The Valdosta State cross country team members were asked to share their thoughts of the fall competitive season, and the spring training season. The following are a few of the team members’ ideas.

Freshman Marc Kaiser wrote:

“After coming off of mono during this fall’s cross country season, I have been more than ready to prove what I am made of. My recovery has had its ups and downs. I chose not to race during this spring’s track season, hoping that this choice would put me in a better position to reach my goals and the goals of the team for cross country in Fall of ’09.  Even though I am not yet ready to run the hard workouts with the rest of the team, I have made it a point to be with the team as much as possible. Being sidelined has given me the opportunity to witness the changes that have overcome our team during the past few months. On the track, it is evident that we will be a force to reckon with during the upcoming Cross Country season, as well as in future seasons. There has been substantial improvement in distances from the half-mile to the 5K. It has truly been a pleasure to watch, and I am very excited to add to these improvements in the upcoming years. 

“Off of the track, and without the stresses of cross country, we have grown even closer as a team. Often we can be found spending time bonding over a meal (often two or three meals a day), playing video games or spending time with a recruit. Running is a selfish sport; you have to be selfish or you will never succeed. However, my teammates are my biggest support group, and likewise, I am the same to them. We are an ongoing project that was taking only baby steps, and is now taking long swift strides towards perfection.”

Sophomore Christopher Rice shared:

“Well, it's been eight months since arriving on VSU’s campus with my new team, as I am a transfer student. As far as statistics show, I was not one of the top runners on the team when I arrived. My personal bests were 16:59 in the 5K and an 8K of 29:04. My average 8K was around 30:45. I spent most of my freshman year fighting an IT-band injury, along with an ankle sprain. My 2008 season began with running a good 750-800 miles of a base over the summer. I was excited with the expectations of our coach. There was plenty of hard work, countless miles spent at workouts on North Campus, weight workouts at 6 a.m., plus the weekly miles. All this hard work my teammates and I put in was put to the test last season. The 2008 season was full of PR’s (personal records) and great races. My times dropped dramatically to the mid 28:30s all season, which was a major improvement of two minutes on average. I PR’d in the 8K with a 28:03 — a 1:01 improvement from my last year. As for my second 10K at the NCAA Regionals Division II in Arkansas, my time was 36:14, by far a personal best at that distance. I don’t know what I would have done if I was not given this amazing opportunity to run for the Blazers and these teammates. I'm just a different runner from my freshman year. I feel so much stronger and faster. The goals are set high, but with our coach, game plan, work ethic and desire, I believe the sky is the limit for this team and me.”

Junior Steven Cary wrote:

“Hard work. Two words describe this spring for myself and the VSU cross country teams. Coming into the 2008 fall season, there were only a couple guys who could run under 17 minutes for the 5K distance. After a solid winter, we have a good number of guys who can run well under 17 minutes, and are consistent with their performances. It has been fun to see how much faster our workouts have become, even with less rest.

“Also, there have been many personal bests for the 1-mile, 2-mile and 5K throughout the team, which shows that we, as a team, are getting faster and stronger. Though the spring has been good for the VSU cross country teams, we now look forward to continuing this success in the fall. It is time to begin to think about the summer months and getting in a solid base so that when August rolls around, we are ready to rock and roll.”

Ladies and gentlemen of South Georgia, it takes effort to achieve your goals. Read the dedication, desire and determination these young student athletes have, and you will understand why the teams are improving and successful. You can exhibit the same traits. Have the confidence in yourself that you can make the changes needed and then get on it. Get active!



On Thursday evenings, listen to Talk 92.1 FM for the radio program that will offer an interview with recognized experts concerning the benefits of an active lifestyle. We have invited The Masked Avenger to be the in-studio guest this week. Be listening and call in with your questions. In the meantime, start a program to be proactive and preventative – rather than reactive. Listen in and become involved on Talk 92.1 FM from 6-7 p.m. You will learn from this program.



The Valdosta Grand Prix circuit for 2009 started on Jan. 1 and continues throughout the year. There are five events throughout the year: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving Day. In each of these events, points can be earned towards overall and age group categories. Four of the five events will have an entry fee of $5 and a cap for a family of $20; however, no t-shirts will be offered. Awards will be given out to overall, masters and the top two in each of 16 age groups, both male and female. The way the points are awarded should keep everyone close in the standings. Be a part of the 2009 Valdosta Grand Prix. In conjunction with this Grand Prix is one designed for the younger folks who run the 1-mile events. Get the family involved in either the 5K or 1 mile events. You will feel the difference.

April 18 – The Hope and Faith 5K will be run in Hahira, a fundraiser for Relay for Life. A wonderful presentation and a fast course to boot. Applications are available. Finish line presented by Valdosta’s own A Course/Line, LLC.

April 25 – The Walk for Charity event is celebrating 39 years in the Valdosta community, and they are planning to add a 5K run to the day. Applications are available, so save the date for a local 5K that will support numerous organizations in our community.

May 2 – Dewar Elementary School is presenting a 5K and 1-mile run. There is a challenge to all of the schools in the area to have more participants than Dewar. This event is open to all runners and walkers in the area of all ages – they have a tot trot, too. Applications are out.

May 9 – The Colony Chase 5K in Fitzgerald. Finish line presented by A Course/Line, LLC.

May 16 – The Sunrise Rotary 5K will be held in Valdosta. Applications are now out.

May 25 – The second event of the Get Active Grand Prix will be presented with a 5K and 1500 meter run (the metric mile). See information above about the Grand Prix. Make plans now to participate in the event on Memorial Day in Valdosta.

June 6 – The Child Advocacy Center presents the second annual Run for the Children 5K in Valdosta.



If you have questions about your walking, running or other training, drop me an e-mail ,and I will do my level best to answer your questions. Check out www.getactivevaldosta.com to get connected. Become a member of the GetActiveSouthGeorgia yahoo group with over 130 other people. Listen to the Get Active radio program on Thursday evenings from 6-7 p.m. on Talk 92.1 FM to receive additional information or to ask questions.