I mentioned yesterday that 25 hours in a van can’t help but be revealing. Both about yourself and your mates.
We took 2 vans, ten people in the 12 passenger and half a dozen in the mini. To say that the mini was a party is an understatement. We stopped every couple of hours to switch drivers, void the bladders, and even stopped for a 30 minute shakeout run in Bevier, MO. That sleepy little town was a bit gape jawed at the sight of 16 skinny harriers pulling in, paring down to shorts and tanks, heading over yonder and back, and just as quickly as arrived, gone.
Everyone found out that I don’t like to drive fast and have little patience for those that do. And absolutely no texting while driving. I’m scared of big hills and long curves especially during downpours and doubly so at night. But I’d rather be driving those than have another. I prefer fast runners to fast food. I’m very sympathetic to interstate bathroom breaks as necessary.
I’ll choose Cory Logsdon’s unrivaled and endless mania as a traveling companion ten times out of ten. As long as I’ve got Luka Thor to balance him out.
Shannon Mauser Suing might be the biggest Ryan Hall fan in Nebraska. Or second only to her 9 year old son.
Stacy Shaw is as nice off the field of play as she is fierce on it. Is able to sleep in the most contorted of positions, and is not to be trifled with playing Texas Hold ’em.
I’ve traveled with Linda three weekends in a row now (Oklahoma, Florida, Kentucky) and am finding out we are most agreeable, oh my.
I introduced our Team Nebraska women to my old buddies Keith and Kevin Hanson. The brothers took time out of their evening to regale our ladies with encouragement and anecdotes, the inspiration was palatable. I go back 13 years with them and can say there are no two better ambassadors for distance running in the U.S.
The sauteed scallops served over cheese grits with tasso cream sauce & asparagus I had for supper Saturday night was one of the best meals I’ve had this year.
Tom Derderian (Pres. Greater Boston Track Club) and Tom Cotner (Head Coach, Club Northwest) and myself all contesting the masters 10K. Older and slowing but still leading by example. I’ve long held Tom is one of the best coaches in the country, he placed two athletes on the BUPA/Edinburgh World XC team.
Spikes put a twinkle in Gary Wasserman’s eyes.
Alysha Davis has fire and confidence enough for two.
Haleigh Riggle’s heart and desire likewise.
Natalie Como’s smile can warm a room.
Megan Thomas (Zavorka) is tough as nails. Meghan Schneider gives everything she’s got too.
Nate Stack has a very bright future in the sport of running. This Nebraska Wesleyan soccer player is going to find a niche and nail it down.
Matt Pohren is made for mud and hills.
Eric Rasmussen is the most mentally strong runner on the club. Knows how to race to his very best by using his natural talent along with his wits.
Tragedy struck too. Lauren Roady of the Georgetown Running Club was struck and killed by a firetruck Saturday night after the awards ceremony. Only 27 and recently married. So very sad.
On the return trip Sunday morning we got to hear Luka singing spiritual hymns in his native Sudanese, he is a beautiful person inside and out. Two and a half hours of unexpected and appreciated sermon soothing our soles and our souls. Proud this fine young man calls me “dad”.
And proud of Team Nebraska. Team. That one word more than all the above symbolizing what has held this club together for 11+ years now.
Thanks again to the Lincoln Marathon for their kind and generous support that made this trip possible for us. We couldn’t do it without you Nancy and Gary!
Malcolm Campbell with Linda and Stacy. Malcolm ran 32:47 to repeat as the USA Club Cross Masters National Champion. We got to share stories for the ladies going all the way back to the mid 90s, the longer you stay in this sport, the better it gets.
Luka was a calming presence all through the weekend. His genuinely respectful persona is a bright spot among today’s predominant affectation of insolent youth.
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