Thompson is a new addition to our team. He comes to us from New York, by way of college in Boulder. As motivation for the week ahead, a pearl of wisdom from his famed college coach:
Straight Ahead!
Monday Motto – Christian T
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Category Archives: News
1/26 Weekend Race Videos
New Balance Games:
Elite Steeple post-race interviews with winner, Ashley
UW Invitational:
Highlights of Women’s 3k
Have you heard?
Our coach is kind of a big deal.
The ADP American Distance Summit is especially excited to welcome legendary coach Frank “Gags” Gagliano who currently coaches the New Jersey/New York Track Club and formerly headed up the resurgent Oregon Track Club. A few of his current and former charges include Olympians Nick Symmonds (800), Jullie Culley (5k), Erin Donohue (1500), Christian Smith (800) and Nicole Teter (800).
-American Distance Project
The summit will take place January 5th-6th in High Point, NC.
Go to www.distancesummit.com for more information, and to take advantage of early registration discounts.
Master of the Year
Anselm LeBourne – the man who kicked my butt today in the final 400 of our workout – was named as a Masters Age-Group Athlete of the Year on Wednesday.
Gags’ email to the team included many exclamation points. Anselm’s son was not as easily convinced:
“Is that real?”
Yes, yes it is. And Anselm -and his powerful lungs- is very real as he tucks in behind you for a rep. He trains with the women in our group: keeps us honest if we start out too quick; keeps us laughing as we finish up hurdles; and keeps us amazed with his accomplishments. He is there every Monday and Friday, just like the rest of us. Though he admits to sleeping a ton in between. His son, in Florida this week for pro-soccer tryouts, is more impressed at the consistency. Anselm does not make excuses for days off. Not on Thanksgiving, not on Christmas. “That’s just what you need to do to be good.”
And last year was good. Anselm set the M50-54 American record for the indoor 1500m, barely missing the 4:09.98 world record. He still holds the M45 record for the indoor 800. And yet, today in practice, recounting his reaction, he claims “complete surprise” at finding out. With such accolades, how could this be a surprise?
“I don’t have time for [watching the competition]. I have to keep up with my kids, stay close with my wife. That’s all I have time for.”
That’s real.
Congrats Anselm!
(See this great Running Times profile for his track progression, and a peak at the training regimen.)
IT’s PARTY TIME
