Back To Memphis We Go

After a fun filled Christmas break Jen and I are heading back to Memphis this arvo. I will add some photos soon from Christmas with the Haaser family.

Traveling to Fort Smith today

Jen and I are off on highway I-40 today heading into Arkansas. We are going back to Fort Smith to see my future in-laws for Christmas. I am pretty excited about something, but I will tell you that later this week. We are really excited about Christmas and being with the family, but I'm not too thrilled about being around all those cats that seem to take over. Oh well, guess I'll take my allergy medication before I go.

From our family to yours, may you have a Merry Christmas and New Year. Stay safe out there because it can get crazy at times.

Uni finishes this week, but not work

So this is the final week of final exams at the U. of Memphis. All the kids are busy studying, partying and getting another semester out of the way. I am still trying to get a few of my Aussie athletes admitted into the University & it seems to be right there....well before something else pops up. I always get so confident that the international kids will be admitted but then something comes up, gets lost, or just plan needs to be updated. So this morning didn't start well, but improved as we got closer to practice. The guys and girls are all improving, but with the Christmas break starting at the end of the week I am a little nervous that they can keep up the training intensity. I would love them to come back in better shape & knock off some of the records.
Jen is fitting in much better at the high school. We just got back from a HS basketball game which was fun, but Munford lost dismally. I am back into running. I ran twice on the weekend and then hit another 55mins today. I should be getting in about 5-6 hours of running this week & slowly building up. I have a half marathon I'd like to win in March, so need to get in shape. :-)

Post Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was all about heading back to Fort Smith for the family-in-law (nearly) get together. It was fun to see them all, but not to see all the cats. I really get messed up when I get near them and just don't care for them. I know it may be mean, but that is the truth and this is my blog so I am allowed to say that! haha. Anyway it was a very productive weekend and good to get away from Memphis. Not that we dislike this city, but always good to get away from the grind at work. While on the topic of work I am very nervous about some start recruits I have signed up for the January inclusion into the University. They are all from Australia & I cant wait to have them help build this program up towards winning the conference. I am sure it can happen, but may take a few years. The men and women are continuing their good training with everyone completing a great 'mile down' workout in the beautiful weather on Monday. We have 600's tomorrow. I have started a Memphis Track Blog specifically aimed at talking about the workings that go on behind the scenes of this Division 1 University. Get onto it some time.

It's all starting to happen

After a great track workout by both the men and women last night I think they are all starting to show that they are improving with their new training. The men pushed out 5x1000 [200 jog] in their target time of 3:05-3:15. All looked smooth and relaxed in the 80 degree heat. The women worked well with Emily Malinowski showing great form with 5x1000 [200 jog] in her target time of 3:35. Perfect pace for this time of the year & she had a lot in reserve.
I am excited about the coming weeks & I know the team will improve even more as we progress through the track season.

What a weekend!

Well last weekend had to be the busiest one I have had in a while. I got to do a little recruiting at the Tennessee state XC meet in Nashville which was fun. I meet a great guy, Dave Milner, who coaches a high school team and also publishes a fantastic running mag, Tennessee Running. After the 3 hour drive from Memphis and the Saturday race day activities, I struggled home to Memphis. Then the next day we had some recruits in for official visits and show them around the campus/facilities. Long weekend!
This week is official the 'Early Signing Period' where athletes can sign the Letter of Intent to attend a certain institution on scholarship. The University of Memphis should get a few this week and I will post them on here once they come through. I think this is a first for our Uni, so that is exciting to see something positive starting to happen so early into the season and changes here.
I am running again about 3 times per week. I run with the girls at the moment, but that should change soon once I get my legs under me.

A little disappointing

Well the C-USA champs came and went. It was a draining weekend which ended the cross country season and a few of the athletes careers. I would have liked them to compete a little more, but I think a few factors contributed to their under-par performance. We now have an easy week before we get into a solid 2 months of training which prepare for the indoor track season. I am looking forward to getting the athletes on the track and giving them some good hearty workouts....they need it.
I am pretty tired after the meet and deserve an easy week myself but I will start a few days of training myself & hopefully get back into 3-4 days/week of running. As long as my heel doesn't play up it should be fun to get back into it a little more regularly.

Conference Champs

We leave for C-USA champs tomorrow. The team did their final workout today before flying out tomorrow morning. They are all looking alot better than the start of the season., but then again, I'd hope so. I have put alot of time into them to think like 'real' athletes and get their heads wrapped around competing when it was on the line. Lets see if they perform Saturday morning. I am quietly confident that I can have 1 girl in the Top 10 and another girl in Top 25, with our number 3 around 30th. So the team should come out with 6th or 7th. With the Men's Team it is a little different. We are looking to beat just one team....and they are hosting the event on their own turf. So a tough ask for the blokes, but see how they react.

Finally getting back to it

Ok, sorry to everyone for not keeping up on the blog. I have been very overwhelmed with moving, visas & work these past few months and it is time to catch everyone up on what has been happening.
As some people know I am now the Head cross country coach for men & women and the assistant track coach for indoor and outdoor at the University of Memphis.
Jen and I moved here in late July and we had to get a place quick. Somehow we were lucky enough to move into a nice little single storey unit & settled pretty quickly.
After I finally secured the coaching position, something I have been after for 2 years, I started to learn everyday how coaching at the Division 1 level is so different than racing at it. I love the learning process and having the chance to develop up-and-coming talent.
As my appointment to the coaching staff was so late in the year I had little time to get things going with the few runners that I was to look after. They didnt have a chance to work on their strength base and really had to go with what they had built up through the summer months of running. We have now run 4 races and the runners have improved through each week. The mens side range from 27 minutes to 30 minutes for the 8km distance and the womens range from 19-22mins for the 5km.
The thing that I do 90% of the day is recruiting. I am trying to develop this program into a strong distance program, something it was back in the late 70's.....and I will do it. I have no doubt about that and I am confident that all the work will pay off when our team starts winning cross country races even as early as next year. The building process can take 4-5 years, but I think that we should see a whole new Memphis Cross team next year.

We are now just about settled here in Memphis and learning our way around the streets near we live. Jen is just about finished with volleyball coaching and I know that will be a weight off her shoulders.
I will keep more up to date on this blog now. Hope everyone is well.

sorry for not updating

I have been very busy with everything these days after moving to Memphis. I have met many people and I am trying to remember all their names. Most people are not good with names and I am definately one of them. Anyway, sorry that I have not been updating this blog. I know some people read it....

Back In The USA

So now I am back in the USA I am finding it alot different than Spain and Australia. The culture seems very repetitive and busy in US. Everything runs very fast here in US from services to people. I like it, dont get me wrong, but I did like the slow pace of Spain, and even Australia to some extent.
My running is pretty much non-exsistant here in the US. I did run a few times in the weeks that I have been here, but with my left ankle still bothering me it leaves me without motivation and drive for some consistant work. I dont see myself getting back to the same level that I once was. I have been thinking about coaching and putting my knowledge into bringing others to achieve their own goals in athletics. With my Barcelona experience and some athletes here and there I think that my philosophy and style of coaching can be a benefit to alot of people. Well thats the idea anyway! email if interested.

Our Final Day in Barcelona

Hello All. Well this is our final day in Barcelona. We are all aboard a plane tomorrow morning to the US. It was a great time here in BCN that I will never forget. This is one of the best things that I have ever done and I will look at it as the time that my love for Jennifer grew more and more each day and also where we both became better people because of our stay. The running program was great and the people and places were even better. So much pluses and short on negatives. Adios a Barcelona. Tu eras gran! 

Back in Barcelona

After a great 3 months in Australia, Jen and I are finally back in Barcelona. We have enjoyed a good, but tiring, day at the beach today and look forward to relax in front of the TV for some World Cup football tonight. It is great to be back here for a few days before heading back to the US next week.

deciding on jobs.

Jen & I are still deciding on jobs. we are getting nervous about where we are going next and I think that a choice about where we go should eventuate this week. My heel is getting alot better to the point where I can hardly feel it in the morning....something I have felt for more than 2 years. I am really, really looking forward to getting back into the running....I have something to prove myself.

Nervous about the Jobs

Jen and I are getting nervous about landing our jobs in the US. Things are all hinging on a position that might come my way, but with the collegiate track season still going strong the coaching decisions are still in the back of the minds of the playmakers. So fingers crossed Jen & I get that email/call that we are hired and can head to the US with something to look forward to. Due to all this waiting and filing out of applications we have had to delay our Canberra-Sydney Touring trip. We are now looking at starting that on the 1st of June.  This could all change though.....

Great Ocean Road

The 12 Apostles
Jennifer and I went on a road trip down to Geelong which is on the other side of the Bay from where we stay at Frankston. These giant rock stacks soar from the swirling waters of the Southern Ocean. We had a nice drive down there after I had seen a soft tissue therepist, who was very good BTW. Yes we happened to get lost along the way, but the trip as fun and we got some nice photos and video (all of which I plan to get on a DVD sometime in 2006).
More trips are happening next week with another road trip to Sydney and Canberra. 

Chilling in Australia

AS 'up-to-date' people would know, I am back in Melbourne to see the family and have a good travel around to certain parts of Victoria and NSW. I have not been running too much due to my heel problem, but I have seen a few people and I am more optomistic than other times about getting rid of it by the end of July. I cant believe that I have been here for nearly 5 weeks. It seems like i have done nothing with my time...alot of lazing around and wasting time. A day goes so quickly! Jen and I are planning a road trip up the coast of Victoria and N.S.W hitting up such areas as Eden, Kangaroon Valley, Canberra, and Sydney before we head inland and back to Frankston via a route that will include many small Victorian towns. There is something about a small town that I like. I plan on getting some photos for the blog. I hope everyone who is reading this is going well and ready for what seems to be wet and cold winter (in Melbourne anyway!).

Not running at the moment

After some easy runs and alot of stopping due to my lower leg pain, I have decided not to push the body too hard and not compete for the Hunters this weekend. I wouldn't have done any justice to the team as I am simply not in shape to run 6km hard on the cross country. We'll see how they preform this weekend.
The family is going...well, you know...every family has their problems. But all in all, everyone is finding their own style of living.

Cruising at home in Frankston

OK, I have been home for a week now and it has been great to see everyone and all the little things that have changed over the past 2 years that I have been away. Jen and I are finally over out jetlag and are off to a day in Melbourne tomorrow. We are meeting up with some friends for a bite of Chinese and then some good laughs at the Comedy Festival watching 'Danny Bhoy'. Should be a fun night. Running is on hold as I have still taht bloody sore leg! :-(

Back on Spanish Territory

In Spain!
This is us on the border of Spain & France (Port Nou). We had a stop of 2hours and so had a walk along the beach to enjoy the view and a few Estrella Damms. Good to be back with the spanish language in the air! 

Carcassonne - Day 9/10

Carcassonne - Castle to beat all others
After a 45 mins train ride from Toulouse we made it safely to Carcassonne. A fantastic castle (cite) was the main thing about this stop. Jen and I both love castles and this is rated as one of the best in the world. This medival castle has over 2500 years of history and you can walk right through it! A walled city still has 120 people living there full time and the day just made the trip all the better. What a finish to our 10 day trip around France. The city centre of Carcassonne is a fortified city that has been growing, mainly due to the tourism, but also because of the cloth trade that is very popular there. Ok, back to Barcelona tomorrow.

Toulouse Day 8/9

Toulouse - A little bit of a downer
We came here with limited fresh clothes and tired legs, but made the best of our situation. Again we were lucky with our accomodation and found a good place close to the station and city center. We walked a long way the first day as we got there about 11am. After some local food (kebabs!) we made it to the internet place to play around. The next day we left for Carcassonne with a whole lot of excitement. I think we will love our next and fnal stop.

Montpellier Day 6/7

Nice little town: Montpellier
The 3 hour trip to Montpellier was pretty easy. Nice new trains make it a simple trip. Montpellier was suggested by a friend on mine and so we placed it on the agenda. We didn't struggle to find a place again and we have had really good luck getting cheap (under 40 euros/double/night) accomodation in the towns we have visited. We got some pizza, which wasn't very good but was food, and some beers (better than the pizza cos it was from Spain :-) ) and found the closest park to see the night bypass day. The 2nd day we were there we managed to walk the whole city a few times, finding the university, local hangout and a protest through the city centre by local youngsters (one of them had to stop at McD's for a bite to eat - must be tiring stuff all that protesting & Jen and I had a good laugh about it). Jen is just about right and I think the sunshine in Nice really paid dividends....or was it the spainish beers? 

Nice - Day 4/5

Nice - Southern France
After a 5 hours TGV train trip we made it to Nice, a nice town in a beautiful part of the world. Again we had no place to sleep as we stepped off the train, but had a place find us pretty quickly. We loved the old city and enjoyed getting some nice food in a little relax resaurant near the water. The 2nd day we were there we headed to Monte Carlo for the 'open car show' as I like to put it. These cars are sleek and expensive....and I got as close as I am probably ever going to be to them! Some nice photos at least. Jen is feeling alot better now that she sees the sun, so that is a big plus. We did however nearly call it quits on our holiday because she had her worst night since we have left Barcelona, but all is better now and we are off to Montpellier.

France Trip - Day 3

Day 3 - Paris Museums
Today Jen was not the best. She had more stops and was looking pretty bad before we even stepped out the door. But we did managed to get into the long line for the Musée d'Orsay (we only waited 50 mins before we were in the enjoying the museum which was surprising because the line was LOOOONG). This Museum, an old train station, is fantastic! and well worth the wait in outside with all the other eager tourists (for us there were alot of Italian students getting their 'history points'. Such a mix of things to see I had to leave Jen a few times while she rested to see the sculptures and paintings of the likes of Monet, Van Gogh and Degas. From here we had a rest and got some lunch. Then it was off to The Louvre . We got there earlier in the day, but found out that if we came back after 6:30pm Jen could get in for free and I for 6 euros. So, as we have no money, we decided to come back to get in 'on the cheap'. What a massive musuem! this place was huge, but we got to see all the main paintings and art works. A great day to finish off our Paris holiday. Now tomorrow we train it down to the south of France to Nice. 

Here in Paris

Paris and the Eiffel Tower
So as some people may know Jen and I are in Paris. We arrived yesterday and have found a cheap little hotel (31euros/night) near the Pantheon so we were pretty happy living in the Latin Quarter. Jen was a little sick with a cough and tiredness before she came on the trip, but she tried hard to forget about it and see the 'bigger than life' city of Paris. We hit up some sights today which included the Notre Dame, Champs-Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe and of course the Eiffel Tower (at dusk - into night). So a long day, but we got through it with some rest stops, easy walking and lots of crepes & Coke.

Last training for Barcelona Fit

Today was the last Saturday morning training session for Barcelona Fit. We had a solid turnout of 13 members on the coldish morning. The time of running was only 75 minutes and so everyone was back in a good mood and feeling fit for next sundays marathon. Di is injured and so will not be able to run the marathon, which is a huge dissapointment to him but I am sure he will be right for another one in about 5 weeks. I hope so because he has worked hard for this one. Congrats to all who finished the Barcelona Fit training. Stay strong for next week! 

Cadeques & Dali

We (Jen, Sarah, & Matt) travelled up north from Barcelona for the night. We went via Figueres and the home of the Dali Museum. A great side trip to rest the legs and see some strange Dali works. After a snack of bocadillos (con jamon y queso) & coke we travelled the windy road towards the fishing village of Cadeques. We found a place to lay our head for the night, after trying to drive up small, narrow and steep streets. Then we got some beer, cheese, wine and found a seat by the water. After some interesting discussions about God, religion, the universe, and 'if we are really here' we got some real food. On the way home to Barcelona I only went down 1 one-way street because, of course, Barcelona signage is shite! A fantastic 2 days.

Friends In Barcelona

This past few days we have had Matt & Sarah (on the left side of the picture) visiting Barcleona. We worked together in Ludus Torino and they are on a 'tour' of their own around Europe. We have been to some great eating places in town + Parc Guell, where this picture was taken.
We are heading north of Barcelona tomorrow for a few days in the Costa Brava....should be fun! 

Barcelona Fit 32km training

This morning was the last big training run for the Barcelona Fit crew. I ran for the longest I have ever run before, at 2:20hr, and my legs are pretty much SHOT! I am going to work on getting my legs stronger to cover more miles, but after only running twice in the preceeding 2 weeks, I suppose I better get back on the horse and do my midweek runs. The team went well with the biggest turnout of runners in the whole 5 months of the program. We ran at "Carretera de las Aiguas", which overlooks the city of Barcelona and in english means "Road of the Waters". It is basically a flat 8km length of road that is prefect for those long runs. A good surface and marked kilometers (up to 5km) helps is keeping your pace. This week we have meetings about the future of the program.

More Barcelona Fit Videos

Heading home to Barcelona

Jen and I are on our last day here in Torino. We had a great day yesterday at the OrangeFestival in Ivrea (just north of Torino) and are all a little sore today....actually our legs are the sorest part of the body, not sure why but maybe because we were getting low to launch those oranges at the other people. I guess training will get back to normal once we hit Barcelona soil again. We have had a blast in Torino with the Ludus crew and also checking out sports which we might not get to see again for a long time.

Ivrea

Orange Festival in Ivrea
The Ludus crew enjoyed a fun and busy day dodging and throwing our fair share of oranges. The little town of Ivrea is about 1 hour north of Torino in the northern part of Italy. The idea of the orange festival is that there are about 9 teams (about 3500 people) in about 6 squares (piazze) around the town all throwing oranges at the guys in horse-drawn carts. The guys in the carts pay 400euros to be in there, and the guys in the teams pay 150 odd euros. The festival takes place over 4 days. It was a fantastic day and I was happy not to dislocate my shoulder while throwing so many oranges.

Torino winding down

The Torino 2006 Winter Games is officially in 'winddown' mode. You can feel it in the streets, in the number of people around town and the general atmosphere of Torino. Ludus has one more full day of their tours and then they shut everything down with a big Ludus Party ready to go off on the 28th. I hope to post some pictures on here. Running has been put on the backburner since Gava 1/2 marathon as I have not run a step since the race. My left ankle has been too sore in the morning (when I usually get my run 'out the way') and I decided to soak up some of the Olympic spirit while still in town.

Gava 1/2 marathon 2nd 1:06.23
So I flew back to Barcelona, from Torino, for this important Barcelona Fit race. A good team turnout added to 2000 odd runners. A few personal bests were recorded, but with the wind and rain that pretty much covered the course along the waters-edge, the times were not really relavent. The effort, race and team environment was the name of the game today. For full results of other Barcelona Fit runners please go to the official results page.

The Tour

We are still rolling on well here in Torino. We went to our first competition last night, the pairs figure skating shortprogram, and it was fantastic. I have never seen that kind of sport live and it was a good night overall. Jen and I went with about 6 other Ludus(ites) and so the night was filled with some laughs during the performances. The Russians pretty much dominated, with the Chinese up there fighting for the minor medals. Los Americanos are about 6th or so. More soon.

Winter Olympics TORINO 2006

Ok, so I am flat chat here working for Ludus Tours here in Torino for the XX Winter Olympic Games. Today is the first day for Tour clients, so you could imagine the mayhem around town for the Ludusites. I will keep everyone informed on what is happening throughout the weeks here. I am in Torino until March 2nd, but head back for a 1/2 marathon in Barcelona on the 18/19 Feb. My training is going fine but I need to get my daily training done before all the work starts each day: this means hitting the streets about 7:30am. I know that is not early for some people who read this, but it is generally too early for me! Anyone want some gifts? 

San Sebastian XC

10km - 8th
A really nice setting in San Sebastian was the return of a true XC race for me. I have not run a XC race for over 18 months and this was a fantastic opportunity that I couldn't miss. Jen and I traveled up to the north of Spain with about 4 other people (3 of which were racing also- as part of the Fila Team). We got a nice 4-star hotel room to ourselves and enjoyed the great food and on-the-river location. I ran strong for the most part of the 4-lapped course, but was still about 1:45 from the winner, Tedasse from Eritria. We leave for Torino today and so the last few days have been very busy. I will have some internet connection, but with all the work I suppose it will be very little time spent on my trusted laptop. A short video soon of the weekend. 

A little sick

After my good run on Sunday I am feeling a little drained. I have run 3 half marathons since I have been here in Barcelona and after each one I get sick. This time is just a head cold and feels to be nothing serious. I suppose that I am on a fine line of healthy and sick, and the effort of completing a 1/2 marathon tips me over onto the sick side. I have another race this Sunday in the northern part of Spain, San Sebastian. It is an International XC and I am looking to get top 15.
Work is going well and getting ready to travel to Torino for the Winter Olympics. It should be fun!

1/2 Marathon Video

Enjoy this video I made up. My girlfriend, Jennifer Haaser, did all the video work. I did the editing.

My first 1/2 marathon win.

1st 67:23 1/2 marathon de Terrassa
I started the 2006 year well with my first win over the 1/2 marathon distance. The course was pretty hilly, but I felt very strong and could have went alot faster. It seems as though my training is working well. We passed the 10km in about 32 minutes and the 16km at just under 52, then I thought it was time for me to pick the pace up. I won by 20-odd seconds and you can find the full result here. A funny story: At the 12km marker the 2nd place finisher decided that he needed to take a leak and asked if I would wait for him. So, of course, being as I was taking it easy & there was no dinero for the win, I thought "Why not be nice and wait for this bloke? we have run together for 12km". So i jogged for about 2 minutes and waiting until he finished off and was able to catch up. During this point, the 3rd runner, Benito, had caught up aswell. It seems as though the 2nd bloke, a good friend of Benito, was aiming to run with him instead of pushing it through with me. So anyway...I ran with these two stooges for another 4km and thought "stuff it, I am going to win this thing and get it over with".
I am hoping to run under 65mins when I race this distance next. My next race brings me to the city of San Sebastian again, but this time for XC. Now this one should be interesting.....
MORE PICTURES IN MY FLICKR PAGES

Runner's World Spain Edition

I have a nice article in the Spanish Runners World this month. You can see a scanned image by clicking here
The picture was taken when I can the San Sebastian 20km road race in November 2005. Results here.
I have a 1/2 marathon this coming Sunday in Terrassa which I am hoping to run under the 66minute mark. Should be good competition and a challenging course. Espero que el tiempo es bueno tambien. Adios amigos.

In BCN again

After about 20 hours of traveling, Jen and I arrived safely in Barcelona airport. We were glad to get back here and with the 'no-smoking rule' kicked in on Jan 1st, 2006 we are breathing better too! Barcelona Fit will start back it's training and we are getting the Marathon Destination Tours finalized over the next few weeks. I also have a few road races over the next couple of weekends. After training went decent, except for the days that the asthma got the better of me, in Arkansas I should be sitting where I left off in 2005.

About to head back to BCN

After a great time here in the States, we are about to head back to Barcelona. It should be good to see the Barcelona Fit Team again and get back into the groove of training after the holiday period. Personally I have a few races in January and one half marathon in February. We head to Torino, Italy, for the Winter Olympics the month of February to work on tours with Ludus. Should be fun and I should have a good collection of photos.