WELLSPRING

Catching up with the Good Mates races: Aaron Carrizales and John Seiler traveled to San Jose, CA for the half marathon. Aaron finished in 1:11:56 and John in 1:16:26. Each came away shy of their goals but will be tougher for the day. Same with Jen Viehrig at Twin Cities Marathon, she ran a nice 3:07:15 and will chase that sub 3 at next Spring’s Lincoln. Megan Zavorka was also in the Twin Cities for the Women’s USA 10 Mile National Champs. She turned in a 1:01:42 in her first ever foray beyond 10K. Closer to home Jimmie Doherty finished 6th at the Omaha Race for the Cure 5K in 17:51. It really was a busy weekend for the club!

And this coming weekend holds just as much travel and hope. Kayte Tranel, Cameron Cummings, and Tom Nichols will all be going after their Olympic Trials Marathon Qualifiers at the Chicago Marathon.

The depth of talent on this club never ceases to amaze me.

Today’s title gives me the opportunity to describe the origin of why Nebraska running and racing have come so far in just 10 short years.

Upon my arrival to Nebraska in 2001 I found a dormant competitive running community. Having worked with several Nebraska women in my role as USATF’s WLDR Athlete Development Coordinator (1996-2002) I knew there were talented athletes, they just needed an advocate and a program. Nods to Nancy Stanley, Mary Amen, and Roxi Erickson for the first glimpse of what would be possible. I had selected Nancy and Mary for the USA Women’s 5K and Half Marathon National Champs back in the mid-late 90s, knew there were good, hardworking athletes in Nebraska. And while Ann Ringlein (Lincoln) and Tom Whitaker (Omaha) were doing good things for their respective constituencies there was still a need that was not being met.

I attended my first USATF Nebraska Association meeting that Fall of 2001. There I described my vision of a vibrant LDR community-based on my experiences with successful programs around the country. My message met with stiff resistance as previously there was only a Youth Program (especially John Wissler‘s Cornhusker Flyers) and Officials Program. The leadership was very skeptical and my request for funding teetered precariously before Ruben Carter made the formal motion that it be approved. We all owe him a great thanks. I received a matching grant from the national office in Indianapolis and we were off and running.

At the same time I began attending local races and offering the top finishers a glimpse of what could and should be for Nebraska. Many were enticed and I held the first TNB meeting at my house in that same year of 2001. While the club started out with modest beginnings, a couple of people made contributions that helped elevate the profile of our ambitious effort, made it easier for others to recognize the brand and direction. Thanks to those that made contributions in the early days. As the club’s talent pool continued to improve and grow however some original members became less enamored with the initiative. Many obstacles ensued. This is why I am so passionate and protective of the LDR program, TNB, and my vision of what is Best for the Nebraska Running Community as a whole. It’s my baby. The rest, as they say, is history, but we’re not done yet. The hardest part is past but the future is so bright, I’ve got to wear shades! Our race management efforts are now in their 6th year, our Elite Program is flying high, and our community outreach efforts are becoming more successful by the day.

And everyone Loves TNB. The friends that I have made are rock solid though and I wouldn’t trade anything for their love and support. This includes sponsors, contributors, our RRM committee, Wednesday night group, race participants, fans, etc.