@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 !

Why great people quit good jobs | @musemece Christie Lindor | TEDxZaragoza

First and foremost excuse me for the absence, have been embracing my social media fast. I believe thou this came to me as a blessing. I am believer of timing and coincidence, my cousin Christie Lindor has been making a name for herself domestically and internationally.  Not only she is amazing wife, but more important she has taken the reigns of her career, continuing self development.  In the last few months she has released a book which can be purchased here The MECE MUSE  and countless informative blog posts and podcasts. 

She posed a question that needs to be examined ? Why great people quit good Jobs ? Let me know what you think about the Ted Talks leave some comments or go to her website and youtube channel.. 

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