Tinker, tailor, soldier, Art Vandelay. Depends on how you want to spend your life. Today, I reference a fella whose proclivities would be mine had I the talent.
I first met Fernando Cabada at the 2006 USA 25K National Championships in Grand Rapids, MI. Hard to believe 11 years has flown by. We’ve shared beers across the US and a shot of Don Julio just after his 2:11:53 at the 2012 USA Olympic Trials Marathon.
I got to catch up with Fernando this past June at the Garry Bjorklund Half in Duluth. A matured, seasoned runner now. Still fast as hell. Didn’t catch him at the GLH but was so happy to see he’s still turning in National Class times.
And more National Class times: Brogan Austin’s 1:04:08 GLH a new Nebraska State Record as far as I can tell. Zach Hine’s 1:04:48 at the 2014 Freedom Run half in Valley was the fastest on Nebraska soil since Richard Kaitany’s 1:04:34 at the Lincoln Half in 1988. Katie Wetzstein’s 1:15:26 the fastest female since Amber Anderson’s 1:15:10 at the 1995 Lincoln Half.
These are the performances that will inspire. The next generation of distance runners. In Nebraska. Thank you Brogan and Katie. And Fernando.
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