We wear high heels, stomp our feet on hard and cold surfaces, smother them into airless socks, wear shoes that are too small and uncomfortable, put them in odd positions, stand for hours with no end, are constantly making them do things they were not meant to do, and running the wrong way. It’s no surprise that we have more foot pains and foot diseases than ever. Many foot pains and diseases are related to the shoes we wear, especially in women runners. That’s no surprise when most of them are wearing shoes to small for them! Your shoe should fit, but allow room to grow. You should always wear running sneakers while running, rather than converse or other show brands. You should make sure your shoes are comfortable and get new ones when you outgrow those. Make sure to go to a sneaker or running store instead of a regular store that just sells sneakers on the side.
Dathan Ritzenhein
Dathan Ritzenhein is an
American long distance
runner. He held the American
record in the 5,000 meters
from 2009-2010. He is a
three-time national cross country champion with wins at the USA Cross Country Championships in 2005, 2008 and 2010. He is well known throughout the cross country world. Ritzenhein married distance runner Kalin Toedebusch on June 3, 2006 and has two children. Ritzenhein is 30 years old and was born on December 30, 1982 in Michigan, with the birth sign of a Capricorn. Ritzenhein is coached by former long distance runner, Alberto Salazar and runs for Nike. Dathan Ritzenhein is 5’ 8” and weighs 117lbs.
The Final Step
Cross Country continues to be a fun and energetic sport for people of all genders, races, religions and sizes. There is much information out there to enlighten today’s youth and elders on Cross County to help people get active. Hopefully, many can change their view and see the positive attributes to this wondrous sport.
Ashely Cammiso is one of our many youth athletes. She competes in the 11-12 year old category. Spreading “Cross the Country” was written for a school assignment. We thank Ashley for her contribution.
Youth Corner
14 • Winter 2013 • One Step Ahead
Long Island Youth Excel at Region 1 JO XC Championships
Long Island youth raced fantastically at the USATF Region 1 Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships. 64 athletes competed on this difficult course, with 13 qualifying on to the National Junior Olympic Championships in San Antonio, TX.
Lauryn Heskin (TSC) & Matthew Payamps (495 TC) were our highest placed athletes placing 2nd in the 11/12 girls and the 11/12 boys races.
National Qualifiers
Lauryn Heskin, G9-10 / 3K, TSC, 12:22
Catherine Farrell, G11-12 / 3K, 495 , 11:36
Laurel Fisher, G15-16 / 5K, FTC, 22:15
Maggie Reid, G15-16 / 5K, UNA, 22:45
Daniel Johnson, B8 & U / 2K, TSC, 8:41
Alexander Addison, B8 & U / 2K, TSC, 8:48
Nicholas Robertson, B8 & U / 2K, TSC, 9:18
Matthew Payamps, B11-12 / 3K, 495, 10:55
Aaron Siff-Scherr,B13-14 / 4K, UNA, 14:08
Kyle Kelly, B15-16 / 5K, UNA, 17:43
Charles Hetterich, B15-16 / 5K, UNA, 18:32
Scott Nelson, M17-18 / 5K, UNA, 17:51
Craig Nelson, M17-18 / 5K, UNA, 18:03
Nov. 24, Bowdoin Park, Wappinger Falls NY
2013-2014 Junior Olympic & Youth Nationals Dates
• Cross Country JO Nationals Results - 12/14/13
San Antonio, TX
• USATF National Youth Indoor Champs - 3/10/14
Prince Gorge County, MD
Sheryl Hall - Chair