What's for Dinner? Chicken or Chicken?

Camp-Day 2

Today's activity began with a early morning recovery run, breakfast, goal setting session and lunch. After lunch naps were followed by an afternoon workout that consisted of running some 1200 meter threshold repeats. A nearby neighborhood park featured an easy rolling loop that was perfect for these repeats. Tonight's dinner includes baked chicken, vegetables, and bread. We have predetermined groups of six to cook each of the meals. The remainder of the women are relaxing by playing table games, getting to know each other, stretching, icing, or working on goal sheets.

...and they're off!!!

The 2010 cross country season has officially begun. Preseason camp in Heber Valley (50 minutes southeast of campus) is underway. I was very fortunate to find a great vacation rental home that was available to host the largest team we've had at Utah in my sixth year as the head coach. It has everything (minus a hot tub so I was reminded) that a team could want. Board games, ping pong, pool table, Wii, and great living space allow our team to spread out, have fun, and get to know each other. Yes, I know...sounds more like a country club than a "camp". However, we also have great access to running trails, parks, and other space for the reason that we are truly here for---to train and prepare for the upcoming season. The summer stories have been outstanding so far. A game of Scategories broke out with eight girls playing. The baton pass ice breaker we did as a team introduction was entertaining. The girls also make their own meals. Tonight a group of five girls and myself drove and bought all the groceries for the week. Another group then made an excellent spaghetti dinner. Buying and cooking for nineteen people is probably the biggest challenge of the entire camp. However, it allows the girls to work as a team and provide the energy we need after our runs and workouts.

Check back tomorrow for pictures of our sweet home base as well as some from the daily running and team time.

Progress!

More evidence that our outdoor track facility continues to move forward. We now have sod on the entire east side (homestretch) where crowds will gather. We will not put stands on this area, but rather leave it as a natural bermed hillside that will welcome camping chairs, blankets, and picnic tables. Work on the artificial infield surface has began this week. The track surface will be installed before the end of the month.

Dream Big!

Cowabunga!!!!

What do you do on a hot day (98*) in Salt Lake City? You go cool off, of course. Some friends and I went to the newest water park (Cowabunga Bay) on Sunday and enjoyed the slides, lazy river, and world's largest splash bucket. We had a blast! Try it out if you get a chance.

When Will it Be Done?

August 19th is the new projected finish date for our new outdoor track....just before the new academic year begins! Wheww!! It took a while for the normal summer weather to kick in, but now that it has our new facility will finally get finished. The asphalt foundation has been placed. Artificial turf infield and the actual running surface and field event stations will be in place soon. Keep checking back for details.

New Track Pics!!!

Click below to view the new pictures from our outdoor track facility. The asphalt was layed last week and is now curing. Only a couple of weeks away from the running surface! The artificial infield surface is scheduled to be installed late next week. It's all finally coming together!!!!

Click here to see the pics.

Saturday in the Park

This is our team blog so I try not to get overly personal with my posts, but I'll take a little liberty with this one. Occasionally coaches take a day or two and just get away from the team and the job. Here is one such example. This past Saturday was slightly different than the typical blue skied, hot July weekend day in that it was my birthday. No more early 30's for this guy.

I started with a morning run and followed that up with a stroll around the Farmer's Market (see picture). That place was packed with people, great food, and lots of unique items from local vendors. From there it was up to Utah Olympic Park and a ride on the Alpine Slide with Hannah (girlfriend). We went from there to Main Street Park City and past the new ski resort being built in Deer Valley. We hosted friends for dinner at my place and then ended up downtown SLC with more friends. Overall, it was a really great summer day in Utah. It's amazing all of the great things we have to do and see in a day here in the Salt Lake City area.

PS...the birthday ice cream cake was chosen for it's flavor and not for the slightly more feminine colors and decorations :)