BC

So the winter runs count in the circuit scoring this year too? I did not know this as when I looked at it earlier this year, I didnt see them listed in last years. I just assumed I guess the races were the same as the prior year (we didnt participate/run seriously last year). This is really going to upset Alexander, but maybe its my fault for not knowing. He wanted to go after and win the circuit scoring for his age, but it isnt possible now. He didnt run any of the winter races and probably couldnt being that he has competitive basketball games at the same time (by his choice). Even though he has beat Dakota in every summer race so far, he cant outscore him (unless Dakota doesnt run)since there are more points scored by running 1/2 marathon which Dakota runs (Alex hasnt started running those yet and we are out of town for the one in August)

Oh well, live and learn I guess. My fault I guess for not knowing the rules. We probably wouldnt have run some of these circuit races If I had known,probably would have done some other ones in some cases. I guess Ill have to buy Alexander a seperate trophy for his summer races to make up for my mistake of not understanding what counted.

Regardless, there are mistakes in the scoring for the kids 10 and under. Alex has 3 races that he ran in that you have counted so far - Salt Lake 5k, Magna, and Heart of Holiday and he had the best USATF score in all 3 (unless there is some kid Im not aware of), so I believe he should have 123 points. Also Benjamin Pachev ran USATF at Holiday (he belongs to USATF according to Sasha) and was also ahead of Dakota and Lucas. These 2 items would affect slightly I believe the scoring for both Dakota and scoring. It could effect who gets 2nd so needs to be corrected. Do you do this or does someone else need to be contacted. Thanks

Sorry if it sounds like Im complaining, Im more disappointed. I was hoping this would have given Alexander extra incentive for his running. He is still doing well regardless

Michael,

Sorry about the confusion with the circuit. The races change every year but we have had a core group of races that has remained the same for some time now. This year has been unusual because of the winter series. It added a lot of races to the circuit. It also forced a lot of us to run a lot more races to be competitive. I ran through pnemonia during the first four races, but knew I had to or not do the circuit. The circuit is fun. It is not always about winning, but the extra motivation to compete with others on a regular basis. After you do it for a few years you learn everyone and where they usually finish and on those days when you beat someone you have been chasing for years it is rewarding. It is not always the fastest runners that win the circuit. Other factors play into it. Time committments, injuries, training schedules that don't fit a race on that day, trying to peak for a different distance. There are a lot of variables at work. Let Alexander keep having fun with his running it is about him being the best he can be and still enjoying it and other sports. Dakota trained early in the year for the SLC half hard when he had a bet with his teacher on who would win between them. They had a wager that the loser would make the other a pie a week for the rest of the year. When his teacher three weeks before the race made the decision to drop out of the bet. So did Dakotas training. He was blogging and running every day until the bet was off. He ran the race, had a good time for his fittness level and was rewarded with a divisional jacket which he loves and can't wait to wear it to school next year to show his teacher. It did not come before the school year ended.

Anyway before I ramble on too much, I don't do the scoring. Bill Francis, who is our webmaster, has a data base that he does it with. Sometimes there are mistakes made, but generally it all works out. All the races have not been scored that have been run. Also, those that were members by June 30th, 2007 are counted in the scoring. However if someone does not do four races they are not eligible for awards. Top 3 in each age get a nice plague and the awards dinner is a fun experience and the kids always like it. We have had some good speakers that add to the experience. A few years back Steiner Foundation brought in Frank Shorter to speak. It was awesome. Bre and I got to go for a run with him up Dry creek earlier in the day before the dinner. It's a running highlight for me and Bre.

Keep Alexander focused on PR's and achieving his goals. He is young and has plenty of runs ahead.

Bill

Thanks

It looks like now to really be competitive you would need to run as many of the races as possible, include the winter races, run the longer races for the extra points. At this time, thats not feasible for us. Doesnt really effect me as Im too far back anyway. Alexander mainly runs for fun and challenge, he had just hoped for his age title this year. He will continue to run, have fun and do his best. Thats neat that you got to run with Frank Shorter