Track and Field Blogs - Russell W. Zillgitt

Dear my family and friends that made a difference in the global fight against cancer:On behalf of myself and the 12 million Americans living with cancer, I thank you for your generous donation. The money you gave helped me reach my goal and will help further the Lance Armstrong Foundation’s mission of inspiring and empowering people affected by cancer. Your donation along with all those that responded to my e-mail to in the end raise $1,300.00 will provides information packets to offer support, inspiration and hope to the cancer patient and his or her family. In addition, cancer survivorship information… more »

Hello Friends and Family: On June 19, 2009 I signed up for the 2009 LiveSTRONG Challenge in San Jose. I decided that it would be a great opportunity to cycle 100-miles for my Biology teacher Mrs. Viki Aquistapace who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in April. However, most recently Bonnie Zillgitt (my grandmother) was diagnosed with Lung cancer so I will ride in support of her as well. When I am going up the steep grade on the course those two will carry me up. When I step on the line I ride for them and all those that are… more »

It was Wednesday, June 17, 2009 and Billy the week before was worried and skeptical about how his body would deal with a seven mile run this early in the season. However, having a solid week of training in that week he went into the run with enthusiasm and a strong mentality. The day June, 17 had quickly come upon him and he thought it would be in his best interest to cycle down Reliez Station Road to the bottom of Olympic Blvd. The week prior he had been running up this monster-of-a-hill and decided to at the end of… more »

Spartans, I want to congratulate each and everyone of you on a marvelous season in our inaugural year in the East Bay Athletic League (EBAL). May I say, aren't you glad you did your winter mileage, instead of being complacent? If you plan to strike at the EBAL like you did this year, that has to be down again. I know that all of our rivals what to see us fall, so continue to train hard! Moreover, this year at practice each one of you had a clear vision of your goals and that was instrumental in the 2009 Track… more »

Losing in today's society is looked down upon and shunned. This is because the people of today never look at losing with a hidden meaning, clue, and/or learning experience. However, since the beginning of time it has been said "before you can succeed you have to fail." Through failing one sees what he or she has to do and therefore manifest into a better athlete-in the sport he or she is involved with, assuming one looks at it like a positive. Yet, what possibly could come out of losing a championship or title one put much time and effort into.… more »

In today's society the notion of winning seems to be the only goal of today's teams. Why do teams and athletes focus so much energy and time on winning, rather than on other concepts or ideas such as friendship and team bonding? The main reason is people believe through winning everything will be cured and they will live happily. However, winning can also lead to living crazily and therefore not focusing on what truly brings happiness to our loves-loving relationships and helping our fellow neighbor. To many winning is all that matters and therefore will do anything to achieve such… more »

Any path one takes he or she will look to people who are models of excellence, integrity, and grit. Who in essence embody the epitome of their profession. Often that average Joe or Sally says “I wish I was as good as so and so (that they look up to).” Yet, they forget the person whom they idolize has an absolute passion and incredible will and through that perseveres through thick and thin, win or lose to become the best possible and maximize their talent. I am often asked “Russ, who do you look up to as a role model”.… more »

All of us here know that if we want to be successful at distance running we have to have a healthy dosing of different means of running, including distance runs, tempo runs, fartleks (“speed play” in Swedish), pickups/strides, and workouts (not limited to hill repeats, mile repeats, and intervals). Yet, why exactly do we do such a variety of runs? Moreover, why do we do some more often than others? In this blog I will dive deep down into the heart of the different methods of running and uncover why we do them. Distance runs require runners to balance their… more »

Cross Country running and Track and Field athletics both involve running yet the two vastly differ in many accounts. Cross Country and Track are often used interchangeably but through this blog you will find yourself using the correct term more often than not, and for good reason. Though I run both, I classify myself as a cross country runner. Cross Country is run on a course that is mapped out around a certain geographical area. The length typically in high school is 2-3 miles depending on experience and ability. The great thing about cross country is the fact that you… more »

League Championships loomingThe coaches focused, consulting one anotherChecking our warm-upsWatching us, demanding full attentionThe first run warmed us upMuscles warm, stretched, readySprints increase the heart rate, ready the legsWhistle blew for the real work to beginBirds chirping, baseball game cheers, cars passing, but none matteredBreaths full as pace increasesQuicken the breaths, sweet dripping down my chestBreeze cooling my damp shirtFull run, full effort, knees acing,Muscles tensing, flamingRelief, cleansed, light, end, breathes full,Done. By: Russell ZillgittAgainst Amador Valley pick a man to beatIn Christ,Russell Zillgitt more »

"Brutality before Fame" Lance Armstrong born in the South Raised by his Mom paycheck to the mouth His bike put a smile on his face He was fast and destined to be in first place School was second to pursue his goals He turned to the Olympics for models and roles Noted as the famed American But could not garnish the ultimate win Another Olympics: he was not quite right Tour de France failure with no end in sight Cancer diagnosis, outlook not good Not giving up, that was understood Killing the cancer took five months of hell He worked… more »

As I got onto my Kona Fire Mountain (my bike) I was thinking that I would be riding to De La Salle High School in Concord, California for a medium type workout, so with that said I went at a tempo like speed to De La Salle. As I arrived, I got the feeling from the coaches and my teammates alike that this would not be a medium type effort, but rather one of the most grueling workouts of the season. I got stretched and did my warm-up at an easy pace to make sure my body would be sharp… more »

Many successful and well-known runners have growing pains that include but not limited to injures, rookie mistakes, and violation of rules. I once again find myself in the injury boat. This week Kent (the trainer) diagnosed me with medial tibial syndrome (shin splints). This injury is caused by running or jumping, and is known for how slow it heals. It is caused primarily by over striding (landing heavily on the heel with each foot strike) and not stretching. This news comes off once again not making the De La Salle Golf Team and having a rough case of Bronchitis (an… more »

It was a cold wintery morning in the City of Eldorado. Billy was getting over the pain and heartbreak of not making the golf team which had been a goal since he came to De La Salle. Unfortunately, though he does not like to admit to it, did not practice/play consistently and it cost him big time. After, he got the news about golf Billy was not sure what route he would take athletically and it took him indeed a week to decide that it in fact would be a good idea to be part of the De La Salle… more »

Be digified Champ Learn from mistakes and pitfalls Strive for uniqueness By: Russell Zillgitt Post Message: Do not be afraid to shine at either the Mt. Pleasant Relays or the East Bay Initational more »

We have almost reached the date of the first 2009 Track and Field meet. To kick off the Track meet I want to branch out of my usual blogging ways and unveil a poem that I wrote entitled, "Destined For Hope. " “Destined for Hope” I come to you to say, I have of dream that entails many ideals I dream of a world that embodies the kingdom of God A place where one is not judged by how they look but rather by their actions and thoughts A universe that seeks to end turmoil and heartache with integrity and… more »

When I look back on 2008/2009 winter mileage what comes to mind is not what I envisioned when i set up my regimen in the winter of 2008. I thought it would be a long and tedious journey, boy was i wrong! This winter unlike the one before I had a goal and a plan of action that I developed 2 to 3 weeks into my program and the end result is only reaping benefits. Each goal that i set for myself I achieved and it could not have happened without my coaches and teammates, thank you. The first goal… more »

Scene 1: Opens with Billy speaking with his good friend Nelson about the 2008 cross country season. Billy: Hey Nelson did you have a successful cross country season? Nelson: Well, Billy I was put in a tough situation having to deal with being stabbed with the dagger. However, in all I was pleased with how I did as well as the team. Billy: That is good to hear, I presume you will be starting your winter mileage within the next couple of weeks. Nelson: Are you kidding me? Track is in the spring, why in heck would I start training… more »

For each of the participants on the De La Salle XC team you are welcome to hold your head high for your sacrifices in which granted a successful season. Before the cross country season even began De La Salle runners were already running in preperation for the season. These were the runners that devoted a large chunk of their summer to train for the upcoming season. As a result of there hard work they were the top runners on the team and set sail on a tremendous season which granted an all around stellar team season. The tenacious spirit, diligence,… more »

Cross Country is not a sport for the weak link. For if you want to be successful at the sport it has to come from within. It does not come with cheerleaders waving pompoms and doing dances. It rather comes with a small fan base which makes it tough at times to dig deep and get engulfed in the race atmosphere. Likewise, it does not get much press/media coverage that most other sports get. This begs the question why would someone want to be part of this sport? To find that answer I want to share with you several facts… more »

Twas the night before the Heather Farms International Cross Country Championship and Billy was deciding if he should part take in the event. He was skeptical if he would do well, because he was not at the workouts. However, he knew that he was not a quitter and has decided to part take in the event. He will represent the country of England tomorrow. Over the past two years I have had the pleasure of developing my relationship with God. I for the most part was not a religious person until i came to De La Salle. Through my year… more »

This past weekend i spent an hour in silence. For 40 minutes i went on a walk and observed Mother Nature and the great place that I live. The remaining 20 minutes i sat in silence and did not do anything but think about my goals and life. Most of you will say this is preposterous but i disagree. This hour was well spent for me. I was able to retreat for an hour and observe the wonderful world around me. This is something most of us do not do. For we live in a society that the notion is… more »

As one of the runners on the De La Salle Cross Country team, I want to congratulate all the runners for a successful season. As a team we did very well, and the other teams on the E.B.A.L. know that they have to deal with a new team. How did we do so well? It first came from the summer running that all the runners did. Those who ran and cross trained instead of sitting on their ass playing video games or do other sedentary activities. It came from the intensity that the spartans put into the workouts and distance… more »

It was a unique weekend for the Spartan Cross Country team starting on Friday October 24, 2008. For it was the weekend of the largest Cross Country meet in the nation the, 2008 Reebok Mt. SAC Cross Country Invitational. For the ones honored to be part of the event it is truly an event you don't want to miss. For Billy, it was his first time being part of the event. He was scheduled to race at the crack of dawn at 7:07 A.M., he would race with the JV Team. The rest of the sophomores raced in the sophomore… more »

The sophomore cross country team is not only stellar on the cross country course but also in the classroom. Many schools can brag about how good their team is but the grades on their report card are half way decent. At De La Salle High School we pride ourselves in the men that attend the school for their tenacious spirit in and out of the classroom. For we are students first and foremost and for the many students at De La Salle who balance school which includes homework, tests, quizes, projects and participation, and is still a top Athlete is… more »

It was a calm brisk morning at the corner of Marsh and Glendale. It was about an hour before the cross country team would travel down to Creekside, Nigeria. The team as a whole was in the last homestreach of the season. The only problem was that the bus they were going to take down to Creekside was having technical difficulties and no buses were available for the next two hours. Coach Pegusus and the rest of the team did not know what to do, a boy by the name of Antonio had the idea of hitch hiking but that… more »

"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." "Some people create with words, or with music, or with a brush and paints. I like to make something beautiful when I run. I like to make people stop and say, "I've never seen anyone run like that before." It's more then just a race, it's a style. It's doing something better then anyone else. It's being creative." "Having a true faith is the most difficult thing in the world. Many will try to take it from you." “Don't be afraid to give up the good to go… more »

It is often said that experience plays a key role in sports and I can attest to that. I remember back in my freshman year how 4 miles felt like what a 7 to 7 and a half mile run feels like today. I still remember my first 5 mile run that was to upper YV Tunnel and if felt as though I had run 10 miles. When I got back I was winded and had to go to bed for a few hours and as a result did not do my homework. Throughout my freshman I was always on… more »

Even though it pains me not to race, some positives have come out of my injury. It has given me some time to reflect and review my cross country season and change my race strategy. But it has also made me question if i want to do Track and not golf. If you think it would be a good idea for me to do Track please post a comment of why you think this. If you think it would be a good idea for me to do golf please post a comment of why you think this. Thanks these comments… more »

It was a calm brisk morning in the town of Peachwillow, Greensboro. The child named Billy Clark who was 15 years old was off to school for anyother day of fun and excitment. His parents Nathaniel and Milinda Clark did not no Billy had been having knee promblems. Billy thought his knee pains were derived from the tough workouts and distance runs. As Billy went through all his classes his pain in his knee was throbbing even more and was not confident in his race which would start just a few hours before nightfall. Billy being the robust kid he… more »

Is the road dark and desolate or is light with hope. I myself am in a situation where i can choose either route. I have been plauged with a few tough situations in this 2008 cross country season. At the Ed Sias i had to battle back after i fell, it ruined my race mind and rythemn but i did not succumb to this but i battled through it by being able to reach the front after being in the back of the back the first part of the race. Recently at the Scott Bauhs invite i got a nose… more »

When you think about the underdog stories, a few come to mind right away, David and Goliath, Giants and Patriots, and many others. Why do they win and not succumb to the "Great Team" they do because they ignore the media and focus on the goals that they have set. They prepare hard and never give up when things don't look bright. Many people are good at sports because of the "natural talent" they have. While others are at a disadvantage because of their body type. However they still find a way to win. They do this through their dedication,… more »

A true runner is one who is a champion that goes to all lenghts to achieve success. It is one who has enough disipline to truly test their body. A runner is one who knows physical and mental pain.Their is a runner in all of us but not all of us know this and use this strengh to the best of our ability. When it comes to running the hardest thing for me is putting on the shoes. This in tern raises the question how and in what ways is running metal. Running is very much metal if you chose… more »

When one thinks of a runner one thinks of many things. To be successful at running takes a lot of time and dedication. Some runners are sprinters 100 meters 400 meter 800 meters and some are xc runners who are divided into different categories 2 mile, 5k 10k marathon and the ultra marathon. Each of these events takes a different mindset and different approach for a few reasons. The 100 meter is about speed while the ultra marathon is much more mental. Each person is a runner they just have to find the event that is best fit for them… more »

Everyone who had a successful life may it be in sports,politics,teaching had to work hard in other words it did not come out of the ordinary. People who fail have two choses to either quit or conquer what they failed. The winners are called winners because they never quit or succumb to anything but be champions or (imua's) This same concept applies to school,sports and everyday life. Take for example the world class golfer tiger woods (www.tigerwoods.com) tiger growing up was constantly training may it be in the gym or on the golf course, everyday he was busting his ass.… more »

When I was told by my cross country coach Mr. Pelster that i was to run 300 miles in the summer i thought that is was not feasible, my plan up to that point was to run a lenghty 175 miles. In the summer of 2007 I ran a solid 29 and a thrid miles and i thought that was decent going in to the season but i failed to make Mt. S.A.C. but all in all by freshman season was a success. At the end of track my mind set had changed and i was willing to commit to… more »