Oh The Places You'll Go

"Today you are you, that is truer than true there is no one alive that is youer than you." -Dr. Seuss

When I was younger, my Uncle Joe used to sit us down at least once a year and read us this fantastic piece of writing. I hadn't read it in years but on my shelf is a deluxe popup version of the book that belonged to him. I've always been the book nut of the family and my aunt decided I should be the one to have it. A week or two ago it came off the shelf and once again I was whisked into the whimsical allegory, but this time with a much more adult perspective.

Oh the places I've been. A clear frontrunner (get it?) on the "reasons I love running" list is the opportunity it affords me for travel. At the end of the day I get to do what I love and see the world. From the variety of life and culture that exists within our borders to international destinations as far as the globe stretches.

This time, in 2015, I find myself heading off to Beijing at the end of August for a chance to represent my country at the highest level of senior competition at the World Championships. A top three finish this weekend at the US Championships along with an "A" standard and a new personal best in the 800 meters has capped a whirlwind season that started in Albuquerque with an American Record, continued on through a first indoor national title, a World Relays gold medal, and this past weekend.

"Oh, the places you'll go! There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. There are games to be won. And the magical things you can do with that ball (spikes, shot, javelin...whatever) will make you the winning-est winner of all. Fame! You'll be as famous as famous can be, with the whole wide world watching you win on TV."

Easier said than done Doc...

"Except sometimes they don't, because sometimes you won't."

The plain and simple reality of our sport is that sometimes things just won't work out, and trust me I've had my fair share of things not working out. As professional athletes we dedicate our life to these kinds of goals and the fact of the matter is that our country kicks ass and takes names at Track & Field and there are only three or four spots to go around. The determination of my peers to hold themselves to the highest of standards and line up year after year to chase dreams and reach goals is such an inspirational thing.

I'm surrounded by people like that every day in Seattle. I couldn't wake up and do this every day without the tremendous support and tenacity that I see from my teammate day in and day out. When you surround yourself with a group like that it makes everything easier. We may still be the new kids on the block still but we're here to stay. Brooks and the Best Beast TC as just my people. 2015 has been magical so far, but there are certainly struggles and rough patches to come. I'm confident though that in the good times and bad we will support and build each other up. It really is a special group of people, not just athletes.

"And when you're in a Slump, you're not in for much fun. Un-slumping yourself is not easily done."

Then there's Danny, the man with the plan. 200+ college interviews later, he finds himself coaching the whole crazy bunch of us. He works harder than anyone I know to provide the best situation for us to meet our goals. Often times, it comes in the form of all the things outside of writing workouts. He goes to bat for us on all levels and spends just stupid amounts of time outside of practice making sure we can continue to have training equipment, funding and support from any number of sources. That guy deserves some major props (and probably a beer or two). 

I'm thrilled for what's coming next, and can't wait to continue this journey and see where my feet take me. Representing your country is a special honor and I'm excited to do so among lots of familiar faces and talented athletes. This has always been a dream of mine and I'm just so excited.

"Step with care and great tact and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left."

The real morale here is that in our world where you're not even close to being 98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed to succeed:

• Take the time to appreciate the journey
• Be thankful for everything you have
• Never give up
• Stay true to who you are

"And then things start to happen, don't worry. Don't stew. Just go right along. You'll start happening too."

Penn Relays Sucks

“Penn Relays Sucks”

Sometimes the Brooks Beasts like to play the "Rile Cas Up About Something" game. This is a slightly tamer version of the "Rile up Riley" game. 

                  

The most recent debacle came yesterday morning over coffee, with Poppa Rabbit Scherer and Wizzo seeing how far they could take a debate over the significance of the Penn Relays. This was resolved by an expletive laced tirade, leaving those two high-fiving and chuckling to themselves in the kitchen, and me getting over it about 45 seconds later. It did remind me of the magic that happens at Franklin Field in April, this year for the 120th time. 

                 

                  Ask yourself what you look for in a top-notch track meet:

     History...check

   Quality of Competitors...check

   Fan Base...the best

   Rivalries...absolutely 

     Most High School 4x400’s ever entered in a single meet...yes

                 

But the real draw is numerous X-Factors, that combine and produce one of the best spectacles in American Track & Field. 

Relay Running:

Track is a team sport, but only in the sense that your points amass towards the same total. March Madness happens when college basketball teams come together and do the impossible as a single unit. In Track, we don’t have shot clocks and buzzer beaters (or millions and millions of viewers) but, we do have a baton and the “WHOOOP WHOOOP” of the Franklin Field crowd as “who the hell?” from What-State-Are-They-Even-From University walks down the third leg of the favorites chasing that 18” wooden circle.

Local Love:

The locals and imports alike are real track fans, not just the friends and family of the athletes showing up to barely fill the stands. They have their meet programs at the ready, can tell you exactly where Chocolate Man and Bill Cosby can be found, and who's looking hot for the Championship of America sections. The immense Jamaican cheering section swells the ranks to over 50,000 on Saturday, and everyone gets behind the new stories unfolding, as history is written before their eyes. 

                                                                                                                                   

The Holding Pen

Imagine if livestock were smart enough to play mind games. You are rushed into a holding area with three distinct sections. You have to sneak strides in the confined area and stand around, sweats off and ready to race, waiting for your turn. All the while an official with a megaphone is convinced you can't hear him from seven feet away, and you end up strategizing with partially deaf teammates. 

                  Strategies of Clever Cattle:

§  The team that doesn’t show up:  This field does NOT look like the heat sheets. Where's A&M? Are they running the 4x8 fresh?

§  The team that almost doesn’t show up: They take fashionably late to the next level. One of the favorites waltz's in late enough to race but early enough to not be DQ'd, breaking the hearts some lower seeds. 

§  Anchor games: This team will line up out of order, make someone else hold the hip number, or send their first leg out from the back of the line at the very last second.

The Atmosphere:

The announcer’s voice echoes over the massive stadium crowd. For a few minutes, every athlete gets the sensation of being the star of the show. The picturesque view from the infield acts as a backdrop for pictures of each victorious relay team holding their coveted wheels (aka just about every profile picture and #tbt this week). The enthusiastic officials come back year after year looking like watch vendors with all the gold around their wrists from past relay wins.

For the first time in 7 years, instead of hearing the audible cheers of the stadium from the downtown Sheraton, over my Wawa pre-meet sub, I will be in my living room watching all of you lining up. So take advantage of the moment! There are many jealous pros who would love to be shaking in your boots with race day nerves. 

Good luck to everyone competing, and go Nittany Lions! WE ARE!