Starting off with big tips to Tom Whitaker and the Omaha Running Club. Silk purse out of a sow’s ear. And a whole lot of heart on display at the Heartland races this past weekend. I witnessed one of the best finishes in years, the women’s half providing that drama. Never, ever give up the lesson learned. Have to admit that men’s full winner Tim Langdon’s 2:57 was about 10 minutes faster than I thought possible too.
Eighty five finishers in the full. Many people heeding the forecast and dropping down or out. Live to RACE another day. Good especially on you Bryan Sypal. You’re too close to the prize! No traffic problems on the course, that perspective from the cat bird seat. Oh there was the one portly fella early, hulking spandex stuffed into a recumbent bike, demanding to know if we had permits and calling me a piece of ****. I politely invited him to speed up and meet me on foot up yonder for a lesson in trail etiquette. He roly poly’d out of site.
Medical Director Bill Weeks and his staff performed in exemplary fashion. Administered a mere 5 IV’s, six counting the fella that needed two. They did take a lot of people in the tent, all emerged refreshed as possible given the circumstances. Great work Doc.
Nebraska Run Guru Elite not only provided bike support and the Medical Director but had a couple athletes showing good form. Matt Olberding taking 2nd o/a in the half and Stacy Shaw 3rd o/a (1st female) in the 10K.
The Big Takeaway from the weekend for me? The Omaha running community, its runners, admins, and volunteers showed there is Hope for a locally grown, locally run marathon after all.
Bryan has been training his ass off for a sub 3. Fitness is definitely there but that Cruel Mistress had other ideas. One of the highlights of my morning was learning he bagged the effort at 17 miles. His jib cut like mine, never, ever run a marathon for any other purpose than a personal best. There are however, many other reasons for many other people, all from the heart.
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