had counted wrong, we placed 6th. The feeling was overwhelming, and the rest of the week was filled with excitement and positive energy. It was the greatest race in my high school career, with a fairy tale ending.

-Mike

@BpsXC_ first win for Boston Public Schools XC in 30 Years at the Big Wave Invitational

Saturday September 15th, 2018 

Today was the fourth time the team attended the Big Wave Invitational. Over the last three years the team has gotten better and better. Today was special still waiting on the history and time duration, but BPS XC won it's first invitational in over 30 Years.

First let's start with Max Barcan an 8th grader at Latin Academy who ran his second race, covering the course of 2.5 Miles in 18:22.53. Ezra Taub was supposed to run in the freshman & Sophomore race but we decided to pull him last min. 

2015 Big Wave 9-10 Grade Grade Boys Results
2015 Big Wave 11-12th Grade Boys Results
2015 Big Wave 11-12th Grade Girls Results 
2016 Big Wave 11-12th Grade Boys Results
2017 Big Wave 7th-8th Grade Boys Results
2017 Big Wave 11th-12th Grade Girls Results
2017 Big Wave 11th-12th Grade Boys Results 

2018 Big Wave Results

The time to be part of the program is unreal, the team worked hard this summer and any good press is huge for the team. 

Performance of the Week by Bay State Running 

"The secret is no longer.
Boston City School's boys' team,comprised of just nine runners, has potential to do some damage at the state level in a few months.
The past Saturday, BCS had six of its harriers among the top 16 placements to win the Junior-Senior crown at the Big Wave Invitational. It was Boston City School's first win at the meet in nearly 30 years.
Congratulations to Boston City Schools, this week's Boys' Performance of the Week.
​
Boston Herald Coverage of Big Wave 2018
"​Led by fifth-place finisher Victor Baez (13:33.58), the up-and-coming City of Boston squad continued to open eyes with a decisive win (49 points) over Marshfield (63)"

#TraditionEstablished #Year4 BPS vs. @MarshfieldTC Rams

#Year4 A tradition has now been established. The last three years the Marshfield High School Boys team, coached by BPSXC dear friend Dennis Sheppard has opened their season at the historic Franklin Park. Over the last three years, the student athletes', had a open window view into what a premier XC & Track field program operates on a high level, the most beautiful part to see both teams develop bond and friendships over the past three years.

The picture above is again is example of a new tradition started last year where each team switches Jersey and take a pic. Personally I believe this picture is so powerful because what's the difference when you ask yourself ? Doesn't matter what's the name on the front of the singlet or the color of the team jersey, What matters is the respect of your common man no matter the school district or the complexion of one's skin. We are runners and we compete, and competition has no color.

I am beyond grateful that I have an opportunity to be part of this beautiful journey and I stand by this message of the student athlete's. These kids are the future of our country they are courageous and their bravery speaks volume 

Year 1 Results 2015
Year 2 Results 2016
Year 3 Results 2017

First race of the day went off at 4pm, which was the JV 3k. I entered Max Barcan an 8th grader and Cristian Novelle-Ruddy the younger brother of Three year Captain now Freshman at Regis College "Goose" aka Gustavo Novelle-Ruddy. Cristian continued improving and bounced back where he left out in his first race four days ago in Martha's Vineyard with a win with a time of 12:23 his first 3k.  Max Barcan with a major accomplishment completed his first 3k in 16:22

Boys Varsity had their work cut out for them. Marshfield Boys XC has been a top 10 Program since i started coaching fall of 2015. This was the year we felt that we had a chance. Consistency is the key boys team followed up the Martha's Vineyard Invitational with a win over Marshfield. Results are below. God willing this tradition gets carried on, right now Marshfield 3 - BPSXC -1 via cityofbostoncrosscountry

BPSXC x Martha Vineyard HS Invitational Recap/Results 2018

After an amazing summer of captain practices, as well as attending the Bostonxc with Coach Tim Broe and Foss Running Camp week 2 (August 19th-26th). The Student Athlete's and I believed that we have a chance to be the first City team in over 30 Years to qualify for All States. Over the last three decades BPS has produced amazing front runners but never a team of five to seven Student Athletes that had a top four finish at the Emass Divisional Meet.. After this past weekend we are proud to share that #DreamsAreTangibleGoals we are getting closer to the Goal. #BPSvsHistory

Amazing performance every runner ran a personal best. We lost by 8 points to Woburn HS boys team, salute to Coach Fletcher #TannerPride. Two years ago we attended the ninth Annual Martha's Vineyard Invitational, we entered in the JV division and ran decent. 

First we shall start with Cristian Novelle-Ruddy, young brother of two year Captain Gustavo Novelle-Ruddy who is a freshman at Regis College. Cristian started his career off, running his first 5k in 20:14 and placed 19th Overall earning him a medal in the JV race. 

First time since the inception of the City Wide XC team, we had Five Boys under 18 Mins.
Boys Varsity Results: Click Here 

16th Place Overall: Adnan Abdi Rahman 17:17 27 sec PR 
25th Gemsley Cajuste 17:32.02 first 5k ever 
26th Victor Baez Jr. 17:36.10 7 secs PR 
31st Johan Sepulveda 17:53 first 5k Ever
32nd Douglas Alvarado 17:54 71 sec improvement
46th Ezra Taub 18:25 first 5k ever
48th Joshua Joseph 18:27 first 5k ever

via CityofBostonCrossCountry

Q&A with Nichole Ferguson

Sorry for the delay been over several months since the last time I posted. However it’s the start of the XC season and I have some interviews already done just needed to update the site lol. In short as a coach/runner I am always looking for inspiration and motivation.

Besides my passion in coaching I have another job as a Benefit Specialists for the (BTUHWF) Boston Teachers Union Health & Welfare Fund. My job is to process the all teachers, and paraprofessionals dental and vision benefits. The eye care center is located adjacent to my office, as a runner it’s only natural you connect with other runners because you share the same interests. My colleague Nichole Ferguson works in the eye care center. Nichole has been putting in some serious work in regards to her mileage and she just recently completed the Boston Marathon, her story and journey is one that I would like to share hopefully it inspires you like it did me.

DATG: Hey Buddy thank you for your participation, lets start with your age and where you are from ?

NF: My name is Nichole Ferguson, I’m 31 and from Dracut Ma

DATG: You mentioned to me in the past you had sickness or diagnosed with ? Can you please remind me what that was and how that motivated you to start running ?

NF: I was diagnosed with MS in 2004 when I temporarily lost my vision. The statistics can be disheartening to look at- unfortunately a lot of people with this disease may eventually end up with mobility issues. I ran as fast and as far as I can to prove I will not be one of those statistics.

DATG: Did you play a sport in Highschool if so what ?

NF: In high school I played soccer. I can’t say it was the beginning of my running career though- I actually played goalie and spent most of my time in the net!

DATG: When did you start running ?

NF: I didn’t start running until XXXX. A friend challenged me to run a half marathon- I instantly became addicted!

DATG: What’s your favorite trainer shoes and race shoes ?

NF: The ONLY shoes I will wear are the Saucony Guide series. I suffer from plantars fasciitis, so these are the perfect for me.

DATG: How has running changed your life ?

NF: Running has changed my life because it has made me significantly healthier. I tend to treat my body a little better. I sleep more since rest is important for recovery and eat better, because food is the fuel for my workout

DATG: How many races have you ran so far ? What’s your favorite distance to race at ?

NF: I’ve run 10 marathons so far, and probably a dozen half’s and 10ks. I’m definitely a distance runner, and prefer the mental and physical challenges- shorter races (5ks) are just not for me!

DATG: What was your goals for Boston Marathon 2018 ? After smashing these goal describe that feeling when your own boylston street and crowd is cheering ?

NF: I had to adjust my goals for Boston in light of the weather and was aiming for anything under 4 hours. I don’t think anyone will ever be able to find words that accurately describe the rush a runner gets when turning on to Boylston and seeing the finish line. Months of hard work and sweat go into that very moment. Knowing that Thousands of complete strangers stood out in the cold rain that day to support and The emotions are overwhelming, especially with complete strangers standing in the cold pouring rain to cheer you on!

DATG: What’s next race on your calendar ?

NF: I decided to take a month off...I will start training again the end of June for the Baystate marathon in Lowell in the end of October. It’s one of the flattest courses around and where I’ve gotten my PR twice. Fingers crossed for good weather!!

I am going to be looking forward to Nichole crushing more miles and inspiring us all ! My colleague is the true definition the living example of Dreams Are Tangible Goals.

@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 !