Track Nation

It never ceases to amaze me how much I love track. I can’t seem to get enough of it—whether I am running myself, coaching young kids or watching it on the television or computer. No joke, I could be immersed in it all day—and I most often am. It is my preferred “place of business and pleasure”.

Noah Dolhare leading the pack in my Brooks kit!

 Yesterday was no exception. Following working the kitchen at Charlotte’s Urban Ministry Center all morning and through lunch feeding the homeless population we serve through RunningWorks (total blast), we drove to Winston Salem, North Carolina, to watch my girlfriend Meredith’s 10^th grade son Noah Dolhare run at one of my favorite indoor tracks in the country, JDL Fast Track. He was slated to run the 3000 in his second college meet ever with some pretty awesome schools represented: NC State, Duke, Queens, Washington and Lee, Clemson, to name a few. This could have been a daunting task for a young man, but Noah approached it like the hardworking champ that he is—he knew he had prepared to run a new PR and called on me for whatever coaching needs he had. Noah is a very coachable and cerebral athlete who listens intently to race tactics and needs a calm voice of reason pre race so he does not get too “into his own head”. Personally, I really enjoy working with him and he reminds me how much I cherish this sport because he loves it so.

Noah hit the track borrowing my new Brooks Elite kit and looked baller! Even though I could tell he did not feel stellar, he fought through the grind and hit the exact time he was shooting for: 8:55.69 and a PR for the third time in three consecutive races. As they say and is especially true in track, you get out what you put in. Watching Noah grow into the sport and learn how to become mentally tough at this age has taught me a lot, and endeared me to this punishing sport even more. Seeing young kids, my passion, figure out what it took me so long to find is inspiring and I am so happy to be a small part of their future.

We headed home excited to watch the recorded Millrose Games. No, really. We got home after being at JDL Fast Track for five hours, and watched another two hours of track. One of the coolest things was seeing my good friend and former training partner Betsy Saina win the women’s 5k in 14:57. She looked the best I have ever seen her, and once again, I was inspired. I want what she has, and I will sacrifice to get it again.

Betsy edging out Molly Huddle at the Millrose Games. PC: Star Gazette

 Track Nation will never leave these bones. It is a part of me. What a special sport we have found. I only wish everyone knew how amazing it really is. If we keep doing our part, more men, women and children will find their way to the special circle.

Onwards and Upwards.