Michigan

All photos/mgoblue.com

The University of Michigan football team closed out the regular season Saturday when it hosted Ohio State University. Ohio State defeated Michigan 42-13. Michigan's record is now 9-3, while Ohio State is 11-1.

The score was close at halftime, Ohio State was leading Michigan by four points, 14-10. Ohio State dominated Michigan in the second half as U-M couldn't stop OSU's rushing. Ohio State outrushed Michigan 369 to 57.

With the regular season over, Michigan waits to find out what bowl game they will be playing at. The upcoming bowl game will be the Michigan's 44th. The Bowl Selection show will take place Sunday on ESPN.

Thanksgiving

I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Fisher Body Plant I - Detroit, MI

Race series

I ran in a race series over the 2015 season. The series was made up of six races. To be entered into the race series, you had to run four of the six races. I ran five out of six races. Even though I ran five, only my top four races counted.

I am happy to say that I finished second in my age group for the 2015 race series. The winner of my age group Trina, had a perfect score of 40 points. She won our age group in the four races she entered. I finished behind Trina with 30 points. In the races I ran against Trina, I was second once and third two times. I also ran two races that Trina did not. I was first in one and third in my age group in another.

I'm not sure if the age group winners are supposed to receive anything for placing in the top three of the each age group. I'm just happy to finish in the top three because the competition is tough. I plan to work over the winter and hope to place again in the 2016 race series.

Michigan

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The Michigan Wolverines women's and men's cross country teams ran in the NCAA Cross Country Championships Saturday at E. P. Tom Sawyer Park in Louisville, Kentucky.

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mgoblue.com

The Michigan women's team placed six overall with 264 points. New Mexico Lobos won the title with 49 points. Notre Dame's Molly Seidel won the individual 6K title in 19:28.6. Leading the way for the Wolverines was Erin Finn. Finn ran most of the race barefoot as another runners clipped both of her shoes and they came off. As did her socks. Finn continued running over grass and gravel and finished in 19th place in 20:10.2. That earned Finn her second All-America honor. The other placing Wolverines were Shannon Osika (53rd - 20:33.2), Gina Sereno (90th - 20:47.2), Jaimie Phelan (100th - 20:50.0) and Anna Pasternak (120th - 20:59.3).

The Michigan men's team finished ninth at the cross country nationals with 348 points. Syracuse Orangmen won the title with 82 points over last year's champion Colorado Buffaloes 91 points. Winning the individual 10K title was Edward Cheserek from Oregon in 28:45.8. Mason Ferlic was the highest placing finisher for Michigan in 67th place in 30:42.3. Coming in behind Ferlic was Tony Smoragiewicz (72nd - 30:44.3), Ben Flanagan (83rd - 30:49.8), Nick Renberg (92nd - 30:53.7) and Connor Mora (129th - 31:13.7).

The University of Michigan football team also played Saturday. The Wolverines traveled to Penn State. 

The Wolverines defeated Penn State 28-16. Quarterback Jake Rudock threw for 256 yards and two touchdowns. Taco Charlton had three tackles for losses and two sacks.

mgoblue.com

Michigan wraps up the regular season Saturday when they host Ohio State. The game will start at 12 p.m. ET.

mgoblue.com

mgoblue.com

Books read in 2015

The Bridge at Chappaquiddick, Jack Olsen  
And Then I Cried: Stories of a Mortuary NCO, Justin Jordan   
Art on the Block, Ann Fensterstock  
The Murder of Marilyn Monroe: Case Closed, Jay Margolis & Richard Buskin  
A Family Business: A Chilling Tale of Greed as One Family Commits Unspeakable Crimes against the Dead, Ken Englade   
Model: The Ugly Business of Beautiful Women, Michael Gross
Curationism: How Curating Took Over the Art World and Everything Else, David Balzer
Dead Center, Shiya Ribowsky
The Monopolists, Mary Pilon
Silent Witnesses: The Often Gruesome but Always Fascinating History of Forensic Science, Nigel McCrery
Lives of the Artists: Portraits of Ten Artists Whose Work and Lifestyles Embody the Future of Contemporary Art, Calvin Tompkins
Sin, Shame & Secrets: A True Story of the Murder of a Nun, the Conviction of a Priest, and the Cover-up in the Catholic Church, David Yonke
Living and Sustaining a Creative Life: Essays by 40 Working Artist, edited by Sharon Louden 
Gracefully Insane: The Rise and Fall of America's Premier Mental Hospital, Alex Beam
Look Who's Back, Timur Vermes 
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Ransom Riggs
Big Eyes: The Screenplay, Scott Alexander & Larry Karaszewski
Grace: Her Lives, Her Loves, Robert Lacey
Emergency 24/7: Nurses of the Emergency Room, Echo Heron
Hold Still: A Memoir with Photographs, Sally Mann
The Nurses: A Year of Secrets, Drama and Miracles with the Heroes of the Hospital, Alexandra Robbins
Conspiracies and Secret Societies, Brad Steiger & Sherry Steiger
Lights & Sirens: The Education of a Paramedic, Kevin Grange
Undertakings of an Undertaker: True Stories of Being Laid to Rest, Stanley Swan  
Unashamed, Jessie Minassian
Rediscover Catholicism, Matthew Kelly
The Unveiled Wife, Jennifer Smith & Juli Slattery
When Sorry Isn't Enough, Gary D. Chapman & Jennifer M. Thomas
Growing Up Amish: A Memoir, Ira Wagler
Quiet Strength, Tony Dungy & Nathan Whitaker
Uncommon, Tony Dungy & Nathan Whitaker
Longing for Paris, Sarah Mae
Brave Enough, Nicole Unice
Your Life Still Counts, Tracie Miles  
Watchmen, Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons
Fast Girl, Suzy Favor Hamilton
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Frank Miller, Klaus Janson & Lynn Varley
Street God, Dimas Salaberrios 
Wild at Heart, John Eldridge 
Captivating, John & Stasi Eldredge 
Taming the To-Do List, Glynnis Whitwer
The Mended Heart, Suzanne Eller
Simply Tuesday, Emily P. Freeman
Girl Meets Change, Kristen Strong
Unglued, Lyse TerKeurst
One More Step, Rachel Wojo

Currently Reading: You're Going to Be Okay, Holley Gerth

Eastown Theater III - Detroit, MI

Michigan Football

The University of Michigan football team jumped up one spot in the AP Poll to #14 after defeating Indiana Hoosiers 48-41 in two overtimes Saturday night. Michigan quarterback Jake Rudock set a school record throwing six touchdowns in one game and set a career high of 440 passing yards. Wide receiver Jehu Chesson tied a school record with four receiving touchdowns. Chesson had 10 catches for 207 yards. With the win Saturday, Michigan is now 8-2.

Michigan will travel to Penn State Saturday for their next game. It starts at Noon ET.

NCAA Great Lakes Regional

mgoblue.com

The University of Michigan Wolverines men's and women's cross country teams won the NCAA Great Lakes Regional titles at the Tom Zimmer Championship Course in Madison, Wisconsin Friday. The men won their first regional title while the women won their 10th title.

Leading the way for the men was overall winner Mason Ferlic, who won the 8K race in 30:18.3. The other Wolverine finishers were Ben Flanagan (11th - 30:54.2), Nick Renberg (15th - 31:08.4), Tony Smoragiewicz (18th - 31:12.0) and Aaron Baumgarten (22nd - 31:15.4). Michigan won the reginal title with 67 points over Michigan State, 88 points. Eastern Michigan finished third with 102 points.

On the women's side, Erin Finn lead Michigan to a fifth place finish in the 6K race in 20:44.3. Winning the individual title was Molly Seidel from Notre Dame in 20:04.4. Placing for U-M was Anna Pasternak (11th - 20:54.7), Shannon Osika (16th - 20:59.6), Gina Sereno (17th - 21:00.0) and Jaimie Phelan (20th - 21:01.4). Michigan won the title with 69 points over Notre Dame's 79 points. Michigan State was third with 88 points.

Both U-M teams will run again at the NCAA Championships in Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday, November 21.

Fall Into Fitness 5K

I ran my final race of the year Saturday, Fall Into Fitness 5K.

It was a nice, warm and sunny day to race. I ran in a stocking hat, long sleeve Oiselle shirt, Oiselle shorts, compression socks and shoes. My hands were a little chilly at the start of the race, but they eventually warmed up.

I ran in a group for the about 2 miles of the race. Then like always, I started to slow down as they kept up their pace. I was running behind a boy, who happens to be my next door neighbor's grandson, every time I would get right beside him, he would sprint ahead. We played this game for practically the entire race. The last four blocks he pulled ahead for good and I was unable to catch him.

I thought I ran a good race. I was very happy to run 26:24, which placed me first in my age group. It was also my fastest 5K for the year by 23 seconds. I guess all of the intervals that I have been doing has paid off. Or that the course was very flat. Either or, I'm still pleased with my race.

Closing the book on the 2015 racing season makes me happy. I can just run for fun. Not worry about my mileage and recharge for the 2016 racing season. I hope that next year, that I can lower my half marathon times.

Eastown Theatre II - Detroit, MI

Books read in 2015

The Bridge at Chappaquiddick, Jack Olsen  
And Then I Cried: Stories of a Mortuary NCO, Justin Jordan   
Art on the Block, Ann Fensterstock  
The Murder of Marilyn Monroe: Case Closed, Jay Margolis & Richard Buskin  
A Family Business: A Chilling Tale of Greed as One Family Commits Unspeakable Crimes against the Dead, Ken Englade   
Model: The Ugly Business of Beautiful Women, Michael Gross
Curationism: How Curating Took Over the Art World and Everything Else, David Balzer
Dead Center, Shiya Ribowsky
The Monopolists, Mary Pilon
Silent Witnesses: The Often Gruesome but Always Fascinating History of Forensic Science, Nigel McCrery
Lives of the Artists: Portraits of Ten Artists Whose Work and Lifestyles Embody the Future of Contemporary Art, Calvin Tompkins
Sin, Shame & Secrets: A True Story of the Murder of a Nun, the Conviction of a Priest, and the Cover-up in the Catholic Church, David Yonke
Living and Sustaining a Creative Life: Essays by 40 Working Artist, edited by Sharon Louden 
Gracefully Insane: The Rise and Fall of America's Premier Mental Hospital, Alex Beam
Look Who's Back, Timur Vermes 
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Ransom Riggs
Big Eyes: The Screenplay, Scott Alexander & Larry Karaszewski
Grace: Her Lives, Her Loves, Robert Lacey
Emergency 24/7: Nurses of the Emergency Room, Echo Heron
Hold Still: A Memoir with Photographs, Sally Mann
The Nurses: A Year of Secrets, Drama and Miracles with the Heroes of the Hospital, Alexandra Robbins
Conspiracies and Secret Societies, Brad Steiger & Sherry Steiger
Lights & Sirens: The Education of a Paramedic, Kevin Grange
Undertakings of an Undertaker: True Stories of Being Laid to Rest, Stanley Swan  
Unashamed, Jessie Minassian
Rediscover Catholicism, Matthew Kelly
The Unveiled Wife, Jennifer Smith & Juli Slattery
When Sorry Isn't Enough, Gary D. Chapman & Jennifer M. Thomas
Growing Up Amish: A Memoir, Ira Wagler
Quiet Strength, Tony Dungy & Nathan Whitaker
Uncommon, Tony Dungy & Nathan Whitaker
Longing for Paris, Sarah Mae
Brave Enough, Nicole Unice
Your Life Still Counts, Tracie Miles  
Watchmen, Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons
Fast Girl, Suzy Favor Hamilton
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Frank Miller, Klaus Janson & Lynn Varley
Street God, Dimas Salaberrios 
Wild at Heart, John Eldridge 
Captivating, John & Stasi Eldredge 
Taming the To-Do List, Glynnis Whitwer
The Mended Heart, Suzanne Eller
Simply Tuesday, Emily P. Freeman
Girl Meets Change, Kristen Strong
Unglued, Lyse TerKeurst

Currently Reading: One More Step, Rachel Wojo

Michigan football

Michigan Wolverines football team defeated Rutgers Scarlet Knights Saturday evening 49-16.  Michigan's record is now 7-2. The Wolverines moved up one spot in the AP Poll to #15.

Michigan will travel to Indiana Saturday to play the Hoosiers at 3:30 p.m.

Eastown Theatre I - Detroit, MI

Books read in 2015

The Bridge at Chappaquiddick, Jack Olsen  
And Then I Cried: Stories of a Mortuary NCO, Justin Jordan   
Art on the Block, Ann Fensterstock  
The Murder of Marilyn Monroe: Case Closed, Jay Margolis & Richard Buskin  
A Family Business: A Chilling Tale of Greed as One Family Commits Unspeakable Crimes against the Dead, Ken Englade   
Model: The Ugly Business of Beautiful Women, Michael Gross
Curationism: How Curating Took Over the Art World and Everything Else, David Balzer
Dead Center, Shiya Ribowsky
The Monopolists, Mary Pilon
Silent Witnesses: The Often Gruesome but Always Fascinating History of Forensic Science, Nigel McCrery
Lives of the Artists: Portraits of Ten Artists Whose Work and Lifestyles Embody the Future of Contemporary Art, Calvin Tompkins
Sin, Shame & Secrets: A True Story of the Murder of a Nun, the Conviction of a Priest, and the Cover-up in the Catholic Church, David Yonke
Living and Sustaining a Creative Life: Essays by 40 Working Artist, edited by Sharon Louden 
Gracefully Insane: The Rise and Fall of America's Premier Mental Hospital, Alex Beam
Look Who's Back, Timur Vermes 
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Ransom Riggs
Big Eyes: The Screenplay, Scott Alexander & Larry Karaszewski
Grace: Her Lives, Her Loves, Robert Lacey
Emergency 24/7: Nurses of the Emergency Room, Echo Heron
Hold Still: A Memoir with Photographs, Sally Mann
The Nurses: A Year of Secrets, Drama and Miracles with the Heroes of the Hospital, Alexandra Robbins
Conspiracies and Secret Societies, Brad Steiger & Sherry Steiger
Lights & Sirens: The Education of a Paramedic, Kevin Grange
Undertakings of an Undertaker: True Stories of Being Laid to Rest, Stanley Swan  
Unashamed, Jessie Minassian
Rediscover Catholicism, Matthew Kelly
The Unveiled Wife, Jennifer Smith & Juli Slattery
When Sorry Isn't Enough, Gary D. Chapman & Jennifer M. Thomas
Growing Up Amish: A Memoir, Ira Wagler
Quiet Strength, Tony Dungy & Nathan Whitaker
Uncommon, Tony Dungy & Nathan Whitaker
Longing for Paris, Sarah Mae
Brave Enough, Nicole Unice
Your Life Still Counts, Tracie Miles  
Watchmen, Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons
Fast Girl, Suzy Favor Hamilton
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Frank Miller, Klaus Janson & Lynn Varley
Street God, Dimas Salaberrios 
Wild at Heart, John Eldridge 
Captivating, John & Stasi Eldredge 
Taming the To-Do List, Glynnis Whitwer
The Mended Heart, Suzanne Eller
Simply Tuesday, Emily P. Freeman
Girl Meets Change, Kristen Strong
 
Currently Reading: Unglued, Lyse Terkeurst

Big Ten Cross Country Championships

The Michigan Wolverines men's cross country team won the Big Ten Championship Sunday in Chicago, Illinois. The Wolverines won the 8K race with a team total of 63 points over second place Illionis, who had 81 points.

Matt McClintock from Purdue was the individual champion winning in 23:12.1 over Michigan's Mason Ferlic (23:19.6). Michigan placed three runners in the top 10 to secure the title: Ferlic (2nd), Ben Flanagan (8th - 23:42.6) and Tony Smoragiewicz (9th - 23:43.6).

On the women's side, Michigan's Erin Finn was the individual winner in 19:44.9. Finn is now a two time Big Ten Champion. Coming in second behind Finn was Michigan State's Alexis Wiersma in 19:49.9. Despite Finn's individual win, Penn State won the Big Ten team championship. Penn State defeated Michigan 53-58 to win the title. Penn State and Michigan both had three runners in the top 10. Penn State just had higher finishes. Wolverine runners that placed in the top 10 were Finn (1st), Jaimie Phelan (8th - 20:17.2) and Gina Sereno (10th - 20:18.4). Penn State's runners placed fourth, sixth and ninth to secure the victory.

The Wolverines will run again Friday, November 13 at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional in Madison, Wisconsin at 1 p.m. ET.

Michigan football

The Michigan Wolverines football team defeated Minnesota Golden Gophers Saturday night 29-26 in Minnesota. The Wolverines stopped the Gophers on the goal line as time ran out to hold on to the win. With the win, the Wolverines won the Little Brown Jug back. Even though the Wolverines won the game, they fell one spot in the AP Poll from#15 to #16.

Michigan will host Rutgers Saturday at 3:30 p.m.