10 Years Off My Life and a Boy Who Found His GUTS

This picture shows why I just lost 10 years off my life this past Saturday at the Class 3 District 6 Cross Country meet at Bolivar on SBU's campus. The Log-Rog kid in front was 14th and Jake (white top) finishes less than one step ahead of a McDonald County runner for 15th - THE LAST STATE QUALIFIER SPOT!!!!!!

With that out of the way here is a run down of our weekend starting with Friday.

Played a little basketball at noon on Friday at SBU as I simply didn't feel like riding; so I didn't. The Courts called and I was told Ian's game was cancelled due to the other team having the flu; needless to say Ian was bummed. We had a pretty casual rest of the night. Jake had his team's usual pasta pre-race meal (at coach's house this time) and got home around 9ish. He was in a good mood, but you could tell he was moving a little slower than usual, which indicates the stress is sitting in. He got to bed around 10pm and I was hoping he would have a good restful sleep... more on that to come.

Saturday morning I left the house early AM and met Coach Bandy to get finishing touches on the course. Bolivar dodged the mass rain the past two days, but the course retained a ton of water for the earlier week's storms and it was a mess (just like about every other XC course in Missouri). The temps were a tad cool, but just about perfect for a meet.

.

Little '08 season background: Jake ran pretty good last season and was a 'bubble' kid at districts as in he would have to run great and others off for him to advance to state. He cratered big time (mentally and physically - asthma kicked in big time) and didn't even come close. I love my boy, but it was a known fact that in times of tight racing he more times than not faded (just stating the facts). Fast forward to '09 where he has ran well all season and getting faster and faster as the peak is here. He has pressed to the finish of every race and never once looked to 'fade' in the later parts of races (even on bad days) Jake referenced not having a bad day a couple times over the past couple weeks, but mostly everything was positive and was focused to move on to the state meet. He was a lock to move on to the State Championships if he ran normal (not great, but don't crater).

So I am at SBU and Deb hits me with a text referencing Jake just left the house and was a horrid nervous wreck, could hardly eat and was physically shaking - oh crap, I knew he would be nervous (everyone is), but how much I would have to see for myself. He gets to the course, we talk, and he looks hollow and tired. Coach and I get him some 'team chores' to do to keep his mind off of the race as much as possible. I keep an eye on him during warm ups and he is looking OK. We don't talk at all before and at 11am his race goes off...

West Plains is the defending state champs (team) and is ranking #1 again while McDonald County is probably a strong 3rd or 4th. Jake's district is LOADED as at least 17 kids have all ran in the low 17s this year. Remember, all Jake has to do is run 'normal' and finish in the top 15 to move on (today 1st is as good as 15th - simply survive and move on).

After 800meters the lead group is separating themselves and Jake is tailing off the back - he is on a bad bad day; not the same Jake as the last month. There are several guys in the lead whom Jake not only beat earlier, but by quite a bit. My stomach drops.

He hits the mile at 5:27 and in 14th spot all alone. At the 2 mile mark (11:30) there is a group of four quickly closing in on him as he is still running alone. I flash by Deb a couple times here and there and we exchange looks knowing he is on a tough one. Two (Log-Rog guy and McDonald County guy) of the four catch and pass him with 1/2 mile to go, but he digs deep and keeps on their shoulders (something he usually has problems with). 400 meters up a long drag and he passed 15th with 14th place a couple seconds ahead (the gap is decent and I am thinking he did it). Then at the top of the hill the McDonald County guy blasts out of nowhere and passes Jake and opens a slight lead and J looks cooked. I am about to die inside as he is slipping away. But WAIT, that son of a gun is not folding and is clawing his way back with less and 50 meters. I (and Coach McElhaney) are at the top of the hill and we can't tell who is in front of who going to the line. All I could see out of the entire crowd at the finish is my brother's arm (who was standing at the finish line) thrust upwards and then two arms up in victory.

Coach M and I hugged each other like two teenagers on their first 'parking' (not really like that, but you get the idea) and jumped up and down for what seemed an eternity.

.

GUTS, my boy didn't fold up and slip away he fought to the last step and that is something he will hold on to forever. He has a shirt from Coach Bill Dixon's running camp this summer that simply says 'GUTS' and Jake loves that thing. Coach Bandy and I often spoke this year that he trained Jake to run strong early so to not put him in positions of having to gut it out as historically he hasn't shown it... well, coach and I spoke after the race and he doesn't doubt Jake's guts anymore (that's two of us) as his finish was simply will power and wanting it more than the next guy. Jake ran one of his worst races (he'll admit to it) of the year, but at the same time ran the guttiest race I have ever seen him do - ever! He knew he was on a bad day and didn't give in; the kid has flipped the switch and I guarantee you he will never go back (you just don't do it).

So there I am sprinting down to the finish and there is a huge crowd around Jake (nice to have a home-crowd) all giving him much love. I find Deb and we simply look at each other exhausted and then hug tightly. Ian is there going nuts, telling everyone how Jake is a stud and has GUTS (often talked about at our house) and he is beaming for his big brother (wish Jake could have seen how his little bro was going on and on as he thinks he is a rock star!!!!). Things around Jake break up a little and we are simply looking at each other and smiling. We lock hugs and I am trying to tell him of how proud of effort (which was bigger than placing today) he gave and he is simply smiling back. I locked that moment in my 'forever' memory and have replayed it many times over and over this past weekend.

Jake is physically and mentally fried, but hops right back on the course to root on the Lady Liberators (and a special friend of his) to a 2nd place overall (whole varsity team is State bound!). A Bolivar girl wins the overall district and the entire team performs great. If you know Jake then you know he is honestly every bit excited for them as he is about himself. They have spent so many AM and PM hours/miles together and a closer athletic family will be hard to find.

.

Awards come and he is up on the podium with the rest of the State crew and folks/teammates are going nuts for him - he is starting to beam. Mission accomplished - made it to State. This year's race in Jeff City will be more about gaining experience for the '10 season where in he will compete for the front end.

It was an incredible roller coaster of emotions and a day I won't trade for many. My mom & dad, Jim & Cheri, Ira, Dale, the Kemps... the list keeps going and they all showed up to support Jake and his crew. That is huge to me and I love you guys. I can't imagine two finer coaches then Ron and Christine and have a hard time expressing my admiration for their dedication to running and personal development - Rock Stars in my (and many other's) eyes.

.

Jake and I talk later (after his return from the team's post-race meal at El Rodeo) and he can't explain how nervous he was the night prior and that he didn't sleep a single wink the entire night (that would explain the hollow look). We talked about how I fought that same thing for my earlier races and how he will learn to deal with it as more experiences happen. We talked about how next year he will have expectations of winning races and those knots/nerves will continue, but knowing how to harness that is the key.

.

Saturday afternoon I had absolutely no energy nor interest in riding so we all crashed and did a whole lot of nothing (except some driveway basketball) until late afternoon when Ian threw on his costume (Big Albert of course) and we hit the town for what ScottyD calls the National Day of Begging (perfect name). Jake headed out with some friends for some horror movies and wasn't seen again until much later.

We wrapped up around 8pm and got back to the casa in time to dole our candy dish out to the 'late nighters'. After that it was a little college football for Ian while Deb and I watched State of Play (not too bad). Deb and Ian hit the hay and I waiting up for the boy who made it in a little after midnight. He and I stayed up until 2am watching TV and chatting. He is a typical teen with a busy social life so if I have to wait up all night to get my time in that's what I will do. I love our relationship and will miss him so in a couple years.

Saturday afternoon ScottyD and I decided late night Halloween festivities would not make for good Sunday 'cross racing so we decided to hold off until next weekend (Heartland Saturday and Veteran's on Sunday). Nice to have an off weekend.

Sunday morning was 'sleep super late' since we had an extra hour. We (all except Jake who woke just before noon) made it to Sunday School and church. Afterwards J joined us at a local dive for lunch. Dale and I got in a spin down the Frisco while Deb cruised around town. It felt good to have a couple days off the bike and an easy ride to kind of refire the legs. I am feeling rejuvenated and ready for the last five week push of 'cross. Sunday evening Ian's crew had b-ball practice and afterwards is was 'laundry night' (whole lot of folding going on), a little Amazing Race, then bed. Jake spent the evening with his 'friend' at their church and ended up home kind of late. He has no AM practices this week so an extra 2hrs every morning affords him a little later bed time.

Close of the Week

Let's see... where did leave off?

Wednesday morning was Jake's last AM practice; didn't miss a single one since they started in June (and he now is understanding the benefits). AM practices provides the kids a recovery run (usually 3-4miles) to flush the crap from the day's prior workout. They focus on extra stretching and core work. Jake is a firm believer that AM's are a necessity to progress.

Wednesday was beautiful outside, but it just didn't workout for me to enjoy it as I played some intense basketball at lunch and planned to ride outside after work. Turns out that once the 5pm whistle blew it all about a little 'Dad and Ian' time; which trumps a ride any day of the week. Deb got in a workout with Marla while Ian and I hit SBU for some basketball. First we stopped in to watch the men's basketball team practice and then we got in a bunch of hoops of our own. Got home in time to watch the Spurs season opener (good win over CP3 and crew). Spurs take top billing over the World Series in our house.

I hopped on the trainer Wednesday night (after Ian crashed) and got in a nasty workout of 30min warm up 3 sets of 10 x (20 sec 100% with 10 sec rest) with 4 min recovery between sets. Leg and lung burner.

Thursday Ira and I got in a 1:45hr ride at a fairly easy pace at lunch. After work Deb and I met up with Wes and Marla and went to The Palace in SPR for a movie night. The girls watched some chick flick while Wes and I just missed GI Joe so we ended up with some Sandra Bullock show that was decent (that's what you get for $2.50). Had good discussion on some work I am going to do with their daughter regarding the Pose Method of Running. Looking for a less stressful (physically wise) approach to an activity she loves.

Pretty windy (OK, super windy outside today) so I opted for some more basketball at noon. Interval workouts every time as this is not casual stuff, it's end to end action non-stop. Ian went up with me as they didn't have school today. He likes going as the guys I play with all give him a hard time and let him shoot around with us between games. We stopped by Jake's XC (at 2pm) and watched them do some build ups/striders as last prep before Districts tomorrow.

Ian's game at The Courts was cancelled for tonight as the other team had the flu (rescheduled for a date yet to be determined). Deb and I decided on a movie night at home along with some homemade potato soup. I am looking forward to it.

Tomorrow is the prelude to the Big Dance (State XC Meet in Jeff City) as he will need to finish in the top 15 runners to make it out of districts. Jake had a physical (and mental) meltdown last year and ran his worst race of the year at districts in Monett and didn't even come close to making it out. It's amazing what a difference a year can make as Jake is running super strong right now. He takes the race to competitors and no longer tries to follow. At a normal district he would be a shoe-in, but his district includes defending (and multi-time) state champs and currently ranked #1 in the state West Plains and #3 (class 3) McDonald County not to mention a handful of other runners all with times in the low 17s; he will have to have a solid day to move on. Jake has been confident for the past couple weeks and told me last night he will try to crack the top 10. This has been a tough week on me and can't wait to see tomorrow's race get here. Boy's gun goes off at 11am. I am so proud (not so much of his results, but of his dedication and effort level) of my boy; he has put so much into this season, has grown (mentally and physically), and it would break our hearts for him to miss out this year. The SBU course has been prepped, but is still retaining quite a bit of water (not so much mud) as it is just wet. Bolivar's girls team looks to be a lock to move on in the team division where as our boys are just a couple years young to compete in the team division. Coach Bandy is having the crew to his casa this evening for their last pasta dinner as a whole team. ***picture to the right is of he and I his freshman year; looks a lot different now***

Looks like Scott and I will hit the road Sunday to Lawrence for the Sunflower 'Cross race.

For the Grandparents and 'Cross Video

Quick look at some photo's the BHS Yearbook staff put together on the school's website.




Click HERE for what is my favorite 'cross video montage.

How Can I Package This Past Weekend and Sell It?

Long and Short Report: A great sneak away with Deb in KC and a 'cross race to boot... Kind of hard to beat weekend all-around.

HUGE PHOTO DUMP of Smithville CX

Longer Version: One of the best weekends in some time and I am still wearing a smirk... Here's how it went:

Friday after work I dropped down to the SBU XC course and watched the team his a 3k 100% blast. Jake and company looked pretty good on the soggy course. He is looking more confident that I have every seen before. This Saturday is Judgement Day (district meet) on the SBU course as the top 15 runners move on to State. You would think with his quality runs as of late he would be a shoe-in, but considering our district has the #1 (West Plains) and possibly #3 (McDonald County) teams in the state and at least 16 kids have all ran in the 17min range Jake will have to have a solid day. My mind tells me he is through to State, but you never know until the race is over (that's why they run it). Weather shows rain four of the next six days so the course will be a mudder/slop fest (in which Jake has had success this year).

Got home in time to load up, head to SPR, and coach Ian's first basketball game at The Courts. He (and his teammates) had been pumped all day and were tough to settle down prior to tip-off. The kids played tough and Ian was solid (as always), but took their first 'L' this year. Ian continues to impress me with his left and right ball handling and 'court awareness' that is far beyond his age as demonstrated in the below clips he either shakes free for a shot or finds teammates while dribbling (with either hand) for open shots. They are so far ahead of where we were last year that I am anticipating a fun experience. My mom and dad showed up as well as Grandma Smith and after the game we all grabbed some chow and then Deb, Ian, and I went back to watch Bolivar's 4th grade team play (they got pounded).

Early Saturday Deb and I packed up a few things, loaded my racing gear, and headed off to KC for a little bit of 'us' time (and a race on Sunday... imagine that). Hit KC around lunch so we kicked it off with some Gates and a little shopping at Midwest Cycles (Crusty guided us that way). Checked into hotel and dropped off bike, hit some shopping, and topped off the afternoon with some Cold Stone ice cream. Hopped on the trainer for some 'openers' then back out for dinner and a movie (Couples Retreat - Vince Vaughn; pretty decent).

Super late Sunday morning wake up and lounging before off to Einstein's for bagel sandwiches and coffee. Rolled over to Smithville Lake for round #3 of the De Stadt series. Fun having Deb there watching. Course was fun (super fun) with a couple challenging up-n-overs as one of them was at the end of a 40 or so meter beach/mud section that surprisingly was rideable. I have no 'mad skills' as some like to put it, so I was about 50/50 when it came to cleaning the technical run/ride ups (fine example in one of the below videos). Told myself to actually try for a good opening spot and hit the first turn in 3rd (huge accomplishment for me) and maintained that spot until halfway through the race a guy slammed into my rear wheel (not his fault) after I dabbed coming off the beach and it took a little 'fixing' to get my rear brake to work again. Turns out (didn't know it at the time) my rear wheel was tweaked in the dropouts and now I have a little less pad on one side from the wheel rubbing the rest of the day. Actually glad to hear that's what it was as I thought my legs were giving out although I felt like I should have been going faster. No big deal as I was able to hold on to 6th (38 starters) and move up a hair on the overall standings (I hope). Still having the most fun racing in a long time.

Crusty toed the line in his Sunday's best and some fancy HED wheels (wipe the saliva from lower lip...). Not sure how he finished (word has it he was giving lessons in 'mad skills'), but just glad to have him back in the saddle and racing. By the way, its 1 - 0 in favor of Bodunklivar.

Loaded up the race gear, did a little bit of shopping, then dropped south to see the boys (after a quick stop at the H1N1 outlet for post-race nutrition). On a side note: Backyard Burgers (especially the Black N Blue) is a good joint for a quick burger. Boys were ready for our return, but no blood was found and each had all limbs so they must have gotten along somewhat.

Dale and I grabbed a 1:30hr spin at lunch today and all the rain missed up. Easy ride to spin out the legs from yesterday's efforts.

Kinda routine week except for Deb gets new carpet in the house tomorrow. Tuesday Ian's b-ball practice in the evening, Friday games in SPR, Saturday Jake's District, and Sunday is off to the races in Lawrence.

Practice at SBU

A couple of good things (much more of course, just featuring these for now) from Wednesday: #1 - SBU's XC course is 400 meters for the office and Jake's crew is on it more and more #2 - Flexibility in my day is AWESOME

Thought I would share some clips from my walk to the XC course yesterday while Jake (and crew) got in some easy miles. Coach was laying down the course line with assistant coach Christine McElhaney. SBU personnel mows the course once a week and it gets a roller on it around once a month; makes for a great running surface. Jake and I truly have a good time together (as witness in the videos and he gets a kick out of me popping in at practice.

After work Deb headed out with Marla for a ride while Ian and I scooted over to Wes' casa. We did a little TP action on his bushes; all the while E-ball was just a little worried we were breaking the law and wasn't sure he wanted to be part of it. We got back home and played some basketball in the driveway until Deb got back. The rest of the evening was low-key and restful.

Ian has still got some coughing/tightness in his chest and hopefully will clear out before his season opener tomorrow night. A couple conversations with E yesterday and this morning found he hopes Jake runs at a college not too far from home so we can still watch him (pretty cool), he wants to go to UT (Texas) which is a switch from UNC (North Carolina) but that will change once football is over and basketball is king, and a girl in his class has pictures of him hanging on her wall at home (this all according to the girl's cousin who told Ian) so he is convinced he has his first stalker...

HUGE PHOTO DUMP (provided by Dale) of the Capital Cup in weekend report

Early Week (Updated...)

So Monday was scheduled as a light active rest day so I planned to go play a little noon-ball at SBU at lunch and like I said keep it light. After seeing the quality of players who showed I quickly realized it was an interval day. We split teams and I ended up guarding one of SBU's recently graduated points guards and he worked my butt off for 1:30hrs. Seven games later it was all I could do to drag myself off the court; but we did come out on top 4-3. That workout was every bit as intense/strenuous as the 'cross races the days prior. I was cooked.

We all took it easy for the evening (except for Deb who grabbed a ride) and I whipped up dinner for the crew. It's always funny how when I cook it is a BIG deal and I need much affirmation of what WONDERS I created while Deb does it nightly and she gets a 'great meal' from time to time; pretty sad and I (the boys just follow my lead) need to work on that more (not right away mind you, but eventually...). Ian is lightly still under the weather so we had to sit on him to keep him still and resting.

Tuesday morning found Ian feeling a little better before school.

1:45hrs light spin on the Frisco Trail (FT) at lunch. The upper (north end) of the Frisco is quite a bit rougher than the middle/south parts and today was the first time I saw a recumbent cruising it. Guy had pretty skinny tires and can't believe he was enjoying the day, but who knows maybe he was. Felt good just to let the legs spin easy; great weather for the FT (blocks most of the winds). Saw at least 10 snakes sunning themselves on the trail; good thing Deb was not with me as she gets a little freaked out around snakes.

SCOTT - Thought you might like this as it would bring back memories... Snuck out (actually not really sneaking when you have no set hours) a little early today to watch some of Jake's XC workout as they (at least he did) hit 16 quarter repeats on the track today; first set 5 x 2secs above race pace (1:19 for J as Coach had him on a 5:10 mile race pace), 5 x AT race pace (1:17 for J), 5 x 2sec below race (1:15), and last was a 100% blast. All reps had 45 seconds rest between and 2 minutes between sets. Jake hit every effort on the nose and snuck just a hair under 60 seconds for his blast. He referenced later that this is one of the hardest workouts they do all year. ***first clip is one of the beginning of a 1:17 repeat and the second is of the last blast where in the entire team went at once; Jake is the one off the front***



Ian's basketball practice went pretty good and at the end they scrimmaged a local 4th girls team who have played together for several years and all are head and shoulders (literally) taller than our guys. The boys are really athletic but struggling a little to learn specific positions of the offense; but hey they are in 3rd grade and that's what 3rd graders do. So much info to lodge into the brains of 8yr olds... I really like the group we have assembled.

Rest of the evening had me fabricating the Pauls Chain Keeper (arrived today) as the seat tube base is far thicker than the largest diameter Paul's makes; and to add to the frustration the front derailleur pulley bolt sits smack in the middle of the mount area. By night's end I wound up hacking off the clamp/crimp that holds the actual keeper and working it to fit the SRAM front derailleur clamp. It works/fits like it was made that way and all I have left to do is some touch up paint and removing the inner chain ring (will do after intervals today). Talked with a couple guys who use the Pauls and they are loving it.

Ian and grabbed a little breakfast at our local diner this morning before 'late-start Wednesday' and guess who showed up... Jake and a 'friend'. They sat on the opposite side of the room and it was all I could do to keep Ian from giving his bro a hard time; although it didn't stop me from texting the boy a couple times to make him blush. They stopped by our table on the way out and laughed about my texts.

On a different note: Our cat is awesome and this is a rare shot of him actually NOT laying on his back for a photo; just in our folded laundry.