Penn State Track is Everywhere

Although she says she shouldn't be credited with the find, Elaine LaFramboise Pino alerted me to a snippet of video showing how widespread we are becoming. As a boxer in his youth, Nelson Mandela would have fit right in with any of us involved with the team.

So it is fitting that someone representing us was there for his funeral. And didn't shake any dictator's hands. (I threw that in just to renew the top description of our group which relates occasional "oblique" political reference.)  I'm not actually sure that shaking Raul's hands means anything at all.  Check out the video at 1:55!

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Snowmageddon

Elaine LaFramboise Pino's dog Cliff.  His running streak ended at a wall of snow!

The recent snowfall records in New England take me back to my "glory days" in Phabulous Philadelphia.  The great snowfall there in 1983 was the beginning of my search for the perfect Kung Pao. The only restaurant open was The Szechuan Inn, and we asked for the waiter's favorite dish.  I've been trying every version I can find weekly ever since.

I remember 50 inches of snow, but the official tally was really 27 inches.  It was the only time in history that the school closed.  We skied down the middle of Market Street to Broad Street.  It was a wonderful time.  Looking back, I even managed a run of several miles, but I don't remember that at all.

My roommate at the time was from Milford, Connecticut, scene of some of the worst of the recent storm. They only got 38 inches!  I'm happy he got to see both of the storms, and not me.  His office is one block away from the original Subway Sandwich Shop.  I'll bet both were closed for awhile!

Anyone have any Snowstorm Stories to tell?

A Moment of Zen

* Stolen from Elaine LaFramboise Pino.

How to Save $400 With Applied Physics

Only a brave Physicist would attempt to convince a judge that what a policeman plainly saw was only a figment of his imagination.  That he used a 4 page thesis with cool graphs to bamboozle him was only icing on the cake. But he did save $400!  (another Article here.)  (The actual 4 page paper here.)

Thanks to Elaine LaFramboise Pino for the heads-up on this one.

Ten Questions: Elaine LaFramboise Pino

1. What song immediately brings back memories of Penn State?
Celebration, and Rapper’s Delight---sad, I know.

2. Who was the biggest team clown during your track years?
Seems like we laughed all the time but no one stands out as THE team clown.

3. What was your best PSU Track or XC performance?
Might not be my best, but definitely the most memorable, was my first Penn Relays. Since I grew up in Maine I had never been to the Relays (unlike all you lucky folk who went in high school). I was standing in the pens waiting for my leg of the race when I looked up into the stands-I’m sure I had a terrified/overwhelmed expression- right in front was Bill Cosby and he gave me an encouraging Let’s go Penn State! Always loved the Penn Relay's atmosphere and every year I hope to go down and watch (haven’t made it yet) Actual best was 2:11.2 for 800m.

4. What is your best Coach Groves memory?
Just that he was always there. When I went with my son to (finally) see the new Indoor facility a few years ago, we ran into Coach, who launched into some great stories which amused Andrew! (Go figure, Coach had stories....) Last Spring I went to a meet while picking kids the up for the semester, things seemed strangely awry without him trackside.

5. What was your favorite haunt/watering hole in State College back in the day.
Embarrassed to say Mr. C’s, complete with disco floor! I’ll redeem myself by saying I also frequented the Phyrst!

6. What was your least favorite workout?
Hickey Hill, Squirrel Hill, B*tch Hill, doesn’t matter what you call it, I hated it!
Another Squirrel Hill Hater!  There sure are a lot of those!

7. What have you done (professionally) since leaving PSU and what are you doing now and where?
I work as an RN in a Newborn Intensive Care Unit in NH.

8. Who from the team do you wish you could get in contact with?
I would love to see Sue Lindner, we always roomed together on trips but lost touch with her shortly after graduating.

9. What exercising do you currently do?
I run 3-4mi/day sometimes more, still feels wrong if I don’t get a run in. Finished (in a poor imitation of running) a ½ Marathon, which confirmed what I already knew-I am not a distance runner. Had/have a goal to run at least one marathon but after that experience not sure I’ll actually do it.
Just remember to start slow and taper off and you'll be fine!

10. What was your best non-running or track related story from a track or XC meet?
After Nationals in Pocatello, Idaho we drove up into the Tetons, Jackson Hole and to the gates of Yellowstone (the entrance was still closed for the winter). It was gorgeous and we had a blast. I would love to get back there someday.

Inducing Shivers for at Least 40 Years: NOW UPDATED WITH BREAKING NEWS

The students are back, and workouts commence in earnest.  One of the "favorites"  of all the various track disciplines is Squirrel Hill.  Jumpers, sprinters, distance runners and throwers all frequently refer to "The Hill" as their worst nightmare.  But remember, our own Mike Shine, Olympic Silver Medalist credits the workout for making a big difference in his career.

Those who hate "The Squirrel" who haven't tasted the nectar of Julian Pike would be in  awe of the majesty of the 1 1/2 miles of unrelenting uphill.  With a 4 mile warm-up, 3 repeats (and the corresponding return to the bottom!), and a 3-4 mile warm-down and the necessary van ride, you were guaranteed to miss dinner at West Halls!

Thanks to Elaine LaFramboise Pino for the image!

And apparently still a news flash:  PSU's Head Twirler this year is a Freshman guy!