An Introduction to runLBP.com

Welcome! This little blurb will be an introduction to what you can expect from runLBP.com and from me as I try to give you a glimpse into my life as a runner.

For those of you who don't me, I am Liam Boylan-Pett (also known in some running circles as "The Headband Kid" and "LBP" (hence the name of the site)). Having just finished up my collegiate eligibility last spring after some successful stints at Columbia and Georgetown, I'm trying to make it as a professional runner. With this website I'm hoping to give viewers a look into what I hope is what it takes to make the jump to be a successful professional track athlete.

I am also hoping that the site is entertaining. My articles (I hate the word blog for some reason) are not going to be purely training based, but rather some random thoughts as well. My goal with this is to show who I am not only as a runner, but who I am as a person. I always used to get this idea of people on Flotrack and Let'sRun as being larger than life, but as I met a good deal of them last year I realized they're all regular people too.

There will be a new article on the site every Sunday (most likely in the night). It will be a journal type entry that will go over something I have been thinking about on my runs, and then a look into my training and workouts from the past week. Also make sure to check out the archives in case you've missed an entry or want to check from my previous blog that goes over my European trip from last summer. On top of that, I will always be updating my "list" section with fun articles or books I think the public should enjoy. Be sure to check out race videos and interviews, along with a few projects I worked have worked on in the footage section of the site. And also, a special treat in the form of a Runion article (which are spoof type running articles I write for fun) can be expected every once in a while.

For now, this intro will remain the centerpiece of the front page, but soon enough, every new article will be the main attraction. Each week, the newest article will be available in full on the front page. The last three will also be available in snippets, and be sure to click on the “Archive” at the bottom of the homepage to check out my past entries as well.

This is my first attempt at a site on this web we call world wide, so bear with me in the coming months. But I am looking forward to adding even more pages and fun aspects to the site. Check out the site, let me know what you think by contacting me through the “contact me” at the bottom of the page. Stay tuned for more Runion articles, more Will Run For Food type videos. Most importantly, stay in touch to see how I survive my first year as a B-list Runner! As always, Let's Go!

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.