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

@JColeNC KOD 3 Meanings

KOD. 3 meanings. Kids on Drugs King Overdosed Kill Our Demons The rest of the album I leave to your interpretation. via Twitter 

Dreamville Records is back again with a new album. Timing is everything as we enter the spring season, in the business world it's the 2nd quarter in the fiscal year. The change of the season, brings new energy, new milestones and off course new music. Hiphop is in good hands, the conscious boom bap is back again. Nothing too complicated just dope beats and amazing lyrics that uplift, inspire and entertain. After the 3rd listen, my favorite records are ATM, FRIENDS, 1985.. ..for starters...

Q&A with @mikemovesfornow

First and foremost Mike Moves aka Michael Monestime is the one of the reason why I am thinking about running at this age. I met Mike in 1992 our Freshman year at Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood Massachusetts. Mike comes from Haitian & Irish American background, we were the two of the four minorities in our grade class so we instantly connected, sharing a mutual interest in Hiphop culture. After our Freshman year Mike and I remained in contact but I left the school because of disciplinary reasons, Mike eventually left Xaverian himself and we remained friends. 

After leaving Xaverian Brothers HS I finished my remaining HS years at Randolph High School, we both graduated in 1996, at that time I was promising young runner, Mike wasn't quite the athelte but he did have work ethic and vision which allowed him to foster and career in the Entertainment Business. Years later roughly two years ago, I noticed that Mike was running, due to the updates I was getting from my facebook feed and he just crushed it by completing the Historic Boston marathon. 

Motivated, inspired and curious about Mike achievements became the catalyst besides other things, such as Health and self esteem I decided to train starting the site on May 29, 2014 with the post titled: DAY 1: DATG 

Clearly there is a disparity and clear indication of inconsistent posting in the last two years please bare with me but I do want to highlight the people in my life who have motivated me to do this.

DATG: What motivated you to sign up and run your first Marathon ? 

Mike Moves: I was working at Zipcar during the 2013 boston marathon.  I had stared doing boot camp and November project (running the steps at Harvard stadium). I saw a tweet that a bomb went off at the finish line so I left work and rode my bike to the Copley area. I took photos and helped runners contact loved ones with my cell phone. I went home that night and told my wife I was going to run the boston marathon the next year. I've run 8 since and have 2 on the calendar for this year.  3 boston marathons in total and I've raised over 30k for non-profits. 

2. DATG: How has running benefited you socially, physically, and financially ?

Mike Moves:  socially I have made some real good friends thru running and as you get older it's kinda hard to find new friends.  Physically I lost 65lbs I cut down on my alcohol Consumption I look 10 years younger.  Financially I've matured. Running helps you to learn to prepare for things, a race, your day or your finances. 

3.  DATG: Do you listen to music when you running ? 

Mike Moves: * I do - always- have on some beats. 

If so who have you created a track listing ?

* 90s Hiphop or Kendrick, jCole, etc.  or roots reggae, jazz or a good pod cast. I need to get into audio books. 

4. DATG: What's your favorite running route ?

Mike Moves:* by far I've run the Charles river route 100000000 times. But I'm always up to find a new route. 

5. DATG:  Least Favorite running route ?

Mike Moves:  out and back. I prefer to not see the same stuff twice. 

6. DATG: Favorite race distance ? 5k, 10k, Half Marathon or Marathon ?

Mike Moves* half marathon is , but I love the heart ache of a full marathon. The feeling from being a finisher lasts for months. 

7. DATG: Describe the feeling when you crossed the line when you completed your first Boston Marathon ?

Mike Moves:- is this real, did I just do that. I kept looking back and my heart was full. 

8. DATG:  What time do you usually run ?

Mike Moves* mornings or it isn't happening. 

9. DATG: Do you have a gym regiment ? 

Mike Moves: * I have a running coach and he has me in the gym. 

10. DATG: Any regrets of running ? 

Mike Moves* only regrets is when I don't use the glide and my nipples bleed. TMI I know but real runners will sympathize with me on that. 

Janji @runjanji Uganda Drop 2 Collection #RunEveryWhere

UGANDA Drop 2 coming soon. Stay tuned #runeverywhere 🎥by @doosterfilm

A post shared by janji (@runjanji) on Mar 25, 2018 at 1:06pm PDT

Can't beat this, changes lives while getting fit. Seriously how can one miss out on this opportunity. As the season changes with Spring knocking on our doorsteps, this is the rejuvenating time for a runner. We are promised some sun in the near future. Note to self the proceeds of purchase at Janji  goes to Water Relief efforts. Check out the Janji Ready Mag

Royce da 5'9" - Boblo Boat ft. J. Cole

[Verse 1: Royce Da 5’9″]
Nothing compared to our family trips
My uncle shook hands with a manly grip
All this hand-me-down-shit; I had had an uncanny fit
All the gangstas I had in my family had me anti-bitch
My granddaddy mistress caught the business from my granny fist
That was back ‘fore I was born
Pop told stories ’bout it that would last for hours-long
And as a family, we was just so happy when him and mama got along
On the Bob-Lo boat
Uh, on our way to that black amusement park
Wood rollercoasters, crack sold on plastic scooter cars
Uh, smoking grass at the vintage food court
Broken glass, waiting on you on the swimming pool floor
I came across my identity on the Bob-Lo boat
That’s where I lost my virginity, no condom, though
That’s when paranoia hit me like when superstition does
Left my inhibitions I guess where my supervision was
Parties on the way to the island would be the livest, though
First-time big bro hit the bottle was on the Bob-Lo boat
But neither one of us knew that we would both
Grow up and turn to alcoholics, though, the Bob-Lo boat

Boblo Boat Royce DA 5'9 featuring J Cole  

Click Here to Pre-Order Book of Ryan 

Sydney McLaughlin @GoSydGO UK Freshmen Lights Up Florida Relays in 400m

#FLRelays18 Women's 400m
1. @GoSydGo : 50.07 | World lead, No. 2 NCAA in-season performer all-time, No. 3 collegiate performance all-time, NCAA Freshman Record
35. Jasmine Mitchell: 55.67 pic.twitter.com/3yakdcAIAE

— UK Track & Field (@KentuckyTrack) March 30, 2018

The Weather isn't here in New England yet, spring is however peaking her head around the corner. Hey Why not open up your Freshmen Collegiate year with a few records and now a world lead in the 400 Meters for women. For people like myself who are your average lover for the sport of running this is very exciting to watch. Leaves us with many questions now what can she do by the NCAA outdoors Championship in June ? 

.@GoSydGo 5⃣0⃣.0⃣7⃣ - 🌎leading 400m in a rainy outdoor opener at #FLRelays18.
• Only Courtney Okolo has run a faster 400m time (twice) during the collegiate season (via @USTFCCCA )
Video via SECN+ https://t.co/KsSei3A0h7 pic.twitter.com/NZ5fBAigh3

— UK Track & Field (@KentuckyTrack) March 30, 2018

Craig Mack One of Hiphop's authentic & unique styles will be Missed !

Just like Uniblab, robotic kicking flab
My flavor bidder badder chitter-chatter
Madder than the Mad Hatter
I bet you my shit come out phatter
I got the data to turn your body into anti-matter
And just like a piece of Sizzlean
You'll fit inside my stomach with the eggs and grits between
The king is what I mean, I mean 

During the height of the golden era, Bad Boy Records, was starting to rise, before the world was introduced to the Late Notorious Biggie Smalls, Before the LOX, Before the Ciroc, Puff Daddy's first major hiphop hit was Flava in Ya Ear Remix. A legendary Track, featuring icons this song has been bumping in speakers for over twenty years. In those years the question arises what happened to Craig Mack ? Why did Craig Mack leave the music industry to live a life not in the mainstream and to join a ministry group. 

Craig Mack, you were the first artist to release music on Bad Boy and gave us our first hit. You always followed your heart and you had an energy that was out of this world. You believed in me and you believed in Bad Boy. I will never forget what you did for hip-hop. pic.twitter.com/qvnxRTcdXv

— Diddy (@Diddy) March 13, 2018

I can only speak from my experience that the music industry has it wears and tears if you aren't careful, one must have balance to be successful in anything you aspire to due. Regardless of the rumors of him joining a religious cult or what drove him away from NYC city, the voice the talent is what I feel reigns amongst the fans. Craig Mack was one those guys you had to like, there really was no gimmick, no props, he was from the cloth of content aka Bars.. The man could spit. 

Craig Mack represents an era that created the blueprint to what we see now. World's Famous DJ Scratch from EPMD & ScratchVision touches on his personal experiences with Craig Mack via his Instagram. Below is also some footage from Future Flavas Radio with Legendary Dj Marley Marl & Tim Westwood where Craig demonstrates his ability to go off the dome and freestyle. Craig's impact clearly is being felt already when an Meteorologist in Atlanta is referencing his lyrics in the forecast. Craig Mack taught me to be original, to be myself he was a self reflection of hard work and most important on his later years he decided to dedicate his life to the God, he will be missed looking forward to this documentary that he was working on so we can see his work through his eyes despite the speculation. 

Craig Mack was one of the few people to strike lighting twice in Hip Hop. First with "Get Retarded" on Fresh Records in 1988, then with Bad boy. After his first strike of lightning, he went through a lot of struggles, a lot. He mentions his struggles in many interviews after he blew up with Bad Boy. You all know how cruel the public can be when someone falls off in Hip Hop. Unfortunately, that cruelty is ALWAYS by "Our People". Craig recently requested me to speak about these things in his upcoming documentary because I embraced him during his trying times after just meeting him. If I had to describe him with one word I would say "Innocent". He was sooooooo innocent, a dope MC, a hell of a beat maker & cool GREAT Dude. Craig was Hit Squad before K-Solo, Redman & Das Efx were discovered. Unfortunately Craig never got the opportunity to get his chance with the Hit Squad because EPMD broke up. Everyone's careers were in jeopardy & Craig was back on his own again. A few years later, EPMD's longtime bodyguard Alvin Toney took Craig Mack's demos to Puffy, Puff signed him & put Bad Boy Records on the map with the platinum single "Flavor In Ya Ear". I cried when I saw Craig had finally made it to superstardom because I saw the struggle, the set backs, I was extremely proud of him!!!! The underdog finally wins!!!!!! He's my definition of never giving up when you're going through it & he's an example of what can happen when you believe in someone regardless of their set backs. This industry is very cruel & backstabbing, I've saw my fair share of it & Craig has seen even more than me. So years ago he left the industry & gave his life to GOD. At that moment is when he was most happy, regardless if no one understood his life changing decision. This has hit home for a number of reasons. First, is because he's the first person in our camp to pass away. News that I wouldn't expect to hear for another 40 years. Second, because he passed away 3 days after Biggie. I won't say rest in peace, because he was already at peace before he passed. I will miss you Craig.

A post shared by Turntable Whisperer (@djscratch) on Mar 13, 2018 at 10:35am PDT

Pioneers Run Crew @PIONEERS

There is energy in the pack ! Running is growing worldwide, as the sport grows many are seeking to share this bliss with others. I believed this running high achieved and captured by The pioneers Run crew based in Dorchester(Fields Corner) caught my attention last summer of 2017. While I was conducting Junior Olympics for Boston United TFXC practice I saw a colleague of mine Brennan Bonner an assistant Coach at BC High was warming a group of energetic runners for an evening workout at Moakley park under the city lights. The group looked like they had a runners on different levels, never the less I concluded practice and carried on my merry way. 

Two weeks ago I was in Ronan Park, with my cousin EJ and we ended up bumping in the founder Sid Baptisa and he was just as energtic as the summer this time, he was discussing on the growth of the running crew and a sponsorship with Puma. In short I love with these guys are doing, especially this is right in my neighborhood. If you are in the Dorchester area I highly advised you check out the Pioneers run Crew .  Truth be told I am going to get off the couch and join the crew in a few runs. Motivation is osmosis check out the video below from Breaking Barriers Race featuring the Pioneers Crew Collaboration coming real soon

Wednesday (6:30 p.m. at Savin Bar and Kitchen)

We are getting hit with a blizzard on Tuesday so we plan on running straight up Dorchester ave towards Ashmont.  Mile options varies.

Every Monday there is an option designed for new to runners or those getting back into running. Bring a friend who wants to run!

Blarney Stone offers us complementary post-run appetizers! Parking is available behind the restaurant using Faulkner Street.  You may enter the restaurant through the back.