Yesterday's run in Eugene was expected to be like most here....a little soggy and cool, soft trails, several people of all ages and levels exercising, and peaceful. It was all of those, however Shayla informed me through text that a group was running by the hotel at 9am and we were invited to tag along. This was welcomed because it was a long run day on the schedule. So as the group is running at us Shayla says, "oh yeah the group includes Chris Solinsky." As in...the newly crowned American 10K Record Holder. The first American and only non African born runner to ever break 27:00 minutes for the event when he ran 26:59 at Stanford five weeks ago. The same go who a week ago ran the third fastest 5K by an American when he ran 12:56 in Oslo.
So no pressure!?!?! A 34 year old coach whose PR for 10K is only 3 1/2 minutes slower than the American Record. Fortunately, Chris was just looking for a very relaxed 60-70 minute run as he had another run later in the day. So our group of six (four guys and two women) enjoyed the run through Pre's Trail, the McKenzie River, and cities of Springfield and Eugene before returning to our separate lives.
What's up with me meeting American 10K record holders when I come to Eugene? Last time I was in Eugene two years ago for the Olympic Trials I enjoyed spending and afternoon with then record holder Meb Keflehizgi. That event occured at John Jacqua's ranch which is where the original Nike (known in the beginning as Blue Ribbon Sports) contract was signed between Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight.
I'll be back in Eugene for the 2012 Olympic Trials. I hope the American 10K record holder understands his responsibility of spending some time with me:)
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