Writings

In the Shoes of an Assistant Coach

James Rogers1 Comment

By Will Hewitt

I grew up a coach’s son, and ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to be one when my playing days were over.

I have been an assistant cross-country coach for two years now at two different high schools. I’ve learned so much from each of the head coaches I have worked with and from my runners.

It is such a different experience from the coaching perspective. As the assistant coach, my primary responsibility is talking one-on-one with the runners and gauging how they are doing.

I really enjoy catering workouts to each specific runner’s needs and watching them improve over the course of a season. Nothing beats seeing a runner get his or her first big PR.

Hewitt is in his second year of coaching at Grand Haven High School.
Photo by Will Hewitt

In cross-country, victories can be found throughout the roster. This year, one of our runners dropped from 35:00 to 30:00 in subsequent races. A five-minute PR! He is aiming for 28 minutes next race.

We have a freshman who has already run a 16:29 and is aiming for the 15s by the end of the season.

Our two captains this year are such exemplary young men, and I’m so proud of the way they have been leading the team. I am excited to see where this season takes us. For the most part, I get to do the teaching, but man, have I learned some things along the way.

Photo by Will Hewitt
Photo by Will Hewitt

I have learned quite a bit over the last two years. Knowing how to run and train is one thing; knowing how to coach is quite another. You want to create a positive atmosphere that cultivates hard work, success and fun.

I have learned that small issues need to be addressed immediately to prevent them from becoming big issues. I have learned that great coaches are cheerleaders.

Just because you know what’s best for runners physically and strategically does not mean they have to respect you. You need to earn their respect by being first and foremost an encourager.

The first thing your runners need to know is that you care for them individually and that you will do everything in your power to help them achieve their goals. Therein lies the reward for a coach: to see your runners grow.

To see someone realize the fruits of hard work, of doing things the right way and of never giving up is an incredible thing to witness.

Will is one of the best leaf-catchers in the Midwest. That is, catching leaves on runs. He loves dogs, too.

10 Reasons Evan Jager Should Be Respected by Everyone

James RogersLeave a comment

Embed from Getty Images

Evan Jager broke his own American record in the 3,000-meter steeplechase on September 5 during an IAAF Diamond League meet in Brussels. He ran 8:04.71. 

Portland Track expressed excitement about the record:

Jager finished third in the race and erased two-plus seconds off his previous AR of 8:06.81 set in 2012. In a year without the IAAF World Championships or Olympics, 2014 has been prime for runners to pursue fast times.

The 25-year-old Nike-sponsored athlete ran 3,000 meters over a total of 35 barriers at a 4:19 mile pace. Unreal. Will he run under eight minutes?

In light of Jager’s recent AR, and out of respect for what he has done for U.S. distance running, I’ve compiled together 10 reasons why everyone should respect the headband-wearing steeple star.

In no particular order…

10. He broke his OWN record in the steeplechase. Breaking your own American record has to feel sweet. “Hey Evan, who had the steeple record before you broke it?” “Hah, I did.”

9. He once fell on the last water barrier and still ran 8:20.90. Nothing to add here.

8. His Fivemilesteeple (FMS) is 25:00.44. I created a new running stat. The FMS takes a runner’s PR in the 5K, steeplechase and mile. Add those three times together, and you have a runner’s FMS. 25:00.44 for 9,609 meters—Jager’s FMS has to be one of the best in the world. Jager’s PRs:

  • Mile — 3:53.33 (2014)
  • 3K Steeple — 8:04.71 (2014)
  • 5K — 13:02.40 (2013)

7. He has “Moves Like Jager.” By the way, he was dancing to “Mambo No. 5” while busting this move.

https://twitter.com/chrisnickinson/status/490490410536824832

6. He got a Ford Mustang in eighth grade. Around age 12, his dad told him he’d buy him a Mustang if he ran under five minutes in the mile. Jager ran sub-5 in eighth grade. He was 14, two years from being able to drive, but his dad followed through with a 1989 white Mustang. Fun read.

5. His Twitter bio inspires all. “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”

Jager Twitter

4. Over five years ago, he said he wants to break the American 5K record. Well, he does have an American record. In the same video, he said he wants to medal at the Olympics and do something special for American distance running. Video:

3. His flowing locks and headband add to his legacy. The bouncing hair and Nike headband are famous in the running community.

Embed from Getty Images

2. He rocks a snapback like none other. Screenshot taken from an episode of Holla Atcha Boy.

Jager Snapback

1. He could become the first American to break 8:00 in the steeplechase. Jager himself believes there’s a little more in the tank:

https://twitter.com/EvanJager/status/508195888477790208

I think he’ll do it. Keep your feet moving, Mr. Jager.

Rory Bosio Deserves Your Attention

James Rogers1 Comment

Embed from Getty Images

Rory Bosio won her second consecutive The North Face Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc on Saturday, crossing the finish line in 23 hours, 23 minutes, 20 seconds.

Yes, 23 hours. Welcome to ultrarunning, and welcome to the UTMB.

The UTMB is a 104-mile race that begins and ends in Chamonix, France. It is arguably the toughest ultramarathon in the world, and the competition is nothing to overlook, either.

So when Bosio—a 30-year-old pediatric intensive care nurse from California—takes two straight at UTMB, I pay attention. A United States citizen traveling to France and winning the hearts of avid European ultrarunning fans is newsworthy. And when the victor competes for the pure joy of running, it’s even sweeter.

Bosio is sponsored by The North Face, but Salomon Running still showed some respect.

I first started paying attention to Bosio after reading this iRunFar interview posted on April 1, 2013 by Robbie Lawless. I should also note that I really started following ultrarunning in early 2013, so I had to catch up on some of Bosio’s previous accomplishments.

Bosio raced the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run four straight years from 2010-13. Many will tell you Western States is the most prestigious ultramarathon in the United States, and one of the best in the world.

Here’s how Bosio fared at Western States in that four-year span:

  • 2010: 4th woman, 27th overall (19 hours, 32 minutes, 7 seconds)
  • 2011: 5th woman, 25th overall (18:37:17)
  • 2012: 2nd woman, 21st overall (18:08:06)
  • 2013: 5th woman, 22nd overall (19:52:09)

Pretty darn good. She also posted a fourth-place UTMB finish in 2012 and a win in 2013. More recently, she smashed the course record at the 2014 The North Face Lavaredo Ultra Trail, a 119-kilometer race in Italy.

As for UTMB next year, Bosio said she’ll likely not enter, but she hopes to focus on the brutal Hardrock 100 in the U.S., per Bryon Powell of iRunFar.

Going back to the aforementioned iRunFar interview from 2013—my informative introduction to Bosio—I instantly became a fan due to her upbeat and entertaining responses. More importantly, she gave off an unparalleled passion for running and its beautiful simplicity.

Since then, I’ve done my best to keep up with Bosio’s adventures, and in light of her second victory at UTMB, I’ve gathered together quotes from interviews that will help you better understand who Bosio is as not just a runner, but as a human being. Enjoy.

Per Allison Pattillo of Competitor.com:

“My first race was the Silver State 50K—I loved it! But then I went back to nursing school and didn’t have much time to run. In 2010, the GU team offered me a slot for Western States and I decided I had to try it. I’ve run it every year since! 100-milers are definitely my favorite distance. I’m not super-speedy. It takes me a while to get going and I like the slow burn of a long race. … I’ve done yoga since high school and think it is a great balance to running, for all runners. Running can be jarring and hard on your joints. Yoga is the exact opposite. It uses your entire body and is good for arm and core strength. I think it helps me mentally and also helps my running. I like all kinds of yoga, but am still not good at it—it’s definitely a challenge for me!”

From the Guardian‘s Kate Carter:

“Running is all about the scenery for me. I refuse to run indoors or on a treadmill because, mentally, I find it exhausting. I do not have the fortitude to run just for the sake of running. I like to use running as a way to escape from everyday life or to see a new place. … I don’t keep a training log or follow a plan. I train based on my intuition and what my body needs. Sometimes this means doing structured interval workouts. More often it means putting my pack on and exploring the mountains all day at a leisurely pace. … I prefer to keep it as simple as possible. I don’t even wear a watch. The only gear I need is my pack, a hat, sunglasses and shoes.”

Per Brian Metzler of Competitor:

→ After enduring a few rain showers, 13 mountain passes and 31,000 feet of climbing and descending over 104 miles in 23 hours, 20 minutes and 20 seconds of running, the 30-year-old pediatric intensive care nurse from Truckee, Calif., was her typical smiling self and ready to go dancing.

“That’s the best way to get the lactic acid out of your legs,” Bosio said with a playful smile after finishing the race through the spectactor-lined streets of Chamonix. “I’ll definitely go dancing, but not until I get a shower and a nap.” ←

From Lawless of iRunFar:

“Adverse weather definitely makes for a more memorable experience, so even though it might not be ideal at the time, usually people look back on these races fondly. Or after a few drinks at the bar, either way. I always tell myself that there is a finish line, an end to the drudgery. It’s not like the Oregon Trail or the Donner Party, to throw out some arcane references, where the suffering was unending. … My days of fierce competitiveness ended when I couldn’t beat my mom at Candyland. Turns out she was cheating. Nonetheless, I’m probably average. I like doing well (who doesn’t?) and I don’t like to lose, but it doesn’t really bother me either. I have a horrible memory when it comes to racing, so I can move on quickly after a crappy result.”

Per Powell of iRunFar:

“I love UTMB. I do not think I will be back next year. I just need something different. For me it’s good to have the element of surprise and a new challenge. There are so many races that I would like to do.”

Bosio’s next race will be The North Face Endurance Challenge held in Park City, Utah, on October 4-5.

I advise you pay attention.