WooHoo! December started off strangely warm, but variety like that is what makes the winter season great. Notice I didn't say off-season. Real runner's run because they love to run. Racing is just one way to enjoy the activity. The beauty of being a runner is that we have "seasons" for competing and seasons to change it up and enjoy other aspects of the sport. Winter is a great time to enjoy your runs in a way not available any other time of the year.
Trail running in the midwest is fantastic in the winter. Trails are usually quiet and uncrowded. Plus the bugs and itchy plants are all gone. Those trails you ran in the summer months now offer a fresh new winterscape for you to explore. You are also very likely to see deer and other critters, but keep an eye out for areas where hunters might not be too excited about sharing the trails.
Some "fair weather" runners will seek indoor torture running devices when the thermometer drops. Truthfully, your body will quickly adjust to cold temperatures and you will likely feel much better than you would on a hot summer day while running outside. You can always wear more clothing, but you can't always cool off. Also, given we live in the midwest we are almost guaranteed a variety of running conditions throughout the season to keep it interesting. A good rule of thumb for clothing choices is to dress like you would if it was twenty degrees warmer and wear layers to adjust if needed. In particular, a hat and gloves go a long way to finding your comfort zone on chilly days.
Finally, to make the most of your winter running you may want to set some goals. Mileage goals or late winter races (focusing more on distance than speed) may be good categories for such goals. You can find race calendars on the running shops websites listed in the side bar.
Enjoy the winter season and stay tuned for information about the SNOWFLAKE 50 WINTER BREAK CHALLENGE coming soon.
Now to geek out on some winter running videos. Enjoy..then go run.
Attention Team members: We need you help to support our middle school XC teams and the growth of our own team. This wednesday we will need you to work as course marshalls and as a cheering section. We will also need help to set up the course a bit ahead of time. Your participation is expected as a PHS XC team member.
Here is the plan:
When: Wednesday, November 7 Where: O'Connor Park -We have a bus to provide transportation, but you may drive if you prefer. Times: All team members should meet at 2:30 in their coaches rooms. We will arrive at the park about 2:45, set up the course , and the race will start at 4:00. The bus will return to the school by 5:00 pm within plenty of time for anyone who needs to take the activity bus home. See you Wednesday after school.
Congrats to our two State meet contenders who took on a challenging course and the highest competition our state has to offer. Will finished 116th in 17:37. Sarah finished 152nd in 22:08 Both ran well given their first trip to the "big-time race". Both also learned the ropes of racing with our states finest runners and came away with a quality experience that should serve them well for a return trip next year.
Another great season has almost come to an end, but there are some very important details to go over before we can call this journey complete. Please pass this info on to your teammates to make sure it gets out to everyone. MO State XC Championships- Congrats to Sarah and Will for making it to the big race. While we can't shuttle everyone down to Jefferson City, if you can arrange a ride feel free to join us at the meet and cheer on our Pirate runners as they compete against the best runners in the state. (FYI -There is an entry fee of $7.00 to watch the meet and dogs are not allowed on the golf course) Missouri State Championship Info. Race Times: Class 4 Boys: 9:35 am (Will's Race), Class 4 Girls: 10:35 am (Sarah's race) Location-Oak Hills Golf center, 932 Ellis Blvd, Jefferson City, MO 65101 Directions:take 70 west, then US 54 West to the Ellis Blvd exit, take a left on Ellis Blvd and go straight over the overpass and a couple miles down you will find the course on your right- Parking is where ever you can find it. MSHSAA website with State meet info: here Pattonville Middle School Meet The Middle School Cross Country meet which was cancelled last week has been rescheduled for Wednesday, November 7th. Only the Pattonville Middle School teams will be competing, but we need your help to create a positive experience for many who will hopefully be your teammates next year. Attendance by all PHS team members is expected. Please let your coach know if you are participating in a winter sport and are unable to attend. When: Wednesday, November 7 Where: O'Connor Park -(we are checking bus transportation, watch here for update) Time: We will arrive at the park about 3:15, the race will start at 4:00
Awards Night 2012 Cross Country Awards Information What ? An evening to celebrate the Cross Country season, share memories, present awards, plan for the future, and a slide show to wrap it all up. We will enjoy pizza and a few desserts while giving out the awards. When ?Monday, November 19 beginning at 6:00pm. Tentative Schedule 6:00-7:30pm Individual and special awards 7:30-8:00pm move to auditorium for slide show Where ?Meet in the PHS cafeteria for eats and awards. We will move to the Auditorium for the slide show after the awards. (No food/drink in the auditorium, please) What should I do?- Show up with family and friends - girls team - bring your fun award for your designated team member Also, If you can not attend the awards banquet please notify your Coach so we can arrange to have your person still receive your special award.- bring a dessert (optional) Dress?Nice, but casual **You must have turned in your sweats and uniform to receive your award! **
END-OF-SEASON REMINDERS -Team pictureshave arrived. Please stop by your coaches room to pick up your order. Those not picked up will be available on awards night. - Uniforms and sweats should be clean and turned in directly to your Coach by November 1st.They must be in a bag with a tag clearly identifying your name.DO NOT leave them in one of our rooms laying around if we are not there. -Team Members and Parents- Soon it will be time to assemble a slide show for the Awards night. We will gladly provide a disc or flash drive if anyone has photos from the season they would like to share . Thank you very much to those who have provided great pics already. - Stay tuned to the blog over the winter months...soon I will post the details for a winter break challenge...you might also find some motivational videos, winter road race opportunities and info on the National Cross Country Championships being held again this year in Forest Park this February. A couple of us braved the frigid temps to watch the races last year and I'll testify it was totally worth losing a few toes to frostbite....slight exaggeration used for impact That about does it. See ya out on the roads and trails....you are still running right ?...remember we do this because it's FUN (type II).. and this is one of the best times of the year to be outside running. Enjoy!
Saturday mornings, grassy parks, changing leaves, cool temps, and hard racing are the essentials of a perfect cross country meet and all were present this past weekend at our sectional meet. The races were fast and our 3 Sectional competitors gave their best shot at qualifying for the state meet. Congratulations to Nathan for the completion of an excellent season. A big CONGRATULATIONS goes out to Sarah and Will as they both ran PR's and qualified to compete next weekend in the Missouri State Championships! Best Wishes at State Sarah and Will !
District Meet Results - Our District meet last friday proved to be a good day for the Pirates. The boys team finished out the season with a very respectable 6th place finish in a tough district. Will and Nathan both placed within the top 30, earning them a spot on the line at our Sectional meet next weekend. On the Girls side we did not have a full team in the race this year. However team work was still present as the girls team members came out in force to support their teammates with banners and bellowing cheers along the course. The result of this outstanding display of team effort combined with tough racing by Sarah and Sammie led to PR's by both runners and Sarah will also move on to Sectionals. Best of luck to Sarah, Will and Nathan as they compete at Sectionals for a chance at going to State! All team members are encouraged to come and support our runners at the Sectional meet saturday. A bus will be provided. Here are the details: Class 4 Sectional 2 Meet Date: Saturday Oct. 27 Location: Forest Park- Central Fields Time Schedule: - Meet at PHS at 8:15 - Bus leaves at 8:30 - Girls Varsity Race 10:00 am - Boys Varsity Race 10:45 am - Awards 12:00pm The top 4 teams and top 30 individuals in each race will advance to the State Championships. We should return to PHS about 1:00pm Important reminders for the end of the 2012 XC season - the Middle School meetwas cancelled due to inclement weather last week. We are working with the Middle Schools to reschedule if possible. At this time we have no information, but keep watching the blog for updates. It would be great to have your help and support our Middle School XC program. - Drummond is having their annual Harvest run and some of you have volunteered to help. Please see your coach ASAP to get a field trip form for next friday. -Team picturesarrived last friday afternoon. Please stop by your coaches room to pick up your order. Those not picked up will be available on awards night. - Uniforms and sweats should be clean and turned in directly to your Coach by November 1st.They must be in a bag with a tag clearly identifying your name.DO NOT leave them in one of our rooms laying around if we are not there. -Team Members and Parents- Soon it will be time to assemble a slide show for the Awards night. We will gladly provide a disc or flash drive if anyone has photos from the season they would like to share . We could also use some music suggestions (unless ya like Coach Fader's "old timey" stuff, and I think Coach Simmons likes Disco)
- Girls Team members- don't forget to put together a "special award" for the teammate you selected. Coaches may be able to help if you need ideas. Also, If you can not attend the awards banquet please notify your Coach so we can arrange to have your person still receive your special award. Saturday, November 3rd-Missouri State Championships Meet- Oak Hills Golf Course, Jefferson City (only for qualifying teams or individuals) Monday, November 19th- PHS Cross Country Awards Night 6-8pm (more details coming soon)
Practice Week of Oct. 15th- 20th Daily Practice time is 2:30-5:25 Mon-Thurs and 2:30 -4:50 on *Fridays (unless otherwise noted)-Meet in your coach's classroom (Boys - Coach Simmons) (Girls - Coach Zoll) * The activity bus only runs at 5:00pm on friday Mon. 15th- Border War Meet (Details below) Tues. 16th- Carpool to O'Connor (meet prep for Middle School Meet) Wed. 17th- Car pool to O'Connor to host a meet for the middle schools- (you will need to arrange for transportation home) Thurs 18th- PHS campus -Varsity team only Friday 19th- PHS campus- Varsity team only Saturday 20th- District 4 Meet - McNair Park (Details Below) All team members are encouraged to ride the bus and support our Varsity teams at the meet.
Border War Cross Country Meet Info. Location: McNair Park Date: Friday October 15 (rescheduled from Oct. 5) Meet in your coaches room at 2:30 pm. The bus leaves at 2:45. Race Schedule: 4:15 Girls (JV and Varsity races run together) 5000 meter course 4:45 Boys (JV and Varsity races run together) 5000 meter course Driving Directions to McNair Park: I-70 west Take the First Capital exit and turn right off the exit ramp Left on West Clay Right on Droste Follow Droste until you see the park entrance on the right. District 4 meet - Oct. 20th The top 4 teams and top 30 individuals move on to the Sectional Meet Meet in commons at 8:30am, bus leaves at 8:40am. Location: McNair Park Race Schedule 10:00 Varsity Girls (30 medals) 10:45 Varsity Boys (30 medals) Driving Directions to McNair Park: I-70 west Take the First Capital exit and turn right off the exit ramp Left on West Clay Right on Droste Follow Droste until you see the park entrance on the right. Important reminders and dates for the remainder of the 2012 XC season - Uniforms and sweats should be clean and turned in directly to your Coach by November 1st.They must be in a bag with a tag clearly identifying your name.DO NOT leave them in one of our rooms laying around if we are not there. -Team Members and Parents- Soon it will be time to assemble a slide show for the Awards night. We will gladly provide a disc or flash drive if anyone has photos from the season they would like to share . We could also use some music suggestions (unless ya like Coach Fader's "old timey" stuff, and I think Coach Simmons likes Disco)
- Girls Team members- don't forget to put together a "special award" for the teammate you selected. Coaches may be able to help if you need ideas. Also, If you can not attend the awards banquet please notify your Coach so we can arrange to have your person still receive your special award. Saturday, Oct. 27-Sectional meet- Forest Park (only for qualifying teams or individuals) Saturday, November 3rd-Missouri State Championships Meet- Oak Hills Golf Course, Jefferson City (only for qualifying teams or individuals) Monday, November 19th- PHS Cross Country Awards Night (details coming soon)
Practice Week of Oct. 8th- 13th Daily Practice time is 2:30-5:25 Mon-Thurs and 2:30 -4:50 on *Fridays (unless otherwise noted)-Meet in your coach's classroom (Boys - Coach Simmons) (Girls - Coach Zoll) * The activity bus only runs at 5:00pm on friday Mon. 8th- PHS campus Tues. 9th- Carpool to Creve Coeur Park (falls) Wed. 10th- Car pool to Creve Coeur (upper level) Thurs 11th- PHS campus - Girls team practice cancelled (rest day) Friday 12th- PHS campus Saturday 13th- Suburban North Conference Meet (Details Below) Suburban North Conference Championships - Oct. 13th
Meet in commons at 7:30am, bus leaves at 7:45am. Location: Sioux Passage Park Race Schedule 9:15 Varsity Girls (15 medals) 10:00 Varsity Boys (15 medals) 10:35 JV Boys and Girls (common start, boys and girls will be sorted at finish line)
Directions to Sioux Passage County Park
-I -270 North/East
-Take Exit 25B (go North) Lindberg
-Left on Old Halls Ferry Rd.
-Right on Vaile Ave
-Left on Old Jamestown Rd
- Follow Old Jamestown for just under 1/2 mile and look for the park entrance on your right.
- Once inside the park, follow the park road straight until you reach the gravel lot at the base of a huge hill.
Important dates for the remainder of the 2012 XC season Monday, Oct. 15 -Border War meet- McNair park - rescheduled from last week Wednesday, Oct. 17-MIddle School XC Meet (O'Connor Park) We are hosting the meet for the middle schools. All team members are expected to participate in helping with the meet. We will also have practice prior to the meet. Saturday, Oct. 20-District meet- McNair Park- (only Varsity race) Saturday, Oct. 27-Sectional meet- Forest Park (only for qualifying teams or individuals) Saturday, November 3rd-Missouri State Championships Meet- Oak Hills Golf Course, Jefferson City (only for qualifying teams or individuals) Monday, November 19th- PHS Cross Country Awards Night
The Border War XC meet has been postponed for the night of Friday, October 5th. Please watch the blog for updates as they come about the meet and other information.
Update: As of 3:10 PM on Friday, there is still no word about the meet being rescheduled. Try to get in an easy run of 30 minutes today if the weather permits. Updates will be made to the blog as soon as information is passed to us.
Practice Week of Oct.1st- 6th Daily Practice time is 2:30-5:25 mon-thurs and 2:30 -4:50 on *fridays (unless otherwise noted) Meet in your coach's classroom (Boys - Coach Simmons) (Girls - Coach Zoll) * The activity bus only runs at 5:00pm on friday Mon. 1st- carpool to O'Connor park Tues. 2nd- Bus to McNair park for Border War course preview Wed. 3rd- PHS Campus.... finished by 4:15 activity bus (parent/ teacher conferences) Thurs 4th- PHS Campus...finished by 4:15 activity bus (parent/teacher conferences) Friday 5th- No School - Border War XC meet - Meet in commons at 2:45. Bus leaves at 3:00pm Saturday Oct. 8 or Sunday Oct. 9 be sure to get a long run in one of these days. See your coach for specifics. Border War Cross Country Meet Info. Location: McNair Park Date: Friday October 5th Meet at the commons at 2:30 pm. The bus leaves at 2:45. Race Schedule: 4:15 Girls (JV and Varsity races run together) 5000 meter course PHS girls team members will need to run under 25 minutes to be eligible to compete in our District meet on Oct. 20. 4:45 Boys (JV and Varsity races run together) 5000 meter course Driving Directions to McNair Park: I-70 west Take the First Capital exit and turn right off the exit ramp Left on West Clay Right on Droste Follow Droste until you see the park entrance on the right. Upcoming Events: Saturday Oct. 13- Suburban North Conference championships -Sioux Passage Park Wednesday Oct. 17 - Pattonville Middle School Meet (during normal practice time- participation required) We are not running, but will host the meet for the Middle School at O'Connor park
Practice Week of Sept.24- 29 Daily Practice time is 2:30-5:15 mon-thurs and 2:30 -4:50 on *fridays * The activity bus only runs at 5:00pm on friday Meet in your coaches classroom (Boys - Coach Simmons) (Girls - Coach Zoll) Mon. 24th- Carpool to O'connor Tues. 25th- bus to Living Word United Methodist Church - tour the PKWY West course Wed. 26th- Carpool to Creve Coeur Thurs. 27th- PHS campus Fri. 28th-PHS campus Sat. 29th - Parkway West Invitational Parkway West Invitational Location: Living Word United Methodist Church Date: Saturday Sept. 29 Meet at the commons at 7:15am. The bus leaves at 7:30. Race Schedule:(All races are 5K) 9:00 JV Boys 9:30 JV Girls 10:10 Varsity Boys 10:40 Varsity Girls 11:10 Sophomore Boys 11:40 Freshman/Sophomore Girls 12:20 Freshman Boys Directions to Living Word United Methodist Church from PHS: -take Creve Coeur Mill Rd. south -turn Left on the Maryland Heights Expressway - turn right on Olive Blvd. Go 9.3 miles (stay on Olive as it becomes Clarkson after Hwy 40) - turn Right on Manchester Rd./ Hwy 100, go 3.9 miles - turn Left on Pond Rd. The church is located on the southeast corner of Hwy 100 and Pond Rd. As you are heading west on 100, Pond road is the next intersection after HWY 109. Church address: 17315 Manchester Rd, 63038 Upcoming Events: Friday Oct. 5th - Border War XC meet - McNair Park 4:00pm (No school)
Practice Week of Sept. 17- 22Daily Practice time is 2:30-5:25 mon-thurs and 2:30 -4:50 on *fridays (unless otherwise noted)- Meet in your coaches classroom
(Boys - Coach Simmons) (Girls - Coach Zoll) * The activity bus only runs at 5:00pm on friday Mon. 17th - carpool to Creve Coeur Tues. 18th - Bus to Koch Park for course tour Wed. 19th - PHS campus Thurs. 20th-PHS campus Fri. 21st - Hazelwood West Inv. at Koch Park (details below) Bus leaves commons at 2:35 Saturday -
Hazelwood West Invitational - Friday Sept. 21Location: Koch Park Bus
Leaves Stadium immediately after school at 2:35. We will not make it
back for the activity bus, please make arrangements for a ride home from
school after the meet.
Race times:4:00 Varsity Boys 4:30 Varsity Girls 5:00 Junior Varisty Boys 5:30 Junior Varsity Girls
Directions to Koch Park: - take 270 east/north - exit at McDonnell and turn left off exit ramp - McDonnell becomes Howdershell - stay straight Koch Park is located at the corner of Charbonier and Howdershell - Turn left onto Charbonier and then another left into the park. Upcoming Events:September 29- Parkway West Inv. at Living Word United Methodist Church in Wildwood (a brand new course)
Practice Week of Sept.10- 15Daily Practice time is 2:30-5:25 mon-thurs and 2:30 -4:50 on *fridays(unless otherwise noted)-Meet in your coaches classroom (Boys - Coach Simmons) (Girls - Coach Zoll) * The activity bus only runs at 5:00pm on friday Mon. 10th- Carpool to O'Connor Tues. 11th- Bus to Sioux Passage for a tour of the course Wed. 12th- Carpool to Creve Coeur Upper level Thurs. 13th- PHS campus Friday 14th- PHS campus Saturday, Sept. 15 - Paul Enke/Hazelwood Central InvitationalatSioux Passage County Park Be at the High School Commons by 7:15 am Bus leaves at 7:30am Race Timesand Awards: 9:00 Varsity Boys (40 medals/ 3 team awards) 9:30 Varsity Girls (40 medals/ 3 team awards) 10:10 JV Boys (30 medals, 1 team award) 10:50 JV Girls (30 medals, 1 team award) 11:30 Boy's & Girl's Freshman Combined (20 medals, 1 team award) 12:15 Awards (1-10 in each race and team awards) Course Distance: all races will be5k
Directions to Sioux Passage County Park
-I -270 North/East
-Take Exit 25B (go North) Lindberg
-Left on Old Halls Ferry Rd.
-Right on Vaile Ave
-Left on Old Jamestown Rd
- Follow Old Jamestown for just under 1/2 mile and look for the park entrance on your right.
- Once inside the park, follow the park road straight until you reach the gravel lot at the base of a huge hill.
UPCOMING MEETS: Friday Sept. 21- Terry Meatheany/Hazelwood West Inv.- Koch Park Other News:
Friendly reminder: Call for Photography from Parents and PHS XC fans: If you happen to have some photos from meets or other team activities during the season you are willing to share, we could really use the help in obtaining images for our season end slide show. They don't need to be just racing, but all the times in between are also appreciated, from group stretching, cheering or those crashed out in the tent after a hard race. If you would like to share we can send home a thumb drive on which you can quickly drop a copy of images. Thanks as always for your support and let us know if you can help.
Team T-shirts: We have a limited supply of team shirts left and available to family and freinds. The price is $10.oo a shirt(after previous purchase of the first team member shirt)and will be sold on a first come - first serve basis. Team members should see Coach Zoll to purchase these shirts. -SWEATS- Starting this past weekend, it appears the cooler temps (great for running!) of Fall may actually occur on a regular basis . Be prepared and bring extra socks/shirt and sweats from here on out. As it gets cooler hats and gloves will also be necessary. Please remember meet sweats are only for meets. Don't spend a fortune on sweats, any nylon sweats from Target, Kohls or Walmart will work great. You can get cotton garden gloves for $1.00 at most stores and I found a great hat myself for two bucks at walmart. -Meet Attendance- If for some reason you can not attend a meet (and it needs to be a really good reason), please let your Coach know as soon as possible. An email or simply a hand written note is fine. This information is very helpful to the coaches when entering meets.
