Running Man

“This is it. This is the summer I’m going to get back in shape.”

How many times have you heard someone, or even yourself, say that?

After two years of not following through, I decided to get serious this year. A recent routine check-up with my doctor confirmed the need to add some exercise to my daily routine, and so I’ve been hitting the path hard since this past Father’s Day weekend.

In the opening story of my running series, which appeared in most of our newspapers (and on the Sports page of our Web site), I reviewed two aspects important for beginning runners and those returning to the trail after a while away — finding the right training program and the perfect pair of shoes.

After evaluating several running regiments, I combined and customized one tailored to my goal of running in at least one 5K by the end of the summer.

Then I brushed off the dust from my running shoes — still in decent shape thanks to those empty promises from the past — and also picked up a pedometer, a helpful tool to track the exact distance you walk and run throughout the day.

I began by gradually easing my body back into the flow, jogging a mile each outing. Of course, the usual aches and pains popped up — something I'll address in the next edition of the series and in an upcoming blog entry.

Once my endurance, legs and ankles felt in sync, I kicked it up to two miles — a distance I’ll probably continue at — increasing my pace week by week until I feel ready to take it up to the next level, three miles, nearly a 5K.

Until then, I’ve listed some upcoming local races to keep you busy. For more information about each, and a list of other races, check out www.runmichigan.com.

July 4 — Firecracker Mile, Clawson

July 6 — Michigan Senior Olympics Fundraiser 5K, Rochester

July 12 — Grandma Kay’s Orchard 5K, Washington Township

July 18 — Run Drugs Out of Town 5K, Fraser

July 18 — Founders Festival 4 Mile Run, Farmington

Foley edges past Nouvel 2-0

Madison Heights Bishop Foley's girls soccer team is back in the Division 4 state final after topping Saginaw Nouvel Catholic Central 2-0 in a semifinal game June 10.

Foley junior Kyla Cross netted the first goal with just over 11 minutes remaining in the first half off a pass by Amber Williamson. Cross tapped the ball around a Nouvel defender and rocketed the shot into the back of the net. Williamson picked up the second goal with 12:24 remaining in the second half.

Foley heads to Grand Rapids Christian where it will face Kalamazoo Hackett at 2 p.m. June 13. It will be the Ventures' second straight appearance in the D-4 finals.

Ike tops Troy

Utica Eisenhower’s girls soccer team defeated Troy High 3-2 June 10 in a Division 1 state semifinal at Utica Stevenson, earning a spot in the 4:30 p.m. June 13 state final at Troy Athens.

Ike (17-2-1) got goals from sophomore Megan Marsack, sophomore Aubrey Sudomier and senior Alyssa Telang to come from behind after trailing 1-0 early in the first half.

The game was tied 1-1 at halftime after Troy (12-6-6) senior forward Katie Wassel opened the scoring a little more than nine minutes into the game. Troy senior Brittany Chaklos made the final minutes of the game interesting when she scored with a little more than eight minutes remaining to bring Troy to within one goal.

Ike, which will take on Portage Central in the state final, is the first Macomb County girls team to reach the soccer championship at any level.

Live soccer blog

Ike sophomore Monika Lee scored the final goal of the game, securing a 4-0 victory for the Eagles. For more on this and other tournament games, check out the Sports page on our Web site.

Live Soccer Blog

The Eagles have extended their lead to 3-0 with 9 minutes remaining. Sophomore Aubrey Sudomier scored on an assist from sophomore Megan Marsack.

Live Soccer Blog

6:30 p.m. — Ike hasn’t let up, as the Eagles have continued to attack at a frantic pace, but they haven’t been able to add to their 2-0 lead. There’s certainly some added tension to the air, as both teams are well aware that the next goal will be crucial. Athens has started to spread the field, moving the ball about in hopes of cutting Ike’s lead in half. (31:00 remaining in the game)

Live Soccer Blog

6:15 p.m. – HALFTIME – Ike 2, Athens 0. The Eisenhower Eagles seemed to have figured out Troy Athens with a pair of quick counterattacking goals. The Red Hawks appeared to be on the brink themselves after stringing together some solid attacks, but they will have to wait until the next 40 minutes to make their way back into this contest.

Live Soccer Blog

6 p.m. — Ike has just smashed the scoreless barrier, scoring two goals in 30 seconds. First it was senior Allie Misner redirecting a pass from sophomore Megan Marsack with 9:08 remaining. Then with 8:28 left, senior Alyssa Telang made it 2-0 Eagles after taking a pass from junior Alyssa Tomassi. (7:00)

Live Soccer Blog

5:50 p.m. – Things have started to settle down a bit after the game started out at a furious up-and- down pace with both teams getting a few quality looks on goal. The contest has turned into more of a midfield battle, as each squad attempts to hold on to possession of the ball as they string some passes together and move at a steadier pace. The keepers haven’t been left entirely alone, though, as each has been forced to make a couple more saves. (18:00)

Live Soccer Blog

5:40 p.m. – Ike moved the ball right down the field after the opening whistle and nearly scored before most of the fans had found their seats. But a header off a cross less than 30 seconds in went over the goal. Ike had some more chances on a couple breakaways a few minutes later, but Athens sophomore goalkeeper Jenna O’Dell came up big both times to snuff out the Eagles' attacks. Ike senior goalie Becky Lipinksi was forced to make some impressive saves of her own, diving back and punching a pair of shots safely over the crossbar. (28:00 minutes remaining in the first half).

Live Soccer Blog

5:15 p.m. - The teams are warming up as the air cools down here at Runkel Field. Both squads seem focused and determined as they prepare for the match, which should feature a dynamic game matching each team’s strength — Ike's offense and Athens' tough defense. Ike is led by senior playmaker Alyssa Telang, who will attempt to break down a stout Athens defensive unit led by  senior Megan Swiderski. The winner of this game moves on to the 7 p.m. June 5 regional final at Stevenson against the winner of tonight’s second semifinal between Grosse Pointe North and North Farmington. 

Live Soccer Blog

Hey soccer fans, I'll be blogging live from the 5:30 p.m. June 2 MHSAA Division 1 girls soccer regional semifinal game between Utica Eisenhower (15-2-1) and Troy Athens (18-3-2). Check for updates throughout the game from Utica Stevenson's Runkel Field.