Tyson Invitational

The Tyson Invitational was this weekend. This was my first time to come to the University of Arkansas, which is surprising given their history with track and field. I'm caffeinating right now in preparation for the 7 hour drive home.

In case you don't know what happened, the big story was Galen Rupp's American record in the 5000m. He ran 13:18.12. I covered the meet for PreRaceJitters.com and LetsRun.com. Links: http://preracejitters.com/rupp-sets-5k-american-record-at-tyson-invitational/ and http://www.letsrun.com/2009/tyson0213.php

There is also some very good coverage in all the events at TrackShark.com. The TrackShark guys, Tom Borish and Scott Bush, impress me with their work ethic. They have been writing, Twittering, filming, etc. nonstop. They were also nice to let me stay with them after my plans fell through. I was going to rough it and sleep in my car, but it did get awfully cold last night.

My favorite race has always been the men's mile. This was the first time I got to see Nick Willis race in person. I had hoped Alan Webb would have finished better, but he needs to work on his tactics.

Some Texas Tech people are here too. I got to see my old coach and former teammates. Sally Kipyego was 2nd in the mile, but we all know that's not her best event.

Yesterday I ran around town, but it killed my shins since there was mostly concrete hills everywhere. I was told there are trails, but I never found them. I felt better once I ran though. I get antsy if I watch track meets and I can't run.

Shalane Flanagan - Flotrack Video Interview

Flotrack's Mark Floreani interviewed 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Shalane Flanagan today. Flanagan will compete in the 5000m at the Reebok Boston Indoor Games tomorrow. She hopes to break Marla Runyan's record of 15:07.33.

In this interview, Flanagan discusses what she has been up to since Beijing, as well as why she left her coach, John Cook.

Track and Field Videos on Flotrack

"Come to Oregon!"

Jordan Hasay decided to go to the University of Oregon and everyone on letsrun has their panties in a bunch. How can you live vicariously through these talented young runners if they just won't listen to you?

Sure, she could have gone to Stanford. She certainly has the grades for it. She could have gone to the University of Washington to join the 2008 NCAA champion cross country team. Not to say Oregon doesn't have a history of achievement. Jordan Hasay is going to be a Duck. Accept it and move on.

Eugene is a great place to train. It's called "Track Town, USA" for a reason. The entire community is supportive of the Ducks. It probably didn't hurt when the crowds shouted "Come to Oregon! Come to Oregon!" to Hasay when she ran her 4:14.50 high school record at Hayward Field during the Olympic Trials.

Hasay stated that she gets along well with the coaches and her future teammates. There is also the Oregon Track Club in Eugene, which she can join when she runs professionally.

More importantly, Hasay considered her future when she made the decision to attend the University of Oregon. She said she plans to study physiology and work in athletic training or physical therapy. Where better than the birthplace of Nike?

What is the problem then?


(Photo by Joe Johnston, SanLuisObispo.com/The Tribune)