Still easing in to the Real World working gig. I’m now not only able to work 6 hours straight but still have enough energy to get out and run afterwards. Enjoying my solo evening tours around the dojo, nary a soul to trouble my easy mind. I’d be lying if I said I miss the usual morning crazies, both the harmless and malicious. I’ve admitted to being eccentric in the sense that I deviate from established norms, square peg, round hole as it were. But not a mean bone in my body, and just happy to be here after all.
And now a few more of my favorite pictures form the past year.
Bridget Easley had a bus load of supporters come to Omaha for our fundraiser for her and Kaci Lickteig. Both women qualified for the USA Women’s Olympic Trials Marathon and we were happy to help get them there.
The Dash For Diamonds restored my faith in Real Racing in Omaha. David Adams and Megan Zavorka were the overall winners and took home nice stones for their efforts.
This might be the pic of the year. David Adams passing Olympian Abdi Abdirahman at the Shamrock Shuffle 8K in early April. David would finish 2nd overall and launch his professional career in the process.
Team Nebraska has a long history of supporting local charities. This cause became dear to my heart by way of a wonderful young man named Jack.
Ivan Marsh won the 6th annual Ni-Bthaska-Ke Trail Run. He has won the toughest trail run in the midwest 4 times and inspired a whole new generation of goats.
Linda & I used the Lincoln Half Marathon as a tune up for the USA 25K National Championships the following weekend.
I ran my best race of the year at 25K Champs in Grand Rapids, MI. And got to catch up with old buddy Bill Rodgers. I still have the first letter he wrote me from way back in 1995.
David Adams at the KU Relays, on his way to becoming only the second ever native born Nebraskan to break the magical 4:00 barrier for the mile. In 2nd place in this photo is former mate Peter vd Westhuizen.
Peter the Great. Once a Mate, Always a Mate!
In June the Good Mates finished :07 behind the Boulder Running Club at the Hospital Hill Elite Team Challenge. Matty P still hasn’t shaken the disappointment.
Megan Zavorka contesting the 10K at the USA Club T&F National Championships at Burke Stadium in July. Temperatures over 100 degrees had me pulling out all the stops to protect the gathered athletes.
And always with the group runs. The fittest, most competitive group of Real Runners in the history of Nebraska.
Linda continued to teach some basic rules of track to our Wednesday Night group. Rule #1: Run Fast!!!
And David Adams did his part to inspire a generation. Taking a moment here from our fundraiser to get him to the USA Olympic Trials. David would make the finals in the Steeplechase.
Aubrey Baxter would finish 8th overall in the Hammer Throw at the Olympic Trials. Just this one time, good girls do wear black!
Tim Langdon becomes the Champion of the first ever USATF Certified 50K in Nebraska. Part of the Market to Market spectacle, an interesting day to say the least.
Ashley Shurman was the Female Champion at the 50K.
Linda and Todd Nott took the Masters Titles, proving my contention that the best road racers make the best trail racers. Linda here on the final stretch, she had trained 90 miles/week getting ready and finished 4th overall as well, not bad for her debut at the ultra distance.
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