First off apologies to our mate Dylan Wilson for being omitted from my results and musings columns earlier in the week. I’m shocked I only missed one person. 42 Team Nebraska + 30 Omaha Endurance Group = 72 runners I am fortunate to work with that ran last Sunday.
And last night we had 47 adults and 23 children at our Wednesday night track workout. 70 people out celebrating Fun and Fitness, I’m truly blessed to have found my sweet spot in the Omaha Running Community.
The Concordia Twilight meet is this weekend in Seward. We’ve got Cheto Cerda and Andrew Jacob running the 800 meters, Megan Zavorka running the Steeplechase, Michaela van der Westhuizen racing the 1500, and Natalie Como contesting the 10000. Giddyup Good Mates!
Speaking of Michaela, hope you’ve seen this year’s Boystown 5 Mile brochure, she is the featured athlete on the cover. Always a competitive race, we’re loading up talent on both sides and I’ll be out front as lead bike again this year.
Final notes from Lincoln:
From Kathy Palmer (to Linda & I on Monday, this is why we do what we do)- “I just need to say thank you – again – for all you do for all of us. And all the encouragement and advice – it is so incredibly helpful to even us slow people. You know we all look up to you – but to think that you spend as much time as you do – talking with us, helping us out, and just being around us – it’s really quite amazing. You have OLYMPIC hopefuls that you coach! And train with. And so many of us are just trying to break a 10:00/mile. Or a 9:00/mile. Or whatever. You give advice on nutrition, hydration, recovery, training, what to do if you fall off a dance stage and badly bruise your coccyx….and you’re always right. Your knowledge is so incredibly helpful to those of us that honestly have no idea what we’re doing.”
From Corey Erdkamp- “Hello, I wanted to reach out to one of your members and personally thank them for pacing me at the 35th Annual Lincoln Marathon. I had lofty goals of qualifying for Boston on my very first attempt at 26.2. I was able to gain 30 to 40 seconds faster than my pace until my right hamstring tightened on mile 23. The injury cost me the valuable seconds I had gained earlier on my pace. As I jumped back on the course to my surprise at that very instant I was passed by a Team Nebraska jersey who was wearing a smile and holding a flag. It turns out the 3:15 flag that magically fell out of the sky for me was held by Tim L and he had the golden ticket to Boston. Since I had time to catch my breath after loosening my hamstring, I was able to tell Tim that it was my first marathon and that I wanted to get to Boston. He did his part in motivating me and pushing me to succeed at my goal pace over the next few miles. I remember telling Tim, “I am going to ride your coat tails all the way to Boston”. Besides asking him about every 2 minutes how we were doing on pace, I maintained focus and Tim coached me while looking over his shoulder making sure I was right behind him until the last 1/2 mile remained. I remember Tim saying if I had any gas left to give it all I had and get to the finish line. I took his advice, sped up and passed him saying thanks and I didn’t slow down until I crossed the 50 yard line. After crossing the finish line I quickly realized that I had a mere 25 seconds to spare and that I had just qualified for Boston. I was in a state of utter amazement and I wanted to find Tim to thank him. Tim was a part of my story that special day of my first marathon and I thought he would want to know the impact he had on me for that moment. If you can pass on this email to him that would be fantastic. I would greatly appreciate Tim knowing how greatful I am for his support and motivation in helping me cross the finish line and exceed my expectations for such a memorable 26.2. I attached my Garmin times as it shows some of the true story with my mile splits including the 30 second stop before mile 24. Thank you, Corey Erdkamp”
Tim Langdon was the 3:15:00 pacer and hit the mark on the money. Sometimes the race is about others and not ourselves.
Matt Schneider, Lee Anderson, and Matt Pohren stayed out on the course long after their own races were done encouraging other runners, high fives all around, and generally being great ambassadors for the club.
Wednesday nights at Millard West. I’ve cast my shadow on the track for the last 5 years and am blessed to have found a whole lot of love in the Omaha Running Community.
Luka, Linda, and I blow this popsicle stand tomorrow morning for Grand Rapids and a certain 25K National Championships. I’ll do a couple of remote updates, thanks for checking in.
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