There were certainly some heads turning at Saturday’s Run For Justin. Most were looking with amazement at Matt Pohren, thinking his 15:54 win was some otherworldly display of running prowess. Yawn. No, really, that is quite pedestrian for Matt. For those of you that know him, you get what I’m saying. But it was still a meaningful victory for Matt, one of the closest of friends of the Nealon family. Some of you may have noticed Matt lifting his Team Nebraska singlet and showing off his new tattoo that includes “JN” as memorial to Justin’s life long inspiration. Touching.
A few other gawkers were shocked, disappointed, or otherwise confused to see me sporting the familiar Red & White singlet. Here’s why. I’m in no shape to be Racing, but that doesn’t mean my body and mind can’t Really Try. And my heart is with Dan & Marti Nealon and their wonderful tribute to Justin. I made the Nealon family Honorary Members of Team Nebraska 6 or 7 years ago. Dan always reminded me that Justin would have loved to earn a spot on the club. Their efforts to honor him and provide for the running community made that membership decision a no brainer for me.
It was a tougher decision for me Saturday to put on my singlet. But upon arriving at the race I saw just Matt Pohren and Jordan Tucker (and a single female, Kristen Ramm) representing Team Nebraska. That was the “sign” and prompt necessary for me to don the Red & White again. Once upon my chest I knew immediately that I must give absolutely everything I had. Must once again put aside the easy way and try to beat every other possible runner that I could. I acquitted myself with pride on that front, some things will never change. Five seconds under my reasonable goal and fourth in my age group. It is from the Inside Out.
The Singlet, a right I will always reserve as the Founder and Keeper of the Real Competitive Spirit of Team Nebraska.
The USATF Nebraska Association 1 Mile Championships were yesterday in Lincoln. I’ve been training my boy Kyle Clouston up all summer for his assault on the sub 5:00 mile. Regular readers will know he already achieved that at Wednesday Night Track Work a couple of weeks ago (4:59). But it was yesterday’s Race that mattered. To borrow a very tired phrase, BAM! 4:50.75. Great work Kyle! Lincoln Running Company Racing Team dominated the event on the team competition side of things, something I Always look at.
I’m glad to see the USATF 1 Mile Champs return to Nebraska. I hosted the first 2 editions (2007, 2008) at the Omaha Mile and the Blair Elite Downtown Mile (2009, 2010) hosted a couple of years, it had been missing since. Thanks Ann Ringlein for getting on board with our USATF Championships Program. Next up, the USATF 5 Mile Championships at the Columbus Downtown Run Around.
The new course record for the Bar None Loop resides where it should. In the quick lap of Luka Thor. 37.85 seconds around the 270 meter cross country loop. I put up a new personal best of 58.13, the current Master’s record. Prize money and gifts to any that might challenge……..
Just like old times. It felt good to be in the Red & White kit, if only for a morning.
Linda winning the Masters title at the 2009 Blair Elite Downtown Mile. At age 47 she turned a quick 5:37 for the title. Now age 50 with a healing broken foot, we are looking to tune her up for the 2014 Indoor/Outdoor track season.
State Masters mile records: (2009 Omaha Mile, Kevin Vanderlinden, age 46, 4:41, 2009 Omaha Mile Connie Prince Houlihan, age 50, 5:17).
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