So much excitement and so much tragedy

Saturday, November 3rd

9:00 AM - Intervals @ Weston
30 min warm up
10 x 3 min, 2 min rest
(10k pace working down to faster than 8k pace by the last few)
29 min cool down
Total = 16.5 Miles, 109 min

Very solid workout today with JLutz, Ryan C, Roland, Brad, and Maloney. The conditions weren't too bad at the start but got progressively worse and worse every minute we were out there. By the last few workouts, when we were running pretty hard, the wind was pushing against us, the rain was coming in from the every direction, and the ground was sliding around beneath our feet. I think these conditions actually helped me with the workout as it made me really dig down deep and be mentally tough. I just imagined it as if I were out on the race course and had to fight through similar conditions. The legs were getting tired but overall, I felt very strong and very confident in my ability to run hard (even when I am very tired).

Today also became a date that so many people will remember for so many reasons. I could probably go on and on about what happened today so I'll just keep things simple with a few important points.

Congratulations to everyone that toed the line at today's Olympic Marathon Trials; just making it to that race is an amazing accomplishment.

Congratulations to Ryan Hall, Dathan Ritzenhein, and Brian Sell who will now go on to represent our nation at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

Congratulations to our local hero, Nate Jenkins, who placed 7th, beating Meb, and officially making him one of the top marathoners in the country.

Lastly, let us always remember Ryan Shay for his tremendous achievements and for being someone who always worked extremely hard in chasing his dreams and living life the best way he knew how. My heart goes out to Alicia and the rest of his family.