Haven’t posted in about 7 months, so I figured I’m due! It has been a while. As the year winds down, I can’t help but reflect on the past, enjoy the present and look forward to the future. I hit a hiccup during indoor track which lead to a lack of racing, but it all has been a positive learning experience. Most recently I broke my foot while running on a golf course of all places, which kept me out of the outdoor season after getting into good shape post fall. Fortunately we found answers about an issue that has been a big factor in my previous injuries, which has now been resolved. It seems that I should be injury free from here on out .:knocks on wood:. Back up running with a new outlook, I can fully acknowledge everything around me again. Two things in particular stand out to me - the current outdoor successes for our team and my exciting summer training plans.
  I don’t know about everybody else, but watching people race is the most motivating thing for me. Without getting the opportunity to race at exciting meets such as the Stanford invite, Peyton Jordan and Penn Relays, I was able to use them as motivators. I absolutely love seeing PB’s and success from my friends in distance running (shout out to Jake Hurysz!), as it keeps me focused and reminds me on what I want to accomplish. This past weekend at the Big East Championships was the most successful distance weekend Syracuse has ever had on the outdoor track. Everyone who was still in town came over to our house and watched live on our big screen, witnessing multiple Big East individual champions from Syracuse be crowned. Much like the individuals I was watching with, I was floored and just wanted to go race. If there was ever a doubt in my mind, it was completely erased after I felt overjoyed by seeing my teammates succeed one after another. Major props to Sarah Pagano and Pat Dupont on their big wins – those races and others were incredible to watch. I would give love to all the people who ran well, but it would take too long. This has been a long time coming, especially for the guys. Hopefully we can carry this momentum into the IC4A/ECAC championships, regional’s, NCAA’s and on. Personally, I’m going to remember that feeling of happiness and carry it into my summer training in Flagstaff!
  Starting June 4th, a few teammates and I will be beginning our trek to Flagstaff for summer training. We’re all so stoked for a new opportunity and the chance to take our training to another level (no pun intended on the altitude difference between Syracuse and Flagstaff). On the way out we’re going to stop in Des Moines and watch NCAA’s, which I’m sure will prep us nicely for a summer dedicated completely towards running and cross country prep. Our coaches emphasize the importance of dedicating yourself and taking that next step to enhance your running, which we all appreciate and want to do. To us, this experience is going to put those thoughts and words directly into action. Take advantage of every opportunity you’re presented with!
  As I said in my previous post, it is going to be really upsetting when some of the people I spent the last 4 years of my life with move on to other opportunities. I’m still looking forward to the future, but this next month is going to be hard. I wish them nothing but the best… If it was up to me, nobody would ever leave! Now that would be nice. Nevertheless, this outdoor track season which isn’t even over, is already proving that we will be a force to be reckoned with come fall. Big things are coming. TCB.

Next post will be from Flag!

-Forrest

Ps – I found $20 while running today.