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Galen Rupp debuted at the marathon winning the USA Olympic Marathon Trial in Los Angeles in February. See story on page 17.
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Amy Cragg and Shalane Flanagan at the USA Olympic Trials Marathon hosted by LA Marathon LLC. Story on p. 17.
Publisher’s Letter
6
Californians at the USA Olympic Trials Marathon
7
Spring Shoe Review
10
4 ct&rn •Spring 2016
USA Olympic Trials Marathon 17 Sports Nutrition
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50K Race Walk
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California Track & Running News is a magazine for members of the California and N. Nevada associations of USA Track & Field. Contact your region regarding changes of address and missing issues. HOKAONEONE.COM
Central California Association — lawrencewatsonus@yahoo.com — www.central-california.usatf.org Pacific Association — 916.983.4715 — heikemansoor@aol.com — www.pausatf.org San Diego/Imperial Association — 619.275.6542 — sdi_trackandfield@sbcglobal.net — www.sdusatf.org Southern California — 562.941.2621 — info@scausatf.org — www.scausatf.org
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welcome spring
California Track & Running News Vol. 41 No.1 Spring 2016
FORTIUS Media Group LLC Publishing Director Larry Eder Editorial Director Christine Johnson Holding Space LLC christinejohnson.wi@gmail.com CT&RN Contributing Editors Cregg Weinmann Apparel, Footwear Reviews Dave Shrock Community Colleges Mark Winitz Northern California Photographers Calvin Lau Victor Sailer www.PhotoRun.net Association Consultants John Mansoor Pacific Lawrence Watson Central Wayne Joness, Rebecca Trahan Southern Mike Rouse San Diego/Imperial Proofreader Marg Sumner, Red Ink Editorial Services Madison, WI
California hosted three important events between December 2015 and February 2016. The USATF XC Club Championships held on Dec. 11 were a tremendous showcase of the sport, with over 1400 participants. Seeing the great runs on all levels on that wonderful day, One of my favorite moments was seeing Ben Rosario, proud coach of HOKA ONE ONE’s Northern Arizona elites, after his men won the team title and several individual top women. Twelve weeks later the hot, humid conditions for the 2016 Olympic Trials marathon were tolerated because of almighty TV. Both were epic races. Galen Rupp and Meb Keflezighi battled from 18 to 22 miles, before Rupp went on to win his debut. Meb made his fourth Olympic team. Jared Ward made his first Olympic team running into 3rd place and staying out of the tough midrace pace. Luke Puskedra, finished a gutty 4th-place. The womens’ race was made for TV. Shalane Flanagan and Amy Cragg blew the race open at 12 miles. That lead grew between 12 and 22 miles when Flanagan started to fall apart. Cragg, her training partner, who had had a bad patch around 15–18 miles, encouraged Shalane to hang on until 25 miles. Seeing Desi Linden, followed by Kara Goucher, moving up fast, Cragg had to leave the side of her ailing teammate. Cragg, who had finished 4th in the 2012 Trials, finished first in 2016. Linden, who had taken second in 2012, passed Flanagan with a half-mile to go, and defended her second place. Flanagan took 3rd, making her third Olympic team. Kara Goucher put everything into finishing 4th, just a minute out of third place. On Feb. 21, in Santee, CA, with much less fanfare, John Nunn won the 50k Race Walk Trials in 4:03.21. The longest event on the Olympic schedule, the 50K race walk is grueling. Just imagine averaging under 8 minute miles while being graded on your form. Nunn averaged 7:49/mile for 31 .6 miles. With an Olympic qualifier, John is off to his third Olympics. Best wishes to all who competed in the cross country, marathon and 50K race walk, after the “Trials of Miles and Miles of Trials” (from John Parker’s Once a Runner), fufill their dreams. The road to RIO has begun. Regards,
Website Chuck Bartlett
Larry Eder ADVERTISING Publisher Larry Eder Shooting arry Eder FORTIUS Media Group LLC ph 608.239.3785 caltrackads@gmail.com Advertising Production Alex Larsen Alex Graphics acl3graphics@gmail.com www.caltrack.com
6 ct&rn • Spring 2016
CaliforniaTrackRunningNews @caltrackrn
California Track & Running News (ISDN #10986472), incorporating Pacific Athlete, is the official publication for the four USA Track & Field associations in California and Northern Nevada. It is produced, published, and owned by Fortius Media Group LLC, P.O. Box , San Jose, CA 95150, Larry Eder Publishing Director. All ad materials and insertion orders should be sent to Larry Eder at the address above. Fortiusmedia@gmail.com Phone 608.239.3785. Also please send PDFs of ad materials to Alex Larsen at acl3graphics@gmail.com Publisher assumes no liability for matter printed. Publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for content of paid advertising and reserves the right to reject paid advertising. Publisher expects that all claims by advertisers can be substantiated and that all guarantees will be honored. Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Publisher. Copyright © 2016 by FORTIUS Media Group LLC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission of the Publisher. California Track & Running News is represented by FORTIUS Media Group, LLC which also represents members of the Running Network and runningnetwork.com
Publisher recommends, as with all fitness and health issues, you consult with your physician before instituting any changes in your fitness program. Let Us Hear From You! We welcome your suggestions, comments, and questions. Direct them to: Christine Johnson, Editorial Director 608.239.3787 • christinejohnson.wi@gmail.com Address Changes/Missing Issues Third class mail is not forwarded. Contact your local USATF association about address changes, duplicate mailings, or missing issues. See page 5 for contact information. Member of:
association news
by Mark Winitz
Californians at the U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon
When Galen Rupp went into the lead of the men’s race after mile 21 at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in front of long-time Californian Meb Keflezighi, more than a few onlookers caught their collective breaths. Here was Rupp, the U.S. 10,000-meter record holder, making his debut at the marathon distance, followed by Meb, who, if he were successful, would become the oldest U.S. Olympic marathoner ever (40), and the only one to make three Olympic marathon teams. After starting conservatively in a large lead pack which had dwindled in warm 70s-degree Los Angeles conditions, Rupp, the Oregonian who is coached by 3-time NYC Marathon winner Alberto Salazar, boldly took the lead after 21 miles. Keflezighi (San Diego), followed, undeterred in his Mammoth Mission. Ultimately, Rupp claimed the victory in 2:11:13, followed by Keflezighi (2:12:20) and Jared Ward (Provo, UT) as all three earned berths on the U.S. Olympic marathon team headed to the ’16 Olympic Summer Games in Rio. “I expected it to be tactical for much
of the race, which it was,” Keflezighi said. “I knew that guys would be there after 15 or 16 miles, and that was the case. “Also, there were a lot of surprises,” he continued, mentioning the DNF of one of the favored contenders, Dathan Ritzenhein. “When Galen Rupp went to the lead [after 21 miles] I had to make a calculated decision about whether I could keep up. Obviously, I couldn’t—I was having a few stomach issues—so I concentrated on getting second. “Obviously, I’m happy to be on the team. It was a great crowd and I gave them something to cheer for. I had a lot of my old UCLA teammates there, cheering me on.” About his ability to compete in the top ranks for 1-1/2 decades, Meb said, “Working hard, doing the small things, and consistency. If you can do the small things that I talk about in my new book, Meb for Mortals: How to Run, Think, and Eat like a Champion Marathoner, they make a big difference. Also, I have a strong work ethic from my upbringing (as a young U.S. immigrant from Eritrea—Editor). Also, I’m fortunate to have a lot of sponsor support.”
“Meb’s race just went perfectly,” added Bob Larsen, Keflezighi’s long-time coach beginning during his collegiate days at UCLA. We wanted the field to get stretched out so a lot of guys wouldn’t be hanging on who maybe could finish a little faster than Meb right now. And that’s exactly what happened. “He won the masters division,” Larsen joked. “If the race had been on the UCLA campus he would have won the whole thing.” Among Californians, Shadrack Biwott (Mammoth Lakes, who currently resides in Folsom) also finished in the top 10, placing 7th in 2:15:23. “I’m happy that I took 7th place in difficult, warm conditions. I’ll take it and build on it,” said the 30-year-old Biwott, a former All-American runner at the University of Oregon who grew up in Kenya and received his U.S. citizenship in 2012. “Anytime you finish a race being healthy, without injury, is a good sign. When I finished, I had absolutely nothing left. The last four miles were pretty hot.”
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Californians at the OTM Olympic marathon squad at the Trials in Los Angeles? Hint: Perusing the race results won’t help you with this one. Answer: Desiree Linden (nee’ Davila). Linden, who was born in Chula Vista and attended Hilltop High School, passed a fading Shalane Flanagan (3rd, 2:29:26) in the closing mile to finish second in 2:29:00 behind winner Amy Cragg (2:28:27). Linden secured her second Olympic marathon team berth. After finishing second in the 2012 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials to Flanagan, Linden was forced to drop out of the Olympic Marathon in London with a femoral stress fracture. She currently trains with the Hansons-Brooks Original Distance Project based in Rochester Hills, MN. Let’s give a big round of applause for LA Marathon LLC and USA Track & Field, the producers of the 2016 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. A bang-up job for a superbly successful event. Thank you!
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Burlinegame 1405 Broadway Burlingame, CA 94010 p: (650) 326-1122
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA STORES Encinitas 123 N El Camino Real Encinitas, CA 92024 p: (760) 991-1221
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8 ct&rn •Spring 2016
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Biwott will next focus his sights on the track, hoping to improve his 10,000m PR of 28:28 to 28:15 or better so he can qualify for the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials. Trivia question: Who was the other Californian (besides Keflezighi) who made the 2016 U.S. OLYMPIC TRIALS MARATHON RESULTS CALIFORNIANS (as indicated by their home designation on entry forms) Pl Name (Age, Residence, USATF Assoc, Time) Men 2. Meb Keflezighi (40, San Diego, New York, 2:12:20); 7. Shadrack Biwott (30, Mammoth Lakes, SoCal, 2:15:23); 18. Malcolm Richards (33, San Francisco, Pac, 2:18:40); 21. Ethan Shaw (25, San Diego, SD-Imperial, 2:20:56); 27. Phillip Reid (30, San Luis Obispo, Pac, 2:24:18); 28. Daniel Tapia (29, Mammoth Lakes, So Cal, 2:22:30); 30. Scott Bauhs (29, San Luis Obispo, Pac, 2:23:02); 33. Stephan Shay (30, Huntington Beach, Pac, 2:23:46); 42. Chris Chavez (29, Burlingame, Pac, 2:26:10); 54. Fernando Cabada (33, Clovis, Central Cal, 2:27:53); 74. Gabriel Proctor (25, Mammoth Lakes, SoCal, 2:31:09); 96. Christopher Barnicle (28, Los Angeles, SoCal, 2:40:17); 106. Juan Paredes (25, Los Angeles, SoCal, 2 :57:43); 107. Chris Frias (25, San Luis Obispo, Pac, 3:06:09). DNF: Brett Gotcher (31, Aptos, Pac); Diego Estrada (26, Salinas, Pac); Isidore Herrera (25, Ventura SoCal); Sean Davidson (24, San Luis Obispo, Pac); Anthony Solis (25, Barstow, Pac); Sergio Reyes (34, Los Osos, Pac); Jesse Cherry (29, Oakland, NC); Ryan Cosens (26, Santa Ana, SoCal); Tim Tollefson (30, Mammoth Lakes, Pac).
Mark Winitz has written about running and track and field, organized programs for runners, and served as a consultant and publicist for road races for almost 40 years. He is a longtime activist within USA Track & Field and is a certified USATF Master Level Official/Referee. He also assists road racing events through his company, Win It!z Sports Public Relations and Promotions in Los Altos, CA. Women 9. Katja Goldring (25, Beverly Hills, SoCal, 2:35:27); 12. Adriana Nelson (36, Mammoth Lakes, SoCal, 2:39:03); 13. Lenore Moreno (25, West Covina, SoCal, 2:39:44); 36. Lauren Jimison (25, Mammoth Lakes, SoCal, 2:44:37); 38. Teresa McWalters (31, San Francisco, Pac, 2:45:00); 54. Kaitlin Gregg Goodman (29, Davis, Pac, 2:48:22); 70. Christina Vergara Aleshire (34, Los Angeles, Nev, 2:50:30); 74. Molly Friel (48, Fresno, Pac, 2:51:24;); 76. Heather Tanner (37, Portola Valley, Pac, 2:51:41); 83. Jenny Kadavy (33, Clayton, Pac, 2:52:32); 90. Bonnie Keating (31, Imperial Beach, SD-Imp, 2:53:34); 97. Heather McWhirter (37, Pacific Grove, Pac, 2:54:34); 108. Caroline Boller (41, Solvang, SoCal ,2:57:12); 109. Caitlin Smith (34, Oakland, Pac, 2:57:30); 114. Allison Maxson (29, Folsom, Pac, 2:57:55); 115. Bria Wetsch (27, Mammoth Lakes, SoCal, 2:58:37); 131. Jessie Petersen (23, Belmont, NY, 3:06:00). DNF: Sara Hall (32, Redding, SoCal); Lindsey Scherf (29, Palo Alto, Pac); Tori Tyler (28, Oakland, Pac); Anna Bretan (31, Berkeley, Pac); Caitlin Bullock (30, Mountain View, NC); Lindsay Tollefson (30, Roseville, Pac); Shaluinn Fullove (38, Palo Alto, Pac); Kelly Calway (31, Stanford, Pac); Liza Reichert (28, Los Altos Hills, Pac); Claire Rethmeier (29, Carlsbad, SD-Imp); Sabina Piras (26, San Diego, SD-Imp).
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presents
2016
SPRING
NEUTRAL—3 MOTION STABILIZING—4 PERFORMANCE—5
SHOE REVIEW
Finding the best shoe for you has traditionally begun by assessing the characteristics of your feet and gait, and then matching them with the features and properties of a particular shoe. If you had a neutral gait, then your need for specialized shoes was reduced. However, if you rolled to the inside of your foot, called overpronation, the thinking was that you required a more heavily supported shoe. This approach was based on the science and construction-based solutions of 30 years ago. The notion of overpronation, and the thinking behind it, continued until recently. The (oversimplified) idea was that overpronation was bad and required a design solution to “correct” it. Runners who overpronated risked injury if they didn’t run in shoes that employed a structure to correct the excessive motion. The recent minimalist movement (think: unstructured shoes, thinner/minimal midsoles, zero-drop shoes, etc.) set in motion an exploration and rethinking of these longheld tenets. Yes, the use of geometry and lighter materials have improved running shoes and their performance. But more importantly, this has resulted in a paradigm shift toward the understanding that running shoes by themselves don’t prevent overuse injuries because they can’t control overpronation. This doesn’t mean the accepted stabilizing technologies are unnecessary. They actually help resist the premature breakdown of the shoe’s structure and performance, playing a key role in the comfort of both your runs and your wallet. They just can’t stop the motion that your feet are inclined to take. The motion of general foot types is best served, first by certain footwear properties, components, and designs, and, second by an individual runner’s preferences for fit and feel. Of the two, fit and feel trump properties, components, and designs. All feet pronate and some, depending on their movement patterns, pronate more than others. That’s why what we suggest is a starting point within the categories of running footwear styles, but it’s only a starting point. Runners are very fond of their go-to shoes, and a large percentage of runners have been guided toward a particular shoe at the suggestion of a running specialty store. That suggestion starts the learning process for what works for the runners. With all the services your local running specialty store provides, it’s a great place to start your search. — Cregg Weinmann, Running Shoe Reviewer for the Running Network, LLC
FORTIUS Media Group, LLC Partners
2016 Spring Shoe Review Since I ran in my first sneakers 44 years ago, the technology has changed. More brands mean better products and safer, more enjoyable running and racing. My first real running shoes, Onitsuka Tiger Cortez, were followed by adidas Interval track spikes. My brightly colored Nike waffle racers in 1975 were a revelation. Then I broke 5:00 for the mile in Brooks’ Villanova spikes. My first hour-run champs and 10,000m on the track were contested in Nike Pre Montreals. My 1976 Christmas Relays’ leg of 10.6 miles was run in New Balance racing flats. In 1978 I learned about Mizuno and ran in them for a while. In the last couple of years as I built back up to two hours of near-daily walking, I’ve been in HOKA ONE ONE Stinsons, adidas Boost, and Brooks Beast. My first try in Skechers Go Walks were amazing—lighter than ever, yet great for my back! I’m sure that you’ve got your own “scrapbooks” of shoe memories. We hope you’ll read our reviews, then visit your local running store and find the best shoes for your needs.
Larry Eder Publishing Director FORTIUS Media Group, LLC P.S. I’m off to the Olympic Marathon Trials next week! Read about it on the Running Network websites in the sidebar to the right.
On Cloudflyer
Saucony Hurricane ISO 2 NEW SHOE
RENOVATION
Spring 2016
Spring 2016
American Track & Field www.american-trackandfield.com Athletes Only www.atf-athlete.com Athletics-Africa www.athletics-africa.com/s/ Austin Fit www.austinfitmagazine.com California Track & Running News www.caltrack.com Club Running (RRCA) www.rrca.org/publications/ club-running Coaching Athletics www.coachingathleticsq.com Colorado Runner www.coloradorunnermag.com Footnotes (Long Island, NY) www.glirc.org Get Active! & Club Business International www.healthclubs.com Hawaii Sport www.hawaiisportmag.com Latinos Corriendo www.latinoscorriendo.com Michigan Runner www.michiganrunner.net Missouri Runner & Triathlete www.morunandtri.com New England Exchange Zone www.usatfne.org Outdoors NW www.outdoorsnw.com Out There Monthly www.outtheremonthly.com Race Packet DC www.racepacket.com RunMinnesota www.runmdra.org Running Journal, Racing South www.running.net RunOhio www.runohio.com Track & Field News www.trackandfieldnews.com Winged Foot (NYC) www.nyac.org Winged M (Portland, OR) www.themac.com Youth Runner www.youthrunner.com www.ePodismo.com (Italy) www.ePodismo.com/USA www.HalfMarathon.net www.JumpingTheGun.com www.MarathonGuide.com www.RunBlogRun.com www.issuu.com/RunDenmark www.RunJumpThrow.com www.RunningProductReviews.com www.SlowTwitch.com www.USTFCCA.org www.WomenTalkSports.com www.WorldWideRunning.com
Project Coordinator/Editor: Christine Johnson Reviewer: Cregg Weinmann Designer: Kristen Cerer Proofreader: Marg Sumner, Red Ink Editorial Services, LLC Shoe Photography: Daniel Saldaña, Cregg Weinmann Advertising Sales: FORTIUS Media Group, LLC Publishing Director: Larry Eder, 608.239.3785, fortiusmedia@gmail.com Ad Manager: Adam Johnson-Eder, 608.556.9164, adamlawrenceeder@gmail.com Legal Counsel: Perry F. Goldust This 2016 Spring Shoe Review is produced independently by FORTIUS Media Group, LLC for its partner publications and websites. All shoes reviewed were tested by experienced, competitive runners who were matched to the biomechanical purpose of each shoe model.
adidas Ultra Boost ST
Nike Lunar Tempo 2
Copyright © 2016 by FORTIUS Media Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be stored, copied, or reprinted without prior written permission of FORTIUS Media Group, LLC.
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080
Motion Stabilizing
Performance
Neutral
Spring 2016
Spring 2016
Spring 2016
2016 Spring Shoe Review — 2 — FORTIUS Media Group, LLC
FORTIUS Media Group, LLC and its partner publications and websites suggest that, as with all fitness activities, you meet with a healthcare professional before beginning or changing your fitness regimen.
NEUTRAL 361º Shield
110
$
HOKA ONE ONE Vanquish 2
170
$
MBT GT16
The running line from 361˚ continues to broaden, adding more shoes in key categories. The Shield debuts in the Neutral category and is geared toward providing performance without breaking the bank. The upper is open mesh in the rearfoot with engineered mesh in the forefoot. Overlays at the toe and saddle shape and support the upper, and articulation at the lacing allows the shoe to conform to the midfoot and securely wrap the instep. The midsole features a new configuration of EVA and 361˚’s Qu!kfoam. The EVA makes up most of the midsole with a framework for the Qu!kfoam in the full heel and the forefoot’s center for added cushioning under the highest-pressure areas. The result is effective shock attenuation that’s durable enough to stand up to serious training. The outersole is a thin layer of rubber, well textured for grip, and segmented into nearly a dozen islands to flex as required as the foot twists and bends through the gait. The quality of the cushioning, fit, and durability at this price makes the Shield an excellent value.
“Good fit and cushioning. Impressed with the cushioning and performance. You can put them on and forget about them.”
HOKA ONE ONE’s acknowledged strength has been its maximum cushioning. The Vanquish 2 carries high the banner established by the Mafate and other models that launched the brand. The upper is closed mesh with 3D-printed overlays and splashy graphics. The fit is closer than some of its other models, but it’s pretty true to size. The midsole is two layers: a cradle of High Cushion EVA nestled into a High Rebound EVA cage. The 30-millimeter stack height (platform) offers protection, while the 5-millimeter geometry (the height difference between heel and toe) encourages efficiency. The outersole features thin carbon rubber at the perimeter of heel and forefoot and in a strip down the center of the forefoot. The remainder is toughened EVA. The cushioning is obvious, making the shoe great for recovery runs, but the Vanquish 2 is light for its size so it also rolls well at faster paces.
“Fits well, but not super roomy. The cushy ride was what impressed. Really cushioned, but not mushy. Always surprised by how light they are.”
MBT is shorthand for Masai Barefoot Technology, a brand known for its foot-strengthening designs. The GT16 is the first of three new shoes by MBT developed specifically for running. The upper is a breathable mesh with no-sew, fused overlays supporting the foot with an assist from a traditional toecap and TPU heel counter. The midsole is a maximally cushioned design. But more than that, it’s adapted the MBT concept to a midsole design that features three zones: a cushy heel, a firm pivot beneath the arch, and a rockered forefoot. The outersole is thin, tough rubber that’s got good traction and durability. Where the original walking shoes and sandals were very soft in the heel and firm underfoot, the GT16’s heel is well cushioned but firmer and rocks smoothly to the toe on each stride. The result is a pretty versatile recovery shoe that can handle some serious mileage.
“Good fit with a pretty plush interior. The heel is nicely cushioned, but the best thing about the ride was how the foot rolls with the shoe.”
Exhibiting some New England pragmatism, New Balance has done the inevitable, combining its best foam with its best Neutral shoe, resulting in the new Fresh Foam 1080. The upper is a closed mesh with a traditional saddle, featuring decoupled eyelets to wrap the foot effectively and securely. A smooth lining and plush ankle collar foam provide a deluxe feel against the foot. The midsole features Fresh Foam, with its lively feel and good protection. The shoe’s interior benefits from EVA Strobel board construction and a cushy polyurethane sockliner. The outersole is a full-length, hexagonal-shaped rubber compound that offers durability and good grip, while lateral flex grooves make this Fresh Foam configuration more flexible and responsive. A carbon rubber heel cap completes the deal. The sum of all this is an effective distance trainer. In fact, it’s so effective, it earned our award as the Best Shoe in the Neutral category.
“Really pleased with the fit, and the feel was premium. Great cushioning and responsiveness. I could get used to this.”
Pearl Izumi’s EMotion flagship, the N2, has been a reliable performer, and Round 3 stays true to that mission. The upper is a stretchy, closed mesh, completely supported by no-sew overlays. A new foam layer in the tongue softens the feel, while its large open spaces offer good ventilation through the mesh outer layer. Though the supporting overlays have been pared back slightly, their 3D-printed placement continues to hold the foot effectively. The midsole has been known for being pretty firm, which is why it has a responsive feel—it transfers energy efficiently—and its proven design continues without change, which will be good news to its fans. The outersole continues with Round 2’s fullcontact design, which does two things: It improves the friction between the shoe and the ground, providing better traction and it offers maximum stability throughout the contact. The lateral midfoot—not coincidentally the area of lowest wear—is the only area of the sole which is toughened foam. The result is a smooth-riding, high-mileage shoe.
“Comfortable, smooth fit that tempted me to go without socks. Protective but in a subtle way, not a marshmallow.”
150
$
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080
Neutral Spring 2016
150
$
Pearl Izumi N2 v3
120
$
2016 Spring Shoe Review — 3 — FORTIUS Media Group, LLC
NEW SHOE Sizes: Men 8–13,14; Women 6–12 Weight: Men 11.2 oz. (size 11); Women 9.1 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics
Updates the Vanquish Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 5–11 Weight: Men 11.5 oz. (size 11); Women 9.2 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, perforated EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics
NEW SHOE Sizes: Men 6–14; Women 5–13 Weight: Men 11.5 oz. (size 11); Women 9.2 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics
NEW SHOE Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15,16 B,D,2E,4E; Women 5–11,12 2A,B,D,2E Weight: Men 11.3 oz. (size 11); Women 9.2 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics
Updates Pearl N2 v2 Sizes: Men 7–13,14; Women 5–11,12 Weight: Men 11.2 oz. (size 11); Women 9.1 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics
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MOTION STABILIZING adidas Ultra Boost ST
Motion Stabilizing Spring 2016
180
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Altra Provision 2.5
The design and engineering of adidas’ Boost material have provided a ride that has great cushioning. Now with the introduction of the Ultra Boost ST, it has a shoe with stability to match. The upper is a stretchy, engineered mesh with different “zones.” The forefoot offers the most stretch with a band-like, bunion-friendly region over the metatarsals. The midfoot features a supportive TPU saddle that cradles the foot and anchors the lacing. The heel features the same thermoplastic heel counter and pull-on tab seen in its sibling, the Ultra Boost. The midsole is also the same: all Boost foam with bouncy, durable cushioning. The medial side is filled in beneath the arch for extra support on contact. On the medial sidewall, a thermoplastic support links the saddle to the outersole, stabilizing the ride without affecting the cushioning. The outersole is a Continental rubber compound that stretches elastically to keep the sole’s shape consistent through the gait. Its combination of a resilient ride, good stability, and accommodating fit earned the Ultra Boost ST our award for Best Shoe in the Motion Stabilizing category.
“The stability converted this skeptic. Fit well, great cushion, and stable.”
Known for its zero-drop platform, Altra has a number of shoes over multiple categories. The Provision 2.5 is an intermediate update—Altra’s nod to a partial overhaul. In this case it’s the upper that gets the attention, with closed mesh and no-sew overlays providing support over the toes and through the saddle and with a stitched toe bumper shaping the height of the forefoot. The midsole is A-BOUND, a resilient foam that’s deeply segmented over a full-contact bottom to stabilize the foot by conforming to the running surfaces. A taller medial sidewall hinders too much inward roll. The outersole is a tough rubber compound that’s intersected by myriad flex grooves that also add traction. If you’re looking for a zero-drop shoe to add to your rotation, the Provision 2.5’s generous fit, stability, and geometry make it worthy of your consideration.
“Great toe room and cushioning. They were protective and durable. Still getting used to the zero drop.”
The 2000 series is well known for its decades-long reputation for smooth cushioning and stability. This update, Round 4 since its numerical reset to 2000, continues to provide the expected performance. The upper is now a slightly stretchy mesh with small openings instead of the closed mesh of its predecessor. No-sew overlays make the interior a bit smoother, without giving up the shaping or needed support of the upper. A new saddle shores up the midfoot, and its medial side is composed primarily of traditional overlays to handle support duties. The midsole is still FluidRide: several layers and densities, including GEL in the lateral heel and DuoMax in the medial arch, with a topmost layer of foam next to the foot. The outersole has the usual minor changes, but the flex grooves between the rubber pods follow the same path as Round 3. The best news is that the stability, ride, and fit have been well maintained in this high-mileage training shoe.
“Very stable, well cushioned, and for me, the ASICS fit is predictably good.”
120
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ASICS GT-2000 4
120
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Brooks Ravenna 7
The Ravenna is the most versatile shoe in the Brooks lineup, neatly splitting the difference between cushioning and stability. The upper features only no-sew overlays to smooth the upper more than Round 6, simplifying the design in the process. The saddle continues with the effective strap and Ghilley lace setup to snug the midfoot, and the closed mesh does a surprisingly effective job of allowing the foot to breathe. The midsole tooling is smoothed, though the sidewall shaping and compression lines deliver the same feel. The reworked outersole is sparser, with few areas of solid rubber, and the weight savings is significant—almost an ounce! The flex grooves give the shoe better flexion without compromising stability. Runners new to the Ravenna and longtime fans alike will find much to be praised in this solid shoe.
120
$
Mizuno Wave Inspire 12
The Inspire has faithful followers because it has consistently delivered the ride and stability they expect from Mizuno shoes. The upper is open minimesh, similar to several of its recent predecessors because it breathes well. A return to traditional overlays in the rearfoot better supports the foot, and they work with the sole shape to keep the foot lined up. The midsole continues with U4ic foam and sports a new heel crashpad of U4icX, a livelier compound. A PU insole and foam Strobel board work with the midsole to give the ride a plusher feel. The outersole is still carbon rubber in the heel and blown rubber in the forefoot, though fewer flex grooves on the bottom and more in the sidewall make the cushioning and flexibility more effective than before. Large runners and those who steamroll shoes will find the Inspire is brawny enough to roll right back.
120
$
2016 Spring Shoe Review — 4 — FORTIUS Media Group, LLC
NEW SHOE Sizes: Men 6.5–13,14,15; Women 5–12 Weight: Men 13.1 oz. (size 11); Women 8.9 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for: low- to medium-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to excessive pronation
Updates the Provision 2.0 Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 5–11,12 Weight: Men 11.4 oz. (size 11); Women 9.2 oz. (size 8) Shape: semistraight Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: low- to medium-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to excessive pronation
Updates the GT-2000 3 Sizes: Men 6–14,15,16,17 B,D,2E,4E; Women 5–13 2A,B,D,2E Weight: Men 12.0 oz. (size 11); Women 9.8 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with excessive pronation
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“Secure fit, nice and stable, plenty of cushion. What more could I ask?”
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Updates the Ravenna 6 Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15 D,2E; Women 5–12 B,D Weight: Men 11.7 oz. (size 11); Women 9.5 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with mild to excessive pronation
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“I have worn them for over 3 months. They grip well and put up with my Clydesdale punishment. They don’t interfere with my mechanics during running, they just keep going.” Updates the Wave Inspire 11 Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15,16; Women 6–12 Weight: Men 12.3 oz. (size 11); Women 9.8 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with mild to excessive pronation
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MOTION STABILIZING Saucony Hurricane ISO 2
RENOVATION Spring 2016
“I’ve been impressed with the Hurricane for years. This round is like a whole other level: comfy, durable, great fit. Now I’m really impressed.”
The Skechers GOrun line adds a new shoe designed for cushioned stability. Called the Forza, it’s Kara Goucher’s shoe of choice. The upper is a closed stretch mesh supported by no-sew overlays, and a saddle of thicker, fused film secures the foot effectively through the lacing. The midsole is a bouncy foam formulation with a 30-millimeter stack height that lends a cushy feel. A second density of foam and the full-contact geometry offer their own effective stabilizing properties. The outersole is carbon rubber from heel to midfoot, and the forefoot is primarily toughened foam with rubber in key wear areas. The fit, stability, and cushy ride make the Forza well suited to both regular training and recovery runs.
“Hadn’t tried Skechers so didn’t know what to expect. Good fit, cushion, stability. That’s a good running shoe!”
160
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Skechers Forza
120
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Updates the Hurricane ISO Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15 D,2E; Women 5–12 B,D Weight: Men 11.5 oz. (size 11); Women 9.2 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, TPU Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with mild to excessive pronation
NEW SHOE Sizes: Men 7–13,14; Women 6–10,11 Weight: Men 11.9 oz. (size 11); Women 9.8 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, PU Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to excessive pronation
PERFORMANCE Brooks Neuro
130
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HOKA ONE ONE Tracer
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The Hurricane has undergone more change in two generations than it has in most of the previous 16 combined. It starts with an update to the ISO fit saddle (aptly named ISO 2). Minimesh and fused overlays complete the forefoot, and an external thermoplastic heel counter secures the foot over the sole. But it’s in the midsole where the magic begins. A new compound that Saucony calls Everun puts a layer of blown TPU foam near the foot and a more resilient foam in the midsole. The compound’s flexibility allows better flexion with the foot’s motion and has a great feel to it. The outersole is a newly designed chevron pattern that adapts to a variety of angles, eliminating much of the stiffness experienced in many motion-controlling shoe designs. The stable ride, cushioning, and fit combine to earn the Hurricane ISO 2 our award for Best Renovation.
130
$
Mizuno Wave Catalyst
110
$
The Neuro is a new Brooks shoe that’s both lightweight and adaptable, designed for maximizing fast, efficient running. The upper is a dual-layer, engineered mesh. The outer layer is a tough, gauze-like mesh supported by 3D-printed overlays while the inner layer is a light and breathable open mesh. Ghilley lace loops sandwiched between the mesh layers secure well while still adjusting to the moving foot, providing an adaptive fit. The midsole is a segmented arrangement of BioMoGO foam, with round Propulsion pods in the rearfoot and with Guidance Plates along the medial and lateral sides (taller ones medially and more uniform laterally) that flex as the foot passes over them. The 6mm geometry and flexible feel contribute to its go-fast purpose. The outersole is a collection of carbon rubber islands whose spaces allow the shoe to flex with the foot as it twists through the gait. The Neuro’s lightness and flexibility make it well suited to faster running, longer races, and speedwork.
“Really flexible. Let my foot feel free to run. Nice fit, plenty of cushion. They can really move.”
The Tracer is a first for HOKA ONE ONE—a speedster with a traditional stack height—so expect a few double-takes when you wear them. The upper is a two-layer mesh composed of an open underlayer covered by a minimesh, with splashy graphics to identify the shoe. Fused overlays lend a measure of support so the mesh of the upper holds its shape well. The fit leans toward the snug side so size accordingly. The midsole is two densities, which HOKA calls Pro2Lite, and it’s a novel approach as the forefoot is quite firm while the heel is softer to manage the cushioning and spring needed by each part of the shoe. Like its HOKA siblings it features what has become a sort of midrange geometry, here 4mm of drop. The outersole is tough carbon rubber that’s thin and spaced sparingly, though sufficiently. The Tracer’s combination of light weight, springy and cushioned ride, and racerlike fit cater to faster running and racing.
“Once again, HOKA brings a shoe that was not what I expected. Fit nice and snug, races well, but with enough underfoot for any time I want a fast feel.”
Mizuno’s new Catalyst is a welcome addition to its line, slotting into the void left by the Elixir. The upper is a two-layered mesh: wide open underneath, minimesh on top. Traditional overlays support the toe, medial rearfoot, and lace throat with the Runbird logo forming a semisaddle and no-sew overlays running the length of the lateral side. The midsole has a substantial feel, low-slung but firm, especially in the heel, and the fan wave plate provides support and stability. The U4ic foam formulation has a responsive feel and good protection for long-distance runs. The outersole is X-10 carbon rubber in the heel and the lateral forefoot, which is great news for midfoot/forefoot strikers. Blown rubber covers the medial forefoot and toe. The combination of good stability and a light, responsive feel makes the Wave Catalyst suited to daily training, tempo runs, and even longer races.
“Love running in this shoe. I get a feel of the road with adequate cushioning and a springy feel.”
2016 Spring Shoe Review — 5 — FORTIUS Media Group, LLC
NEW SHOE Sizes: Men 7–14; Women 5–12 Weight: Men 10.8 oz. (size 11); Women 8.7 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics
NEW SHOE Sizes: Men 7–13,14; Women 5–11 Weight: Men 8.5 oz. (size 11); Women 6.9 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, perforated EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics
NEW SHOE Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 6–11 Weight: Men 10.9 oz. (size 11); Women 8.8 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to excessive pronation
PERFORMANCE The Fresh Foam Zante’s introduction last year turned more than a few heads, and ushered in some speedier profiles for the brand. Round 2 throws in a few needed tweaks and keeps rolling down the fast track. The upper continues with its adaptable stretch mesh with little structure, and no-sew overlays lend support to shape the upper. The new design of the midfoot and lace throat permits the laces to adapt independently to secure the foot, and the roomy forefoot has been maintained. The midsole is Fresh Foam—its comfortable ride is the real strength of the shoe—and the sculpting fine tunes Round 1. The outersole is a thin, full-contact, rubber layer with different-sized hexagons and texturing delivering traction. The size and positioning of the hexagons create multiple flex points in the sole and have improved the traction over its predecessor. The Zante is a light, flexible shoe that’s well suited to faster running, whether long races or tempo runs, while being durable enough for daily training.
“Great cushioning and flexibility. Light, fit just right, and fast.”
Now in its fifth iteration, the Gravity has been the archetype for the Newton line for almost a decade. Round 5 maintains its technological core while freshening up the appearance and materials. The upper features an engineered stretch mesh for flexibility at the toe. Over the metatarsals they’ve used a smooth, closed mesh that’s supported by streamlined no-sew overlays for a forgiving stretchy feel in the bunion window. A new tongue offers a better feel and is anchored to the eyestay to prevent it from slipping side to side. The rearfoot has a stiffer mesh, with no-sew overlays tying into the logo stripes for support in a mini saddle-like design below the lace throat. The midsole has been resculpted to improve the ride, with better flexibility and cushioning. The contours of the insole have ameliorated the uneven feeling some runners experience in the area of the action/reaction membrane and lugs. The outersole has been retooled with attention to placement: The forefoot lug unit is inset into the midsole for a better foot/ground interaction, and new texturing of the rubber provides a bit better grip. This update succeeds in improving the overall ride and feel of the shoe.
“The Newtons have been a favorite fast-paced shoe for me, and I was really impressed with this update. [They] fit great. Smoothest ride yet. I haven’t found a downside in performance.”
“Good fit overall. Started out as my speed day shoe, but with plenty of cushion and good traction, it ended up handling more of my training than that.”
Spring 2016
The Lunar Tempo was a descendant of the Lunar Elite and Luna Racer, and Round 2 continues that genetic link to performance. The upper is a tighly woven Flyknit with no-sew overlays to lend a touch of support, shaping the toe for a more effective fit than Round 1. Adjustments have been made to the Flywire, reducing the number from five to four, and a reshaped eyestay gives a little more material to snug the top of the foot. The conforming upper has little structure, so your foot can settle in as is its wont, and the lightness and performance of Round 1 is untouched here. The midsole is a tough and resilient shell, with a softer cushioning layer inside. Though the Tempo’s midsole appears almost fragile, it most certainly is not, with a durability that contradicts its appearance. The outersole is just a few squares of rubber in the highest-wear portions—three in the heel, six in the toe, three on the lateral forefoot—with toughened foam making up the remainder. The combination of these components in a shoe that’s almost racer light, but with the toughness to handle faster training, earned the Lunar Tempo 2 our award for Best Performance Shoe.
“Started as my everyday trainer, graduated to my marathon shoe. I need another pair. These are awesome.”
NEW SHOE
The Cloudflyer is the second shoe for which On has converted its Cloud technology to an EVA platform. The result is a Swiss-engineered delight, a well-cushioned, sturdy shoe, that’s lighter than expected. The upper is semi-open mesh over the toes with closed mesh over the tongue and saddle, extending around the heel. A no-sew toecap gives the toes plenty of room, and since it links to the bottom of the eyestay, the laces have an extra criss-cross to snug the midfoot. The midsole is two densities of EVA, softer in the forefoot, with eight of the cloudtec Clouds, and firm over the heel with four Clouds. The ride exhibits the attention to detail for which On is known, hitting the sweet spot of resilience and protection, without giving up the necessary durability. The 7mm geometry makes it more efficient, to boot. The outersole is a thin rubber layer over the heel and angled across the toes, with toughened foam under the arch. Its performance, versatility, and design earned the Cloudflyer our award for Best New Shoe.
The Kinvara has been the heavyweight of the lightweights—not in weight, but in heft. Round 7 shows no sign of changing that, with new materials and improved performance. The upper is a mixture of closed mesh over the vamp and rearfoot. There’s open mesh over the toes and no-sew overlays where extra support is needed without contributing much extra weight. The midsole is lightweight, but with enough underfoot for fasterpaced training, tempo runs, and long races. Round 7 steps up the performance further with the introduction of Everun—a new construction—and the introduction of a blown TPU layer that gives the shoe another level of protection to go with its snappy ride. The outersole is still sparse: a well-placed pattern of rubber chevrons on lateral rearfoot and medial forefoot, the rest toughened foam. The bottom line? The Kinvara 7 is a lightweight, tough shoe for faster running and racing that can also handle a good share of daily training for efficient runners.
“A shoe this light that fits well and works for long runs is great. This one is a real upgrade.”
New Balance Fresh Foam Zante 2
100
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Newton Gravity V
175
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Nike Lunar Tempo 2
Performance
110
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On Cloudflyer
Spring 2016
160
$
Saucony Kinvara 7
110
$
2016 Spring Shoe Review — 6 — FORTIUS Media Group, LLC
Updates the Fresh Foam Zante Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15,16 D,2E; Women 5–11,12 B,D Weight: Men 9.3 oz. (size 11); Women 7.4 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics
Updates the Gravity IV Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15; Women 5–12 Weight: Men 10.5 oz. (size 11); Women 8.5 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics
Updates the Lunar Tempo Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15; Women 5–12 Weight: Men 7.9 oz. (size 11); Women 6.3 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics
NEW SHOE Sizes: Men 7–14; Women 6–11 Weight: Men 10.7 oz. (size 11); Women 8.7 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to moderate pronation
Updates the Kinvara 6 Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 6–11 Weight: Men 8.7 oz. (size 11); Women 7.1 oz. (size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, TPU Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics
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Rupp, Cragg Prevail
On a day that will be remembered for the harsh wrath of mother nature and its crippling heat, Galen Rupp and Amy Hastings ran their way to the Rio de Janeiro Olympics at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon. Rupp booked his ticket in dominating fashion, cruising to win his debut marathon in 2:11:12, while Cragg completed a pulse-pounding, drama-filled race in 2:28:20.
finished first in 2:11:12. He became the first to win the U.S. Olympic Trials in his debut marathon, and like his coach Alberto Salazar, tasted victory in his debut marathon. “I’m just thrilled with the way the race went. It’s a tremendous honor to be
Spring 2016 • ct&rn 17
Rupp Scores Signature Win in Marathon Debut With temperatures soaring into the mid-70s and a blistering sun overhead, Galen Rupp ran confidently in the first marathon of his career. As he so often does on the track, the 29-year-old Nike Oregon Project athlete tucked himself into the lead pack for the first ten miles, conserving as much energy as possible. Pre-race, Rupp donned an ice vest, special cooling mittens, and a white hat. Water-soaked towels and an intentionally cut-up uniform provided the best relief as he pounded the pavement alongside America’s best marathoners. Splitting the half-marathon in a conservative 1:06:31, it was evident that no one wanted to test the conditions or the experienced field. Meb Keflezighi, attempting to make his fourth Olympic team, ran with poise, while debutante Diego Estrada pushed with exuberance. Dathan Ritzenhein, sporting the same white Nike kit as Rupp, looked content striding with the group of 20. It was 2013 USA marathon champion Tyler Pennel who was first to surge at 25 kilometers, aggressively stringing out the field in swift fashion. The only athletes to respond were Rupp and Keflezighi, chasing down Pennel as they traversed the twisting section through the University of Southern California’s campus. “Tyler made that race. To make that move was a deciding factor,” said Keflezighi. “You always know that when five guys go, three guys go, one’s going to falter.” After a 4:47 17th mile, Pennel came face to face with the marathon’s cruel hand. Hitting a rough patch, he’d fade out of the picture and ultimately to fifth place at the finish (2:14:57). That left Keflezighi and Rupp. The next to face troubles was the 40-year-old Keflezighi, dealing with cramping and stomach issues. He also faced the nagging distraction of Rupp clipping his heels. “It’s not a track; the road is open,” Ke-
flezighi recalls telling Rupp during the race. “It was not a very friendly conversation.” A 4:47 split for mile 23 gave Rupp a clear lead, one that he’d build upon throughout the course’s final 6-mile lap. Breaking the tape with an explosive fist pump, Rupp
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Rupp, Cragg Prevail (continued)
able to represent this country at the Olympic Games,” Rupp told reporters. “I’m just thrilled with the outcome of this. To cross the line first, it was definitely difficult out there. There were a lot of great competitors and it was a tough race.” Behind Rupp an enthusiastic Keflezighi came down the final stretch waving an American flag and pumping his fist with ferocity, celebrating his runner-up 2:12:20 finish. The 23-time USA champion, a father of three, was motivated to finish on the podium for his three daughters, Sara, Fiyori and Yohana, and wife Yordanos. The family hugged just beyond the finish line. The third and final Olympic spot went to Jared Ward, the defending national champion from Provo, Utah. He’d collapse to the ground a step across the line in 2:13:00. The conditions had taken their toll, yet couldn’t wipe the smile off Ward’s face. “You know, coach [Ed Eyestone] was a tough runner,” said Ward. “We train really, really fit and we run tough. At the end of the race, it’s tough. And at the end of a hot marathon like that, it’s the faces of my family, those people who I love, those who have invested so much in my athletic journey, that are out there popping into my face over those last 600 [meters]. And trying to run like a horse and not die.” Finishing in the dreaded fourth position was Luke Puskedra in 2:14:12. Looking ahead, Rupp confirmed his intentions to compete at next month’s IAAF World Indoor Championships (should he qualify), as well as the U.S. Olympic Track Trials. At the latter competition he’ll attempt to qualify for Rio de Janeiro in the 5000m and 10,000m. Rupp has until July 11 to decide what events to run at the Olympics, so long he finishes in the top three in Eugene. “The first job obviously was to qualify for this,” Rupp said. “I think doubling [with] the way the schedule is is definitely a real possibility. I think the 10,000m still might be my better event. I don’t know. This is kind of an interesting build-up.” In ten years, fans will likely look back at today’s race and remember the dominant fashion of Rupp’s victory, as well as Keflezighi’s epic swan song. But the event will also be remembered for the carnage that took out some of the best runners in America. Among those to drop out were Dathan Ritzenhein, Diego Estrada, and Sam Chelanga; both Estrada and Chelanga were making their marathon debuts.
Teamwork, Motivation Propel Cragg to Women’s Title With three miles left in her second U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon, Amy Cragg had an important decision to make: stay back and rally her struggling teammate Shalane Flanagan, or charge ahead and try for victory. Cragg did a little bit of both, keeping Flanagan focused on the task at hand before powering away to the win. What resulted was a meaningful moment. “It was a huge relief,” Hastings told Race Results Weekly speaking both about her win and Flanagan’s finish. “Now I just hope she’s OK.” For 21 miles the women’s race looked like a Bowerman Track Club training run in Portland, Ore., with Flanagan and Cragg covering step by step together far out front. Building a lead of more than a minute, the pair looked poised for a convincing victory. Thoughts of Kenny Moore and Frank Shorter’s tie at the 1972 Trials came to mind: Could the pair cross the finish as one, sharing the glory? Those visions vanished on the final sixmile loop. Flanagan, who appeared fine for much of the race, suddenly turned bright red. Cragg watched her best friend hit the marathon’s wall head on, and became increasingly worried about her well-being. Earlier in the race, Flanagan had provided verbal support for a hurting Cragg, assuring her that they’d work together to make sure both could be 2016 Olympians. Now it was Cragg’s turn to return the favor. Looking in Flanagan’s direction step after step, Cragg barked words of encouragement. The pace slowed to a crawling 6:05 split between mile 24 and 25, with Cragg refusing to leave Flanagan’s shoulder. Together they’d make it within two kilometers of the finish, all the while a fast-closing Desiree Linden came into the picture. Cragg left Flanagan behind only after turning around to see Linden and Kara Goucher approaching. Her husband Alistair Cragg screamed what the gap was from the sidelines, furthering her decision to go. She did so with hesitancy at first. “It was incredibly tough [to leave Shalane],” Hastings told RRW. “I was so nervous for her at that point. She didn’t look good, she just didn’t look good. I was really nervous.” Rebounding from a heartbreaking 4thplace finish at the 2012 Trials, Cragg cranked the tempo up a notch and won going away
in 2:28:20. A second after celebrating, she turned to see if Flanagan could make it. Despite losing a spot to Linden, Flanagan would qualify for her fourth Olympic team by finishing third in 2:29:19. In a television interview with NBC, Flanagan described Cragg as a saving grace. “She is the epitome of what a best friend is,” Flanagan told Lewis Johnson, slightly slurring her words with a bag of ice on her neck. “Sweet Baby Jesus, I’m so thankful for that.” Flanagan sought medical attention following the race, and was unable to speak to the media at the race’s press conference. She did speak with USATF’s Jill Geer, who relayed the following message from Flanagan: “That was the hardest marathon I’ve probably run in terms of the last six miles being the hardest. I just got done getting an I.V. I’ve never had one of those before. Clearly it took its toll on me today and I had to fight to just make the team. I can only say it was just the heat, but I think I need to work on better fluid for the heat and conditions. I’ll have to work on that for Rio as well.” Linden’s finish was also meaningful considering her first Olympics were cut short when she dropped out of the race due to injury. “That was the toughest 26.2 ever,” said Linden, whose time was 2:28:54. “It was absolutely a grind out there. It was a mental battle... It worked out. I just stayed tough and kept looking up, and am super happy to be on another team. You can’t take these teams for granted at all. I’m thrilled to get to put on another USA uniform.” Fourth place went to an emotional Kara Goucher, running tough all the way through the finish in 2:30:24. Finishing fifth for the second consecutive Marathon Trials was Janet Bawcom (2:31:14). Kellyn Taylor was sixth (2:32:50). The top-5 women were the same as in the 2012 Trials in Houston, with the order revised. Bawcom was fifth in both races. A total of 166 men and 198 women started the USA Olympic Marathon Trials, with only 105 and 149 finishing, respectively.
From Race Results Weekly. Used with permission. @ChrisLotsbom. ©2016 Race Results Weekly. All Rights Reserved
SHOE REVIEW by Cregg Weinmann
Track & Field Spring 2016 The Olympics are coming! The Olympics are coming! However, unlike Paul Revere’s warning of impending battle, this battle of the stars of track & field is welcome, eagerly anticipated, even. While we’ll see more Rio ’16 Olympic rollouts in the coming months, there’s much to like about the crop of spikes for the 2016 season leading up to the Olympic Track & Field Trials in July. Here we reviewed products from eight brands: five new shoes are introduced and three are updates. All models are for track running, technical enough for upper-level athletes, effective for anyone fit enough to benefit from the advantages that technical spikes afford. It takes time to adapt to spikes’ minimal support, structure, and cushioning, so you’ll need to do some of your track training in them before you race in them. Sizing is a concern, as they should fit snugly enough to do their job. All are nearly true to size, that is, the size you would normally wear. Some use unisex sizing, which means they come in wider range of men’s sizes, and women should subtract 1.5 from their usual size to get a proper fit. For example, if you wear a women’s 7, you’ll need to select a men’s 5.5. This review is a starting point to find your key equipment for a successful track & field season. Another valuable resource is www.runningproductreviews.com. You’ll also find additional spikes reviews posted there during the season.
adidas DistanceStar
$65
The adidas’ new DistanceStar provides performance on a budget, and it’s surprisingly well done for the price. The upper is a breathable mesh, both light and sturdy. It offers adequate drainage for the steeplechase, with an interior that’s well finished enough to be comfortable during the longer track races. The midsole is a full-length molded EVA wedge that’s nicely resilient and handles all competition track surfaces. The outersole has a rubber heel, and the 5 spike plate extends into the arch. Toughened foam covers the rest. If you’re looking for good spike performance at a comparatively modest price, you’ll be well served by the DistanceStar. NEW Sizes Men 6.5–13,14,15; Women 5–10,11 Weight 6.8 oz. (w/ spikes, men’s 11); 5.5 oz. (w/ spikes, women’s 8) Spikes replaceable; 5 Upper mesh; no-sew overlays Innersole sheet EVA Outersole half-length thermoplastic plate, rubber heel Recommended for 1500–10,000 meters, including the steeplechase, on all track surfaces
ASICS CosmoRacer LD $120
ASICS is thoroughly invested in competitive running, and the CosmoRacer LD is its latest entry for the track. The upper is a closed mesh that’s supported by thin, no-sew overlays in the heel and midfoot, and thin linings shape the toe. The midsole is a molded layer of EVA that’s got a good bounce, making it effective for longer races. The outersole is full-length Pebax nylon, with a sharkskin heel and additional forefoot grip provided by the textured EVA that protrudes through the spike plate. The CosmoRacer LD is aimed at runners looking for a combination of performance, light weight, and a measure of protection. NEW Sizes Unisex 6–13,14 Weight 5.5 oz. (w/ spikes, men’s 11) Spikes replaceable; 4 Upper closed minimesh; no-sew overlays Innersole sheet EVA Midsole molded SoLyte Outersole full-length Pebax nylon plate, sharkskin heel Recommended for distance races from 1500–10,000 meters on synthetic track surfaces
Brooks 2 QW-K $110
The 2 QW-K is Brooks’ high-end spike for sprinters, and this is its first update. The synthetic leather upper has a bit of stretch to help with the fit, while holding the foot securely over the plate. There’s no midsole to the shoe (except the thin innersole), in keeping with its purpose: the shortest running events. The outersole is a full-length TPU spike plate with 8 spike receptacles and a constellation of points distributed over its surface to grip the track. An angled forefoot positions the metatarsals for sprinting power, and the stiff plate allows little extraneous movement to channel everything into rapid forward motion. The snug fit, effective spike plate, and springy feel make the 2 QW-K a superb choice for sprinting performance. Updates the QW-K Sizes Unisex 5–13,14,15 Weight 7.0 oz. (w/ spikes, men’s 11) Spikes replaceable; 8 Upper synthetic leather; TPU-welded overlays Innersole sheet EVA Outersole full-length thermoplastic spike plate Recommended for sprints and hurdles up to 400 meters on synthetic surfaces
BEST SHOE HOKA ONE ONE Rocket LD $80 Track & Field SPRING 2016
Yes, HOKA makes spikes and, no, they don’t have a marshmallowy stack height. In fact, they’re built well for speed, hence the name Rocket LD. The mesh upper has no-sew overlays in a large lattice pattern to support the foot and only minimal stitching through the lace-throat. The midsole is a thin layer of EVA, built up on the lateral side to position the foot for power while cornering. The spike plate features 4 spike wells, offset asymmetrically to provide the best traction, and the U-shaped heel plate is textured to help hold the track. With its excellent combination of components, design, and price, the Rocket LD is an outstanding value and earned our award as Best Track & Field Shoe. NEW Sizes Unisex 4–13,14 Weight 5.2 oz. (w/ spikes, men’s 11) Spikes replaceable; 4 Upper mesh; TPU-welded overlays Innersole sheet EVA Midsole full-length CM-EVA Outersole thermoplastic plates, forefoot and heel Recommended for 800–10,000 meters and steeplechase, o synthetic surfaces
New Balance SD 200 v1 $130
Sprinter Trayvon Bromell’s shoe uses the same plate as the SD 200. The upper is a thin minimesh supported by no-sew overlays on the medial side as well as the heel, ankle collar, and eyestay. Only the tongue and heel are anchored by stitching. The remainder of the upper is covered with a matrix of fused overlays to give the shoe structure and shape and to hold the foot securely. There’s no midsole to the shoe; Instead, the upper attaches directly to the full-length Pebax nylon spike plate, which features 8 spike receptacles. A lateral ridge beneath the metatarsals positions the foot forward for maximum sprinting power. Smaller ridges fan out to keep the plate light, while providing enough stiffness to effectively transfer power to the track. The combination of well-executed features makes the SD 200 v1 an excellent choice for the mid-length sprints as well as the fastest sprinting on the track. NEW Sizes Men 7–13,14; Women 5.5–11,12 Weight 5.8 oz. (w/ spikes, men’s 11); 4.9 oz. (w/ spikes, women’s 8) Spikes replaceable; 8 Upper synthetic leather and mesh, synthetic suede tongue Innersole sheet EVA Outersole 3/4-length Pebax nylon spike plate, sharkskin heel Recommended for 100–400 meters and hurdles, on synthetic surfaces
Nike Zoom D $90
The track & field distance running line from Nike has always offered products at a range of levels, from beginners to elite athletes like Steve Prefontaine. The new Zoom D adds some touches to the best standards for a really good mid-range shoe. The upper is an engineered mesh with welded overlays and a smooth interior for those who prefer to go without socks. Extra padding in the ankle collar and the tongue give it a plush feel. The midsole is a thin, compression-molded layer of Cushlon foam, divided longitudinally (heel to toe) by a flex groove, which smoothes the ride here just as it does in road shoes. The Pebax nylon spike plate is also divided in half, with 2 lateral spikes and 3 medial, and sharkskin on the lateral heel for rearfoot traction. The remainder of the outersole is toughened midsole Cushlon foam to keep things light and fast. NEW Sizes Unisex 4–13,14,15 Weight 4.7 oz. (w/ spikes, men’s 11) Spikes replaceable; 5 Upper engineered mesh; welded synthetic overlays Innersole sheet EVA Midsole full-length Cushlon (EVA) Outersole Pebax nylon spike plate, toughened EVA, thermoplastic skarkskin heel insert Recommended for 1500–10,000 meters and steeplechase on synthetic surfaces
Saucony Endorphin $110
Saucony’s premier distance running spike, the Endorphin, could be described as a gossamer slipper with teeth. This update maximizes the best features of the shoe and doesn’t fix what isn’t broken. The upper is a gauzelike minimesh that breathes well and holds the foot comfortably. The midsole is a slender wedge of EVA that effectively cushions the foot, while offering a surprising amount of bounce. The Pebax nylon spike plate is the same design as the last version, down to the sharkskin heel insert that provides effective traction, while keeping weight to a minimum. Its light weight, flexibility, and great traction contribute to the Endorphin’s success. Updates the Endorphin LD 4 Sizes Men 7–13,14; Women 5–11,12 Weight 3.6 oz. (w/ spikes, men’s 11); 3.1 oz. (w/ spikes, women’s 8) Spikes replaceable; 4 Upper mesh, synthetic suede, welded synthetic overlays Innersole sheet EVA Midsole CM-EVA Outersole Pebax nylon spike plate, sharkskin insert (heel) Recommended for 800–10,000 meters on synthetic surfaces
Under Armour SpeedForm® Sprint Pro $120
Under Armour has jumped into track & field with both feet and that’s good news for anyone looking for more good-quality footwear choices. The SpeedForm® Sprint Pro is one of two shoes that provide the Under Armour approach to running performance. (The second is the SpeedForm® Miler Pro.) The Sprint Pro features a nonstretch synthetic leather upper to lock down the foot over the spike plate, hugging the foot comfortably. The interior is smooth—almost plush—thanks to Under Armour’s SpeedForm® construction. There’s no midsole here, as the upper is lasted directly to the spike plate, but it’s not really needed since they aren’t intended for multiple laps. The full-length spike plate situates the foot forward, with a fan-shaped molded ridge to maximize sprinting power. The 8-spike configuration provides traction, aided by dozens of molded spike-like points. A pair of sharkskin inserts in the heel prevent slipping if your foot happens to touch down from fatigue. With its technical execution, good performance, and edgy appearance, the Sprint Pro is a quality sprint shoe. NEW Sizes Unisex 5.5–12,13 Weight 6.1 oz. (w/ spikes, men’s 11) Spikes replaceable; 8 Upper nonstretch synthetic leather; welded SpeedForm® construction Outersole full-length Pebax nylon spike plate, thermoplastic sharkskin heel Recommended for 100–400 meters and hurdles on synthetic surfaces Cregg Weinmann is footwear and running products reviewer for FORTIUS Media Group, LLC. He can be reached via email at shuz2run@lightspeed.net Copyright © 2016 by FORTIUS Media Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be stored, copied, or reprinted without prior written permission of FORTIUS Media Group, LLC. Reprinted here with permission.
sports nutrition:
by Nancy Clark, MS RD CSSD
For Weight-Sensitive Runners
While many athletes yearn to be leaner and lighter, some athletes have to be leaner and lighter. As a runner, your sport does not have weight classes (as does wrestling, light-weight rowing), but the sport is sensitive to weight. Hence, you may put pressure on yourself to achieve a weight that might defy your genetic physique. Some runners can achieve the desired lightness healthfully; others struggle with poor energy, lethargy, and depressed mood. It’s no secret that disordered eating practices are common among weight-conscious athletes. An estimated 30–60% of active women and up to 19% of active men struggle with finding the right balance of food and body-fatness.¹ Their quest to be light easily leads to restrictive food intake, overexercising, and too little fuel to support normal body functions. In women, strict diets trigger amenorrhea (loss of regular menstrual periods). While some women seem content to get rid of that monthly hassle, they lack knowledge that amenorrhea leads to weaker bones, higher risk of stress fractures (today) and early osteoporosis (in the future). It’s hard to be a lifelong runner when your skeleton won’t support your goals. While the combination of amenorrhea, disordered eating, and stress fractures has been dubbed the Female Athlete Triad, today’s sports medicine professionals acknowledge that weight-conscious men also experience medical issues. For example, a study of competitive male cyclists
suggests as many as 25% had osteopenia (the early stage of osteoporosis) and 9% had full-blown osteoporosis (low bone density). The exact cause of the poor bone health is yet to be determined.² Up to 94% of elite athletes who participate in weight-sensitive sports report dieting and using extreme weight control measures to achieve their desired weight.¹ They commonly experience dizzy spells, needless fatigue, headaches, constipation, and poor sleep. Symptoms of longterm undereating include hair loss, dangerously low heart rate (<40 beats per minute), electrolyte imbalance, constipation, anemia, stress fractures, mood swings, social withdrawal, insomnia, and inability to concentrate well—to say nothing of poor performance. After all, you can only compete at your best if you can train at your best. You can only train at your best if you are doing a good job of fueling up before training and refueling well afterwards. Longterm food restriction easily leads to medical complications that involve not just bones but also the whole body: intestines, heart, hormones, reproductive system, kidneys, and brain. It creates psychological stress and depression. Hence, runners who need to make weight should take the job seriously—not simply resort to starvation diets when the weight creeps up. So what’s a weight-conscious runner to do? The best time to lose weight is during the off-season. But runners, being human,
often procrastinate until the last minute before a race to complete this task. Here are tips to help you make weight healthfully: •Avoid losing more than 2% of your body weight via pre-event dehydration. That’s a loss of three pounds of sweat for a 150-pound runner. •Find a health professional who can monitor your body fat. If you’re a man, don’t drop below 5% body fat. Women shouldn’t drop below 12% fat. •Don’t eat less than your resting metabolic rate (RMR), the energy needed for your heart, organs and brain to function. You can roughly estimate your RMR by multiplying your body weight times 10 calories per pound. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you need about 1,500 calories to simply breathe and be alive. That’s the equivalent of three 500-calorie meals. •Add at least 50% more calories than that for daily activities and training. To take the guesswork out of calculating your personal calorie budget and creating an effective food plan, you want to partner with a sports nutritionist who’s a registered dietitian (RD). To find your local sports RD, use the referral network at SCANdpg.org. •More simply (but less personalized), knock off 300 to 600 calories from your typical (non-dieting) day’s intake. Deleting two beers (300 calories) and four Oreos (200 calories) could be an easy start to weight loss. •To minimize loss of muscle, try to
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consume 20–30 grams of protein every 3–4 hours during the active part of your day. That means, 3 eggs for breakfast, 2 (6-oz) tubs of Greek yogurt mid-morning, a can of tuna for lunch, 1 cup cottage cheese mid-afternoon, and a chicken breast for dinner. The portion actually depends on your body size. The target is about 0.7 to 1.0 gram of protein per pound of body weight (1.5–2.0 g Pro/kg) when you’re cutting calories and are in energy deficit. •Include carbohydrate to fuel your muscles. Target at least 1.5 g carb per pound of body weight (3 g carb/kg). For a 150-pound runner, that means at least 225 grams of carbs (900 calories), preferably more. Divided into meals and snacks, that’s 60 g carb/meal and 30 g each for a morning and mid-afternoon snack. Translated into food, this means enjoy oatmeal with the eggs, banana with the cottage cheese, and rice with the chicken, etc. •Include a little fat in each meal to add satiety and keep you feeling fed. You also need fat to absorb vitamins A, D, E and K. Choose nutrient-dense fats such as avocado, peanut butter, almonds, and salmon. •Surround your workout with fuel. That is, eat part or all of your breakfast before you train, so that you have the energy to exercise meaningfully. Include both carbs (to fuel the workout) and protein (to minimize muscle breakdown). This could be yogurt and a granola bar before you workout, and eggs with toast afterwards. •Plan to eat recovery foods soon after you run. To avoid extra calories, simply back your training into a meal. That is, if you run from 4:00–5:00 in the afternoon, eat dinner right way at 5:30 (as opposed to having recovery food and then dinner at 7:00). Dieting Gone Awry… Despite the demands of your sport, try to keep your life in balance. Your whole identity should not be based on being a runner, but rather on being a person who runs and has other interests. After all, if you identify yourself as a marathoner, who will you be if you get badly injured and cannot run?
If you wonder if you have crossed the line and have an eating disorder, take this SCOFF quiz: •Do you make yourself Sick because you feel uncomfortably full? •Do you worry you have lost Control over how much you eat? •Have you recently lost Over 14 pounds in a 3-month period? •Do you believe yourself to be Fat when others say you are too thin? •Would you say that Food dominates your life? If you answer yes to two of the five questions, seek help from a sports dietitian. The bottom line: You will not be able to be a great runner unless you take care of your body and fuel it appropriately. Here’s to healthful weight management! Sports nutritionist Nancy Clark MS RD CSSD has a private practice in the Boston-area (Newton; 617-795-1875), where she helps both fitness exercisers and competitive athletes win with good nutrition. Her bestselling Sports Nutrition Guidebook, and Food Guide for Marathoners, as well as her teaching materials, are available at www.nancyclarkrd.com. For information about online workshops for CEUs visit www.NutritionSportsExerciseCEUs.com. References 1. Sundgot-Borgen J, Meyer N, Lohman T, Ackland T, Maughan R, Stewart A, Muller W. How to minimize the health risks to athletes who compete in weight-sensitive sports. Review and position statement on behalf of the Ad hoc Research Working Group on Body Composition Health and Performance, under the auspices of the IOC Medical Commission. Br. J Sports Med 2013; 47:1012-1032 2. Smathers A, Bemben M, Bemben D. Bone density comparisons in male competitive road cyclists and untrained controls. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2009; 41:290-6
50k race walk:
by Elliott Denmann
The Toughest of Olympic Events His daughter Ella, 11, provided courseside encouragement throughout. Later she called it “a super-exciting experience.” “I don’t know if I could be any happier,” she told people. Walker-up Nick Christie wasn’t close to his 4:11:48 PR walk of last November but still hung on to second place in 4:22:31. Michael Mannozzi claimed third with a solid 4:31:47. They’ll have until early May to get under the Olympic 4:06 requirement, and realize they’re still longshots. Special applause was reserved for Erin Taylor-Talcott, who for years has been recognized for her pioneering efforts promoting women’s long distance events— the 50K is the lone men’s Olympic/Worlds event that has no women’s equivalent— and finished this one in 4:44:26, ranking sixth overall. And there were more cheers for Jonathan Matthews and Dave McGovern for very special achievements of their own. Never a threat to Nunn or the other leaders, Matthews still crossed the line seventh in 5:03:26; just 131 days shy of his 60th birthday, as the oldest male athlete ever to qualify for the Track Trials. Further back still, 11th in 5:31:25, McGovern became the first man ever to complete his event in eight Olympic Trials. He’d never made an Olympic team but never stopped trying, either. Once upon a time, the “4s” were a formidable barrier in track & field. Until May 6, 1954, when Roger Bannister ran a mile in 3:59.4 in Oxford, England. And October 17, 1965, when Gennadiy Agapov racewalked 50 kilometers in 3:55.36 in Alma-Ata (now Almaty), Kazakhstan. They’d finally bested the sub-4 mile run and the sub-4 50K walk. Few devotees of the sport drew that link, but they should have. The sub-fourminute mile had often been called an “impossible” achievement until Dr. Bannister proved otherwise. The sub-four-hour 50K had similarly been considered “too far out there” for normal folks to contemplate. But now each of those feats is ranked as a commonplace achievement, done routinely, again and again and again. When Joshua Thompson of Oklahoma State crossed the finish line in 3:58.33 in a Seattle indoor meet Feb. 13th, he became the 466th and most recent American mile runner to “crack 4” joining a list that began
John Nunn (l) and Nick Christie (r) lapping Erin Taylor-Talcott. (Calvin Lau photo)
with Don Bowden’s 3:58.7 on June 1, 1957. “Routine” cannot, however, be applied to the American 50K racewalk list. The sub-4 50K is surely not commonplace to those wearing USA singlets. Just nine American walkers ever have gone sub-4 hours. The first was Marco Evoniuk, with his 3:56:57 at the 1983 World Championships in Helsinki. The most recent was Philip Dunn, with his 3:56.13 at the 2002 World Cup in Torino. Clausen is the resident USA expert on the art of sub-4-ing. He’s gone sub-4 no less than four times—and set the American record of 3:48.04 at the 1999 World Cup in Spain. Other members of this elite American “sub-4 club” are Allen James (3:55.39, 1994), Carl Schueler (3:57.09, 1987), Andrew Hermann (3:57.54, 2000), Andrzej Chylinski (3:58:59, 2000), the late Al Heppner (3:58.45, 1999) and Herm Nelson (3:59.41, 1996.) Even an Olympic bronze medal performance by Larry Young (with his 4:00.46 at the 1972 Munich Games) doesn’t make the cut. He’s just 10th all-time on the U.S. 50K list. And John Nunn’s still stuck in 12th alltime: still plus-four at 4:03:21. Bottom line: the “barrier” is as formidable as ever, and don’t count on it coming down soon, either.
Elliott Denman was the 1959 USA 50K racewalk champion. He placed 11th in the 50K at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games.
Spring 2016 • ct&rn 23
John Nunn’s going to Rio—likely as the lone American delegate in the longest and toughest of all Olympic and World Championships disciplines. He’d won the USA National 50-Kilometer (31.1-mile) racewalking championship in Santee, Calif. last November in 4:03.40. And he returned to that venue—actually a 1.25K loop past Santana High School traversed 40 times—on Feb. 21, to win the USA Olympic Trial race in 4:03.21. Consider: He’d done two races, of a combined 100K, or 62.2 miles, and compiled clockings just 19 seconds apart. Truly-truly amazing, that’s what this picture-of-consistency, 38-year-old U.S. Army staff sergeant surely is. With the Olympic “A” qualifying time set at 4:06:00, and heat providing less than optimal conditions, Nunn still stepped onto the Road to Rio with more than a quarter-mile to spare. It will be his third Olympic team. He’d placed 26th in the 20K at Athens in 2004, and 43rd in the 50K at London in 2012. A step up into the top half of the 50K field at Rio would be nice but, American fans, don’t count on it. There’s just too much catching up to do. The world leaders, unfortunately, have half an hour’s head start on America’s#1. And it stands to reason, when you think about it. Racewalking is built into the infrastucture of so many other nations’ track & field programs, but it’s surely not that way in the U.S. of A. The only American racewalking farm systems can be found at NAIA, small-college programs; the hit-and-miss USATF and AAU Junior Olympic slates; and the here-and-there club teams scattered around the land. So Nunn, a single dad, dental hygienist, and U.S. Army World Class Athletic Program (WCAP) member, and a resident of the San Diego area (but originally from Evansville, Ind.) becomes the notable exception and certainly not the rule. “It makes you realize how strong the human mind can be,” said Nunn, not long after he’d completed his 50K and with it the freedom to unlace his racing shoes. He’d been nursing a variety of the flu. He’d tossed and turned all the night before. It took him nearly two hours into the race before feeling “close to OK,” but he kept on churning out those miles at a 7:50 clip and never relented.