This is a Fan-tastic time for runners. We are celebrating our own local heroes, those larger than life that we’ve followed in the media, and the inspirational stories emerging as the Trials loom large. To that end here are some goodies:
Flotrack.org has done an exceptional job covering the Brooks Hansons athletes with their Made-In-Detroit series. The last installment documented the men doing their final workout, 5 X 2 Miles (800 recovery) at goal pace minus :10. Mike Morgan led the entire workout finishing his last set in 9:38. He’s our Nebraska hero.
Brian Wandzilak has an interview with my personal pick on the women’s side, Desi Davila, up on his simplesoleproject.com website. This is the type of coverage that earned him our website of the year award in 2011.
Runnersfeed.com has an interview with Team Nebraska’s own Bridget Easley, how she handles the delicate balancing act of being a mom, a dietician, and still finding time enough to train, train, train to qualify.
You’ll get the opportunity to meet Bridget and Kaci Lickteig at this Sunday’s fundraiser to help offset their travel & hotel expenses. 1:oo pm at the Zorinsky boat ramps, pictures and autographs or just run some with them. All proceeds will be split evenly between the two. Team Nebraska is a 501 (c) 3 not for profit and thus your contributions are tax deductible. What a great way to show support of our own local heroes.
Today though I celebrate the biggest hero I know. Bill Iver Lindgren turns 80 years old today. As each day passes I see more and more of him in me. No-nonsense, hardworking, straight-shooting, honest to a fault, stern, consistent, wiry, tough, fair, loving father. His patience, mechanical and carpentry genius skipped me, though the latter two landed squarely on my own son’s shoulders. His hairline is mine. I can’t hear any better than he can. I’m accused of occasionally mumbling like he does (although this is generally words better said under my breath). I’m a dead shot with any test of accuracy whether it be a pool cue, bow, rifle, dart, or observation on my fellow man. I can only hope to become more and more like the man that is my one true hero. Dad, I love you and Happy Birthday!
Dad is as tough as the mesquite trees in his beloved Southwest Oklahoma. One of the few remaining Real Cowboys, veteran of the Korean War, full time volunteer, and inspiration to all that know him.
Dad built this house with his own two hands at the age of 70. My sister (glasses), brother and I have been blessed with his guidance and advice for the last 50+ years. La Familia Lindgren.
The original Lindgren, Oklahoma Ridge Runner. Dad grew up in a family of 7 without his own father, he made sure to always be present for us. The one thing I’ve most modeled in raising my own children.
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