She’s Fifty, she’s Fit, and she’s Fractured. The plan for the last several years was to bring Linda along slowly, pointing towards this very day. I was sure she would be able to set some Nebraska state age group records, maybe higher glories. Which is saying something about an athlete that already possesses:
1st (2010) & 3rd (2012) overall 45-49 in the USA 25K National Championships.
3rd overall 45-49 in the 2010 USA Half Marathon National Championships.
4th 45-49 2010 Indoor 400 meter National Champs.
3rd 45-49 2010 Indoor 800 meter National Championships.
2nd 45-49 2010 Indoor Mile National Championships.
4 time USA Club Cross Country National Championships competitor, top 20 each time.
And oh by the way, 2012 Market to Market 50K Masters Champion. And 2012 Gambler Half Marathon Overall winner. And a dozen and more local victories and records. I’ve said it before and I know of what I speak, Linda is the most talented natural athlete that I’ve met in my life. Her incredible range described above (quarter mile through 50K) sets her apart from every single other athlete, period. Add in her gymnastics background, her yoga training, and well, you get the idea.
So while Linda continues to rehab the broken foot that has sidelined her freshman season as a fresh fifty, you know that she will be back.
She’s Fit, she’s Fifty, she’s Frisky and soon to be Fast and Free.
Linda has run only 3 marathons. She made her debut at the 2008 Twin Cities Marathon in 3:30:10. Amazingly she returned in 2009 and ran 3:30:32 (pictured above). In 2010 she braved the red flag conditions at the Chicago Marathon turning in a 3:39:43 before getting two IV bags in the medical tent. We still haven’t got this 26.2 nailed down.
Linda at last year’s USA Club Cross Country National Championships. Shown here early and just ahead of best friend Stacy Shaw. Between the two of these ladies they cover the top spot in Nebraska for every distance.
Seen here capturing the USATF Nebraska Association 1 Mile Championships at the Blair Elite Downtown Mile. Linda always competes against open runners as very few masters women have been blessed with her natural gifts.
Our future’s so bright, we have to wear shades. But not for this one!
Happy Birthday dear sweet Linda and many, many, many more! The best is definitely yet to come!
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