April 24, 2005 Update ... Caitlin Lane and Nicole Blood ran at the Dartmouth Outdoor Invitational at Dartmouth College on April 23 ... both ran as "Unattached" runners ... Caitlin Lane finished 9th in the 1500 Meters (4:47.22) ... Nicole Blood ran the 5000 Meters, but intentionally dropped-out (while leading) at the 3000m mark (approximate time in the 9:50s, the drop-out was pre-planned) ... Rather than all-out competitive efforts, these were public training performances (sometimes the best place to train is in a race ... many 5K runners use races as training) ... Dartmouth College is a reasonably short drive for many athletes in the northern Section 2 area.

I have already received e-mails questioning the validity Caitlin's and Nicole's injuries because they ran in races ... Both girls are coming off real injuries ... Initially, Caitlin spent several weeks training in the water with other cross training (e.g. stationary bike) ... All "stress-fractures" are not equal (a minor stress fracture in the meta-tarsal area of a foot can be incredibly painful, but it may also heal fairly quickly with proper treatment) ... The key to a "continuing recover" (for any injury) is not to over-stress the problem ... In the statement below, the key phrase may be "pressure to get back to quality workouts and races", and adding, 'before the injury is ready' (even though the runner can post great performances).

April 20, 2005 Update ... Caitlin Lane will not be competing for the Saratoga girls team this spring ... Caitlin stopped running at the end of the indoor season due to a painful stress fracture in her foot ... With the stress fracture and the pressure to get back to quality workouts and races, Caitlin has decided to take things slow and ease herself back into competition ... Caitlin and Nicole Blood have been "re-habing" (some separately and some together) and are beginning some low-key training ... What this portends for the Saratoga XC team next fall is not certain at this time.

March 22, 2005 ... Nicole Blood Leaving the Saratoga Running Program

I first heard this story early last Saturday morning (Mar 19) ... Within a short period of time, additional information (much of it rumor) was being sent me ... Before posting the story, I decided to wait until something appeared in the newspapers or on DyeStat ... Steve Underwood recently posted an article on DyeStat ... In addition, an article in the Saratogian newspaper has been published.

According to the Saratogian newspaper, Coaches Art and Linda Kranick, and Saratoga High School Athletic Director Bob Stulmaker "confirmed Monday that the 16-year-old junior has chosen to not run track and field this spring and is seeking a personal coach for the foreseeable future ... also, "Nicole and her parent have chosen to go this route," Linda Kranick said ... (the "parent" is reference to Nicole's Mother, Jill Buff).

In the DyeStat article, Nicole Blood said she "has been bothered by Illiotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) on her left knee. The injury gradually worsened through the Nike Indoor Nationals meet March 12-13."

The photo here was taken at Manley Field House (Syracuse University) the night before the NY State Meet at the Carrier Dome (held March 6) ... Nicole was wearing a support her left knee which consistent with IT-band pain ...If you've never had IT-band pain, you do not want it.

The two articles differ somewhat when discussing a new coach ... in the DyeStat article, Nicole says she is "on my own right now" and not looking for a coach ... the Saratogian article says she seeking a personal coach ... The point is really moot because Nicole Blood is no longer part of the Saratoga team at this time, with or without a personal coach.

Yes, there are more rumors (which have factual basis) that could be added to this story ... But I can not think of one good reason to do so at this time ... So I'm not going to.

The Saratoga Running program has nothing to prove to anybody ... The success speaks for itself ... I'm a huge fan.

Nicole Blood has nothing to prove to anybody ... Her success speaks for itself ... I'm a huge fan ... Differences of opinion are a fact of life ... I wish Nicole Blood all the best because she deserves it ... she's helped raise the level of competition in NY more than she may realize.

Just over a year ago, I reported the break-up the Argyle Girls ... That story was sad to me personally because, as a fan of high school sports, it meant the disappearance of something special ... The Argyle girls XC running team was special - it was probably the best small school XC team ever ... the talent was obvious then, and clearly obvious now ... As a fan, something was lost that I may never see again ... at least I was fortunate enough to see it in person while it lasted.

I hate repeating myself one year later ... but the Saratoga Running program is special (and will remain special) ... This year it was particularly special ... This was the greatest girl's XC team ever ... I find it hard to believe I will see this much talent on one team ever again ... As a fan, something is slipping away with the loss of Nicole Blood ... at least I was fortunate enough to see it in person while it lasted.

Who knows? ... we may not see this again until November 26, 2005 at Van Cortlandt Park ... If that's true, Don't Miss It.

My sister now lives near San Diego ... maybe I'll visit her on Dec 10th.