Check this out!!

So, the sports editor at Shorter asked Jared and I if we would write an article about our experience in Mammoth and meeting Olympian Ryan Hall. Here is the article that we wrote. It is on the Shorter sports website, the NAIA sports website, as well as some newspapers, and the Shorter College magazine!

http://goshorterhawks.cstv.com/sports/m-xc/spec-rel/082008aac.html

Monday Long Run

We'll, I just finished up a 14 mile long run, and it went really well. I have been back home for almost a week now, and my legs are finally starting to come back to me. Once you leave altitude and return to sea level, it takes a while for your legs to feel fast again. It is nice being back home, but I miss Mammoth alot. When I was in California, I was able to focus all my attention on my running. But, being back in Atlanta, it has been pretty chaotic. I have been working everyday since returning, so I am enjoying my day off today. Anyways, nothing real exciting for the day, but I will keep posting blogs and giving updates on how the season is going. Bye for now!

-Josh

Ryan Hall Story and Workout!

Here is a video of Hall speaking to us last week, as well as him doing one of his final workouts before the 2008 Olympics!!
Part 1




Part 2

Back in Atlanta

Well, the Mammoth trip is over and was a huge success. I have to say that I do miss being in Mammoth, but it sure does feel great to be home. I met some really amazing people out there, and was able to strengthen my relationships with those I already knew. I have said this over and over again, but it will truly be a trip I will never forget. I am super tired now, and so I am going to bed now, but I will post some more tomorrow, and put up some pictures as well. I hope everyone has enjoyed reading the blog, and I will talk to you all soon!

-Jared

New Lab Record for Max VO2 Test

So today I went to the Mammoth SPORT Center to have a Vo2Max test done. I can explain in more detail about what this test means, but just to know the higher the number the better. It was a pretty tough workout, but it went very well. I hit 68 for my VO2 max test, which converts to a 75 at sea level. That was a new Lab record. I was pretty excited about it, because I had no clue on what to expect going into it. So the point is to max your body out while on the treadmill. I went for 12:47. I started at 6:15 per mile pace, and every 2 minutes, they dropped the pace by 15 seconds. I got down to 5:00 per mile pace and ran at that for 2 minutes to finish up the test. The hardest part about the test is 1. Running on a treadmill, because you feel like your working so much harder, and 2. Running on the treadmill with this huge tube in your mouth and headgear strapped to you. Plus, my nose was pinched off with a clip so that I was forced to breathe only out of my mouth. It very fun, if thats the right word to use, simply because people have always asked me what my VO2 is and I never knew. In a few weeks we are going to do the test again back at sea level so that we can compare the numbers. Alright well I need to go pack and hang out with everyone before we leave bright and early in the morning. Last day in mammoth....then its back to the ATL!! Its been a great ride, and I have loved every minute of it. See everyone soon!!

-Jared

Running with olympians and visiting Yosemite National Park

Well the past few days have been pretty exciting in Mammoth. On Friday I got to run with Ryan and Sara Hall, and also Josh Cox. It was a moment I will never forget. I never imagined I would be out on the trails in beautiful Mammoth Lakes running 10 miles with Ryan and Sara Hall. Oh, and I can't forget their dog, Kai. She also ran with us. Then after the run, I got a ride back to the condo with the Halls. It was pretty sweet to say I have ridden in Ryan's car. And the best part about it all, was that it was so chill and relaxed. For a while I actually forgot who it was I was talking to. We rarely talked about running. We talked about school, life, God, and so much more than running. It was awesome!

Today, we went to Yosemite National park. It was an awesome day trip! I had never been there before, so I took tons of pictures. I went for a run when I got there, had some lunch, and then decided to hike up to a nearby waterfall. The view at the waterfall was unbelievable. It was the largetst waterfall I had ever seen. The hike was very steep but it was so worth it. I can't wait for everyone to see pics. Well I'm going to get some sleep now. It has been a long day and tomorrow is my last full day in Mammoth. Its weird to say that because I have actually gotten used to living here now. I must say I will miss this place, but at the same time I am really looking forward to getting back home too. I feel like this month has been an experience I will never forget. It has been amazing, and I have loved every bit of it. I also need to get some sleep tonight, because tomorrow afternoon I am getting a max v02 test done. It should be interesting because I have never had that done before. It should be fun, but challenging at altitude. I will have a tube in my mouth, my nose pinched off, a computer hooked up to me, and I will have to run on a treadmill for atleast 10 minutes, and will have to get down to 5:00/mile pace. Alright well I'm out now, but I will see you guys all this week!!!

-Jared

Training Run w/ Olympic Athletes

So, we are on a technology fast and I'm not supposed to be on the computer, but I had to tell you about todays run. Yesterday, Ryan and Sara Hall came over to talk to the group about their running and training. Afterwards, I was talking to Ryan about doing an easy run and he suggested we run together this morning! So, this morning, Ryan and Sara Hall picked up me, Jared, and our friend Brent from our condo and we headed up to Lake Mary (9000 feet) to run. We met up with Josh Cox, along with Meb Keflezghi (2004 silver Olympic Medalist) and Dan Browne (2004 Olympian). We ended up running about 10.5 miles together and it was a great experience. We had some great conversations about life, and I learned alot from both Ryan and Josh about staying positive even when things aren't going well. Its crazy cause a few days ago when I got a picture with him I thought that was a big deal. Today, I'm riding in the car with him just having regular conversations about life and random stuff. It was definently the best experience of the trip! After the run, Ryan and Sara drove us back to our condo. Their dog Kai joined us for the run as well and stayed with us the whole time....that dog is fit!! I've got a picture from today, so I will put it up as soon as possible.

-Josh