TheFinalSprint.com | Premier Running Destination for Marathons, Track and Field, Race News, Podcasts, Training Advice and More! - TheFinalSprint.com is the Premier Running Destination for Marathons, Track and Field, Race News, Podcasts, Training Advice and More!
Nike Press Release: NTN to Become Nike Cross Nationals (NXN), Include Individuals
Posted May 14th, 2008 at 4:26 PM by Martin Kennedy
Section: News & Results, Cross Country, High School
Nike today announced that its Nike Team Nationals (NTN) team cross-country championship will expand this year to include individuals, becoming Nike Cross Nationals (NXN). The Nike Team Nationals event, which began in 2004, featured the 22 best teams of each gender selected via a series of regional qualifying events. This year, the top 22 teams will be joined by the 90 fastest individuals from non-qualifying teams. Nike Cross Nationals is the only national cross-country championship for both teams and individuals.
“Nike Cross Nationals is going to be the ultimate competition for high school cross country,” said Ken Dice, vice president of the Nike USA Brand. “It’s true cross country, and a true national championship. We’re inviting the best runners in the country, whether they compete individually or as part of a team. Nike Cross Nationals is going to take cross country to a whole new level of competition for these elite athletes.”
TFS Podcast 140: Brian Sell Looks to 25k Title Defense for Barometer of Olympic Fitness
Posted May 9th, 2008 at 6:00 PM by Jimmie R. Markham
Section: News & Results, Marathons, Olympics, Special Features, Interviews, Podcasts, Road Racing
Today on Episode 140 of TheFinalSprint.com Running Podcast, I had an opportunity to chat with Brian Sell, the third place finisher in the US Olympic Trials Men’s Marathon who, along with Ryan Hall and Dathan Ritzenhein, will represent Team USA at the Olympic Marathon in Beijing.
Brian talks about the adjustments he has had to make after turning 30-yrs old in April, future plans for his running career - including what he hopes will be continued success in the marathon, why that is his ideal distance, the importance of not dwelling on his qualifying performance at the Trials, and how the conditions in Beijing ‐ especially the heat and humidity ‐ are going to affect his training and racing.
Download the podcast to hear Brian discuss these topics, as well as, competing on Saturday for his third title and trying to gauge the progress of his Olympic preparations at the USA 25k Championships, his teammates at the Hanson-Brooks Distance Project, his hobbies, advice for young runners and much more!
TO DOWNLOAD: Right click here and select “Save As”
Host: Jimmie Markham | Guest: Brian Sell
Producers: Greg Cherniet, Adam Jacobs
Music: Ryan Ahlwardt & Darnell Perkins
File size: 19.5 MB | Length: 00:28:25
Episode Sponsored By: U.S. Army Special Forces
If your measure of success goes way beyond the mainstream, if you think limits are something to be pushed, if your greatest motivation is doing the impossible, we may have a career for you.
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Injury Forces Ritzenhein Out of Healthy Kidney 10-K
Posted May 8th, 2008 at 3:30 PM by David Monti
Section: News & Results, Road Racing
Defending champion and event record holder Dathan Ritzenhein has been forced to withdraw from the 4th annual Healthy Kidney 10-K scheduled for Saturday, May 17, in New York City.
“We’re very disappointed not to be able to return to New York for the Healthy Kidney 10-K,” Ritzenhein told reporters on a conference call today hosted by the New York Road Runners, the founders and organizers of the race. “With a whole array of ailments, it hasn’t come together in time for me to take on the great field that’s been assembled for the race. Knowing that it might set back my preparation [for Beijing], it was with regret that we made the decision to withdraw.”
Ritzenhein, 25, of Eugene, Ore., said that the injury to the third metatarsal of his left foot, which he sustained at the USA Cross Country Championships in February, has persisted.
Read the rest of this entry »
Dathan Ritzenehin:
Homeward Bound: New Beginnings and Role Reversals
(Elite Athlete Blog - Entry #5)
Posted May 6th, 2008 at 4:30 PM by Dathan Ritzenhein
Section: News & Results, Track & Field, Elite Athlete Blogs, Dathan Ritzenhein
Welcome to the official blog of top U.S. distance runner Dathan Ritzenhein! Check back every other Tuesday for Ritz’s latest entry at http://dathanritzenhein.thefinalsprint.com/ as he prepares to represent the United States at the 2008 Beijing Olympics!
Sunday night, a night of great races [at the Peyton Jordan Cardinal Invitational], made me want to be out there racing. Even though I was at home, already in my pajamas, I wanted to be there racing. Watching Brent Vaughn grit his teeth down the homestretch, and Shalane [Flanagan]’s American Record was also exciting. I would check the computer intermittently to catch an update of the races. Stanford is such a great place to go if you want great weather and fast times. No other place or meet has the predictability and guarantee that Stanford can offer.
It is always one of the hardest things to do; watching races when you are sitting at home, but I just have to keep my head down and work hard know that I will be ready for August 24th.
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TFS Running Podcast 139: Gatorade XC Runner of the Year CHRIS DERRICK
Posted May 1st, 2008 at 1:30 PM by Adam Jacobs
Section: News & Results, Cross Country, Track & Field, Special Features, Interviews, Podcasts, High School
On Episode 139 of TheFinalSprint.com Podcast, the most listened to running podcast in North America, I had the pleasure of being joined by Chris Derrick of Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, Illinois.
In January Derrick was named the 2007-2008 Gatorade National Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year. He also finished second behind TFS Elite Athlete Blogger Michael Fout at the national Foot Locker Cross Country Championships and most recently ran the fastest 5k ever (13:55:96) in a high school race at the Arcadia Invitational.
In the interview, Derrick talks about his recent successes and why he’ll head to Stanford this fall instead becoming an Illini. Download the podcast to hear Derrick discuss these topics, as well as, whether the current crop of elite high school runners (Derrick, Fout, Puskedra, Lowe, Fernandez, etc) could match the level of success already achieved by Hall, Webb, and Ritz, his answers to our new “Rapid Fire Questions” segment, and much more!
TO DOWNLOAD: Right click here and select “Save As”
Host: Adam Jacobs | Guest: Chris Derrick
Producers: Greg Cherniet, Adam Jacobs
Music: Ryan Ahlwardt & Darnell Perkins
File size: 13.6 MB | Length: 00:19:56
Episode Sponsored By: U.S. Army Special Forces
U.S. Army Special Forces.
Visit goarmy.com/specialforces.There’s strong and then there’s Army Strong.
TFS Running Podcast 137: 2007 Foot Locker High School XC Champ Michael Fout
Posted April 30th, 2008 at 12:30 PM by Jimmie R. Markham
Section: News & Results, Cross Country, Track & Field, Special Features, Interviews, Podcasts, High School
Today on Episode 137 of TheFinalSprint.com Podcast, the most listened to running podcast in North America, I had an opportunity to speak with LaPorte, Indiana High School senior Michael Fout, the winner of the 2007 Foot Locker High School Cross-Country Champs.
In the interview, Fout talks about his goals for the 2008 for track season, which include breaking Rudy Chapa’s state record in the 3200 meter run and to repeat as state champion in the 3200. Since he is just coming of an injury, Fout talks about what he’ll need to do to get ready for the upcoming sectional, regional sand state meets.
He also talks about what it’s been like to blog alongside his running heroes Ryan Hall and Dathan Ritzenhein,his long-term running goals, his faith, and he also answer some of the questions the readers of his blog have asked him. Not only that, but we introduce a new feature on the podcast, a series of rapid fire questions in which Fout reveals, as the old song goes, a few of his favorite things.
TO DOWNLOAD: Right click here and select “Save As”
Host: Jimmie Markham | Guest: Michael Fout
Producers: Greg Cherniet, Adam Jacobs
Music: Ryan Ahlwardt & Darnell Perkins
File size: 20.9 MB | Length: 00:30:29
Episode Sponsored By: U.S. Army Special Forces
U.S. Army Special Forces.
Visit goarmy.com/specialforces.There’s strong and then there’s Army Strong.
Dathan Ritzenhein Returns to Action to Defend Title at 2008 Healthy Kidney 10K
Posted April 29th, 2008 at 12:00 PM by Adam Jacobs
Section: News & Results
U.S Olympian Dathan Ritzenhein will return to the roads of Central Park to defend his title in the Healthy Kidney 10K on Saturday, May 17, it was announced today by New York Road Runners president and CEO Mary Wittenberg.
Ritzenhein will face stiff competition from an international field that includes ING New York City Marathon 2006 champion Marilson Gomes dos Santos of Brazil and 2007 IAAF World Half-Marathon Championships silver medalist Patrick Makau of Kenya.
Race sponsor Embassy of the United Arab Emirates has once again established a prize-money purse of $23,500—$7,500 for the champion—plus a $20,000 bonus for breaking the Central Park 10K record of 28 minutes, 8 seconds, which Ritzenhein set at last year’s race. Ritzenhein donated his 2007 first-place check of $7,500 to the National Kidney Foundation.
Dathan Ritzenehin: The Not-So-Casual Life Of A Professional Runner
(Elite Athlete Blog - Entry #4)
Posted April 22nd, 2008 at 7:30 PM by Dathan Ritzenhein
Section: Elite Athlete Blogs, Dathan Ritzenhein
Welcome to the official blog of top U.S. distance runner Dathan Ritzenhein! Check back every other Tuesday for Ritz’s latest entry at http://dathanritzenhein.thefinalsprint.com/ as he prepares to represent the United States at the 2008 Beijing Olympics!
This week I went looking to trade in our truck for a more eco-friendly, family-friendly vehicle. While I thought I found something I liked, it wasn’t quite what my wife had in mind. Apparently a coupe isn’t as practical as a sedan when kids are involved. While we were there I was asked my occupation by the salesman. I always hesitate when answering this question because responding with “professional runner” isn’t a typical, run-of-the-mill occupation. Even here in Eugene, track town, USA, I still get odd looks and unusual responses to that answer. Such as, “You run for fun? What kind of job is that?” or “Wow! You must have a lot of time on your hands if all you do is run!” Well, I thought I would answer that response first by saying, I’m actually very busy, and secondly I will give a common play-by-play of my daily life.
Read the rest of this entry »
Dathan Ritzenehin: Keeping That Competitive Edge
(Elite Athlete Blog - Entry #3)
Posted April 8th, 2008 at 11:45 AM by Dathan Ritzenhein
Section: Elite Athlete Blogs, Dathan Ritzenhein
Welcome to the official blog of top U.S. distance runner Dathan Ritzenhein! Check back every other Tuesday for Ritz’s latest entry at http://dathanritzenhein.thefinalsprint.com/ as he prepares to represent the United States at the 2008 Beijing Olympics!
Well, my break is officially over, and I’m back in the swing of things. Being an athlete I find myself extremely competitive. I’m especially competitive when I’m not running, but not by choice, it’s just who I am. I think it’s because I’m not outside seeing people, running my old routes, and challenging against myself and the clock in workouts.
During this break I found myself competing against my wife in many things. Luckily she didn’t want to divorce me after this latest break. We have this little game on my phone, bubble breaker that we compete against each other to see who can get the best score.
Read the rest of this entry »
Men’s Olympic Middle & Long- Distance In the Modern Era
Posted March 27th, 2008 at 9:00 AM by Jimmie R. Markham
Section: News & Results, Marathons, Track & Field, Olympics
The Modern Olympic Era
Of the 336 medals that have been awarded thus far in the men’s middle and long-distance track events during the Modern Olympic Era (1896-2004) here are some interesting statistics:
· A total of 42 Countries have won medals in these events.*
· Kenya (no surprise) has won the most medals, having won 43.
· USA is a close 2nd with 42.
· Finland (yes, Finland) is 3rd with 41.
· Great Britain is 4th, having won 35.
· Ethiopia rounds out the top 5 with 15 medals.**
· Finland can claim the most gold medals with 21. Kenya is 2nd with 15, followed closely by the USA and Great Britain with 13 each.
· In the silver-medal count, it’s Kenya (17), then United States (13), then Great Britain (12), then Finland (11). France rounds out the top 5 with a total of 9 medals.
· The top 5 in the bronze-medal count are: United States (16), Kenya (11), Great Britain (10), Finland (9) and Sweden (7).
Read the rest of this entry »
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- 2008 Previews & Predictions: Men’s Marathon
The marathon promises to be one of the most exciting events in the track and field world this coming year. From marquee matchups to record attempts, the Olympic Games to another Marathon Major Contest, 2008 should be another fantastic year for this historic distance. In the following paragraphs I will outline the cast […]
- Dathan Ritzenhein Named
Visa Humanitarian Athlete
of the YearTwo-time Olympian Dathan Ritzenhein has been named Visa Humanitarian Athlete of the Year by USA Track & Field. Ritzenhein will be honored December 1 at the 2007 Jesse Owens Awards and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held in conjunction with USA Track & Field’s 2007 Annual Meeting, November 28-December 2, in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Ritzenhein, 24, of […] - Hall puts on stunning display, Wins Olympic Trials in men’s marathon
All the chatter about the resurgence of American distance running came to fruition in powerful fashion Saturday, with Ryan Hall leading Dathan Ritzenhein and Brian Sell onto the 2008 Olympic Team. Competing at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Men’s Marathon in Central Park, Hall tamed what had been thought of as a slow […]
- Olympic Marathon Trials ‘07:
The Race Has Begun!The U.S. Olympic Trials Men’s Marathon has begun! The weather at race time:
46°F
Cloudy
Wind: NE at 12 mph
Humidity: 61%
Event Coverage Sponsored By:
Camelbak - the originator and leader in hands-free hydration.
To learn more Camelbak Elixir, their effective, easy-to-use and portable electrolyte beverage, as well as Camelbak’s running specific hydration systems, please visit www.camelbak.com. - TFS Poll Results: Readers Predict Hall, Meb, and Abdi Will Qualify for Olympics
Several thousand votes from TheFinalSprint.com readers from been tallied-up and the results are in!
Ryan Hall, Meb Keflezighi, and Abdi Abirahman have been selected by TFS readers as most likely to qualify for the Beijing-bound U.S. Olympic Team!
Full TFS Prediction Survey Results:
Ryan Hall - 38%
Meb Keflezighi - 19%
Abdi Abdirahman - 15%
Khalid Khannouchi - 6%
Brian Sell - […] - Olympic Marathon Trials ‘07:
Elite Athlete Profile:
DATHAN RITZENHEINMany athletes would wilt under the pressure of being labeled “the future of U.S. distance running.” But Dathan Ritzenhein has been called that since his days as a schoolboy star in Rockford, Michigan. And he merely takes it in stride because his results strongly suggest the label fits.
Before he turned 22, Ritzenhein helped lead the […] - Nike Celebrates New York Olympic Trials with Lance Armstrong, Paula Radcliffe
What: Lance Armstrong, Paula Radcliffe and several other elite Nike runners are in New York City this week to prepare for and compete in the marathon and the marathon Olympic Trials. Throughout the week they will take part in a variety of events open to the public and the press.
Why: For Radcliffe, the marathon marks […] - Olympic Team Berths at Stake for Top U.S. Marathoners
America’s top men’s distance runners lead a declared field of 128 in Saturday’s 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Men’s Marathon. Perhaps the most anticipated Olympic Trials ever contested over the marathon distance, the race will be held Saturday morning in New York’s Central Park.
Olympic silver medalist Meb Keflezighi, 2004 Olympic Trials champion Alan Culpepper, […] - U.S. Olympic Trials- Men’s Marathon Preview
It’s almost here. After years of preparation and months of carefully tuned training, America’s finest men’s marathoners will toe the line this Saturday in a showdown that will determine the U.S. team in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Let’s step back for a minute and think about how big this race is. In most countries […] - TFS News Briefs: 10/30/07
Healthy Ritzenhein Expects Fast War of Attrition at Oly Trials
Dathan Ritzenhein has relocated from Boulder, CO to Eugene, OR. By doing so, he has eliminated his injuries which may have been caused by altitude and Boulder’s hard-packed trails. Proclaiming himself ready (”Everything seems to be coming together just at the right moment”) for the Olympic […]
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On May 16, 2008
Jeremy said:
His only real advantage is his limitless desire to compete. He's definitely an inspiration.