Running Post-College

To anyone who has ever put on the OWU XC jersey:

First off, I want to thank Christian for his efforts setting up this blog. He and I are on the same wave-length when it comes to making sure that all of the alumni of OWU XC stay in touch. Facebook is great in college, but as one finds out post-graduation, it becomes less relevant, and harder in which to keep up, with every passing day. Furthermore, the one line status updates just do not do justice the myriad life achievements of our fine OWU alum. Those updates seems to get lost in the flurry of the Facebook news feed.

A lot of you might not know that Joe Berlyoung ran a Marathon in under three hours up in Cleveland, or that William Crabtree came in sixteenth in a Marathon of over one-thousand out in Indianapolis. Most of why you might not know about these feats maybe because of the high standards and modesty of these individuals. But achievements like those should not fall through the cracks. I think everyone remembers at least a few of the momentous or breakthrough races of their fellow teammates. Those didn't just stop when the OWU jersey was hung up, and it is worthwhile to let each other know about whats going on in their lives.

Beyond running however, I find it to be important to keep in touch about all the wonderful things that happen in life. For instance, I was just married to the beautiful LeAnne Fahey, on August 1st, in which about a dozen members of the OWU XC team past and present attended (pictures at weddingprints.com pass: wd19, check em out!). It was a blast to have everyone there and it was truly a blessing to have people come all the way from Ohio to take part in such a lovely occasion. That is the kind of stuff I want to hear about from you guys and it does not have to be verbose, just tell us whats going on!

So, whether it be setting a new personal record, putting back on the shoes, showing excitement about a new job or just venting sometimes because of injury or fatigue, I know that I, Christian, and I hope many more of both the OWU alumni as well as current team members, will read and blog about running, life or whatever comes to mind.

Regards,

Matthew MacKenzie

While at school this past year Mackenzie and I stumbled upon a blog from our wonderful friends at Oberlin.  On it they talked about their triumphs and trials with running post collegiately, their jobs and experiences in the real world, and about their school and the memories they shared.   We really thought this was a great idea and an easy way to keep in touch with one another.  I know I personally want to hear how all you guys are doing and what you're up to so I will be checking this regularly and hope you all contribute.  So, here is my first contribution to the blog: 

The Break

I hate taking a break from running.  Lethargic, grumpy, and fat are just three easy ways to describe how I feel while taking time off.  I hate it so much but it could've been the best thing I did at the end of June.  I'm not going to lie, I was burnt out, tired, and I needed to take a break.  Don't get me wrong, I love running, I want to make it my life but I needed to take time off.  Recently though I'm running again.  I feel the passion, the drive.  I haven't felt like this for a while.  I'm cocky again, I love running around wooster yelling at the sluts who scream at my pail skinny body.  I enjoy speeding up to pass other runners, looking tough in front of the local college of wooster runners, and wearing my short shorts.  No matter how much time you've taken off I encourage all of you guys to get back out there for a nice little run and flex your stuff, wear your short shorts, and yell back at those sluts when they tell you you're sexy or in my case to put a shirt on.