Books About Running

Here is a list of good running related books I would highly recommend (in no particular order).

1. Once A Runner - John L. Parker
It is the cult classic. Currently might be hard/expensive to get a copy of. There is a sequel to the book, but I would wait a few years until reading it. The book is a lot more powerful for the post collegiate athlete I think (the sequel that is). (link fixed 6/21)

2. Bowerman and the men of Oregon - Kenny Moore
Great book about one of the best running coaches in history. Co-Founder of Nike, coached Pre among others, and was a true renaissance man.

3. Gerry Lindgren's Book on Running - Gerry Lindgren
This book has a ton of practical knowledge in it despite being written in a very odd way. It is currently out of print, but as soon as it is available again I would suggest getting a copy. It is short and informative.

4. Running with the Buffaloes - Chris Lear
Follows the season of the CU team in a very interesting manner. Provides a great look inside one of the best college teams in America and their quest for a national championship.

5. The Perfect Mile - Neal Bascomb
Great look at the history behind the first sub 4:00 mile. Banister wasn't the only guy chasing after it. It was a race to see who would run the first one, and it almost happened on American soil.

Where are all the rock star runners?

"Where are all the rock star runners? He was this kid from Coos Bay, who wanted to run faster than any other human being in the world. A kid that was too small and not fast enough. A kid everyone kept telling to give up a foolish dream. They called him "Pre." The man who ran like fire every day, every race, wire to wire. The man who caused people to stop and say, 'I've never seen anyone run like that before.' A runner who never paced himself, slowed down or quit. But Pre wasn't a runner. He was a rebel who happened to run. Where is the next Pre?"

That is the text from a Nike advertisement, and it is fitting for this time of year as I am trying to get as many guys out on my team as possible in hopes of finding more good distance runners.

Will runs 2:09, Andrew 2:12/3, Nicholas 2:14

Andrew runs 4:48/9 and wins his heat.
Nicholas runs 4:49/50 and gets second in his heat.
Matt runs 4:50/51 and got fourth.

Excellent race by all

3200 was wiiiindy. Matt gets second in the slow heat with an 11:05, Dan 11:17 for 7th, Drew 11:45. We went out hard and went for it...

Guys ran alright for sixth place. Will and Matt run 2:13, Jay 2:18, and Andrew 2:11 for a 8:57.

we got second place as a team

Matt gets 4th in 11:03ish, Drew kicks for 6th in 11:1X, andDan gets 10th? In 11:20s

two of the three scored. NICHOLAS RUNS 4:54 For THIRD PLACE. 6 second pr for him. Andrew gets 5th with a 4:57. Will gets 9th with a 5:07.

2:11s across the board for Will, Nicholas, Matt, and Andrew. 8:46 and runner ups in the 4x8.

6:52 for matt t, frank 6:53 in the 2k

jack henry runs 4:52 in the 1200 and 1:53 in the 600

Championship Season

I live (perhaps thrive) on championship season. It is the part of the season where there are no excuses. Training cycles are wrapping up, everyone knows what is up for grabs, and there is no room to fake it out on the 1/4 mile oval. No place or reason to hide.

This is the line up for the Catholic State Meet (in order they are run). Also, I have included some lofty but obtainable goals.

4x8 - Perhaps a win or a top 3 finish?
Will Nyce
Nicholas Roberts
Matt Gardner
Andrew Holleran

1600m - A win or 3 in the top 6?
Andrew Holleran
Will Nyce
Nicholas Roberts

800m - Someone scores?
Andrew Holleran
Will Nyce
Nicholas Roberts

3200m - 3 guys under 11:00 and a W?
Matt Gardner
Drew Fletcher
Dan Welch

If the meet has similar results as last year and previous years (results found here) we have a chance to score at least 1 guy, if not 2 or 3 guys in every race.

Someone might say, "Why Coach, those guys are running 3 races! Why not have them build a pyramid while you are being a slave driver!". I would reply... IT IS CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON! We are going for a state title and want to get points when and where we can. The guys in the line up are our best shot. Plus, the 1600m is before the 800m, and perhaps our best chance to get an individual win and score 3 guys. Whatever happens in the 800 is purely calorie filled gravy. Depending on who shows up in the 4x8, we should have a shot at the title. Outside of the 800, I think we have an outside-good chance for someone to get the big W.

All I know for now is the bus leaves at 7:30 AM from the HS. I would advise packing food to eat and water to drink for the guys. Staying hydrated and out of the sun will be very important for us as I hear it will be a long day. It is also important for the guys to get plenty of rest this weekend and stay hydrated all week.

If anyone wants to come watch the meet for fun this weekend, get a hold of me and I will see if we can find you a ride down somehow.

Coach

Draper Recap

Sorry if this is brief.

I already did the 3200m recap. Nice job guys!

The 1600m went really well considering Andrew and Matt were up early to take the SAT and it was a little on the warm/windy side on the track. Andrew ran 4:58 and Matt 5:02. Look for them to roll when they get fully rested.

The 800m went excellent, probably the highlight event of the meet for us. Will ran a GREAT race. Tucked in the first 400 and absolutely crushed everyone in his heat the second 400. I think he negative split (hard to do) going 65 then 64. Andrew ran really well considering SAT, heat/wind, and doubling. We are going to wait for the official time, but he ran 2:08-2:10 range.

Overall you can see us maturing in terms of racing tactics. Pushing at the right parts of races, sitting back when the pace is too fast early on. We just need to become more aware of what is going on mid race. Do I need to be with that pack or should I run alone? How do I put myself in position not to lose momentum when I want to pass someone? These are things we will continue to get better at and don't always show up in the results.

To end with I want to thank everyone who cheered for me today. The Fletchers came out to watch the 5k and the 1600. It was great to see them. I BY FAR HAD THE BEST CHEERING SECTION from the girls team! I now know how it must have felt to be one of the Jackson 5 or some other more recent boy band. Those ladies can scream. I think my competition was jealous. Due to the nature of the race, the pace was fast early on, I was out at the 200 in 28, and the 400 at 65 (what Will was out in for his 800). I went through the mile in 4:48. I surged at the 2400m mark as there was some prize money for leading the race at that point. I felt I held on decently well and ended up running 3800m and got 4th place.

It is championship season! Many great things to come hopefully!

Coach

will wins his heat in 2:09ish.
Andrew runs a good duble with a 2:09ish.

Andrew 4:58, Matt 5:02

race was crazy. First 200 28, 400 65, 800 2:17, 1600 4:48, 3200 9:55. 4th and off the track at 3800m in 11:53.won $50 for leading 6th lap

3200 Recap

Drew was in the slower section of two and ran very well. He didn't get caught up in an early fast pace and moved up well through the whole race. He was out in 5:24ish. He officially runs 11:00, which is an 8 second PR.

Matt was in the faster section. He was out in the 800 in 2:33, the 1600 in 5:16. He went for it! Things didn't go as smoothly after that. He finishes in 11:06. Despite knowing he can run faster, it is still a 40+ PR for him. He gets another shot today in the 1600.

I am off to eat some toast and drink some water to get ready for this afternoon. Should be interesting to say the least.