Cali

Well, we've been in the Bay Area for a couple days now we've probably seen the sun for a total of an hour, maybe 2.  Yesterday was a real soaker, with some strong winds to boot.  To be honest, before this trip I almost thought it never rained in Palo Alto.  But lucky for us, the weather is clearing up for tonight's distance races.  The forecast is looking for temps right around 50, with little wind and only a chance of rain.  Ideal weather for distance races.  I'll be racing the 10k tonight at 10:48 PST.  Whether you just can't sleep, or you happen to be coming back from the bars on the east coast, you can tune into Flotrack and watch the race (they won't be showing races live, but should have them up once the race is complete).

I'll give a post-race recap this weekend.  Until then, Godspeed!

San Fran and Golden Gate from Wednesday

Heads Carolina (Wake Forest). Tails California (Stanford).

Hello again!  It's been a while since my last post, but I've managed to stay busy.  I've spent many of last 6 weeks or so on the road, including trips to South Bend, IN (twice), Seattle, WA, Bowling Green, OH and Wake Forest, NC this past weekend.

Since the USA Half-Marathon race in Houston, my racing plans have taken a backseat to some of the OU runners who I help coach.  The 2010-11 indoor season was one of the best ever for the Bobcat distance runners - and the record books will reflect that!  The girls set new school records in every distance event: 5k, 3k, Mile, and DMR.  It was both inspiring and exciting to see their hard work rewarded with great results.

As for my training, I encountered a few small bumps along the training road in February, which included a bout with the flu and a nagging foot issue.  However, things have taken a turn for the better over the last 3 weeks or so.  And just in time, because it looks like the Spring weather has arrived in Ohio - we all hope, at least!

I'll be back to racing this coming weekend, running the 10k at the Stanford Invitational on Friday night.  In a little tune-up workout this past weekend, I paced an OU senior during the first 5k of his 10k at the Wake Forest meet.  On a very warm (80s) night in Winston-Salem, we ran the 5k in 14:50.  That's a pace I feel comfortable with, so hopefully I'll be up to running that pace or faster.  It's been a while since my last 10k on the track (April of 2008 was my last one), so I'm excited about getting back to the 400-meter oval and running a fast time.

Check back later in the week for more details on my trip to Cali!  I'll be traveling with 3 of our OU girls who will be competing as well.  Until next time, Godspeed!

Main entrance to Stanford campus...palm trees and sunshine!