Borrowing from News of the World and National Enquirer for today’s headline. A little sensationalism to catch your attention.
I’m actually giving today’s words and inches to frequent contributor Mitch. Began contacting me via email two or three years ago, often holding my feet to the fire of my own words. Non-adversarial in his style, usually spot on in his assumptions. I’ll post his questions and try to address as best I can.
Mitch: “how about a column on aided courses? CIM and GLH come to mind. To me, it isn’t a real PR. One directional courses with tailwinds are my main beef. Road vs track “Prs” are a fun thing to chew on as well.”
Will: When I was in charge of such things I had St. George Marathon removed from the list of those eligible for Oly Trials qualification. Also lobbied to have CIM removed. I based all of my deliberations and decisions on IAAF qualifying standards. Very stringent guidelines on what can and can’t be considered for Olympic and World Championship competitions. Has very little relevance for 99.99% of the running population but is critical in keeping American distance running on the map of international credibility. Interesting given my hard line that I also supported giving Boston the lone exemption to the rule. Road v. Track, we can cover that another day.
Mitch: “Here’s something to chip away at your hubris…was TNB ever “elite?” I’m being serious…not trying to be a jerk; but think for a moment how TNB’s dream team would do at club cross. Would they even be top 5?”
Will: Angee Henry, David Adams, Mike Morgan, Peter vd. Westhuizen were all elite athletes in my opinion and I am honored that they ran for me. Two sub 4 minute milers, a 1:04/2:14 marathoner, and a 2:00 800 meter female. And if I had to choose a “dream team” for club cross they would have a great chance at top 5 in my never so humble opinion, ala: David Adams (10th overall in 2010), Peter vd Westhuizen (never got to run due to citizenship issues, something we are considering this week in Anaheim), Mike Morgan (fight and grit like few others), Luka Thor (I’ll take the Luka of the future, when he finishes working nights and going to school during the day, and I am coaching him), James McGown (I’ve seen more pour out of this guy than you can imagine). In seven can enter and top five score I’d add Christoph Paetzke based on his raw speed and a young Tracy Lokken based on what I saw 12 years ago this week (solo time trial at my former dojo, 40+ mph wind gusts and sleeting, his ripped out sweatpants -and nothing else- revealing a man’s man as he boggled me with a 38:24 for 12K).
Mitch: “That may be why leadership isn’t doing what you were doing. Can 15 minute 5kers ever become “elite?” I don’t know that answer, but it probably lies in perspective/priorities.”
Will: If you get enough 15 minute 5Kers a few will become 14:40 guys. One or two of those will continue and a 14:20 guy will emerge. And then the work begins. A benefit that I had leadership wise was the entire Nebraska talent pool was available to me. With more clubs (a good thing) the pool is diluted. Good coaching and strong leadership, an advantage for any club lucky enough to have it. Rare too.
Mitch: “Think of yourself…could you be a better runner than you’ve been for the past two years? I certainly think so, but life has intervened; as it has for most of us at one point or another. ”
Will: Good question. At 57 I still retain the Pure Flame of competitiveness. I’ve learned though that the only Real Competition I have is myself. Being Honest about my Racing, honoring the Spirit that Moves Me and me alone. Having said that, I’ll never be happy for you or me if we are racing and you beat me. I’ll get over it but I won’t like you for a moment, and I’ll stew inside for a much longer time. So my answer is I’m the same runner, no worse, no better. Slower to be sure, running fewer miles absolutely, uninjured for nearly two years now. But able to still run and push myself to purity. And that makes me truly Rich Mitch.
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