Mini's and Meets

Friday was Eric's birthday. And with all my cake decorating "training", I was put in charge of creating a masterpiece of a cake. My first thought was to do something about the Mini. I wanted to make a "Mini" cake, actually shaped like a Mini. But I'm not that advanced. So I took the easy way out. I found a picture online, sized it to fit, then traced it with icing on wax paper. Then I pressed the image down on the cake. Which is what the photo above shows.

Then I basically filled in the lines with frosting. I kind of wish I had a bigger variety of shades of colors, but this was really my first official cake. So simple was better. And Eric knew exactly what it was when he saw it, so I guess it was a success. I think I need practice with the script font, but other than that, I was pleased with the outcome.

We went up to Sheila's house to celebrate. Laura lit the candles. Gary took video.

And here is Eric's post-blowfish photo. He was too quick for me.

Also last week was the CNYCL Championship meet. Alex ran the 1600, 800 and 4x400 relay.

The 1600 was first. He described the race as a 1400 meter run followed by a 200 meter sprint.

Alex won that 200 meter sprint at the end and won the 1600. It was only the 2nd time he had run that race all season. And it was a VERY windy day. Check the flags out in the picture below, they are out straight.

By the time he ran the 800, he was still pretty beat from the 1600. He placed a respectable 3rd overall.

And here he is at the end of the 4x400 relay. Love that stride! The relay team came in 4th. Liverpool came in 2nd overall in the meet. This week's meet is a big one, the Section III Championship. I think he's going to go back to just running the 800. I know he wants to win that one. He's got a good shot, he's still seeded 1st in the Section. It'll be a great race for sure.

League Champs

Today was the battle for the regular season League Championship Title. Liverpool and C-NS were both 3-0. We knew it was going to be close. Alex ran 3 events today. The first was the 4x800. The race was not close... here he is giving a nice smile on his way by toward the finish. They won handily.

 

Next he ran the 800 meter. He hung behind the leader, as he likes to do.

Then with 100 meters to go, he took off. As he likes to do.

And he won. Not sure what happened to the other guy, he didn't make the shot.

Then he ran the last event, the 4x400 meter relay.

He ran the fastest 400 he has ever run. (51.4 seconds), and the relay team won. And with that, Liverpool beat C-NS by a score of 72-69. That's about as close as you can get. They were very excited. Next week all the teams in the league get together and run against each other for the other "League Title". Then we're on to Sectionals and then State Quals. The season is flying by... This weekend is the Loucks Games in White Plains. Should be a fun one!

* The local newspaper had a nice article about the meet. Alex was even quoted! Check it out!!

New Hartford Invite

Last night was the New Hartford Invitational. Alex ran the 800 meter and the Distance Medley Relay. It was a MUCH warmer afternoon/evening than last week.  

The 800 meter didn't start until almost 8:30. So it was getting dark, and my camera doesn't take great pictures in these conditions! (Fast runners and bad lighting don't mix...)

But you get the idea. Alex won the 800 fairly easily.

His friend Jack, from West Genesee came in 2nd place.  

Alex was thrilled to not only be at the top of the podium... 

but to win his first plaque! That smile is genuine.

Then minutes after he collected his award for the 800 meter, he had to go run 1200 meters in the Distance Medley Relay. He was a bit exhausted, but he hung in there! Adrenaline is a good thing. (Notice he keeps changing his shirt....) 

Liverpool came in 4th place in the DMR.

A great end to a great night! And temperatures were still in the 60's when we left. I think summer is really coming!!

B'ville Dual Meet

Yesterday was the big dual meet between Baldwinsville and Liverpool. They are big rivals. During Cross Country this past fall, Baldwinsville was less than sportsmanlike... and they also beat Liverpool. 

Yesterday was payback time. Alex ran three races, the best of the day by far was the 800 meter. These 2 guys in front of him from B'ville are really good. One of them came in 2nd in States in Indoor, in the 1000 meter. Alex hung back for the first lap. The photo above is with about 200 meters to go.

And with 100 meters til the finish, he once again poured it on. He whipped past the first guy. 

Then got the second guy with about 25 meters to go.

And had a nice finish. He ran it in 1:58, his 2nd best time of the year. And a great time for a dual meet. Liverpool ended up winning the meet overall, 71 to 63. (I think that was the score.) Liverpool is undefeated in their league. Next week they take on CNS, who is also undefeated. It should be a great match-up! Tomorrow he's heading to New Hartford for a big invitational. I'm hoping it's warmer and shorter than last Friday's all-night meet!