THEY'RE EVERYWHERE!!

Last Friday I visited my family doctor. A nagging cold/cough/congested malaise had nagged me for a few weeks. In a few moments he diagnosed the ailment as a sinus infection. He could have sent me on my way, but we spent another ten minutes talking about training. He is a four-hour marathoner, who recently completed the Philadelphia Half Marathon. When I asked him if it was ok to continue to run, he not only replied affirmatively, but informed me of recent studies that have endorsed running as a way of stimulating and cleaning the cilia that lines our lungs. So, indeed, running makes us stronger, in many ways.

Once I cleared up my health issues, I attended to my dogs. They received their annual checkups, and their veterinarian, who is also a runner, spent time discussing his upcoming arthroscopic knee surgery, and wanted to know what my thoughts on his recovery time were. He runs with his daughter, a sophomore in high school, who thoroughly enjoys running with her dad.

It was impossible to resist the pre-Thanksgiving sale at Lowe's, so on Tuesday I loaded up my cart with Christmas lights (one can never have enough). A fellow in line ahead of me called out, "Hey, I ran three miles today." I had no idea who he was.

Prior to my Lowe's excursion, I braved 5 miles on slick, wind-blown, icy roads, glazed by an afternoon storm. I thought I was quite the man, foolishly hitting the roads at twilight, while others clung to the safety of their treadmills. To my surprise, I passed six other runners on my journey.

Wherever you live, wherever you go these days, runners are everywhere.

Isn't it great!!

Over 1,500 runners hit the streets of Berwick, Pennsylvania yesterday for the 104th edition of the Run for the Diamond 9-mile event. In fact, all over the country yesterday, 'turkey trots' were more numerous than football games.

Keep it going runners. Spread the gospel of our sport. Make sure people know that our sport is truly 'democracy on the move.' All of us are created equal in the distances we run, and in the eyes of the clock. Anyone can participate in our sport, and they can toe the line in the same races as the elite of our sport. There is no age, sex, or weight limit.

So, keep taking it to the streets. Use our influence, our staggering numbers, to lobby for trails, safe running paths, and more races.

Yes, runners are everywhere. Let's do our part to keep those numbers growing.

THANKS!

Most of the family has arrived, and the feast will be on the table tomorrow.

We are all healthy, life is good. Indeed, there is much to be thankful for.

Thanks to all of you for a terrific 2013. At nine marathons, where I have delivered seminars, around the country, and in Canada, I have had the privilege of meeting runners from all over the world. There is nothing more gratifying than sharing our tales from the road.

Thanks to those of you who bought my book, "Running Shorts," and thanks to all of you who read this blog. I enjoy sharing my thoughts, ideas, and advice with you.

Many thanks to all of you who listened to my whining and wished me well with my injury recovery.

Runners are fine people. Period.

I think being in tune with ourselves allows us to be more in tune with others.

Keep doing what you're doing. We're all in this together.

From my family to yours, best wished for a Happy Thanksgiving and for a joyous Holiday season.

I hope you continue to have much to be thankful for.

RUBY'S CHECKUP

On Monday I took Ruby to the doctor for her annual checkup.

Last year, at four years of age, she had developed a weight problem, and her physician cautioned us that she needed to lose a few pounds in order to remain healthy.

In my book, "Running Shorts: A Collection of Stories and Advice for Anyone Who Has Ever Laced Up a Pair of Running Shoes" www.runningshortsbook.com,  I offer a somewhat tongue-in-cheek approach to the issue of weight loss.

The chapter, entitled, "The Diet Book," offers my short, yet concise analysis with regard to losing weight in a healthy manner. I also suggested that it may be the title of my NEXT book: 'Eat less and exercise more.' Now, this book would be an easy read. After I design an eye-catching cover, a table of contents, an inspirational quote, and a list of acknowledgements, entire manuscript would read, Eat less and exercise more.

Forget about fad diets and gimmicks. The key to healthy weight loss, in my view, lies in at least a half hour of aerobic activity for four days a week or more, combined with a sensible diet. Keeping everything in moderation is the key. A steak, once in a while, is ok, but a steak five times a week is not. And, we need to eat more food and less products. Take the American Cancer Society's advice about consuming nine fruits and/or vegetables a day. If it's colorful, it's good. Load up those salads with all kinds of stuff, and eat superfoods, like blueberries. The formula has worked for my mother. She's 92 years old, and takes no medication of any kind.

So, after our scare of last year, we modified Ruby's lifestyle. An avid sleeper, we made sure she exercised daily. She has an affinity for junk food, so we also provided her with healthy food, and we reduced her portions.

Two days ago, at her annual checkup, the verdict was good. She had lost seven pounds, and is now is excellent health for a five year old.

Ruby is our baby and we care deeply about her. A Redbone Coonhound, she resides with us and her sister, Dixie, a seven year old Labrador Retriever.

Ruby's weight loss formula was a simple one, and she seems to be sticking to it. She enjoys chasing rabbits, and now she can almost catch them. While her sister enjoys running for miles, Ruby used to get gassed after a mile. From there, she would slowly waddle home, or simple drop to the ground to take a break. Today, a two mile or so run is no problem for her.

Running alone is not a magic bullet. We need to, like Ruby, implement a total fitness plan. Eat less and exercise more, and don't forget to lift weights to keep your upper body as strong as your lower half.

Here's hoping that your next annual checkup goes as well as Ruby's.

UNIQUE BOND

We are all aware of the physical benefits that running provides. The strengthening of our hearts and lungs, the years and quality of life those years may add to our lives, as well as the mental benefits of our positive addiction. There is an aspect of running, however, that transcends physical and psychological perks. That is the lifetime friendships forged by our sport.

Yesterday I ran with Wayne Parfitt. I was already a seasoned runner when I met Wayne, who was a high school senior in 1983. A stellar track and cross country competitor, he decided to take a year off before resuming his post-high school education, and during that year he planned on running marathons.

Happy to have a long distance training partner, we banged out 80-90 mile weeks, and in November of that year he ran the Philadelphia Marathon. His amazing time of 2:39:39 earned him a the ranking of the fastest marathon runner in the country for the 18 and under age group, according to Running Times Magazine. We went on to run the 1984 Boston Marathon, where he dropped his time into the low 2:30s.

Currently, Wayne resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Last fall, after a 25-year hiatus, he came back to visit his hometown and we went out for a 5-mile training run. It was as though a 'pause' button was lifted. We hit the 'play' button and picked up where we left off, some 25 years ago.

Yesterday, Wayne came to Pottsville for another visit. We went out for another 5-mile run, and the 'play' button was hit again.

Today, my oldest continuous running training partner, and dear friend, Brian Tonitis, and I ran 7 miles together. This is the fifth decade of our getting together for training runs. For the past three years, Brian's son, Matt, now a Pennsylvania State Trooper, and I, logged thousands of miles, running both the Philadelphia and Boston Marathons. Brian, a 2:39 marathoner, went on to become an excellent triathlete. Brian once described our training together as "two guys sitting at a bar shooting the bull," except we're doing it in a pretty healthy way.

On Saturday, I'll pack up my gear and head to the mountains of southern Pennsylvania to join a million other hunters who'll flock to the Pennsylvania woods for the beginning of deer season. I'll be the guest of John Ausherman, a running friend who lives 100 miles to south. Bitter adversaries in the early 80s, John, his wife, Sue, and my family have become the best of friends.

John and I had many epic running battles in the 1980s, and both own personal best marathon times in the low 2:20s. So much more than that, however, is the bond between our families. John's son, Tommy, taught my son, Logan, how to hunt. We were happy to be a part of John's daughter, Lindsay's wedding, and he and Sue will be a part of our daughter Kelly's in May. Our families get together several times a year. All because of running. These great friends, as well as others, are featured in the chapter, "Cast of Characters," in my book, "Running Shorts: A Collection of Stories and Advice for Anyone Who Has Ever Laced Up a Pair of Running Shoes." www.runningshortsbook.com.

On Saturday, December 21, a crowd of 30 runners will meet at my house for our annual "Christmas Run," a 3-mile jaunt through the streets of Pottsville. Runners from their teens to their 60s, all connected by this unique bond we all share will do what we love to do. We'll laugh, be irreverent to one another, talk about the past and the future, share our injuries, triumphs and tragedies, and celebrate the past year, with hopes for a better 2014.

This is a great sport, where friendships last a lifetime

                                                          John and Lindsay Ausherman

                                                                     Matt Tonitis

DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH

While most folks prepare the turkey dinner next Thursday, more than a thousand runners will participate in an iconic running event. At 10:30 a.m., as has been the tradition since 1908, nestled in the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania, Berwick's Run for the Diamonds will be contested.

Back in 1908, 13 runners lined up on Berwick's Market Street early Thanksgiving morning, and except for a two-year hiatus during World War I, they've been doing so ever since. In 2009, the race celebrated it's centennial anniversary. A record 1,985 runners competed in the centennial race.

More than thirty Olympians, including Boston Marathon winner, the late Johnny Kelley, have competed at Berwick, and the course record for the grueling 9-Mile race is an astounding 43 minutes, 21 seconds, set in 1980 by two-time Olympian Pete Pfitzinger.

Weather conditions in central Pennsylvania on Thanksgiving morning are unpredictable, to say the least. Sometimes, spring-like temperatures prevail; while often the air is frigid, and occasionally, like in 2010, a sleet storm reduces visibility and turns the course into a slalom run.

The course is unique, and has remained virtually the same since it was designed in 1908.

For the first two miles, runners are treated to a pleasant, relatively flat terrain, and at the 2-mile mark are running 600 feet above sea level. From 2 to 3 miles runners ascend more than 300 feet to 900 feet above sea level at the 1/3 point in the race. By 3 1/2 miles, runners have climbed to 1000 feet, and after a brief downhill, climb to the apex, a breathtaking 1100 feet, at 4 1/4 miles into the race. From there, a fast, nearly 5 miles remains until the finish, and, after having completed a loop, runners cross the finish line in downtown Berwick.

The top seven men receive diamond rings; while the top seven women earn diamond necklaces.

Richer than diamonds, however, is the tradition and the hospitality of this race. Race Director. Margaret Livsey conducts a first-class event. Great runner, and an even greater individual, Bill Bull, has been a fixture of this race for many years, and makes sure the race runs smoothly.

If you go to Berwick, (it has been a favorite race of Canadian runners since 1908), you will probably run into legendary runner/coach/author, Mark Will-Weber. One of Mark's very fine running books is entitled, "Run for the Diamonds: 100 Years of Footracing in Berwick, Pennsylvania." The book is an entertaining history of the race. Mark will be happy to sign a copy for you, and he'll be more than happy to join you for a cold, post-race Yuengling beer.

Berwick's Run for the Diamonds is definitely a race you want to run sometime in your running career.

Check out: www.runforthediamonds.com for more information.

We BETTER pay it forward...SOON!

Yesterday, the title of my blog was, "Pay it Forward." I wrote about the lack of youth participation in our sport. This morning I opened to page two of my local newspaper, The Republican Herald, for which I write a monthly running column. The headline read, "Study: Kids today less fit than their parents were."

WHAT???

Following are frightening excerpts from the article, written by Marilynn Marchione, of the Associated Press.

"Today's kids can't keep up with their parents. An analysis of studies on millions of children around the world finds they don't run as fast or as far as their parents did when they were young.

On average, it takes a child 90 seconds longer to run a mile than their counterparts did 30 years ago. Heart related fitness has declined 5 percent per decade since 1975."

That's more than 4 and a half minutes slower for a 5K!!

So, now we know why, in most races, runners in their 40s and 50s are running faster times than many runners in their 20s!

The article goes on to say, "The American Heart Association, whose conference featured the research on Tuesday, said it's the first to show that children's fitness has declined worldwide over the last three decades."

"Health experts  recommend that children 6 and older get 60 minutes of moderately vigorous activity daily. Only one-third of American kids do now."

"The new study was led by Grant Tomkinson, an  exercise physiologist at the University of South Australia. Researchers analyzed 50 studies on running fitness, a key measure of cardiovascular health and endurance, involving 25 million children ages 9 to 17 in 28 countries from 1964 to 2010."

"The studies measured how far children could run in 5 to 15 minutes and how quickly they ran a certain distance ranging from half a mile to 2 miles. Today's kids are 15 percent less fit than their parents were."

"Tomkinson said obesity likely plays a role since it makes it harder to run or do aerobic exercise. Too much time watching television and playing video games and unsafe neighborhoods with not enough options for outdoor play may also play a role."

Finally, "The World Health Organization numbers suggest that 80 percent of young people globally may not be getting enough exercise."

These are sobering, frightening statistics and studies. As I stated in yesterday's blog, as runners, we must be proactive. We must be the recruiters for our sport. After I published my blog yesterday, I heard from some of my friends in Mississippi. Jackie Blue, from Grenada, Mississippi  told me about her local running group, "The Blue Streaks." She said, "We're all different ages, shapes, and sizes with the love of running. We offer each other encouragement and tips."

Way to go Jackie!!

The folks in Grenada have got it right. I guarantee you, with folks like Jackie and the great running ambassador, Felix Shipp, leading the way, the running boom is alive and well in Mississippi.

Let's turn this thing around now. We owe it to the kids. Let's make a commitment to creating the fittest, not the fattest society.

PAY IT FORWARD

I notice the "graying" of the running boom every morning. It happens when I look in the mirror.

Some of us began our competitive running career during the celebrated "Running Boom" of the late 70s and early 80s. It doesn't require complex math to figure out that the runners of that era are now in their 50s and 60s.

Today, we are in the midst of the second Running Boom, which is more broad based and all-inclusive. Statistically, more people are running and entering races today, more than ever before. However, those competitors, who are new to the sport, also tend to be "older," often in their 30s and 40s. In many races these days, the 40-44, 45-49. and over 50 age divisions are more competitive that the 20-something age groups. In some local races, it is sometimes difficult to fill out the three award slots in the 20-24 or 25-29 age groups.

We are very fortunate to have discovered this great sport, one that allows us to have such longevity. So, if the "boom" is to keep on going, it is up to us to pay it forward, and to let members of the younger generation know that an hour on the road can be just as much fun as an hour of Xbox.

There is nothing I enjoy more than coaching runners at my local campus of Penn State University. This year, however, my number of runners was at an all time low. Despite the dearth of bodies, my top female runner, Haylee Burnhauser placed 7th at the USCAA National Cross Country Meet, earning All American status.

On my team this year, I coached two young men who had never run cross country. They joined the team in order to get into shape for their basketball season. On the first day of practice they barely finished a mile. Eventually, they participated, and did well, in several 5-mile races. Today, there rarely tire on the basketball court.

Use your running experience to spread the good news of running to those with whom you interact, on the job or socially. A colleague of mine was a great athlete in high school. He gained a lot of weight, but decided to take control of his health. Last year, he lost 80 pounds, through running and diet, and a month ago broke the 23-minute barrier for a 5K.

You can volunteer to start a youth track program at your local elementary school. Here in Pennsylvania, Hershey Foods sponsors the Hershey Track and
Field Program for boys and girls from ages 9 to 14.

Help to organize a race. It is a terrific way to raise money for your church or civic organization.

Volunteer, or attend local high school track or cross country events. In many states, there is a demand for track and cross country officials. Sign up, take the test, and use your knowledge to officiate the sport.

If you're not running in a local race, be a spectator. All of us love the adulation of the crowd.

Start a local running club, or even a Facebook page. Check out the Facebook group, "Running for the Health of It." It is comprised of runners from all over the country who are incredibly supportive of one and other.

This running thing is big, but let's do our part to make bigger. Be a preacher, a mentor, an ambassador. You will find that, by paying it forward, your running experience will be that much more rewarding.

BROTHERLY LOVE

More than 30,000 runners will participate in the Philadelphia Marathon and Half Marathon tomorrow, and I can guarantee they won't be disappointed.

For the first time in four years, I will be receiving reports from the race instead of running it, here in my northeast Pennsylvania home, some 90 miles north of the City of Brotherly Love.

The Philadelphia Marathon, like the city itself, is a big city/small town race. If you're running the race, be prepared to hear spectators cheering you on with phrases like, "Yo Tom," or just simply, "TOM!" Philadelphians are passionate about their sports, and have a great respect for anyone who "puts it on the line." No one puts it on the line like runners!

The course is designed to afford spectators several fine vantage points, and it is a magnificent course for the participants. One runs from river to river, from the start on the Ben Franklin Parkway, down to the Delaware River, following in the footsteps of Rocky Balboa, through Center City, where the crowds are thick along the sidewalks, over the only real hill on the course, and back to the Schuylkill River, which forms the western border of the city.

At the halfway point, (the finish for the half marathon) runners pass the famous Philadelphia Art Museum, then proceed along beautiful Kelly Drive, on the other side of the Schuylkill River, where teams of scullers may be practicing, having launched their craft from the colorful boathouses that dot the shore.

The 20 and 21 mile marks in any marathon are challenging. For runners in the Philadelphia Marathon, these difficult miles take runners through Manayunk, a quaint suburb of Philly, where crowds are large and loud. Music blares, Philadelphia string bands plunk out their twangy tunes, and their is even an hydration station (unofficial, of course) with beer!

A windy, slightly downhill, return on Kelly Drive, is pleasant over the last couple of miles, and after runners pass the Art Museum again, the final mile is all downhill and fast, to the finish on the Franklin Parkway.

A fast course, superb race organization, terrific spectators in a terrific city, make the Philadelphia one of America's finest running events.

After the race, have a famous soft pretzel, an indescribable Philly cheesesteak, or go to one of my favorite places, Farmicia, a small, outstanding place for breakfast place near 3rd Street.

You can see the Liberty Bell, check out Independence Hall, where our nation was born, head down to Olde City, with its many restaurants and bars, or attend one of the world's greatest tailgate parties, as the Eagles prepare to play the Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field. Wear your Philadelphia Marathon shirt, and I can guarantee you'll be offered a free beverage or two from the tailgaters. Wear a Redskins jersey, and all bets are off.

It looks like it's going to be good weather for the race, as showers are supposed to hold off until the afternoon.

My daughter, Kelly, and her fiancée, Mike will represent the family by running the half marathon.

I envy all of you, and hope to be mended so I can join you in Philly next year.

To all the runners in the Philadelphia Marathon, best of luck.

Make tomorrow your personal best!

STORIES, ADVICE, HISTORY

In a little less than two months I will have concluded my 37th year of competitive running. During that time, I have competed in over 700 races, from the mile to the marathon. Boston 2013 was my 54th marathon, having run a best time of 2:22:54 at the 1983 Boston Marathon, and a worst of 3:13.

As I enter the period of my life where I am a veteran runner, with my best times behind me, I take great pleasure in writing this blog, coaching at the collegiate level, and creating training programs for runners on a unique site called Fiverr.

There have been many influences on my running life, as well as a lifetime of great experiences. I tried to relate those experiences in my book, "Running Shorts: A Collection of Stories and Advice For Anyone Who Has Ever Laced Up a Pair of Running Shoes."

In the book, I attempted to make my stories your stories.

Most of us have a running partner or partners. Several of mine are described in my 'Cast of Characters' chapter.

Ever get annoyed by the competitor who always has an excuse for his bad race? Then you can relate to my chapter, 'Excuses, Excuses.'

Were you around during the first running boom, or have you heard of it? 'Running Boom' will place you right in the middle of running boom, short shorts and all.

Have you been run off the road by an irate driver? You need to read the chapter, 'Why Do They Hate Us So Much.'

Well, you get the picture.

"Running Shorts" is an entertaining read, and it is perfect for the runner on your Christmas list, even if that runner is you. Order it on my site: www.runningshortsbook.com, or get in touch with me and I'll make sure I send you a signed copy. The price is only $11.00, and I'll pick up the shipping. Heck, that's way cheaper than race entry fees, and most pairs of socks these days. I even have a few really nice women's T-Shirts left, emblazoned with the words, "Each Day is My Personal Best," that I'll throw in for free. Sadly, however, only size Smalls remain.

I'll dispense with the commercial and get back to the blog next time. But I will guarantee, if you like the blog, you'll love the book.

 

 

100% GRATITUDE TO THE 2%

I'm a school teacher by trade. I teach 7th and 8th graders about history, government, and civics.

Today is Veterans Day, and I believe that the best way for the students to learn about the invaluable contributions of America's veterans is to hear about it from the brave men and women who have sacrificed their time, their bodies, and their minds for this country.

This morning, Stu Richards, a local Vietnam veteran, delivered a stirring presentation to one of my 7th grade classes. During his talk, he astounded us with an amazing statistic: 2% of Americans serve in the armed forces, defending the remaining 98% of us.

That's right. 2% of the bravest men and women, of all ages, keep us free, and carry the torch of freedom around the world. Today, United States Marines landed in the Philippines, not to fight a war, but to assist in the recovery of the country in the wake of the devastating typhoon which struck over the weekend.

My father, Joe Sr., served as an Army Air Corps Master Sergeant in World War II, enduring the Blitzkrieg of London.

Today, my son is a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps, stationed at Camp Lejune, North Carolina.

I am proud to be a son and a father to and of these fine men.

Veterans Day is a single day we have set aside to honor those who have served and are serving, but from one of the 98% all of you protect, every day I thank you, pray for your safety, and appreciate your sacrifice for this country.

Thank you, and God bless all our veterans.

http://youtu.be/sMuM_YAlKr8

ALL AMERICAN GIRL

Competitive running is a lot like baking a cake. Find the proper ingredients, mix them together, allow proper baking time, and finish with a successful product.

Baking involves the work of a human being and a bunch of inanimate objects. A baker has the desire to create a perfect dish. If a runner has the desire, dedication, and enough "baking" ability, success may be achieved at any age and at any level.

For the past seven years, I have had the privilege to serve as head cross country coach of Penn State Schuylkill, a branch campus of the Pennsylvania State University. Our campus, tucked away in the mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania, has a population of only about 1,500 students. Often, it is difficult to attract athletes for a non-glamorous sport like cross country, but for the past three years, I have been fortunate enough to have coached athletes who have won our Penn State Athletic Conference State Championships, and qualify for United States Collegiate Athletic Association National Championships.

Last year, I coached a young freshman girl, who decided to begin her running career when she was a senior in high school.

Haylee Burnhauser immediately bought into my philosophy of "quality miles." Too often, in my opinion, coaches concentrate on long, meaningless junk miles, in this case, for races of 5 or 6K distances. Rather, we focus on shorter, high quality miles for our workouts.

Haylee runs hard almost every day, including in her workouts a steady diet of hills, and an weekly interval session. I never have her run over 6 miles in a training run.

In 2012, Haylee finished second in our state, qualifying for Nationals in Lake Placid, New York. As a freshman, I hoped she would gain valuable big race experience at Nationals. Instead, she ran a stellar second half of the race, held on the Biathlon course from the 1980 Winter Olympics, moving up more than a dozen places, for a 9th place finish, and earning Second Team All American status.

Having won her state meet in 2013, her expectations were high. This year's national meet was to be held on a golf course in Syracuse, New York.

The night before, at the pre-race banquet, Haylee received her Academic All American award. Besides her running accomplishments, she maintains a 3.60 Grade Point Average in a difficult radiology program.

Race day dawned with Syracuse-like weather conditions. Snow squalls reduced visibility to zero, and the winds swirled the frozen precipitation like a white tornado.

As the athletes warmed up, the snow had stopped, leaving a slushy residue on the slick grass. A biting wind reduced the brisk 36-degree temperature.

A savvy pacer, Haylee positioned herself around 25th place, within striking distance of the leaders, as she passed me at the quarter mile mark. Clad in tights, a headband, and wearing gloves, her strides were long and relaxed.

At the mile mark, which she reached in a time of 6:18, she had moved up to 12th place, with her strength, the final 2/3 of the race ahead of her.

The top three runners had broken from the pack, and the goal of the next few competitors was to place in the top seven, thus achieving 1st Team All American honors.

At the two mile mark, Haylee had moved up to 9th place, exactly where she finished last year. her strength, however, is usually lies in the final mile.

Family members, and friends, who had donned "Haylee" T-shirts, lined the final half mile, cheering wildly. Her anxious coach positioned himself at a spot with approximately 100 meters to go. As I counted, she had moved up to the coveted 7th place, but...a strong, determined runner bore down on her. Animated and loud, I implored her to "Drive right through the finish line."

She did.

With long, loping strides, she covered the 6K distance in 24:58, a personal best, 1.8 seconds ahead of the 8th place finisher. She had run a gritty, determined race, in miserable conditions. She had adhered to my mantra of having "Confidence in your training."

Haylee Burnhauser, Academic All American, was now a First Team Athletic All American. And, she's only a sophomore.

That's icing on the cake!

EXTRAORDINARY

Following is a reprint of my article published in our local newspaper, The Republican Herald, today.

Every once in a while, a coach is fortunate enough to mentor an athlete who possesses extraordinary talent as well as a good old-fashioned work ethic.
Last fall, at Penn State Schuylkill, Haylee Burnhauser, a Pottsville Area High School graduate, joined my cross country team. From her very first workout, she displayed dedication, determination and a love for the sport.
Throughout the Penn State University Athletic Conference invitational meet season in 2012, she finished either in first or second place, earning a berth for her and her teammates to the USCAA National Cross Country Championships.
At the PSUAC State Championships, she placed second, behind Penn State Wilkes-Barre's Alex Leandri. Leandri went on to finish second at nationals.
At the national meet in Lake Placid, N.Y., Burnhauser began her race on the frozen, snow-mottled course, far behind the lead pack. With a half mile to go, as she emerged from the woods, she had worked her way up to ninth place in a field of nearly 200 runners, earning second-team All-America status.
A difficult class schedule that keeps her busy until 4 p.m. on weekdays nearly prevented her from joining the team this year, but when practice began, she not only picked up where she left off last season, but she also surpassed it in every way.
This season, as a sophomore, she dominated the PSUAC. At the state championship meet two weeks ago, on a hilly course at Scranton, she finished more than a minute ahead of her nearest competitor. Her time was nearly two minutes faster than Leandri's winning state championship time of 2012. She became PSU-Schuylkill's first female state champion and the second state cross country champion in the past three years at PSU-Schuylkill.
On Friday, she will make her second trip to nationals, which will be held this year on a golf course in Syracuse, N.Y.
In races, on daily long distance workouts and speed work on the track, her times are far ahead of her standards of a year ago.
She wedges her workouts between a grueling radiology curriculum and a part-time job. She never relaxes during a workout, usually surpasses my goal times and expectations, and, in every way, is a coach's dream.
Thanks to her grade-point average of 3.60, she will receive Academic All-America honors at the runners' banquet, held the night before nationals. The next day, she will compete against 180 of the nation's best small- college runners, representing more than 50 schools.
Burnhauser has emerged as a seasoned, very smart runner. She possesses long, loping strides that seem to have increased in length this season, allowing her to cover large amounts of real estate with each step. At a meet in Wilkes-Barre earlier this fall, an opposing runner passed her near the halfway point of the race. Burnhauser countered the move, repassed her opponent, turned on a burst of speed and never looked back, defeating the challenger by more than a minute.
She is poised, confident and in excellent running condition.
At nationals, the sky's the limit.
Whatever the outcome, Haylee Burnhauser epitomizes the definition of a collegiate student-athlete.