The Launch of "runLBP"...

Originally this was meant to be a little journal I kept of my overseas adventures in racing. However, only being a part-time student and working 15 hours a week at the local running store, I get a little bored. So, in turn, you all can have the privilege of checking in once or twice a week and seeing how I’m doing with the whole running thing (err on the once a week side).

I’m still down in DC, but have made the move away from Georgetown into Columbia Heights. Its supposedly the next Adams Morgan, but I just like the fact that its a little more urban than Georgetown and you see some things other than the rich, white upper-class that runs Gtown. I’m living with two fifth years on the team while I’m acting as a “Volunteer Assistant” under Coach Henner so he can continue to be my coach. I did, however, already let the freshman know that they can feel free to talk about anything around me, as the only ratting out I will be doing is if they actually do something stupid…but it will probably take a lot for me to consider something stupid.

We live right next to Rock Creek Park and the trail system there is amazing. The hills are also extremely stupid in the sense that they are steep and long. It’s a pain in the ass, but I guess it will help in the long run.

I’m running the 5th Avenue Mile on the streets of New York September 26th, and I’m looking forward to it. I’m doing a mini race simulation on Tuesday with some fast stuff on some streets.

I am, however, a little nervous. My record on the streets is 1-1. I begrudgingly will admit that my brother, Will, defeated me in a street race 3 years ago on the streets of New York (he decided flip flops were unnecessary even if chards of glass were covering the streets and he pulled away once he kicked his off…I was left in the dust with healthy feet, but a battered heart) .
I evened that record in a 2 on 2 relay race this past weekend up in Loon Lake, New York. My sophomore year roommate, Zach Richard, and I took on my brother and our friend and fellow Columbia Alum Kevin Verge, Esq. Kevin is the 200-meter indoor record holder at Columbia and it was very evident that I was going to need a lead from Zach. He provided just that as he left Will in the dust, giving me at least a 10 meter lead in what was only a 50 meter race. I glided smoothly home with a few taunts directed at Mr. Verge and brought my street race win percentage up to .500.

While a win may be asking a little much at 5th Ave, (A World Champ by the name of Bernard Lagat is competing) I’m hoping to race with the big boys and get after it on some streets that I still consider home. I’ll keep you posted, but if you’re going to be in New York the 26th of September, I hope to see you at 60th street and the finish line.