Andrea Rich is headed to Salt Lake City for this weekend’s marathon. She made it through the MI4 training program without a single hitch. I had the pleasure of accompanying her on her long runs, or at least part of them, on every Tuesday. Got to know her a bit better and now declare she is one of the most coachable athletes I’ve ever worked with. Her background as a competitive collegiate swimmer gives her a good perspective on receiving and adhering to training input. It is always easier to work with athletes that come from the structured environs of a college program, whether it be swimming, field hockey, soccer, or running. While the SLC Marathon is at altitude I still expect Andrea to come back with a big, shiney pr. Giddyup!
Looking into the first weekend in June our mates have been invited to challenge at the Hospital Hill Half Marathon team competition. We’ll send our top men and women down to do battle with some of the top teams from the midwest and beyond. Our women did great last year and this year’s edition will be more competitive than ever.
Joan Samuelson is slated to run Boston this coming Monday. Is there any better ambassador for marathoning in the U.S.? She also ran 2:47:50 at Chicago last October to lower her 50-54 age group record. If you see Joanie in Boston, please pay your respects.
Joanie had her own fan club during the 2008 USA Olympic Trials Marathon in Boston. She ran 2:49:08 for an American age group record.
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