USA 25K NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

My favorite race in the U.S. is on tap for this weekend. And not just because 25K is my sweet spot. It is the city of Grand Rapids, Greg Meyer, Kristen Aidif, Fifth Third Bank, and the untold volunteers that make this race uniquely special. This will be my 6th or 7th time to the home of Amway (the Grand Plaza hotel is my most preferred hotel of any I’ve ever stayed in domestically.) Fond memories of winning the USATF 50-54 age group national champs a few years ago also call me back. But our sport is one of What Have You Done Lately, what I did last year (I ran fast!) has absolutely no bearing on where I stand today. And unfortunately I won’t be running it this year. But it will be cool to catch up with my old buddies.

Linda has Real responsibilities as the Women’s USATF Liaison to the event. She’ll take care of all of the invited elite ladies. Me, I’m just a driver, gofer, and arm candy.

At last year’s 25K Champs Luka Thor finished 11th overall and made a name for himself on the national circuit. He returns this weekend to try and improve on that finish. I had him on the track for a set of quarters last night, all in the 60 point to 62 low range. The lad has Real Gifts.

Kyle Clouston too is Real. I have the pleasure of training him up for his assault on the sub 5 minute Mile on July 7th at the Lincoln Mile. Not a big deal you might say, sub 5:00. But when you consider that his motivation for developing speed is to get faster at the 100 Mile distance, well you kind of get an inkling of why his buddy (and mine) Bryan Sypal calls him Freight Train. Thanks to my boys Jimmie Doherty and David Bohlken for pulling Kyle through the first half of the workout. I can’t say how appreciative I am that I get to work with so many Team Nebraska athletes. Teamwork among teams, can you dig it?

A postscript tinged with appreciation, great memories, and just a hint of sadness. The final Original Good Mate has stepped away from Team Nebraska to focus on his coaching and family. Ryan Salem was one of the very first people I approached back in 2011. He wore the Red & White proudly and even outlasted me by 5 weeks to earn the distinction of longest tenure on the club. It was a Great Ride Ryan and thanks for everything you contributed and we wish you nothing but the best!

We will be pulling into Grand Rapids tonight, approx. a 10 hour drive. After Saturday’s race we’ll head to the Sand Dunes outside of Muskegon. Sunday we’ll drive down to Atwood, IL where Linda will get to see the birthplace of her favorite writer. I’m looking forward to introducing her to all my old classmates (Class of 1975, 47 graduates!).

I will be posting throughout the trip, look for my race recap on Saturday!