State!

Another successful pirate showing at the state meet! Boys placed 7th and girls placed 5th!

Baby!

Weighing in at 7 lbs on his 20 inch frame, Asher Cache Kurz was born in Durango, CO at 9:37pm on October 12, 2008. He is a healthy, handsome lad with big hands and feet. His mom did an amazing job bringing him into this world. We're looking forward to introducing him to you all!



Today, Asher tried out the stroller that the team (you guys) purchased for him! The nice, smooth ride put him right to sleep! It has so many amazing features. Can't wait to try cross country skiing with it! Thank you so much for such an incredible baby gift!
H,

Busting Loose

This article was given to my high school cross country team (Bear Creek) by our coach midway through the 1995 season. We busted loose that season and won the Colorado 5A state championship! Kade, Crystal, Evan, Ashley, and Zach busted loose this week! Who's next?

The three little stories on this page are amazing, but true. They provide a powerful insight into sports that has enabled many athletes and teams to suddenly bust loose into dramatic achievements they never dreamed possible before. Read these stories and use the insight for yourself.

THE STORY OF THE ELEPHANT
The elephant is the strongest "athlete" in the animal kingdom. But if you ever get backstage at a circus, you'll notice something very strange about the way trainers keep the elephants tied up. Wrapped around the leg of the little baby elephant will be a great big chain, but wrapped around the leg of the huge adult elephant will be a little flimsy rope. The elephant trainer will tell you that after a few months of straining against a big chain, the baby elephant will finally give up. After that, the trainer can replace the big strong chain with a weak little rope and the elephant never knows the difference. Even though the adult elephant could snap the rope with one mighty tug of his foot, he never even tries. Why? Because the long months of struggling against the chain have conditioned and convinced him to believe that it's impossible!

THE STORY OF THE FLEA
Believe it or not, the common flea is the greatest "jumping athlete" in the animal world. A jump of three feet by a tiny flea is the same as a jump of one full mile by a human being!
If you've ever had the chance to see "trained" fleas, you know that somehow the trainer has taught these little bugs to stay within a very small area on an open tabletop, and to limit their jumps to only two or three inches in height. The flea could easily jump three of four feet off the table and get away . . . but they seldom do. That's because the trainer has kept them locked up in a small box with a three-inch ceiling. Every time the fleas would try to jump out of the box, the fleas would crash into the ceiling three inches above. Soon the fleas become trained, just like the elephants. They begin to believe that two or three inches is as high as they can ever possibly jump. And from then on, even when the trainer removes them from the box, the fleas will never try to jump any higher.

THE STORY OF THE BARRACUDA
As a fish, the barracuda is one of the "fiercest" athletes in the animal kingdom. He is swift, powerful and confident. In an experiment, scientists put a big barracuda and a little mackerel together in the same fish tank. The barracuda immediately swam over and ate the mackerel for dinner. Then the scientists put another mackerel in the tank - only this time they put a clear plastic divider between the mackerel and the barracuda.
Now every time the barracuda tried to swim over to the mackerel, he would only bump his nose against the invisible plastic shield. For two days the frustrated barracuda tired and failed to get to the mackerel. Finally, desperate, confused and hungry, he gave up.
At that point, the scientists removed the shield, leaving the barracuda a clear path to the frightened mackerel. But the barracuda knew better. He knew from experience that it was "impossible" for him to swim to the other side. Imagine the poor barracuda's surprise when the scientists dropped a second barracuda in the water, which immediately swam over and gulped down the tasty mackerel!

BUSTING LOOSE
The moral is really the same in all three stories. Very often, the only things that hold a person or a team back are "imaginary" obstacles. Like the elephant, the flea and the barracuda, we've sometimes been trained and conditioned to limit our own potential. For instance, if we do poorly at a sport when we're very young, we sometimes give up on that sport completely, thinking that we're bound to continue doing poorly, even when we're older. If people tell us over and over that we're too small, too slow or too clumsy to play a certain sport, we may eventually believe it . . . and act like it.

If we believe the newspapers when they say that our team is a 21-point underdog, we just might live up to that prediction and lose the game. If girls accept the opinion that they can’t do well in a certain sport - sure enough, they might not even try. If the record books ever convince us that human beings just can't run any faster, jump any higher, or swim any farther . . . then we will never again be able to break the records.

Like the elephant, if we don’t believe we can break the rope we won't.
Like the flea, if we don't believe we can jump any higher, we won't.
Like the barracuda, if we don't believe we can swim to the other side, we won't.

Athletes suddenly bust loose when they realize that many of their former limitations were imaginary or self-imposed. How about you or your team? Have you been accepting someone else's "expert opinion" about your own athletic abilities? Is there a flimsy rope, an imaginary ceiling or an invisible shield standing between your and your goals? If so, busting loose might be easier than you think. A little belief goes a long long way.

Author Unknown

creede meet...

great job pagosa!!!!!!!!!!! -kai

CROSS COUNTRY isn't about the pain but about how far you are willing to go to sacrifice for your team.

Mancos Meet!!

Way to go Pirates!!!
Kade

What's the Lure?

In most team sports, team members are valued for a certain skill that they possess and contribute to the team. For example, in basketball, the point guard may be the ball handler, the center may be the rebounder, and the guard may be the three point shooter. The success of the team depends on each individual’s execution of their unique role within the team.

Obviously, cross country is much simpler than most sports because running is the only required athletic skill and each runner shares the same role on the team. All runners know that raw running ability often takes a backseat to mental skills such as toughness and desire. Running requires mental skills and character traits, which can’t be tallied like points on a scoreboard, but they can be developed during practice. In practice, we don’t necessarily practice running. Rather we train our minds to endure pain and combat negative thoughts. Hard workouts improve fitness, but more importantly, they try to duplicate the pain you will experience during a race, but in a smaller dose. Gradually our running improves as we increase our fitness, callus our pain sensors, and acquire the skill of staying positive in the midst of adversity.

The success of a cross country team is dependent upon the degree to which each team member is willing to suffer through pain, which is a shared pain that each runner will inevitably encounter. As Coach Anderson likes to say, “You must out-suffer your competition.”

My question for current and past team members is: Why do/did you run cross country? What’s the lure? Most people avoid pain and suffering, but you seem to enjoy testing your will and raising your pain tolerance! Why do you do this crazy sport?

#1 FAN

The Pirates biggest fan in San Diego is wondering how the first meet went.

I have been running each morning on the beach trying to stay faithful to my interval and tempo runs (hills are hard to come by on Coronado Island). As beautiful as it is here is does not compare to the fresh air, beauty and camaraderie that I experinced in Pagosa running with you all.
My advice to all you runners inlight of my recent move is this. Enjoy where you are at, enjoy the people you are with and push forward even when you are afraid of failing.

Keep me posted. How about a Pirates trip to good ole Cali?


Miss you all,
Michelle Hundley

We are Pirate Cross Country!

We believe in the power of the long run, and the stories can create. We believe in positive thinking and that mental strength is more important than physical. We believe in running in the woods, in the rain, in the snow, mud and sun. We believe that the lessons learned in suffering can be transformative. We believe that fun can be had nearly anywhere and anytime. We believe that the power of a smile can overcome any climb. We believe that winning is everything, as long as winning is framed in the context of succeeding. We believe in team, in us, and in you. We belive that cross country rocks, and will change your life.

We are Pirate Cross Country!

Thank You All

you know when i started CROSS COUNTRY i did it because i didn't want to do football. i kept thinking this will be hard, this will suck ,but let me tell you i was way wrong. thanks to the coaches and all of the runners i have had the pleasure to run with i love the sport. We all got into the conversation of the old times where the front of reservoir hill was considered a hard run, when sprints consisted of seven, thirty second intervals; it all got me thinking how far we have all come and how well we have become friends. Cross country is the best decision i have made in my life. I guess I wrote this blog  just  to thank all of you for all you have done for me and let you know how much i appreciate it.

Running Quotes

* "Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy"
* "If you stay in your comfort zone, you're not going to do anything special"
* "Once you're beat mentally, you might as well not go to the starting line"
* "Learn to run when feeling the pain: then push harder"
* "It hurts up to a point and then it doesn't get any worse"
* "Don't let what you can't do interfere with what you can do"
* "Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go"
* "Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming"

Lobo Time Trial (8/30/08)

After the Alamosa meet was canceled, Coach Anderson and Kurz decided to put the team's toughness to the test on one of the most difficult 3-mile routes in the area. We started on top of Wolf Creek Pass (10,800 feet) and ended nearly 1000 vertical feet later atop Lobo Overlook (11,760 feet). As the collective hyper-ventilation subsided, the team enjoyed one of the best views in the state and shared in the feeling of true accomplishment!

--"It is not the mountains we conquer, but ourselves." -- Sir Edmund Hillary

Competition

It’s inspiring to witness runners push their bodies to the limit at the end of a running race. Most runners can muster up enough energy for a finishing kick, especially when the finish line is in sight. However, races get really exciting when someone who appears to be running all-out finds another gear as a competitor challenges their position and initiates a battle of wills. Without competition, most runners are unable to tap into their full potential. Recognize that your competitors are not to be feared or despised, but are important allies in helping you go deeper than you could if you were running alone. Next time someone tries to pass you, rather than say to yourself, “Oh no!” Say instead, “Sweet, here’s someone who is going to help me stretch my limits.” I'm looking forward to some memorable finishes!

--Competitive toughness is an acquired skill and not an inherited gift." --Chris Evert

Running in Pagosa

The Pagosa Springs area offers wonderful running routes with amazing scenary, but most are out-and-back…uphill out, downhill back. It’s hard to run in the Pagosa area without encountering hills. Since most runs are out-and-back, distances are not mentioned because most routes will go longer then the average runner will need. The gravel roads receive little traffic, but an occasional car could kick up dust. I didn’t mention many of the wilderness trailheads because they become steep and rocky within a short distance. The best place for pavement is the neighborhoods within the Pagosa Lakes area, but I did not describe any paved routes.

Downtown Area

Trails

1. Reservoir Hill – One trailhead is located behind the San Juan Motel (on Hwy 160 across from Ski and Bow Rack). The other trailhead starts just east of the hot springs (from the hot springs, take San Juan Street to Park Street).
• Trail is in great shape with lots of forested loops possible.

Gravel Roads

2. Snowball Road (CR200) – Go North on CR200 from Hwy 160 at Forest Service Office.
• Starts out paved, but turn to gravel shortly.
• Sunny, gradual uphill route along scenic meadows with mountain views.

Piedra Area - Go north on Piedra Road (CR 600) (near Hwy 160 at Sonic) about 6.5 miles to the point where the road turns to gravel and crosses a cattle guard.
Trails

3. Turkey Springs Trail – park at trailhead where Piedra turns to gravel.
• Trails exist on both sides of road. The trail on right side disappears after about 2 miles in a meadow with mountain views. The trail on the left goes for miles through the ponderosa pine and connects with many other trails and gravel roads.
4. Monument Park – Take a left onto Turkey Springs Road (FS629) just beyond the Turkey Springs Trailhead (above). After about 2 miles, take a right on FS630. Look for parking area on left after about 1.5 miles.
• Rolling trail through ponderosa pine.
• After about 2 miles, the trail crosses a road that leads west to the Turkey Springs Guard Station (mountain hut).
• Continue on trail another mile and meet up with Turkey Spring Road near the Chris Mountain Trail and Brockover Mesa Road (FS919).
5. Chris Mountain Trail– Take a left onto Turkey Springs Road (FS629) just beyond the Turkey Springs Trailhead (above). Follow the road about 4 miles until you see a "steep narrow road" sign. Park at pull off on the right.
• It's 2 miles of steep uphill, then nice 4 mile loop through the mixed forest.
6. Martinez Canyon Rim - Take North Pagosa Blvd. (near uptown City Market) north just over 2 miles and park on left/north in parking area near the junction with Aspenglow.
• Follow the scenic canyon rim for about 3 miles.
• Drop into canyon after about 2 miles from trailhead.

o Cross the creek and tie in with a host of other trails on the other rim (see Power Line Meadow).

7. Power Line Meadow – Take North Pagosa Blvd 5 miles to the junction with Mockingbird Place. Directly across from this intersection is a parking area with a forest service access gate.
• There’s a great 5 mile loop that winds through meadows and forests and joins multitude of other trails (which will be confusing).
• From the parking area, take the spur trail to the main trail.
• Go right and gradually climb for about 1.5-2 miles.
• When you descend steeply to a creek crossing with a culvert, take a left onto single track trail (if you continue straight, you’ll reach Newt Jack Road).
• Continue on single track until you reach the Power Line Meadow.
• As you enter the meadow, immediately take a left onto a faint single track trail that follows the base of the slope that parallels the power lines (If you miss the faint trail on the left, the trail will T. Left follows power lines into Martinez Canyon and eventually the Martinez Canyon Rim. Right climbs persistently and becomes Brockover Mesa Road, but neither is part of the 5 mile loop).
• When you reach the forest, veer left as the trail briefly climbs into the forest.
• Continue on single track for another 2 miles to complete the loop.
• Follow spur trail back to parking area.
8. Poison Park Trailhead – Take Piedra Road to Williams Creek Reservoir. Near the lake inlet, take a left on FS644, which dead-ends in a parking area at the trailhead.
• The trail is in great shape and descends gradually for about 2 miles through aspen and conifer forests to Weminuche Valley.

Gravel Roads

9. Newt Jack Road (FS923) - Take a left onto Turkey Springs Road (FS629) just beyond the Turkey Springs Trailhead (above). Follow the road about 1 mile where Newt Jack Road (FS923) diverges to your left. Park on the right near the forest service sign.

• A rolling one lane road though the ponderosa pine.
• After about 1/4 mile, the Turkey Springs Trail crosses the road.
• The road Y’s after about 2.5 miles. Go left to meet up with Power Line Meadow Loop.
• Go right and follow trail to Brockover Mesa Road (FS919) and then eventually Turkey Springs Road (FS629) near the Chris Mountain Trailhead.

10. Brockover Mesa Road (FS919) - Take a left onto Turkey Springs Road (FS629) just beyond the Turkey Springs Trailhead (above). Look for Brockover Mesa Road (FS919) on your left after about 4 miles. Park near junction.

• There are two options: 1. Follow the road about two miles downhill to the Powerline Meadow. 2. Follow the road about 1/2 mile to a trail that diverges to your left. This trail descends through ponderosa pine and joins Newt Jack Road (FS923) after about 1.5 miles.

11. Dunagan Canyon (FS603) – From the Turkey Springs Trailhead, take an immediate left on Turkey Springs Road (FS629). After about 2 miles, take a right on FS630. After about 4 miles, look for a small, gated road (FS603) on the left.
• This road is more like trail since it’s gated and one of the few runs that start with downhill. There’s a mountain hut about 2 miles back.
  
12. Trail Ridge – Take Piedra Road to Williams Creek (the stream not the reservoir). Immediately after crossing the bridge over Williams Creek, take a left and park at FS639.
• Follow road through conifer forests.

Wolf Creek Pass Area - Take Hwy 160 east towards Wolf Creek Pass.

Trails

13. Windy Pass Trail – Just before you reach Treasure Falls, park on the left next to the national forest sign. Trail begins on the east side of the highway.
• Climbs persistently through mixed forest to a clearing with an amazing view.
• Trail continues downhill about 3.5 miles into the East Fork Valley.
• Or descend about 1 mile and then climb steeply on the Treasure Mountain Trail, which leads to Wolf Creek Road (FS725) or the Continental Divide Trail (extreme difficultly).

13. Continental Divide Trail - Both sides of Wolf Creek Pass. Take Hwy 160 east to the top of Wolf Creek Pass.
• South side trail crosses the meadow and climbs steeply to the top of the ski area and beyond. Breathe-taking views (literally)!
• North side can be accessed from dirt road with a "Scenic Vista" sign at the top of the pass. The scenic vista road climbs 3 miles to top of the divide (Lobo Overlook) and a parking area beneath the radio towers. The trail is rough in places and descends steeply, but then becomes rolling (lots of uphill on return). Breathe-taking views (literally)!

Gravel Roads

15. East Fork Road (FS667) – On the left/east side of the highway as you descend into the West Fork Valley and cross the West Fork of the San Juan. Drive about 1/2 up the road to parking area on your right.
• A landslide has closed this popular route to motorized traffic meaning you can run a beautiful canyon without any dust!
16. Fall Creek Road (FS039) - Take Hwy 160 east toward Wolf Creek Pass. Take the first right after the hair-pin curve/scenic overlook. Park near the stream crossing.
• Lots of uphill at altitude, but great views.

Mill Creek Area - Go south on Hwy 84 1/4 mile, take left at county fairgrounds/rodeo arena. This is Mill Creek Road (County Road 322).

Gravel Roads

17. Willow Draw (FS722) - Take Mill Creek about 5 miles to the 3rd cattle guard. Parking area is on the left.
• Sunny route along meadows fringed with ponderosa pine and scrub oak.
18. FR029 – When Mill Creek Road Y’s, go right (FR665). After about 1.5 miles, park at the junction with FR029. FR029 connects with Left Hand Canyon Road (FR024) in the Blanco Basin area about 6 miles later.
19. FR024 - When Mill Creek Road Y’s, go right (FR665). Take a right and park on FR024 about 3 miles later.
• Forested route along an old logging road.

Blanco Basin Area - Go south on Hwy 84 about 7-8 miles to County Road 326 (on left/east).

Gravel Roads

20. Blue Creek (FS012) - On right about 2 miles down CR326. Look for the Snow Wolf Lodge sign. Take FS012 about 1 mile and park at forest service gate near snow wolf entrance.
• Sunny route that climbs gradually and then drops steeply to the Blanco River.
21. Left Hand Canyon (FS024) - On left about 3 miles along CR326.
• Sunny route that eventually connects with Mill Creek Road.
22. Blanco Basin – Drive out CR326 about 5-6 miles until it reaches the valley floor.
• Take a right on Castle Creek Road (FS660), cross the river, and park.
• Run CR326 up the valley. There's a potential for dust, but the views are amazing and grade is fairly gentle. The further up you go, the potential for dust decreases.
23. Castle Creek Road (FS660) – See Blanco Basin (above)
• Climbs persistently through amazing aspen groves.
• Another option: drive Castle Creek Road (FS660) to the forest service gate at the road to the Opal Lake Trailhead. At that point, you've gained most of the elevation in your car and you can run Castle Creek’s gentle road grade about 3 miles to the Fish Lake Trailhead. The views of the valley are spectacular.

2007

Mosca Pass

Main Dune

Regionals - Leadville

Regionals - Leadville

Olympic Training Center - Colorado Springs

Olympic Training Center - Colorado Springs

All-State

2006

Mosca Pass

Main Dune

Durango

Regionals - Monte Vista

Regionals - Monte Vista

State - Colorado Springs

2005

Mosca Pass

Main Dune

League

League

State - Colorado Springs (Santa's Workshop)

2004

Mosca Pass

Main Dune

Main Dune

League - Monte Vista

Regionals - Monte Vista

Regionals - Monte Vista

State - Colorado Springs

State - Colorado Springs

2003

Pagosa Peak

Mosca Pass

Main Dune

Aztec

Bayfield

Hot Springs

Regionals - Buena Vista

State Bound

State - Colorado Springs

State - Colorado Springs