July 2017 Archives

The IAAF Council meeting on July 31 was all about providing examples of how, under Seb Coe's leadership, the Council begins to move the sport forward. Providing schedules of upcoming events in 2018, announcing a joint ventures to upgrade the quality of content created to promote the sport, and providing athletes more opportunities to tell their personal stories.

Seb Coe believes that much of the attraction of the sport is in the personal stories of success and challenges sought by many of the athletic stars of the sport. In trying to attract another generation to the sport, the ability for the young fans to see upgraded coverage of the sport is part of what is needed.

Evan Jager, photo by PhotoRun.net

We were very happy to see that, on July 10, the Boston Athletic Association named Jack Fleming the new COO of the Boston Athletic Association. We held off a bit in congratulating our friend. I am reminded of when my mother held my father's 40th birthday party two years later, and he said he was truly surprised. Well, Jack, we did not forget about you. We just wanted a good photo (thanks, Marc Davis), and we needed a few quiet moments to write about you.

RunBlogRun has known Jack Fleming for nearly three decades and has seen Mr. Fleming put his heart and soul into making the BAA and the Boston Marathon an iconic event and an example of how marathons should be run. The delicate balace of keeping sponsors happy, keeping city fathers happy, and keeping the running community happy is no mean feat. The Boston Marathon became much more nuanced and complicated after the 2013 Boston Bombing.

Jack Fleming, photo by PhotoRun.net

The BAA has had to judge how to show respect for the fallen, and how to show that the Boston Marathon continues to evolve. RunBlogRun believes that they did a fine job.

Tom Grilk, CEO of the Boston Athletic Associaiton paid Jack Fleming some fine compliments in the press release. Jack Fleming was one of the young stars brough in under the watch of Guy Morse, the Executive Race Director from 1985 to 2012. Jack Fleming possesses a sense of history about the event and realizes that he oversees an event that is held in high regard by most in the running community as the iconic marathon.

We are confident, that with Jack Fleming's continued enthusiasm, and the fine team that surrounds him at the Boston Athletic Association, the most historic of marathons is in good hands. We think the late Marja Baaker, one of the stalwarts of the Boston Marathon, would be quite happy that Jack Fleming has been recognizied for his hard work and vision.

Congrats, Jack!

In a story posted by EME News on July 31, the top daily global athletics news service, David Rudisha has withdrawn from the London 2017 World Champs. David Rudisha is the World record holder in the 800 meters, at 1:40.91. Rudisha ran that increadible race at the 2012 London Olympics, where he lead from the start, winning an Olympic gold medal from the front, daring the field to chase him down.

Its sad and disappointing to announce my no show in the forthcoming #london2017 WC due to a quad muscle strain. pic.twitter.com/bdM0Zi4QCd

-- David Rudisha MBS (@rudishadavid) July 31, 2017

Rudisha developed injuries in 2013, and it took until 2015, for him to return to fitness. In 2015, in Beijing Rudisha won the world championships taking a tactical race. In 2016, David Rudisha took the lead in Rio with 300 meters to go and let the field try and come after him.

I recall a conversation with Wilson Kipketer regarding David Rudisha. Wilson, was quite concerned (March 2014), that David Rudisha might try to come back too quickly from injuries. " Your body takes time to recover," Wilson reminded me. And athletes, Kipketer noted, are not patient.

In 2017, David Rudisha opened the season a bit later, and had some early season losses, but he seemed to be rounding into shape. His departure completely changes the 800 meter in London, with Nijel Amos, Donovan Brazier, Adam Kszczot among the names in the two lapper for the World Championships, now battling for the medals.

We wish David Rudisha a speedy recovery.

The original piece from EME News is posted just below.

Jim Ryun runs 3:51.1 WR, photo by bakersfield.com

Jim Ryun is the iconic America miler. His 3:58.3 as a high school senior, his three Olympic teams, his two WRs put him on the covers of Track & Field News, and Sports Illustrated. Jeff Benjamin reached out to some of the finest milers to follow Jim, and ask them about Jim Ryun's place in the world of middle distance running.

Jim Ryun, Anne Ryun Jeff Benjamin, photo from Jeff Benjamin

European Athletics Results, 2016-17, Report 26, Edited by Carles Baronet - @Trackinsun - http://trackinsun.blogspot.com

The World Championships in London are just days away. Here is report 25, compiled by Carles Baronet, our friend from Catalan, who provides us updates on the world of athletics from Europe, US and Canada.

The hill workouts are getting tougher and tougher, and you are getting them down. This week will also be your first race in two months. Use those easy days, make sure you sleep, eat well and hydrate. And check your shoes.

Amy Van Alstine, photo by PhotoRun.net

One final note, if you are a senior, or college runner, consider adding three runs a week, in the mornings of thirty minutes a run.

Monday, July 31, 2017, warm up, one mile easy, 50 minute fartlek, Two minutes up hill, two minutes easy,ten times, final, Five minutes hard fartek uphill then, five minutes easy , cooldown, then one mile easy, cooldown.

RN Spring 2017 Shoe Review: Saucony Freedom ISO $160

"The Freedom ISO is the first new shoe since Saucony's EverRun midsole foam began transforming the brand's running line. The upper is a uniform stretch mesh with the latest version of the ISO fit lacing system, which adjusts the fit with the foot while it moves. With its integrated design, the lacing doesn't require a cage around the midfoot, so the feel is softer and smoother."

Feyisa Lelisa, wins Bogata Half Marathon, photo by PhotoRun.net

Feyisa Lelisa, photo by PhotoRun.net

BOGOTA (COL, Jul 30): Ethiopia's Feyisa Lilesa won the Bogota Half Marathon in 64:30 from Kenya's Peter Kirui (64:39) with Stanley Biwott fourth in 65:54. Kenya's Brigid Kosgei won the women's race in 72:16 from teammates Veronica Wanjiru (72:42) and Ruth Chepngetich (73:57).

Brigid Kosgei, photo by PhotoRun.net

Brigid Kosgei wins Bogata Half Marathon, photo by PhotoRun.net

Thiago Braz Da Silva, photo by PhotoRun.net

Da Sliva, Soares injured, not coming with Brazil team

SAO PAULO (BRA): Brazil will have a big team of 65 athletes, not only olympic winner in pole vault Thiago Braz is not travelling due to an injury, but also South American champion in triple jump Nubia Soares. Top hopes for the position in finals are shot putter Darlan Romani, hammer thrower Wagner Domingos and steeple runner Altobeli da Silva. Hopes for good position are also connected with walkers Caio Bonfim and Erica de Sena.

Thiago Da Silva, photo by PhotoRun.net

David Wallechinsky: Speaking to the best selling writer of the Complete History of the Summer Olympics and the Complete History of the Winter Olympics, by Orrin Konheim

David Wallechinsky, from YouTube.com

As we build towards the 2017 London World Championships (August 4-13, 2017), Orrin Konheim provided @runblogrun with a fascinating interview with David Wallechinsky, the man behind Complete History of the Summer Olympics and the Complete History of the Winter Olympics. Wallechinsky provides @runblogrun readers with some fascinating observations on the sport, on the World Champs, on the Olympic movement, and most importantly, provides our readers with some positive thoughts about the future of the Olympic sport in general and the most popular Olympic sport, athletics, in particular. Topics also include his memories of Rio 2016, his upcoming interview with Sir Roger Bannister and his video work with the IOC.

The Complete Books of the Olympics, by David Wallechinsky, from www.insidethegames.biz

RN Spring 2017 Shoe Review: Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 $120

"The Zoom Elite has undergone a "right-sizing"--an effective weight-loss makeover--for a featherweight shoe designed for protection. The upper is a thin, engineered Flymesh with minimal welded supports at the heel, toe, and lace throat."

Updated July 30, 2017!

Originally posted on July 4, 2017!

The women's long jump is one of the most competitive events on the athletics schedule. Tianna Bartoletta, Brittney Reese and Ivana Spanovic, the medalists from Rio and Beijing, are some of the finest athletes in the world. Add Shara Proctor, Dariya Klishina, Lorraine Ugen, and you have an amazing field! I wrote this around Lausanne, but felt that it gives the reader a fine appreciation for the women's long jump, one of the finest events on the London 2017 schedule. The qualifying for Women's Long Jump is August 9, Day 6, in the morning session. The final is August 11, Day 8, in the evening session. Do not miss it! For updates on the IAAF London schedule, please go to : https://www.iaaf.org/competitions/iaaf-world-championships/iaaf-world-championships-london-2017-5151/timetable/byday.

Look, I have to be honest. There are many athletics meets where I get so engrossed in the field events, that I, well forget about some of the running events.

And vice versa.

Tianna Bartoletta, photo by PhotoRun.net

I will be honest, on the 6 of July, I will be watching the women's long jump real close, and here's why: there are four women over 7 meters from Tianna Bartoletta, PB of 7.17m and Olympic champion, (World Champion too), Darya Klishina, 7.05 meters (and her coach, Loren Seagrave says she is in control of her speed now), Shara Proctor, 7.07 meters, Ivana Spanovic, 7.10 meters outdoors, 7.24 meters indoors, and count Lorraine Ugen, 6.92 meters, who should be over 7 meters any day now. Only big one not here? Brittney Reese, who is jump domestically this summer.

Long runs are traditionally run on the weekends, Saturday or Sunday. Long runs will build from 50 minutes to 90 minutes over the season. Long runs help build your cardiovascular system, and also help you recover from tough workouts. Long runs are done, on most occassions at a pace where you can keep a conversation, which is about 70 percent effort. Run harder for a 60-80 minute time and your recovery will go from one day to two or three days.

Amy Van Alstyne, USATF XC 2016, photo by Justin Britton

Find a park, a trail and run with friends. You are halfway through the summer now!

Sunday, July 30, 2017. warm up, 60 minutes, in hills, cooldown

New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v3 $100

"Thanks to its performance and fit, the Zante has amassed a considerable following. The upper fit has been refined with each update, but this season's is the best yet in adapting to its curvy last. The engineered mesh may be responsible for some of the feel as it holds the foot more supportively."

ASICS Gel DS Trainer 22 $120

"The Gel-DS Trainer has been one of ASICS' most versatile shoes, thanks to its light weight and good stability. Round 22 (I know, right?) incorporates the new Flyte Foam, making a light shoe even lighter, while preserving its stability and cushioning."

The beauty of cross country is this: it is running at its most natural. It is you and the hills, it is you and the downhills, it is you and the gasping down the final straight. And after battling for 5 kilometers, somehow, you want to talk to your competitor. You come to respect someone you raced against, as it is, yes, a shared experience.

HOKA ONE ONE Northern Arizona Elite at 2016 USATF Cross, photo by Justin Britton

We are trying to get you ready for the fall cross country season. Hill days, fartlek and hill days, and long days. Over the next few weeks, it will be long run, tempo, hill days and some easy days. The tough get tougher.

Breathe in the experience.

Saturday, July 29, 2017, 30 minutes easy run, or bike, or swim.

adidas Supernova Boost, $130

"This update to the Supernova Glide Boost moves the franchise forward to the next generation. This near-complete overhaul adopts features from the entire Boost range. The upper is an engineered bi-layer mesh with stiffer support provided by internally welded layers at the toe. The midfoot has a saddle created by the logo stripes, as before, adjusted to better conform and support."

The hard hill workout on Thursday is building you towards your successful fall cross country season. Today is an easy day, so run easy, and enjoy the run, and the strideouts!

David Torrence wins Adro Mile, photo from Race Results Weekly

Make sure you see a fun movie this weekend!

Friday, July 28, 2017. warm up, easy 40-45 minute run with two 150 meter stride outs, then cooldown

This is Thursday, and you have a challenging workout today! Follow it, as we build you towards the fall ! Make sure that you do your warm up and cooldown!

Kellyn Taylor, photo by PhotoRun.net

Thursday, warm up, One mile warm up, 4 minutes uphill or hilly run, 4 minutes recovery, repeatfour times, then, six minutes hard run uphill or hilly run, four minutes recover, then, One mile easy run, cooldown.

It is no bit of whimsy that we begin this new and important series with the OR Summer Market first day. RunBlogRun is posing seven questions to a dozen key executives in the performance running industry. We are posting them in position of their response. We have reached ten, and still have two to reach.

Jim Weber, photo courtesy of Brooks Running

Today, we feature Jim Weber, long time CEO of Brooks Running. Jim Weber and his team (he always speaks of his team) took the brand from a ninety year old runnign brand to one of the key players in the market.

The industry had its halycon days in the 2005-2014 period, and then, the world changed. Running specialty is taking hits, and so are the performance running brands. Entities like Amazon have changed the land scape of the business. On top of that, there are way too many mediocre races, which are hurting the business and the running brand.

But, I have digressed.

Please enjoy the seven questions answered by Jim Weber, CEO of Brooks Running.

Updated July 26, 2017

Originally posted October 10, 2016 as podcast!

This is our podcast from the Rio Olympics. I was fortunate to do a daily conversation with Maurice Greene, one of the finest sprinters of all times, the WC from 1997, 1999 and Olympic champ in 2000. Maurice's experience as an athlete, his view of the sport, makes him a perfect commentator on the sport of athletics. Here's our conversation on his admiration for Wayde Van Niekerk.

The men's 400 meters in Rio runs through my head almost daily. It may have been one of the amazing races of all times. At 300 meters, I wanted the three finest 400 meter runners of our era, LaShawn Merritt, Kirani James and Wayde van Niekerk nearly even. Then Wayde van Niekerk started to race. As van Niekerk put the rest of himself into the last loney one hundred meters, I saw Micheal Johnson's 43.18 became number two on the All-time list.

Wayde Van Niekerk, photo by PhotoRun.net

Wayde Van Niekerk had put himself in agony after past 400 meter races. That is why he sometimes hates the distance (his word). This time, 43.03 was his final time and a World record for the ages. Even Usain Bolt was totally impressed after the race.

Listen to Maurice Greene in this podcast. It may be our best. Remember, as Maurice says, this guy will put all of himself into the race. How do you beat him? I met Wayde in June 2016 and was totally impressed. A thoughtful, modest young athlete with exceptional ability and exceptional pain threshold.

I believe he will run faster, over 100 meters, 200 meters and yes, 400 meters.

Thanks to Maurice Greene, Brian Eder and the Shoe Addicts. Thanks to adidas for the support.

Here's some deep thoughts from Stuart Weir on the Monaco DL, and how it adds to the excitement of the buildup to the London 2017 World Championships, August 4-13.

@evanjager take the win with a new WL in the 3000m SC - Men #monaco #diamondleague #herculisEBS #results

A post shared by Meeting HERCULIS EBS (@diamondleaguemonaco) on Jul 21, 2017 at 12:58pm PDT

Between the long runs, fartlek runs, hill workouts, and tempo runs, there are easy days. Easy days are meant to be easy. As we try to tell you, your body needs to recover from hard workouts to gain benefits. So, when we say easy, take it easy.

HOKA ONE ONE Northern Arizona Elite at 2016 Xc Champs, photo by Justin Britton

Wednesday, July 25, 2017. warm up, easy 40-45 minute minute run, three times 150 meter stride outs, cooldown.

RunBlogRun opines: The British Athletics team is named below. Five athletes were added today, July 25, as Greg Rutherford, 2012 Olympic champ, 2014 Commonwealth champ, 2014 European Athletics Games champ, 2015 World Champ, and 2016 Olympic bronze, has pulled out of the long jump due to worsening injuries.

Shara Proctor Jazmin Sawyer were named to the long jump. Lennie Waite was named to the 3000m steeplechase, Marc Scott in the 5000 meters and Jess Turner in the 400m hurdles.

As you get later and later into the summer, the strength and endurance that you are developing, one day after another, will be more and more evident. As you get into August, the paces that challenges you now will be your easy running.

Kellyn Taylor, in the mud and snow, photo by PhotoRun.net

Know that each minute you spend running up hills will be helping you as you race in the fall. You are putting gas into the proverbial running tank.

Tuesday, July 25, 2017. warm up, easy 2 miles, run eight 200 meter hill repeats, shorten stride, pump arms, look down at your feet, jog down easy, 30 minute run, then, cooldown

Here's our review of the Under Armour Charged Bandit 2, the Runningnetwork's Fall 2016 Best Value Category Award Winner , from our footwear review archives, at www.runningproductreviews.com.

So, we are going to be running the Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 award winners in the Running Network Shoe Reviews over the next week. Why? Well, the Summer Outdoor Retailer Trade show is upon us, where we will see some upcoming product, and also, we get notes from readers about deals on great shoes. The Fall and Spring winners are available in many stores around the country and we encourage you to continue to search for that perfect running shoe! We also encourage you to purchase locally, at your local running store!

We wanted to remind you of the fine shoes that have come out over the last year, and how, if you find these gems in a local running store, test them out and get a pair, or two!

Special thanks to the team who puts together the Running Network shoe reviews, as they have since 1998: Marg Sumner, RN Proofreader, Kristen Cerer, Designer, Alex Larsen, Ad Traffic Manager, Christine Johnson, Project Manager, Cregg Weinmann, RN Footwear Review Editor.

Under Armour Charged Bandit 2, $100

"This fall's update to the light stability Charged Bandit has called on innovations from other Under Armour shoes. Now the upper features Speedform lasting (a UA exclusive that's created in a brassiere factory), complete with its flexible heel clip, no-sew overlays, gusseted tongue, and a new, sleek-fitting upper."

To read the entire review on the Under Armour Charged Bandit 2 , and why it won, click here: http://runningproductreviews.com/index.php/shoes/2016-reviews/133-2016-fall-training/918-under-armour-charged-bandit-2-100

To find more content on footwear reviews, please go to www.runningproductreviews.com.

To download the entire six page Fall 2016 Running Network Shoe Review, click here: 2016 Fall Shoe Review PRINT.pdf

British Trials Steeplechase, photo by David Wearn

This is report 25, from Carles Baronet, our editor for European Athletics Results. Carles compiles these reports all season long, from over 24 countries in this report. Special thanks to our friend from Catalonia.

Robbie Andrews wins USATF 1,500m, photo by Mike Deering/TheShoeAddicts

Keni Harrison, 100m hurdles, USATF champs, photo by Brian Eder/RunBlogRun

The USATF team for London is one of the best team in years, perhaps, just perhaps, even better than Rio? Well, we shall have to wait and see over the next few weeks. Looking forward to seeing them in London! Here's the most complete roster that we can find, courtesy of Amanda Brooks, USATF marketing and communications manager.

RunBlogRun opines: The USA men's team of set an U20 World record for the 4x400m at the Pan Am Juniors on July 23! The team consisted of Brian Herron, Zachary Shinnick, Sean Hooper and Josephus Lyles. The time of 3:00.33, breaking the 13 year old record of 3:01.09 (team had a young LaShawn Merritt and young Kerron Clement). Here's the video and a piece from EME News! Congrats to our fast foursome!

@josephus_lyles anchors US 400m relay team to U20 world record https://t.co/myDEdAds2N @CoachCLjr @LylesNoah @Poised_One

-- Kevin Lyles (@Kswift4501) July 23, 2017

Launch event was held ( 21st July) at China Hotel in Beijing in the presence of Mrs. Wang Nan, Vice President of CAA, Mr. Shui Tao, director of Marathon Office of CAA, Mrs. Anne Zhao, Managing Director of Infront China, Mrs. May El Khalil, Founder & President of Beirut Marathon Association.

RunBlogRun opines: We saw this announcement on www.germanroadraces.de, and we applaud the Asian Athletics Association. The vitality of marathoning in Asia is something not written about in North America and Europe. With strong marathons in India, China, Korea, and the Middle East, we hope that this new series will help promote the fine athletes from Asia who are running marathoning.

RunBlog Run opines: A busy day in Grosseto, Italy as the European Athletics U 20 Championships conclude! Check out the great video capturing Mondo Duplantis on his final attempt. There is some fantastic video on the twitter account for European Athletics, don't miss it!

On his third attempt, Armand Duplantis clears 5.65m to break Maksim Tarasov's 28-year-old championship record of 5.60m!#Grosseto2017 pic.twitter.com/VXGK9NtCmo

-- European Athletics (@EuroAthletics) July 23, 2017

Here's a fine piece from Elliot Denman, an Olympic race walker, who writes about the significance of the women's 50k Race Walk being added to the IAAF World Championships in London in August! This gives women the same number of events as men in athletics. And Erin Taylor-Talcott is very excited! In this feature, Elliott Denman provides the historical context for the addition and how the 50k RaceWalk needs women's competition at the distance to survive in the modern Olympic world.

Erin Taylor-Talcott, en route to her first 50k Internaitonal victory, February 27, 2016, photo from

FB

This is a tough week, and you are starting to feel like you are running again. That is good. But fartlek, then, hill repeats are two strong days. Follow the workouts, if you have questions, always email me at [email protected].

Craig Lutz, photo by PhotoRun.net

Here is Monday, July 24, 2017's workout:

Monday, warm up, one mile easy, 50 minute fartlek, Two minutes up hill, two minutes easy,

ten times, final, Five minutes hard fartek uphill then, five minutes easy , cooldown, then one mile easy,

cooldown.

Here's our review of the Saucony Zealot IOS 2, the Runningnetwork's Fall 2016 Best Performance Category Award Winner (tie), from our footwear review archives, at www.runningproductreviews.com.

So, we are going to be running the Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 award winners in the Running Network Shoe Reviews over the next week. Why? Well, the Summer Outdoor Retailer Trade show is upon us, where we will see some upcoming product, and also, we get notes from readers about deals on great shoes. The Fall and Spring winners are available in many stores around the country and we encourage you to continue to search for that perfect running shoe! We also encourage you to purchase locally, at your local running store!

We wanted to remind you of the fine shoes that have come out over the last year, and how, if you find these gems in a local running store, test them out and get a pair, or two!

Special thanks to the team who puts together the Running Network shoe reviews, as they have since 1998: Marg Sumner, RN Proofreader, Kristen Cerer, Designer, Alex Larsen, Ad Traffic Manager, Christine Johnson, Project Manager, Cregg Weinmann, RN Footwear Review Editor.

Saucony Zealot IOS 2, $130

"Every season the Saucony line upgrades a few more styles to its Everun foam and the Zealot is the latest to receive this bump up. The upper benefits from use of the ISO Fit system, a cage-like lacing system that allows a more supportive and conforming midfoot fit. Its proven effectiveness affords a fit missing from a traditional setup."

To read the entire review on the Saucony Zealot ISO 2 , and why it won, click here: http://runningproductreviews.com/index.php/shoes/2016-reviews/133-2016-fall-training/912-saucony-zealot-iso-2-130

To find more content on footwear reviews, please go to www.runningproductreviews.com.

To read the Saucony ISO 2 award for Best Performance Shoe :Saucony Zealot Best Perf.pdf

To download the entire six page Fall 2016 Running Network Shoe Review, click here: 2016 Fall Shoe Review PRINT.pdf

An amazing final day for the European Athletics Under 20 championships in Grosseto, Italy. Niklas Kabul set an amazing U20 decathlon record, with his final score of 8,435! Jack Ingebrigtsen won the steeple and 5000 meters over the meeting after the mishap in the 1,500 meters. The German girls team set an U20 world record with their run as the German U20 boys showed their stuff as well! With 104,000 posts on the @grosseto Instagram alone, it is obvious that the U20's were well recieved. Here is the final day report (we love their video attachments) from European Athletics.

Here's the Nike Lunar Glide 8, our Fall 2016 Best Renovation Award winner

So, we are going to be running the Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 award winners in the Running Network Shoe Reviews over the next week. Why? Well, the Summer Outdoor Retailer Trade show is upon us, where we will see some upcoming product, and also, we get notes from readers about deals on great shoes. The Fall and Spring winners are available in many stores around the country and we encourage you to continue to search for that perfect running shoe! We also encourage you to purchase locally, at your local running store!

We wanted to remind you of the fine shoes that have come out over the last year, and how, if you find these gems in a local running store, test them out and get a pair, or two!

Special thanks to the team who puts together the Running Network shoe reviews, as they have since 1998: Marg Sumner, RN Proofreader, Kristen Cerer, Designer, Alex Larsen, Ad Traffic Manager, Christine Johnson, Project Manager, Cregg Weinmann, RN Footwear Review Editor.

Nike Lunar Glide 8, $150

"One of an increasing handful of shoes that blur the lines between traditional running shoe categories, the LunarGlide 8 is light enough to be a Performance shoe, unobtrusive enough to be a Neutral shoe, and stable enough to be a Motion Stabilizing shoe."

To read the entire review on the Nike Lunar Glide 8, and why it won, click here:
http://runningproductreviews.com/index.php/shoes/2016-reviews/133-2016-fall-training/911-nike-lunarglide-8-120

To find more content on footwear reviews, please go to www.runningproductreviews.com.

To read the Nike Lunar Glide 8 award for Best Renovation Shoe Award, Nike LunarGlide 8 Best Ren.pdf

To download the entire six page Fall 2016 Running Network Shoe Review, click here: 2016 Fall Shoe Review PRINT.pdf

Drew Windle winning 800m at Portland Tracktown Summer Series, photo by PhotoRun.net

Drew Windle has been on our radar scope for the past eighteen months or so. His runs last year were eye opening. But, his run to the finish in Sacramento was epic. That last 100 meters was where the race was, and Drew Windle was there! The last month, Drew has run some fine 800 meter races since Sacramento. Drew is one day past his 25th birthday and two days past a fine 800 meter run in Monaco, where he was right behind Pierre Ambroise Bosse, and in front of Amel Tuka.

Here is a fine piece on Drew Windle by David Hunter. David wrote this a couple of weeks ago, and I am just catching up on this fine story. We expect big things of Drew in London, and my guess is, so does he.

Updated July 23, 2017.

Originally posted January 18, 2017.

This is the second in a series with John Trautmann, the assistant coach for the HOKA ONE ONE NJNYTC, a fine club on the East Coast, providing young American runners a chance to see where they can go, and challenge their own limits. Trautmann knows the travails of the elite athlete, as John was a 1992 Olympian, and a fine high school and college runner. John Trautmann provides some suggestions on how to coach young runners.

The Shoe Addicts did this series with John Trautmann in November at the New York City Marathon. We spoke with John, an assistant coach at the HOKA ONE ONE New Jersey New York Track Club about a variety of subjects focused on coaching high school distance runners. This is part two of the series. The Shoe addicts are the digital partners of the RunningNetwork and RunBlogRun.

John Trautmann speaks with Larry Eder, November 2016, photo by PhotoRun.net

Long run days are key to your development as a distance runner. We will develop your runs up to 70-90 minutes over the cross country season. Find a fun place to run long runs and vary the surfaces, as this is healthy for your spirit and your feet.

Kellyn Taylor, photo by PhotoRun.net

Sunday, July 23, 2017. warm up, 60 minutes, in hills, cooldown

Here's the New Balance Vazee Pace 2, our RunningNetwork Best Shoe Performance for Fall 2016 Review. This review is from our archives.

So, we are going to be running the Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 award winners in the Running Network Shoe Reviews over the next week. Why? Well, the Summer Outdoor Retailer Trade show is upon us, where we will see some upcoming product, and also, we get notes from readers about deals on great shoes. The Fall and Spring winners are available in many stores around the country and we encourage you to continue to search for that perfect running shoe! We also encourage you to purchase locally, at your local running store!

We wanted to remind you of the fine shoes that have come out over the last year, and how, if you find these gems in a local running store, test them out and get a pair, or two!

Special thanks to the team who puts together the Running Network shoe reviews, as they have since 1998: Marg Sumner, RN Proofreader, Kristen Cerer, Designer, Alex Larsen, Ad Traffic Manager, Christine Johnson, Project Manager, Cregg Weinmann, RN Footwear Review Editor.

New Balance Vazee Pace 2, $110

"The Vazee Pace took its name from a variant of the French "let's go," but this time the question is, how do you say "go faster?" The Vazee Pace 2 picks right up where the debut version left off. As is true with most of the industry, the upper features a smooth interior and no-sew overlays that are flexible and sueded."

To read the entire review on the New Balance Vazee Pace 2, and why it won, click here:
http://runningproductreviews.com/index.php/shoes/2016-reviews/133-2016-fall-training/909-new-balance-vazee-pace-2-110

To find more content on footwear reviews, please go to www.runningproductreviews.com.

To read the New Balance Vazee Pace 2 award for Best Performance Shoe:New Balance Vazee Best Perf.pdf

To download the entire six page Fall 2016 Running Network Shoe Review, click here: 2016 Fall Shoe Review PRINT.pdf

Allyson Felix and Tianna Bartoletta being interviewed, post relay, photo by Stuart Weir

Tianna Bartoletta being interviewed, post 4x100m relay, photo by Stuart Weir

This is Stuart Weir's piece on the sprint relays at Monaco. Stuart Weir wrote seven pieces on the Monaco DL meeting for us this past weekend.

Here's the Brooks Ghost 9, from the 2016 Fall RN Shoe Review Archives. It was the Best Neutral Shoe from Fall 2016

So, we are going to be running the Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 award winners in the Running Network Shoe Reviews over the next week. Why? Well, the Summer Outdoor Retailer Trade show is upon us, where we will see some upcoming product, and also, we get notes from readers about deals on great shoes. The Fall and Spring winners are available in many stores around the country and we encourage you to continue to search for that perfect running shoe! We also encourage you to purchase locally, at your local running store!

We wanted to remind you of the fine shoes that have come out over the last year, and how, if you find these gems in a local running store, test them out and get a pair, or two!

Special thanks to the team who puts together the Running Network shoe reviews, as they have since 1998: Marg Sumner, RN Proofreader, Kristen Cerer, Designer, Alex Larsen, Ad Traffic Manager, Christine Johnson, Project Manager, Cregg Weinmann, RN Footwear Review Editor.

Brooks Ghost 9, $120

"Nine seasons ago, the Ghost replaced the Radius 7 as Brooks' Neutral running mainstay. Since that time, it's frequently been a top contender in the Neutral category. That's the case this year, too. The upper features a combination of stiffer engineered mesh for support, plus soft mesh and linings for comfort, both layers working together to move moisture away from the foot."

To read the entire review on the Brooks Ghost 9, and why it won, click here:
http://runningproductreviews.com/index.php/shoes/2016-reviews/133-2016-fall-training/896-glycerin-14-150

To find more content on footwear reviews, please go to www.runningproductreviews.com.

To read the Brooks Ghost 9 award for Best Neutral Shoe. :Brooks Ghost 9 Best Neutral.pdf

To download the entire six page Fall 2016 Running Network Shoe Review, click here: 2016 Fall Shoe Review PRINT.pdf

Andre De Grasse and Usain Bolt, Rio 2016, photo by PhotoRun.net

Stuart Weir flew back from Monaco to cover the last days of IPC World Disability Games in London. Inspired, (he might have slept), Stuart wrote several more stories on Monaco. Here's his piece on Usain Bolt.

Saturday is race day all fall during the cross country season. Enjoy an easy Saturday run this week. If you need to race during the summer, we suggest a one mile or two mile at all comers meets, or a 5k, but do not worry, we will have some races for you in a few weeks.

Kellyn Taylor, photo by PhotoRun.net

Saturday, July 22, 2017. 30 minutes easy run, or bike, or swim.

This is the second of our archived reviews from Fall 2016 RN Shoe Review.

So, we are going to be running the Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 award winners in the Running Network Shoe Reviews over the next week. Why? Well, the Summer Outdoor Retailer Trade show is upon us, where we will see some upcoming product, and also, we get notes from readers about deals on great shoes. The Fall and Spring winners are available in many stores around the country and we encourage you to continue to search for that perfect running shoe! We also encourage you to purchase locally, at your local running store!

We wanted to remind you of the fine shoes that have come out over the last year, and how, if you find these gems in a local running store, test them out and get a pair, or two!

Special thanks to the team who puts together the Running Network shoe reviews, as they have since 1998: Marg Sumner, RN Proofreader, Kristen Cerer, Designer, Alex Larsen, Ad Traffic Manager, Christine Johnson, Project Manager, Cregg Weinmann, RN Footwear Review Editor.

ASICS Dynaflyte, $140, Best New Shoe, Fall 2016

To read the entire review, please click here: http://runningproductreviews.com/index.php/shoes/2016-reviews/133-2016-fall-training/906-asics-dynaflyte-140

To download the RN award for Best Shoe for ASICS Dynaflyte: ASICS Dynaflyte Best New Show.pdf

To download the entire six page Fall 2016 Running Network Shoe Review, click here: 2016 Fall Shoe Review PRINT.pdf

Alfonz Juck interviewing Kori Carter, photo by Stuart Weir

Kori Carter being interviewed, photo by Stuart Weir

The Herculis Meeting lived up to its hype. From Usain Bolt's 9.95, to Wayde Van Niekerk's 43.73, to the amazing women's 800 meters, to Emmanuel Korir's 1:43.10 and Elijiah Manangoi's 3:28.80, leading 12 men under 3:35.04. My favorite mark? Evan Jager's 8:01.29 in the steeplechase was pretty incredible!

2017 Herculis Monaco poster, photo by Stuart Weir

Crowd at Hercules Monaco, July 21, 2017, photo by Stuart Weir

A great crowd at Hercules Monaco, July 21, 2017, photo by Stuart Weir

Part of the reason I ask Stuart Weir to write for @runblogrunn is to cover the British performances at various meets. Here is Stuart's second piece on the actual meet, for Monaco DL.

The Herculis Monaco Meeting is one of the highlights of the summer. Part of it is mid July in Monaco, part of it is three weeks from now, the best athletes in the world will be at the London World Championships.

Here's Stuart Weir's feature on the women's 800 meters.

Ajee' Wilson, after her AR of 1:55.61, photo by Stuart Weir

The first Diamond League meeting in Africa lived up to its hype. With fine performances from 200 meters men, steeplechase, shot put and 400 meters, 100 meters and 1,500m from women, plus two big wins by local runners excited the crowd.

Watch these performances once again as you build your excitement for London 2017.

Nothin' to it. @de6rasse wins his 4th straight #DiamondLeague race at #RabatDL this weekend, with a new Championships 200m record of 20.04 seconds. #ForeverFaster

A post shared by PUMA Running (@pumarunning) on Jul 17, 2017 at 12:14pm PDT

So, we are going to be running the Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 award winners in the Running Network Shoe Reviews over the next week. Why? Well, the Summer Outdoor Retailer Trade show is upon us, where we will see some upcoming product, and also, we get notes from readers about deals on great shoes. The Fall and Spring winners are available in many stores around the country and we encourage you to continue to search for that perfect running shoe! We also encourage you to purchase locally, at your local running store!

We wanted to remind you of the fine shoes that have come out over the last year, and how, if you find these gems in a local running store, test them out and get a pair, or two!

Special thanks to the team who puts together the Running Network shoe reviews, as they have since 1998: Marg Sumner, RN Proofreader, Kristen Cerer, Designer, Alex Larsen, Ad Traffic Manager, Christine Johnson, Project Manager, Cregg Weinmann, RN Footwear Review Editor.

adidas Vengeful Boost, $100, Fall 2016 Motion Stabilizing Award winner

"The Vengeful Boost is the third new running shoe from adidas in as many seasons. Its siblings, the UltraBoost and UltraBoost ST, aimed at the top tier of the market, but here the goal was to protect the runner and his or her wallet. The upper is a uniform open mesh, covered with a soft and pliable lining that feels nice and gentle against the foot."

To read the entire review, please go to: http://runningproductreviews.com/index.php/shoes/2016-reviews/133-2016-fall-training/899-adidas-vengeful-boost-110

To see the RN Fall 2016 award page for adidas Vengeful Boost: adidas Vengeful Boost Best Motion.pdf

To download the entire six page Fall 2016 Running Network Shoe Review, click here: 2016 Fall Shoe Review PRINT.pdf

Isaac Makwala runs 19.77 and 43.92 for the 200m and 400m, respectively in the Meeting Madrid. Pretty darn impressive. A fine long jump for men and a fine triple jump for women, as athletes build up towards London 2017.

Testigo del vuelo de Makwala en Madrid. Isaac Makwala voló en los 200 metros con 19.77 y recibió el trofeo a la mejor marca de la 35 reunión de Madrid. #meetingmadrid2017 #meetingmadrid #meeting #pista #moratalaz #velocidad #atletismo #atletics

A post shared by Jesus DYañez (@dymages) on Jul 15, 2017 at 8:06am PDT

Stuart Weir is covering many of the Diamond League meetings that I have been unable to attend. His wry sense of humor (no longer attributed to his non existent Scottish heritage) keeps me smiling as I read his observations.

Fairmont Hotel (Monaco) and F1 turn, photo by Stuart Weir

Here is his introduction to Monaco, one of my favorite meetings.

Looking over the results about twelve days after the meet, I am even more impressed with the quality of the meet, reception of the crowd and the possible performances for August 4-13 for the 2017 London World Championships.

The great @mofarahgold winning as he winds down his fantastic career at the @diamondleagueathletics #mulleranniversarygames • • • #sports #walking #race #compete #diamondleague #athletes #athletics #winner #numberone #photo #photography #photographer #sportsphotography #sportsphoto #london #londonislovinit #thisislondon #olympicpark #queenelizabethpark #olympicstadium #winning #longdistance #3000meters #mofarah #icon #health #fitness #legend

A post shared by lensi_photography (@lensi_photography) on Jul 16, 2017 at 1:58am PDT

This is end of week five in our HOKA ONE ONE Postal Nationals Summer Cross Country Training Program. You are part of the 16,000 high school teams and 550,000 high school boys and girls who will be running cross country in the fall. Our program has changed this summer, building miles and hill work, then moving into a more complex program in August.

Scott Fauble, mud, snow and hills, photo by PhotoRun.net

Friday, July 21, 2017. warm up, easy 40-45 minute run with two 150 meter stride outs, then cooldown

Wilson Kipsang, Berlin Marathon 2016, photo by PhotoRun.net

Wilson Kipsang has been to hell and back. A world record holder, and then, his world record went to someone else. Kipsang battles Eliud KIpchoge and runs fine races, but Kipchoge got him. Then, his battle with Kenenisa Bekele, where he nearly broke Bekele twice and Bekele took the win, pushing Kipsang to a new marathon PB, that was faster than his former WR, but he took second.

Whispers. Can Kipsang do it? Well, Wilson Kipsang has. He won in Tokyo Marathon and he will be racing in Berlin, as Eliud KIpchoge runs the Berlin Marathon as well. It should be an amazing race!

Reposted May 24, 2018

I liked this story so much in 2017, I am reposting for the Pre Classic in May 2018. The mens' pole vault is one of the most popular event in our sport. The athletes are accessible, the event is sport and entertainment and the fans love it! Both the men's and women's PV are doing well in 2018. This piece gives you an idea on why the men's PV will continue to excite fans, both old and new! I wrote this piece while I was in Lausanne in July 2018.

Updated July 20, 2017

Originally posted July 8, 2017.

Watch these three! Add in Pawel Wajciechowski, and Piotr Lisek, and you have the men's pole vault traveling show. The pole vault has been very exciting this year, as Sam Kendricks soars over six meters, Mondo Duplantis clears 5.90 meters and the only man who has clears 6.16 meters, Renaud Lavillenie, builds himself back up, from injuries last fall. These guys are providing an entertaining show!

Sam Kendricks, Mondo Duplantis and Renaud Lavillenie held a great Lausanne presser, photo by PhotoRun.net

If terrestrial TV was smart, and really pandering for ratings, they would adopt the men's pole vault. Right now, we have some tremendous athletes, from all over the world. I focus on the three above as an example of how athletes in an event take control of their own futures. Renaud Lavillenie is the world record holder, London gold medalist and European champion. Mondo Duplantis is the new, young, talented vaulter on the scene, who is coming into the elite world with some control, and Sam Kendricks, the American champion, is current Olympic silver medalist, newly minted six meter jumper and currently, very hot on the Diamond League circuit.

Here's is why they are getting it on promoting their event.

Keni Harrison, photo from Monaco DL

Wayde Van Niekerk, photo by Monaco DL

Mariya Lasitskene, photo by MonacoDL

The always charming Renaud Lavillenie, photo by Monaco DL

Thomas Rohler speaking about his upcoming 95 meter throw, photo by MonacoDL

During the first two weeks of July, I was able to see Keni Harrison, Wayde Van Niekerk, Mariya Lasitskene, Renuad Lavillenie and Thomas Rohler compete. Unfortunately, I had to miss Monaco DL due to a family issue. Monaco is magical, and the meet, the fans, the athletes all get it. Competing on a Friday night in Monaco, at the Stade Louis II on a perfect mid July summer evening in the Meditteranean is life changing. In the years that I have attended, the last hour of the Herculis Meeting is almost too much for the senses! One great event after another.

Here's two hours of some fine interviews with the best athletes in the world! Enjoy!

Ieuan Thomas, photo from Ieuan Thomas twitter site (Life of Ieuan)

This is Paul Halford's weekly column for @runblogrun. We thank him for his observations and his comments on the challenges of making the standards and moving to selection. Paul brings Ieuan to life, and we see a real human running for the sheer joy of running. We like that.

Galen Rupp, Boston 2017, photo by PhotoRun.net

It was announced today that Galen Rupp and Jordan Hasay, two of our most popular and successful runners, both coming off fine Boston Marathons (second for Rupp, third for Hasay). Both athletes compete for the Nike Oregon Track Project and are coached by Alberto Salazar and Peter Julian.

Jordan Hasay, Boston 2017, photo by PhotoRun.net

That Rupp and Hasay have picked the Windy City to race their next marathons can be interpreted in several ways. Chicago Marathon is sponsored by Nike, their major sponsor, and the course is very fast (in cool years). Running a fast marathon in Chicago would be good for both elite runners.

It is nice to see how deep the American fields are on both the men's and women's fields for Chicago. @RunBlogRun believes that Bank of America Chicago Marathon is a fantastic big city marathon for debut marathoners!

Isle Hayes, photo by Stuart Weir

This story is about the amazing exploits of Isle Hayes, an athlete who inspired many to race in Paralympic events in South Africa. This is the kind of story that coaches should pass around to their teams.

Isle Hayes is a role model. A special thanks to Stuart Weir for this story.

Focus on the hills, as they will be your friends all through July. The hills, as we tell you, are the secret sauce for distance runners. We know one double Olympic champion who could not do much on the track for speed work, and built his speed on 800 meter hill repeats. After a few short workouts on soccer pitches and one on the track, his speed was nearly perfect.

Scott Smith, photo by PhotoRun.net

So, stay with the hills. Worship them. Have fun with them.

Thursday, July 20, 2017. warm up, One mile warm up, five minutes uphill or hilly run, five minutes recovery, repeat 10 minute segment four times, One mile cooldown, cooldown

Sam Kendricks, Renaud Lavillenie, Lausanne DL: Separated at birth? photo by PhotoRun.net

The men's pole vault has been hot this summer. The IAAF Diamond League has put this video together to show off the heights that Duplantis, Kendricks, Lavillenie, Wojciechowski have cleared!

After you watch this video, go to our story on how the men's pole vault is re-inventing itself this season! And the Diamond League should have some great competition on Friday, July 21, 2017.

Gesa-Felicitas Krause, Rabat DL, photo by Jean Paul Durand, for IAAF

RABAT (MAR): Gesa-Felicitas Krause was pleased to win her first Diamond League race of her career in Rabat and will train at altitude in Switzerland ahead of the World Championships. "I think I never finished higher than fifth in these races. This was a race on my level. It was not about fast times today but about winning the race. It is a great feeling to win a race like this. Today, I was able to show good tactics and a strong finishing kick. I will continue to work on that in a training camp next week in Switzerland," she said.

RunBlogRun: Lesson number one, if someone makes a World Champ final, they can very much be a medal contender. Steeples have barriers and water jumps, which mean that runners can fall over them, hit them, and they do.

Usain Bolt has kept the world oohing and ahhing for a decade. No one is surprised that Usain Bolt wanted to go out on top, but no one thought it would come so soon. The good thing is that Usain Bolt wants to remain involved in the sport, and perhaps he can shake up some of the ancient ways we approach our sport.

Usain Bolt at the presser, 19 July 2017, photo by IAAF Diamond League

This is a fun video, but it does not give Usain Bolt the praise and adulation that he deserves. We will try that later in the season. But, it is a fun video to watch as Usain gets ready for the 100 meters in Monaco on July 21, 2017.

More on the Nike Superfly Elite (Video below with Cregg Weinmann)

This was a video we did during the 2016 Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon. We asked Cregg Weinmann to provide a little behind the scenes on the Nike Superfly elite. Cregg explains how Nike came up with the amazing spike plate and shows that inspiration can come from many surprising places. Enjoy the video and make sure to check out www.runningproductreviews.com!

The Monaco DL press conferences are a fun set up. The pressers have about 30-40 attendees, with TV crews, global radio, TV and such. For Usain Bolt, there is always an amazing turn out. Sometimes those are quite frustrating.

Usain Bolt, Monaco 2017 Presser, courtesy of IAAF Diamond League

Usain Bolt is in his last season as an elite athlete. He will race the 100 meters in Monaco, on Friday night, at the Stade Louis II. The stadium is a fun stadium to view an athletic meeting. The feeling in the Stade Louis II is that there is just one fantastic race after another. If you do not take a breath and watch the field events, you will miss them, even with Ryan Crouser, Renaud Lavillenie, and Mariya Lasitskene!

The pressers at Monaco are again, one of the finest, because the interviewer knows his stuff! This gentleman interviews at Paris as well and does onsite interviews in Lausanne!

Here is the entire presser for Usain Bolt. Bolt is an entertainer, and he knows what the media wants.

This is the review for the Altra Instinct 4.0 !

We are posting all of the reviews of training footwear by Cregg Weinmann, the long time footwear review editor for the RunningNetwork on @runblogrun. His reviews at www.runningproductreviews.com are a great resource, and we encourage you to read them. They are a great resource to help you find the right shoe for you!

As many are putting their miles in this summer for fall marathons, summer trail races and fall cross country races, it is imperitive that you have the right training shoes.

We are partisan local running stores supporters: if you want the best running shoes, we suggest you a) go to running store at end of day, b) take a pair of clean socks and c) try on 4-6 pairs of training shoes or spikes. Price is only part of the picture, if you want the best running shoe or track spike for your needs!

Altra Instinct 4.0, $110

"Altra debuted with the Instinct (and the women's Intuition) and receives an attentive update to its successful design. The upper is completely new, with an engineered mesh that adjusts well to the foot. The lining is smooth, offering support while snugging up comfortably."

To read the entire review, and learn about other running product reviews, go to: http://runningproductreviews.com/index.php/shoes/training/2017-springsummer/954-altra-instinct-40-110

Easy days are as important as hard days. Run this day just as we gave it to you. Hills take alot out of your body, you need to recover, plus hydrate!

Scott Fauble, photo by PhotoRun.net

Wednesday, July 19, 2017. warm up, easy 40-45 minute minute run, three times 150 meter stride outs, cooldown.

Markus Rehm, poster boy for 2017 World Para Athletics Championships, photo by Stuart Weir

T44 100 meters, photo by Stuart Weir

Johnny Peacock in mixed zone, photo by Stuart Weir

Stuart Weir is covering the IPC World Disability Games for @runblogrun. Stuart Weir is covering the 100 meters and the sixteen different heats in this event for our readers. It is a pretty impressive event.

Tianna Bartoletta is the 2015 World Champion over Long Jump, 2016 World Champ over Long Jump. In 2012 and in 2016, Tianna Bartoletta won a gold medal on the US 4x100 meter relay. Many forget that Tianna won her first gold medal in Helsinki, in 2005, as the World Champion in the Long Jump. I was there, the weather was crazy, but it was the the first time I had watched Tianna Bartoletta do her thing. I have been a fan every since.

Tianna Bartoletta, photo by PhotoRun.net

What do I respect about Tianna Bartoletta? She is no B.S. Honest to a fault, Tianna is focused, and has an attention to detail that should be the model for other elite athletes. Tianna worked with Loren Seagrave for two years, now she is with Rana Reider, so she is based near Amsterdam, with Christian Taylor, Dafne Schippers, Desiree Henry, Shara Proctor. She gives a great interview. A deep breath before answers, Tianna is articulate, and she helps you appreciate her challenges. She is not asking for pity. Ms. Bartoletta wants you, the fan or media member to understand that her event is her focus, and she welcomes the challenges. But, they are challenges. The long jump is a techinical event.

Tianna Bartoletta describes herself as a sprinter who long jumps. Funny, that is what Carl Lewis used to describe himself. Tianna is fast, and fearless. Her win at the Olympic long jump was an epic performance, with Ivana Spanovic and Brittney Reese. Watch Bartoletta jump, and you will be fascinated. Tianna Bartoletta is a long jump warrior. And that, is good.

This column was just amazing. Great response and pass around by the athletes who need it! Tianna Bartoletta is quite explicit with what she needs to compete at her best. Take the time to read this fine piece and understand why that being an elite athlete is a tough endeavor.

This is the review for the Under Armour SpeedForm Mile Pro!

We are posting all of the reviews of track spikes by Cregg Weinmann, the long time footwear review editor for the RunningNetwork on @runblogrun. His reviews at www.runningproductreviews.com are a great resource, and we encourage you to read them. They are a great resource to help you find the right shoe for you!

As many are running all comers meets, events in Europe, and for the best in the world, the 2017 World Championships, we are highlighting some of the finest track spikes on the shelves of local running stores.

We are partisan local running stores supporters: if you want the best running shoes, we suggest you a) go to running store at end of day, b) take a pair of clean socks and c) try on 4-6 pairs of training shoes or spikes. Price is only part of the picture, if you want the best running shoe or track spike for your needs!

Under Armour SpeedForm Miler Pro, $120"Under Armour has shown a commitment to track and field and cross country with shoes for the sprints, distances, and hill 'n dale. The Speedform technology has proven to be quite successful for shoes which require the sleek upper fit, in particular the close fit of a distance spike. The upper is lightweight engineered mesh, with Speedform welding in the heel."

To read the entire review, please click on: http://runningproductreviews.com/index.php/shoes/track/2017-track-spikes/948-under-armour-speedformr-miler-pro-120

Updated July 18, 2017. Posted January 27, 2017.

Donavan Brazier won the US championships on June 25. On July 9, Donovan Brazier battled Nijel Amos, and both broke 1:44, with Amos running 1:43.18, the world leader, and Donavan running 1:43.95, his seasonal best. Donavan's fine race in London was his best time since June 2016. At the 2016 NCAA Championships, when Donavan broke the fifty year old, to the day, NCAA 800m record, with his championship winning 1:43.55. On July 16, in Rabat, Donavan Brazier finished third to Nijel Amos (1:43.91) and Kipyegon Bett (1:44.28), with Donavan Brazier in third, 1:44.62.

Donavan Brazier is running well. He is in the medal hunt for London. This is an interview that I did with Donovan for the 2017 NB Indoor Games. Donavan is a fun guy, with a great sense of humor and the athletes at Concord Carlisle loved him. We think you will enjoy this interview as well!

Donavan Brazier set the Indoor and Outdoor NCAA records last year. At the end of his freshman year at Texas A & M, Donovan decided to go pro and run for Nike.

Donavan Brazier, photo by Mike Deering/TheShoeAddicts

On Saturday, January 28, 2017, Donavan Brazier is racing the 600 meters for the first time. " I have run the distance in workouts, not as a race."

Donavan Brazier, all of 19, spoke to the high school cross country and track teams at Concord Carlise High School. Donavan spoke to the the team, in an interview by RunBlogRun's Larry Eder.

The interview, including questions, went for over an hour, and Donavan told us afterwards, that he enjoyed his first time speaking to a high school team.

We thank Global Athletics for organizing the event.

Here's the review for the Saucony Showdown 4!

We are posting all of the reviews of track spikes by Cregg Weinmann, the long time footwear review editor for the RunningNetwork on @runblogrun. His reviews at www.runningproductreviews.com are a great resource, and we encourage you to read them. They are a great resource to help you find the right shoe for you!

As many are running all comers meets, events in Europe, and for the best in the world, the 2017 World Championships, we are highlighting some of the finest track spikes on the shelves of local running stores.

We are partisan local running stores supporters: if you want the best running shoes, we suggest you a) go to running store at end of day, b) take a pair of clean socks and c) try on 4-6 pairs of training shoes or spikes. Price is only part of the picture, if you want the best running shoe or track spike for your needs!

Saucony Showdown 4, $110

"Three Olympic cycles have passed since Saucony introduced the Showdown. Version number 4 steps right in with updated improvements in fit and performance. The upper is a multilayered design, from the inside out. A gusseted tongue of soft breathable stretch mesh against the foot, and smooth heel linings to secure the fit."

To read the entire review, and check out other content on Running Product Reviews, please to:

http://runningproductreviews.com/index.php/shoes/track/2017-track-spikes/947-saucony-showdown-4-110

This is the big hill day. Warm up well, get in a couple of miles and when you charge the hills, shorten your stride, pump your arms and NEVER look at top of hill! Look at your shoes, stay focused and push yourself to top of hill (we will discuss running downhill better later), and JOG down the hill, or walk and jog, but stay safe and careful.

Scott Fauble, photo by PhotoRun.net

Hill workouts can build your racing ability. The year of my lifetime 10,000m PB, I did twelve weeks of hard hill workouts. When I first raced, I did not feel the speed, but, within six weeks, I was racing one PB after another, running my best 10k on track by 37 seconds, but my 10k road (on same course), by 1:40! I just felt strong and was able to hold pace middle of the race.

Stay focused!

Tuesday, July 18, 2017. warm up, easy 2 miles, run six 200 meter hill repeats, shorten stride, pump arms, look down at your feet, jog down easy, 30 minute run, then, cooldown

Shaunae Miller-Uibo cruises to win over 400 meters, photo from Jean Pierre Duran, for IAAF Diamond League

Ryan Crouser unleashes a big throw, photo courtesy of Jean Pierre Duran, for IAAF Diamond League

Elaine Thompson, Marie-Josee Ta Lou, 100 meters, photo from Jean Pierre Duran, for IAAF Diamond League

The Rabat Diamond League meet had soem fine performances, with several showcasing the athletic stars of Morocco. Here's the report from EME News on the highlights of each event!

Here's the fourth of four reviews from Running Product Reviews. Cregg Weinmann writes the Running Product Reviews and is the footwear review editor for The RunningNetwork. Here is the review of the Nike Superfly Elite.

Nike Superfly Elite, $150

"The hope with the design of any track shoe is Top Flight performance. The Superfly Elite is Nike's newest iteration of a proven performer. The upper is a thin, closed, lightweight mesh, which holds its shape well while keeping the foot centered over the spike plate."

To read the entire review of the Nike Superfly Elite, please go to: http://runningproductreviews.com/index.php/shoes/track/2017-track-spikes/946-nike-superfly-elite-150

Justin Lagat was busy this past week. For five days, Justin provided @runblogrun with a daily column on the World Under 18 Athletics Championships. For today, Justin provided us with a strong column on the Rabat Diamond League meet and why it is so important.

Soufiane El Bakkali wins for the home crowd, photo by Jean Pierre Durand, for IAAF Diamond League

Here's the third of four reviews of track spikes today, from Running Product Reviews, by Cregg Weinmann. Cregg is the long time footwear review editor for The RunningNetwork. For more content, please go to www.runningproductreviews.com.

New Balance Vazee Sigma, $150

"Olympic success has focused attention on New Balance's track and field line. The Vazee Sigma is a brand new, top end sprint that saw action at the Rio Olympic Games. The upper is a booty like construction which features a new version of the Boa closure system, with a textile chord replacing the metallic cable, for quickly securing the foot over the spike plate with the twist of a disc."

To read the complete review, please go to: http://runningproductreviews.com/index.php/shoes/track/2017-track-spikes/945-new-balance-vazee-sigma-150

An enthused crowd in Rabat, photo by Daryl Hammond

Shaunae Miller-Uibo takes the 400m in relaxed 49.80, photo by Daryl Hammond

So, @RunBlogRun can not be everywhere. While we are at home before the Worlds, after our quick tour of Paris, Lausanne and London, we were fortunate to by Daryl Hammond write for us in Rabat, Morocco.

Here's Daryl's feature on the first Diamond League meeting in Africa.

David Blair took the silver and Jeremy Campbell took the gold in the discus, photo by Stuart Weir

Here's the review of the HOKA ONE ONE Speed Evo R. This is part of the content provided by Cregg Weinmann, long time footwear review editor for RunningNetwork. You can find his content at www.runningproductreviews.com.

HOKA ONE ONE Speed EVO R, $130

"The Speed Evo R follows on the heels of the first round of successful spikes from Hoka, with innovation from road racing, the laboratory, and some creative thinking where the two experiences intersect. The upper is closed mesh, with no-sew overlays at the heel, toe, and eyestay, along with the prominent logo, the support of the foot coming largely from the minimal stretch of the fabric."

Here's the complete review of HOKA ONE ONE Speed EVO R: http://runningproductreviews.com/index.php/shoes/track/2017-track-spikes/944-hoka-one-one-speed-evo-r-130

And on the final day, the stadium was full! photo by Getty Images/IAAF

Justin Lagat, our view from Kenya, has written a daily piece on the World Under 18 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya. Justin combines a love for his country and an affection for his fellow athletes. Here is his column on day five.

We are going to try something new. Here's the review from www.runningproductreviews.com, on one of the most versatile spikes. All reviews by Cregg Weinmann, long time footwear review editor for RunningNetwork. To read more of Cregg's reviews, please go to www.runningproductreviews.com.

Brooks Wire 4 , $120

"The Wire is Brooks' top of the line distance spike, and has set the stage for their Track and Field product by its attention to detail and performance. The upper is synthetic mesh with a conforming fit, thanks to welded overlays and internal structure, which effectively holds the foot over the four spike plate."

Here's complete review: http://runningproductreviews.com/index.php/shoes/track/2017-track-spikes/943-brooks-wire-4-120

Stef Reid, in the air in Long Jump, photo by Chrissy Grey

Stef Reid landing in LJ, photo by Chrissy Grey

This is your third week into hill work. Take it one day at a time. Remember, that you will be stronger each week, and that the workouts get progressively tougher. You will be tougher as well. Just take one workout at a time!

Scott Smith, photo by PhotoRun.net

Monday, July 17, 2017. warm up, one mile easy, 45 minute fartlek, Three minutes up hill, two minutes easy, repeat seven times, cooldown, then one mile easy, cooldown.

This interview is a must read. Anna Rohrer ran an amazing 10,000 meters debut at the Stanford Invitational. I remember watching her battle Eilish McColgan, Stephanie Rothstein-Bruce (just back four days from Uganda and the World Cross Country) and Kellyn Taylor (fourth Olympic Trials 10,000m, and sixth Olympic Trials marathon). Anna Rohrer showed the poise, and focus of an athlete who had run several 10,000 meters.

Anna Rohrer in her debut 10,000m, photo by Chuck Aragon

Unfortunately, Anna Rohrer was dealing with a painful back injury by the time of the NCAAs this season. We wish her a healthy recovery and know that there are many fine races ahead of her. This interview was done by Cait Chock, one of our most prolific and popular writers.

Updated July 16, 2017. Originally published January 20, 2017.

As we get into the middle of July, many of the 550,000 high school boys and girls who will run high school cross country in the fall of 2017, we have been reposting the suggestions from Coach Frank Gagliano, HOKA ONE ONE NJNYTC. "Gags" has coached cross country runners for over fifty years. Gags provides some good ideas on coaching cross country runners for the Fall.

Frank Gagliano and Larry Eder, November 4, 2016, photo by The Shoe Addicts

Coaching is both art and science. Great coaches are made, carefully hones over decades. They learn from successes and from failures. They learn from discussions with fellow coaches. They never stop learning.

Coach Gags is an example of such a person. He is one of the finest coaches in the world. He is more, however, than a man who will teach you how to run a better 800 meters or finish faster in a semi-final. He challenges you to be a better human being. That is what coaches do, help us be our better selves. The late Sam Adam, coach and Director of Track & Field at UC Santa Barbara once told me to always remember, that coaches are educators.

Here is part three of our interview with Frank Gagliano, coach of the HOKA ONE ONE New Jersey New York Track Club. Special thanks to The Shoe Addicts, the digital partners of RunBlogRun.

A view of the crowd for WU18 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, photo by Getty Images/IAAF

This is Justin Lagat's story on the fourth day of the World Under 18 Championships. Justin has been writing for RunBlogRun for several years. We are always grateful for his observations on the sport, with a particular view from Kenya.

So, how do you write about Craig Virgin?

Growing up in Missouri in the early 1970s, I remember reading about this junior in high school from Illinois, who was a total stud. Interestingly enough, the first time I read about him was in the book shown in the video on the year 1973, featuring the high school lists. Craig was the top Illinois high schooler, and then, the finest high schooler in country his senior year.

In 1976, I watched freshman in college Craig Virgin run the 10,000 meters on the US Olympic Trials and made the Olympic team. In high school, Craig had broke Steve Prefontaine's high school 2 mile record. Craig went on to make two more Olympic teams, run well over the marathon distance and win two World Cross Country titles.

Craig Virgin in high school, photo from antiquity

Craig Virgin at World XC

Well, this past weekend, Craig Virgin was at Runners Re-United, a gathering of runners from the 1970s, organized by Ralph Serna, a fine runner himself, and one of the finest footwear designers in the business.

Enjoy the video, it is a lot of fun. More on Runners Re-United X to come!

The long run is a pivotal workout each week, and there are a variety of ways to run it. Find some friends, run on a beach, in a park, in a new neighborhood. Many of my long runs and morning runs were with a friend, Gerhard. Gerhard would lead me through these cool neighborhoods around San Jose, so that we could discover cool areas. He knew where we were going. I had no clue. It was a lot of trust, but Gerhard had run so many workouts with me, it was just natural to trust his judegement on morning runs and long runs.

Scott Fauble, photo by PhotoRun.net

Enjoy your long run today!

Updated July 16, 2017.

This is the first in a new series of interviews that we will be doing with managers of running retailers across North America. We have been discussing, internally, our concern over the recent changes in the running culture, among them, the glut of running races, the lack of support of local running store culture and the mass movement, by some brands to lessen support to the local running store culture.

Our first interview is with Kris Hartner, the founder of Naperville Running Company. Opening NRC in 2000 was the fruition of a life long dream for Kris. His store has developed an amazing following in the local area, and the Naperville Running Center has been acknowledged as one of the finest running stores in the country for nearly a decade.

All successful stores have guiding lights, local champions, who inspire their staffs and also know that 1) they can not do everything and 2) need to find people who do the tasks needed better than you can do and let them do it.

Kris Hartner is an example of local running store culture that continues to thrive. All stores have challenges, but it is how the store and its staff respond to those challenges. In this interview, we also delve into NRC's relationship with New Balance, one of the brands that has continued to grow in this challenging market, but also, support the local running store.

What became clear, during the responses, was that New Balance had learned how to work with local running stores, as Kris Hartner can attest.

This is a good read for not only other running store owners and staffs, to appreciate another apporach to keeping the local running culture strong, but also for the brands who either take local running stores for granted, or have forgotten that running shoes are sold, one pair at a time.

Hey Kris 👋 We spy a familiar face on the @stravacycling IG! 🕵️‍♀️ Best of luck to Kris on his multi-day stage race in Colorado this week! • • • Repost @stravacycling @krishartner representing at the @maviccycling Haute Route in Colorado. Looking good Kris 👌

A post shared by Naperville Running Company (@napervillerunco) on Jul 2, 2017 at 4:17pm PDT

Caster Semenya wins Pre Classic, photo by PhotoRun.net

Caster Semenya will be battling some of the finest 400 meter runners in the world in Rabat on Sunday. That will be among the highlights of the Rabat Diamond League meeting, the newest addition to the Diamond League series.

Mary Keitany racing at RAK, photo by PhotoRun.net

NEWCASTLE (GBR): London Marathon winner Mary Keitany is confirmed for the Great North Run on 10 September, informs organisers. "I'm very happy to be coming back to Newcastle for the Great North Run. I have won there twice and if all goes to plan, I would love to make it a third," said Keitany, who will defend her New York Marathon title in November. Former European 10,000m champion Jo Pavey is also confirmed while last year's runner-up Dathan Ritzenhein also returns.

RunBlogRun opines: Mary Keitany is the finest women marathoner in the world. Watch her run this course very fast! With her 2:17:01 marathon in London, it is pretty obvious that she can run even faster.

Reposted July 15, 2017

This interview was first run on January 16, 2017. As the cross country summer training season is beginning, we are reposting. Frank Gagliano is a coach among coaches. He wears his emotions on his shirt sleeve. This man loves his athletes and his athlete respect him, and yes, love him. In his eighth decade on this planet, Gags, as this fine coach is called, knows a few things on training for cross country. Watch, take notes, repeat.

Coach Frank Gagliano is the head coach of the HOKA ONE ONE New Jersey New York Track Club. We met up with Coach a the New York City marathon and plied him with questions. At that time, he invited us to come and see his clubs workouts in New Jersey, so watch for that this Spring 2017. Here is part two of Coach Gags speaking on the care and training of high school distance runners.

Frank Gagliano and Larry Eder, Talking Track

Donovan Brazier wins USATF 800m, photo by Brian Eder for @runblogrun

The last few weeks of June had some amazing performances in the US. The results in this report have been compiled by Carles Baronet. Thanks, once again to our Catalan friend for taking the time to edit these reports and compile them as well!

Cross country season is a rite of fall and winter. With the seasons changing, truth is, if you do the work over the summer, not only is cross country going to be good, but so will track season. Stay focused, have fun, work hard, and take easy days, and you will get there.

Kellyn Taylor, photo by PhotoRun.net

Today is Saturday, keep it easy, as the week is about to begin again!

Saturday, July 15, 2017. 30 minutes easy run, or bike, or swim.

The World U 18 Championships is going well in Nairobi! The highlight today was the amazing triple jump by Jordan Diaz. Here is the excellent piece from Pawel Jackowski for the IAAF. Know that you can watch the U18 Champs for free, and online at: https://www.iaaf.org/competitions/iaaf-world-u18-championships! If you do not have time to watch, listen to it on IAAF Radio!

Jordan Diaz, photo by PhotoRun.net

What Kenyans are to distance running, Cubans are to the triple jump. If you remember Pedro Pichardo and Christian Taylor going over 18 meters in 2015, watch this young man, Jordan Diaz. Jordan just went 17.30 meters, and he is SIXTEEN! A physical education program that accentuates actual movement, and has fine technical coaches is part of the story of the Cuban success in athletics. There is much more to that success, but for today, we will focus on the Triple Jump.

Gemme Prescott throwing Club Throw, photo by Stuart Weir

I met Stuart Weir in Beijing at World Champs. We began chatting and I asked him to write. Soon after that, he was off to Doha for the IPC World Athletic Games. Stuart is covering the first day of the IPC World Disability Games in London. I still do not understand why Americans do not appreciate the IPC Games. It may be due to US TV, but, at RunBlogRun we want to show you the joy of mastering athletic talents, no matter what your challenges. Athletics is spirit, focus and technique. Celebrate movement.

Jeff Benjamin, the writer, with Bill Rodgers, the icon

The Hansons-Brooks Original Distance Project made the front page of the WSJ when it was announced over a decade ago. Adding Dathan Ritzenhein, a classic American distance runner, who we have watched from Foot Locker in high school to NCAA championships in college to 5000m, AR and three Olympic team berths.

Dathan Ritzenhein has a new singlet, photo from Brooks

Dathan Ritzenhein believes he has better marathons to run in his future, and so do Keith and Kevin Hanson. Dathan moved his family back to Michigan a few years ago to be closer to family and to coach.

Ritzenhein had run with the Nike and the Nike Oregon Distance Project for many years, but that came to an end over the last couple of years. His move to Hansons' Brooks ODP provides him with training partners, coaching and support at his home in Michigan.

Caren Chebet and Merc Chepkirui in the 2000m steeplechase at the 2017 IAAF World U18 Championships Nairobi 2017, photo by Getty Images for IAAF

This is day 3 of the 2017 IAAF World U18 Championships Nairobi 2017, and our friend, Justin Lagat was on the scene, giving RunBlogRun readers the info on the meet.

Mariya Lasitskene, highest high jump clearance in 8 years! photo by PhotoRun.net

This is report 24 on the 2016-17 European Athletics season, which is one month from the London 2017 World Champs! Here is another amazing report from our friend at Track in Sun, Carles Baronet. Our favorite man from Catalonia spends much of his weekends putting these reports togetther!

Stuart Weir is covering the IPC World Athletics Championships, which is held over the next nine days in the London Olympic Stadium. Stuart meets the most interesting people during his pursuit of stories. Today, Stuart is interviewing Ed Warner, co-chair of London 2017 and chair of IPc Sports Techinical Committee. Until last month, Ed Warner was chair of British Athletics as well.

Ed Warner, photo by Stuart Weir

Christophe Lemaitre, photo by PhotoRun.net

Hill work is a key part of our training program. The work level now will be much different in four weeks, and you will be able to handle it. Easy days stay easy days and hard days get more challenging. Key other parts of training: a) sleep is a must, 8-10 hours a night and a nap of 30 minutes if needed, b) hydration-water, 8-10 glasses, 8 ounces a day, stay off soda, coffee, if kept simple or tea, if kept simple are good, c) proper nutrition, that is eating varied foods, and keeping junk and processed foods down. You have a mortal engine, respect it.

Scott Fauble, photo by PhotoRun.net

Friday, July 14, 2017. warm up, easy 30-40 minute run with two 150 meter stride outs, then cooldown

I am reposting this on July 13, 2017. This was originally posted May 3, 2017, from Doha, Qatar.

I wanted more people to realize just how far the women's steeplechase has come. I watched fine steeples in Doha, Eugene, and Paris this year. The quality and the global nature of the event is what is exciting. Great runners like Ruth Jebet, teenager Celliphine Chespol, Beatrice Chepkoech, Hyin Kiyeng, and Emma Coburn will battle for the medals in London.

This story is about the origins of the women's steeplechase and how some were not supportive of the early event. Just another example of the evolution of global women's distance running and the uncertian pace of that evolution. The goal of this article is to provide some perspective.

Steeple people take Doha 😊 we all had some sweaty but successful evening track sessions. it's always great seeing my steeple buddies on the road @steeple_squigs & @courtneyfrerichs (& my girl @aishapraughtleer duh) 💪🏻 👯👯 #DohaDL #workworkworkworkwork

A post shared by Emma Coburn (@emmacoburn) on May 2, 2017 at 11:48am PDT

This is a fun picture of Collee Quigley, Courtney Freirichs, Aisha Praught Leer and Emma Coburn, four of my absolute favorite steeplers in the know universe. The steeplechase is an athletics event that is rife with tradition. Yet, it was not too long ago that the women's steeplechase was just beginning and we took some hassles for putting Carla Borovicka, a fine US runner, on the cover of our publication, American Athletics, in the Fall of 1990 (renamed American Track & Field in 1994).

Warm Up track, IPC World Champs, photo by Stuart Weir

I must admit, one of the people who truly makes me smile at various athletic meetings, besides Australian commentator, and bon vivant, Maurie Plant, is Stuart Weir. For some time now, I have identified Stuart as a Scotsman, and he gently reminded me in London last weekend, that while he can play that role for me, he is NOT a Scotsman.

So, Stuart Weir is NOT a Scotsman, but a man who lives near Oxford, England and who, in his spare time, writes for RunBlogRun.

Who is Stuart Weir? Stuart Weir is enjoying a second career as a sports journalist, who travels the world, finding wonder in all aspects of our sport. He also, and this is what I enjoy most, finds humor in much of our sport. He also gets the athletes to smile at the least, and laugh at the most.

Stuart will spend this weekend at the IPC World Championships in London, England, at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, writing on some of the most amazing and inspiring athletes in the world.

We hope you enjoy!

Paul Halford writes a column on British athletics many weeks of the year. Actually, Paul has been doing this for a couple of months, and quite honestly, we love it. His column on Andew Davies should be quite popular, as a part time runner, Mr. Davis improved from 2:52 to 2:15! And it only took eleven years.

We found Andrew Davies Instagram, and with pictures of him, his family, and his lovely dog/training partner, Andew has a wonderful life. We are happy that Andrew will toe the line in London at the World Championships. Thanks to Paul Halford for the story and to Andew Davies for having such a colorful life journey.

Northerns! #mud #tough #northerns #newbalance #nbmcr

A post shared by Andrew Davies (@fordendogs) on Jan 31, 2016 at 5:59am PST

Here is Justin Lagat's day two report from Nairobi, Kenya and the IAAF World Under 18 Championships. Justin provides with a first person view of the event and his comments give us a nice highlight of the event. Remember, you can watch it each day via streaming video. Check for the info at www.iaaf.org.

Kenya WU18 Captain disqualified after winning 400m hurdles heat 3 following an infringement of rule 163.3(a) #wu18nairobi2017

A post shared by IAAF (@iaaf_athletics) on Jul 13, 2017 at 7:18am PDT

Working in the hills for Thursday, with repeat hills and some easy running back to the bottom of the hills. HIlls are key to your success in the fall. Stay focused.

Scott Fauble, photo by PhotoRun.net

Thursday, July 13, 2017. warm up, 45 minute fartlek, two minutes uphill, three minutes easy, nine time, cooldown then, cooldown

Sally Pearson won the gold medal in London Olympics. It was an obvious highlight of the fine Australian athlete's career. Over the past four years, Sally has dealt with injuries and the frustrations of getting back to her London level racing fitness.

Well, Sally Pearson has had some good races this year, but at the Muller Anniversary Games, Sally had her best race and finest time in five years. Not since the London Olympics has Sally Pearson hurdled so well, finishing second to WR holder Keni Harrison, 12.39 to 12.48.

We wish Sally Pearson the very best of luck in 2017. The women's 100m hurdles is one of the toughest event in all of the sport, with fine athletes from all over the world.

SAL GOES BANG 💥 @salpearson runs her fastest time for the 100m hurdles since the London Olympic final in 2012, stopping the clock in 12.48 at the #LondonDL overnight.

A post shared by Athletics Australia (@athleticsaustralia) on Jul 9, 2017 at 12:59pm PDT

Justin Lagat is our eyes and ears in Nairobi for the IAAF World Under 18 Championshps. This is his report on Day 1. We look forward to his notes and comments on this important championships.

Kenyan young fans enjoying the action at the IAAF World U18 Championships Nairobi, Kenya #wu18nairobi2017 #kenya

A post shared by IAAF (@iaaf_athletics) on Jul 12, 2017 at 4:43am PDT

Updated July 12, 2017

We liked this series with Frank Gagliano so much, we are republishing this. Watch next week when we start a 20 week series from Coaches Frank Gagliano, John Trautmann and Tom Nohilly, from HOKA ONE ONE's New Jersey New York Track Club, on how to be a better cross country runner!

Enjoy this video from Coach Frank Gagliano!

Originally published November 18, 2016

Coach Gags and Larry Eder, photo by The Shoe Addicts

NIce to see European Athletics increasing their support of anti-doping education. It is a great example for other regional federations and member federations of the IAAF. Will be asking European Athletics to showcase their program.

Key for anti-doping education to work and grow is to support programs with young athletes and coaches.

Nice job, European Athletics!

The combination of long runs, hill workouts, fartlek, and easy days are key to you running well this coming fall. The easy days are a big part of it. Today, Wednesday, is an easy day. Keep it easy and relax.

Kellyn Taylor in mud and cold, USATF XC Champs, photo by PhotoRun.net

Wednesday,July 12. warm up, easy 35-40 minute minute run, two times 150 meter stride outs, cooldown.

Mutaz Essa Barshim is one of the most popular athletes in our sport. At the Bislett Games, in Oslo, Norway, Mutaz broke the ancient meet record fo the high jump, jumping 2.39 meters and breaking the old record. On 1 July, Mutaz won the high jump at 2.35 meters, and made three game tries at 2.38 meters.

#regram @mutaz.barshim Competition Day !!! @meetingparis @diamondleagueathletics #ParisDL 🇫🇷 #whatgravity team up !!👐🏾🇶🇦 اليوم بطولة الدوري الماسي ، جولة #باريس ، الساعة ٩:٠٠م بتوقيت الدوحة على @alkasssports , دعواتكم 🙏🏽🙏🏽 #whatgravity #aspireacademy #redbullqatar #redbull #nike #justdoit #RM #Qatar #yallaqatar 👐🏾💯💪🏽

A post shared by RunBlogRun (@runblogrun) on Jul 1, 2017 at 11:02am PDT

In the pressers in Paris, some of the finest in the sport, Mutaz was asked what he would do after he broke the high jump world record, Barshim noted that he would continue to jump. This guy loves the high jump, and he wants that WR.

Mutaz Essa Barshim seems to be over his health issues that nearly ended his career. Barshim is quite popular in his country, Qatar, and many around the world love his theatrical approach and celebration of his clearances.

Barshim will go up against some fine high jumpers, with Erik Kynard, Robbie Grabbarz, Bohdan Bondarenko, among others in London. The men's high jump will be a fascinating event in London.

Justin Gatlin may have surprised a few people in the stands in Sacramento, when he ran the 100 meter final at the USATF Outdoor Champs in June, and won from Christian Coleman. As I noted to the BBC Live 5 Radio the next morning, Justin Gatlin was a veteran and used those skills to win the 100 meters.

Justin Gatlin has a busy week, with wins at @gyulaimemorial and @athletissima! #runblogrun, #caltrack, #runningjournal1, #morunandtri, #runohio, #usatfne, #coloradorunnermag, #trackandfieldnews, #runningnetwork, #youthrunner, #athleticsweekly, #hawaiisportsmag, #outdoorsnw, #outtheremonthly, #belgrade2017, #britathletics, #europeanathletics, #athleticsweekly, #americantrackandfield, #atfathlete, #coachingathleticsq, #theshoeaddicts,

A post shared by RunBlogRun (@runblogrun) on Jul 9, 2017 at 3:58am PDT

Justin Gatlin has over a decade of experience racing big races. His prowess over 100 meters continues. In the big championships, life experence plays a huge part in the success or failure. Remember Kim Collins nearly steal the final of the 100 meters in Daegu, South Korea? That was eight years after Kim's win at Paris France in 2003 World Championships.

The men's 100 meters will be an amazing race in London 2017. The men's finals are always a big story, and this year, it could be one of Usain Bolt's last individual race at at World Championships. We wish him luck. Obviously Andre De Grasse, Christian Coleman, Chris Belcher, and many others will play a part in the men's 100 meters.

We will all know when the semi finals are done, and nine men line up for the Men's 100 meter final for London 2017. And we believe that Justin Gatlin should be there and he will be in the medal hunt.

Mo Farah has won all major championship 5000 meters that he has entered on the track since 2011, when he won the 5000 meters in Daegu, South Korea. In 2011, Mo Farah finished a close second in the 10,000 meters, and began his winning streak over 10,000 meters at the London Olympics.

#regram @britishathletics That's it for another year. The #MullerAnniversaryGames once again provided some thrilling performances from some world class athletes. Report on our website. #LondonDL #REPRESENT

A post shared by RunBlogRun (@runblogrun) on Jul 9, 2017 at 2:40pm PDT

His return to London five years later, at the World Championships in London, will be the swan song of Mo Farah's track career. Mo Farah will be competing in both the 10,000 meters, and 5,000 meters, we surmise. On July 9, Mo Farah won the 3000 meters at the Muller Anniversary Games in 7:35, with a 2:25 last 1000 meters and a final 400 meters in just over 53 seconds

That is Mo Farah. He runs the fastest last 1000 meters, 800 meters and 400 meters in the business in distance races. Issue is, so many of his competitors have more than a healthy wariness of Mo Farah, that they let him run his race, instead of trying to disrupt said racing. Truth is, if a competitor wants to break Mo Farah, they have to do it before the last 1000 meters, as Mo Farah owns that last 1k. It is his real estate and he defends it.

The 75,000 fans who will be in each session in London from August 4 to 13 will be there to see many events, but Mo Farah versus the world is one of them. We believe Mo Farah wants to keep his legacy intact, so watch him bring his A game.

Christian Coleman, photo by PhotoRun.net

LOS ANGELES (USA): The management company of US sprinter Christian Coleman (19.85 200m this season) announced that he will run only in the 100m at the World Champs. Coleman, who tops this year's world list at 100m with 9.82, was second in both events at the US Trials. His place in the 200m will be taken by fourth placed Kyree King, who has run 20.27 this year. From Athletics International.

RunBlogRun opines: Smart move by Christian Coleman. The 100 meters will be tough, and Christian Colemen has the speed and tools to be in the medal hunt in London in August. We wish him well.

Allyson Felix returned to the London Olympic stadium on July 9 and ran the fastest time in the world over 400 meters. Her 49.65 was well run, and the distance between her and the rest of the field should be noted.

ALLYSON FELIX 🇺🇸 SETS THE FASTEST 400M TIME IN THE 🌎 THIS YEAR WITHIN JUST WEEKS OF BEING BACK IN LONDON TO DEFEND HER WORLD TITLE - RESULTS 1 49.65 WL FELIX, Allyson 🇺🇸 2 50.29 SB OKOLO, Courtney 🇺🇸 4* 3 50.40 PB LITTLE, Shamier 🇺🇸 4 50.60 - - WILLIAMS-MILLS, Novlene 🇯🇲 1* 5 50.77 - - JACKSON, Shericka 🇯🇲 5* 6 50.85 - - HASTINGS, Natasha 🇺🇸 2* 7 51.67 SB DIAMOND, Emily 🇬🇧 8 52.23 - - GUEI, Florian 🇫🇷 9 53.22 - - CHAMBERS, Verone 🇯🇲 - * position in Diamond Race series rankings (top 5) - RACE STATS @af85 -> Half Splits: 24.0/25.6 - American Record: 48.70 RICHARDS-ROSS, Sanya 🇺🇸 (2006) Meet Record: 49.05 RICHARDS-ROSS, Sanya 🇺🇸 (2006) 2017 World Lead: 49.72 HAYES, Quanera 🇺🇸 (Sacramento) - QUOTE "It was good," the 31-year-old Felix said of her effort. "I just wanted to put my plan together and execute my race. I just wanted to run my race and concentrate on me. This is my first Diamond League [this year] so it is good to get underway with a win. I am looking forward to get some more training in before the world champs. It was great to get a run out on the track before the champs." -FELIX - #londondl #mulleranniversarygames #allysonfelix #diamondleague #roadtolondon #london2017 #dyestat #milesplit #letsrun #flotrack #usatf #worlderunners #worldrunners #goat #nikeplus #justdoit #nikerunning #tracknation #trackandfield #track #raceday #runnershigh #runnerslife #runnerspace #tracklife #trackday #runner #run #runners #running

A post shared by T&F Daily 💯 | #Tokyo2020 💎 (@the_running_statistician) on Jul 10, 2017 at 6:17pm PDT

Essentlially, the race over 400 meters in London will come down to, more than likely, Allyson Felix and Rio 2016 champion, Shaunae Miller-Uibo. Shaunae Miller-Uibo was castigated by many for leaning at the tape and falling in Rio. Truth was, it was one of the most amazing races from Rio and that type of finish has been seen and used by many athletes in past races. In fact, Jenni Prandini had leaned, fallend, leaped at the USA Olympic Trials in 2016, and taken last place in 200 meters from Allyson Felix.

Allyson Felix wants to win this race, and so does Shaunae MIllier-Uibo. That tellls me that we have a rivalry, and one heck of a 400 meter race coming in one month!

This is our second week of hill training. We have three hill runs during the week, with two hill fartleks this week. Remember, hills are a great way to get you into a high level of fitness in a short period of time. Be patient, follow our workouts and you will be ready for cross country this fall.

Kellyn Taylor, photo by PhotoRun.net

Tuesday, July 11, 2017. warm up, run six 200 meter hill repeats, shorten stride, pump arms, look down at your feet, jog down easy, 30 minute run, then, cooldown

The Athletissima Meet, held on July 6, just five days after Meeting de Paris, was a truly exciting meet on a near perfect night in the Olympic stadium in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Mariya Lesitskene clears 2.06 meters! Best jump since 2009, photo by PhotoRun.net

From a brilliant shot put, to an epic women's high jump, to a battle in the men's pole vault, and the fastest 400 meters of the year, to a surprise NR in the women's javelin, to an amazingly deep women's 800 meters, the Athletissima had meet records and just fantastic competitions.

Here's our thoughts on six lessons from Lausanne.

The big changes at the Meeting de Paris are a move from Stade de France to Stade Charlety. Crowd was good but media coverage was down as was media attenance. Garfield Darien was there, as was Renaud Lavillenie, but several of the French stars were injured, from Jimmy Vicaut to Christophe Lemaitre.

Ce sera un des chocs au sommet de ce #meetingparis de la #diamondleague : @airlavillenie vs @samkendricks ! Découvrez toutes nos têtes d'affiche dans notre Story, ils ont des messages pour vous 👊

A post shared by Meeting de Paris (@meetingparis) on Jun 30, 2017 at 6:25am PDT

The meet is one of my favorites, as big performances begin in this meet, as the athletes build, a month out from London 2017. The Meeting de Paris has the BEST press conferences on the circuit: a combination of 15-30 minutes per interview group, in French and English, and 10-12 athlete interviews in the day before the meeting. The Sam Kendricks and Renaud Lavillenie was one of the best, but there were serveral interviews that absolutely rocked. Ronald Levy surprised many in the 110 meter hurdles, and Nijel Amos showed his return to fitness as part of the Meeting de Paris. The Paris DL showed that the combination of national and global events bring a crowd and keep the enthusiam up!

Here are five lessons, in no order, that I learned in Paris.

Aries Merritt, photo by PhotoRun.net

The 110 meter hurdles are an event that requires speed, hurdling skills and focus. The event is one of the most competitive, if not the most competitive on the men's side of athletics. Off a half step, hit a hurdle and you rcould be out of the hunt.

Aries Merritt won the Muller Anniversary Games 110 meter hurdles with a fine 13.09 win! Here's Stuart Weir's fifth of five stories on the London Diamond League!

Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, Nairobi, Kenya, photo courtesy of IMG Kenya

The World U18 Championships will take place in Nairobi, Kenya this week, from July 12-16, 2017. This is a preview story from Justin Lagat on how Kenyans are looking at this upcoming championships.

One of the highlights of the Muller Anniversary Games was Laura Muir's attempt at the World Record Mile. It had been attempted on July 6 in Lausanne by Genzebe Dibaba and she had run 4:16.05. The record, from August 14, 1996, is by Svetlana Masterkova, who ran 4:12.56 after winning both the 800m and 1,500m in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.

Laura Muir, photo by PhotoRun.net

Laura Muir followed Jenny Meadows, with Hellen Obiri right behind. They split 62.34 with Jenny Meadows leading at 400 meters and 2:07.27 at 800 meters, with Jenny Meadows leading through 900 meters. Laura Muir took the lead, with Hellen Obiri in hot pursuit.

Hellen Obiri, photo by PhotoRun.net

Hellen Obiri, 2016 Rio Olympic silver medalist, has run some brilliant races this year, with her 14:22.47 on May 13, then, a 4:00.46 1,500m on May 27 and a 14:18.37 for 5000 meters in Rome on June 6. Hellen Obiri is building for London 2017.

HELLEN OBIRI 🇰🇪 TAKES LONDON DL WOMEN'S MILE, MUIR 🇬🇧 2ND, SIMPSON 🇺🇸 RUNS U.S. #2 ALL-TIME - RESULTS 1 4:16.56 MR,NR OBIRI, Hellen 🇰🇪 2 4:18.03 PB MUIR, Laura 🇬🇧 3 4:19.55 PB CHEBET, Winny 🇰🇪 2* 4 4:19.58 NR CICHOCKA, Angelika 🇵🇱 3* 5 4:19.98 PB SIMPSON, Jenny 🇺🇸 6 4:20.88 PB WEIGHTMAN, Laura 🇬🇧 7 4:22.40 NR MAGEEAN, Ciara 🇮🇪 8 4:23.15 PB COURTNEY, Melissa 🇬🇧 9 4:23.96 PB HALL, Linden 🇦🇺 10 4:24.01 PB GRACE, Kate 🇺🇸 11 4:24.68 PB GARCIA, Stephanie 🇺🇸 12 4:25.39 PB TWELL, Stephanie 🇬🇧 13 4:25.89 PB SNOWDEN, Katie 🇬🇧 14 4:28.59 PB JUDD, Jessica 🇬🇧 15 4:35.54 - - EMBAYE, Axumawit 🇪🇹 - * position in Diamond Race series rankings (top 5) - RACE STATS • First 14 finishers ran their personal best times • Obiri is exactly 4 seconds away from the WR (400m splits) @hellenobiri -> 62.8-65.0-64.7-62.5 @trackjenny -> 64.1-64.9-65.1-64.4 @fastkate -> 63.4-64.7-66.1-68.3 @steph_steeples -> 63.8-65.0-66.5-67.8 - QUOTES "The race went as I hoped. I was strong. I was very confident going into the race. Laura was very strong but I went with her and tried to stay as close as I could. I knew I had a good finish. It was important to come and do well in a DIamond League meeting. The track and the crowd are fantastic" -OBIRI - #londondl #mulleranniversarygames #diamondleague #roadtolondon #london2017 #dyestat #milesplit #letsrun #flotrack #usatf #worlderunners #worldrunners #goat #nikeplus #justdoit #nikerunning #tracknation #trackandfield #track #raceday #runnershigh #runnerslife #runnerspace #tracklife #trackday #runner #run #runners #running

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Laura Muir was coming off a precautionary two week break due to a stress reaction (this is per her coach). Many media organizations noted that her World Champs might be in doubt. That was not correct. On July 6, Laura Muir ran a fine PB over 800 meters in the deepest 800 meters of the year, with her PB 1:58.69 in fifth place.

But the mile was hard, and perhaps a bit too fast early on. In the final lap, Laura Muir pushed, with Hellen Obiri inspired and Hellen went by in the last stretch, with Hellen Obiri running 4:16.56, MR and NR, with Laura Muir in second in 4:18.03.

The former meet record goes back to Mary Slaney, US star of the 1970s and 80s, who ran 4:19.56 at the London meeting on 2 August 1985 (on 24 August, Mary Slaney ran 4:16.71 in Zurich).

The mile was deep, with Winny Chebet (Kenya) in third in 4:19.55, Angelika Cichoka, (Poland), in 4:19.58 NR, and Jenny Simpson (USA), 4:19.98 PB and Laura Weightman (GBR), 4:20.05 PB. The mile was a huge PB fest!

Here is my attempt at Live coverage of the fine mile event!

Jakob Ingebrigtsen, European Cross Country 2016, photo by PhotoRun.net

KORTRIJK (BEL, Jul 8): Norway´s super talent 16 years old Jakob Ingebrigtsen won here at the meet steeple in 8:26.81 what is new European U20 record. Jamaican Michael Campbell won the 100 m in 10.20 (+3.2) ahead of South African Lebakeng Sesele 10.20 who won the 200 m in 20.27 (-0.3) PB with Campbell second 20.47. In good women 5000 m Kenyan Lilian Rengeruk won in 14:44.27 ahead of Lewetegn Sintyaehu from Ethiopia 14:53.44. Ugandan Esther Chebet topped the 1500 m in 4:06.34 with US Shannon Osika second 4:06.88. Close 800 m finish as Gena Lofstrand of South Africa in 2:02.05 beat Ugandan Winnie Nanyondo 2:02.06. Another South African win, even a double for Justine Palframan 22.84 (+1.7) and 52.47 in 200/400 m. Australian talent Joseph Deng won the 800 m in 1:46.51, Djibouti´s Mohamed Ismail 1500 m in 3:36.98 and Jamaican O´Dayne Richards shot put 20.46.

RunBlogRun opines: Jakob Ingebrigtsen is another example of why European Athletics next generation is looking so amazing. Enjoy watching the Ingebrigtsen family race everywhere we can as they are unique family and hugely popular in Norway.

David Weir, photo by PhotoRun.net

Yesterday, the two of the most beloved athletics athletes in Great Britian competed in their last Diamond League. We will write about Mo Farah later today, but for now, cousin Stuart Weir is writing on cousin David Weir, the man who made Paralympics popular in his home country. David will race on the roads only in the future, and yesterday, in the London Olympic Stadium, where, five years ago, he was so amazing, he ended his career with a win over T54 800 meters.

This is week two of our hill phase, and the workouts will be harder, three days of hill work this week, plus three easy days and a long run. On the hill days, remember to shorten your stride, look down and your feet and pump your arms. Do not look at the top of the hill, stay focused. Hills will help get you fit in a shorter period of time. Remember to hydrate, stay away from carbonated beverages and please, please do not drink Energy drinks. They are not energy drinks.

Mud and hills make you strong! Here's Martin Hehir, photo by PhotoRun.net

Monday, July 10, 2017 warm up, Fartlek, forty minutes, five minutes up hills, five minutes easy four times, cooldown

Shelayna Oksan-Clarke, British Trials, photo by David Wearn

Could fund your dream, on your own, for seven years? That is what 800 meter runner Shelayne Oksan-Clarke did, and Stuart Weir explains her patience and strong belief in herself. Shelayna took second in the Muller Anniversary Games on Sunday in the Olympic stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

The London DL, aka Muller Anniversary Games entertained 35,000 British track fans one month out from the World Championships.

Two of the finest performances were the 800 meters in 1:43.18 from Nijel Amos and 49.66 for 400 meters from Allyson Felix.

Here are the highlights from our partner, EME News, who provide daily updates on the world of athletics.

Allyson Felix, 2017 USATF Championships, photo by Brian Eder for RunBlogRun

Sally Pearson is the 2012 Olympic champion. That is a fact. Over the past three years, she has dealt with a series of injuries, and many of her fans and supporters were hoping that she could make it back to the top.

There had been some promising signs. But, an Olympic champion has been there, they know what they feel like when they are racing fit, they know how confident they feel after good races and workouts, and they know how they race when all the pistons in the mortal engine are firing. Sally Pearson is a smart, focused and precise athlete.

Straight from the track and back on another plane headed to Switzerland to compete on Tuesday!! @adidasrunning @adidaswomen @jamesfrizelles @channel9 @plusfitness #athlete #athletelife #athletics #lifeofanathlete #travel #travelling #travelday #london #mulleranniversarygames #switzerland #herewecome

A post shared by Sally Pearson (@salpearson) on Jul 9, 2017 at 11:50am PDT

In the semi-final, Sally Pearson put in the extra effort to win her heat. I noted that, what is up with Sally? Is she telling us something? Keni Harrison ran a fast first heat and all the talk was about Keni.

In the final, Keni Harrison went out, as did Sally Pearson. Keni Harrison runs relaxed, focused and hits one hurdle, but keeps it together. All of sudden, Sally Pearson's hunter instinct is back and she sees Keni's mishap, and begins to put the pressure on. Harrison wins in 12.39 and Pearson, healthy, but also confident, takes second in 12.48.

Sally Pearson is back, and we look forward to the World Championships, just twenty-five days away!

Chris O'Hare, won British Trials and London DL 1,500m! photo by David Wearn

Stuart Weir wrote this, his second of four articles on the Muller Anniversary Games on the state of British Athetics. Stu was fond of Chris O'Hare's fine win here, his second in one week at the British Trials. Chris will be competing in London 2017. O'Hare trains with the BAA Track Club in U.S. under the watchful eye of Terrance Mahon. Chris O'Hare, as most of you know, is the bronze medalist from both the European Indoor and Outdoor Championships.

What a treat to watch Wayde Van Niekerk race! This season, Wayde has run 9.91 for 100 meters (PB), 200 meters in 19.84 (PB) and recently, on 28 June in 30.81 for 300 meters (yes, you guessed it, a PB).

Wayde Van Niekerk, photo by PhotoRun.net

On the 6 of July, we wanted Wayde run a fine 400 meters in 43.62. This was, of course, the fastest of the year, and the meet record, but it was the way that Wayde Van Niekerk raced the 400 meters that sent chills down fans's spines. @WaydeDreamer did not come off the 300 meter mark in the lead, but made a short burst, took the lead, and relaxed to the finish, running the easiest 43.62 that this writer has ever seen.

Wayde Van Niekerk, Lausanne DL, photo by PhotoRun.net

How fast will Wayde Van Niekerk run? My belief is that the first sub 43 second 400 meters is only a matter of time.

Here is my live call of the South African's 400 meters in Lausanne. We hope that you like it!

RunBlogRun opines: Justin Lagat wrote this piece on the performances of Nijel Amos, Mo Farah and Hellen Obiri. Justin provides @runblogrun readers with a weekly view from Kenya. This piece is on the London Diamond League meeting, aka the Muller Anniversary Games. In 26 days, the London Olympic stadium will be host to the 2017 World Outdoor Athletics Championships.

Each step you take is one piece of something greater....keep moving•#Faith.#ROADTOLONDON•#OTC•#CENEMEDIA•#NAF•#NIKE•#Rowknows•..

A post shared by 🇧🇼Nijel Zoro Amos🇧🇼 (@nijel_zoro_amos) on Jul 3, 2017 at 3:03am PDT

Genzebe Dibaba made a game run for the World record for the mile, which is 4:12.56, set by Svetlana Masterkova on 14 August 1996. Svetlana Masterkova won the 800 meters and 1,500 meters in Atlanta 1996 Olympics. Her mile record still stands as Genzebe Dibaba ran hard, but, perhaps a bit too fast, to get that mile record.

Genzebe Dibaba, Lausanne DL, photo by PhotoRun.net

Genzebe, paced by Jenny Meadows, hit 61.4, 2:06.10 and 3:10.6, and Dibaba was by herself after 900 meters. Dibaba ran hard, and her grimace over the last lap showed the effort of her attempt. RunBlogRun thinks that Genzebe is about three weeks away from top racing fitness. We look forward to seeing her in London. Genzebe was a bit too fast midway, and that last lap was just too much for Dibaba at this time.

Here's what Genzebe had to say after the race:

Last month, Dalilah Muhammed ran the fastest time in the world, 52.64, over the 400 meter hurdles in the USATF Outdoors. Her time lead three under 53 minutes and six under 54 minutes, and her time of 52.64 was the fastest time ever run in North America.

At the Lausanne DL, Dalilah had a hamstring cramp and stopped racing between hurdle 1 and 2. She finished sixth in the Muller Anniversary Games yesterday and Stuart Weir caught up with Delilah after her race.

Delilah Muhammed, USATF Outdoors, photo by PhotoRun.net

This is my third meeting in one week, and I do enjoy the Diamond Leauge. I was at Paris on July1, Lausanne on July 6 and London on July 9. Such is the life of the athletic pilgrim. I noticed that each meet had a strong finish, and while media numbers are down in all three venues, the crowds were involved and enthused at all three meets!

The sport is in a historic place right now: progress is being made on sports and ethics front, which we applaud. There are some wonderful new stars who have personalities that attract young fans, and are strong role models. And sponsors, who, in all cases, have champions at their companies, who love the sport, and want it to change. And finally, new leadership in IAAF is enthused and wants to change the sport.

Strong performances in women's javelin, women's mile and 400 meters, men's 3000 meters, and 110 meter hurdles portend for an exciting World Championships. Watch the meets over the next few weeks, as some fine performances should ring out!

#Work #Work #Work @londonstadium for @diamondleagueathletics #mulleranniversarygames @britishathletics

A post shared by James Willcocks (@willcocks1987) on Jul 9, 2017 at 5:26am PDT

Long runs are one of the building blocks of cross country training over the summer. If you run 60-70 minutes a day, you will be quite fit over the summer. If you add hill training, some fartlek, and perhaps, tempo runs, you will be racing fit. Our goal is to make you racing fit.

Kellyn Taylor, photo by PhotoRun.net

Today is Sunday, July 9. It is a long run day. Find a place to run, like a park or soccer pitch and get in your fifty minutes today!

Sunday, July 9, 2017. warm up, 50 minutes, in hills, cooldown

What an esteemed group at the presser!

Aries Merritt is the 2012 London gold medalist, and 110m world record holder (12.80, September 7, 2012). In 2015, Aries Merritt won the bronze medal at the Beijing World Champs and promptly headed back to the US, for a kidney transplant from his sister. Aries had developed a hereditary disease that destroys kidneys. A second surgery was needed to position the kidney better. In 2016, Aries took fourth in the US Olympic Trials.

Aries Merritt, 2017 USATF champs, photo by PhotoRun.net

2107 has worked much better, as Aries Merritt is on the 2017 World Championships team. " I am racing myself into fitness, and then, training in Birmingham prior to London World Championships. An amazing competitor, Aries Merritt must have wanted to come back, as the virtually insurmountable wall he had to climb to return to fitness has been inspiring.

Elaine Thompson, Pre Classic 2017, photo by PhotoRun.net

Elaine Thompson won the 100m and 200m in Rio last year. In London, she will only run the 100 meters in London 2017, and the relay. The 200 meters will have to wait. Thompson is very relaxed, and gives off an aura of being a bit preoccupied. However, that is a bit of any act. Thompson is a fierce competitor and provides a good interview.

Dafne Schippers, LausanneDL, photo by PhotoRun.net

Dafne Schippers is focused on the goal of double medals in London. With Tori Bowie and Elaine Thompson not doubling, Schippers will have a better shot at that goal. Competitive, with huge drive, Dafne Schippers is pretty tough competitor. Her 200 meters in Lausanne, where she battled Marie Jose Ta Lou to the finish line was a convincer for me. Dafne Schippers, under coach Rana Reider, will be ready for London 2017.

Mariya Lesitskane, total dominance of high jump, photo by PhotoRun.net

Sara Kolak, a javelin whisperer? photo by PhotoRun.net

Dafne Schippers prevails in the 200 meters in Lausanne, Photo by PhotoRun.net

At the British Athletics pressers today for the London DL, there were two rather modest looking press conferences, which, quite frankly, were well recieved and worth attending for media.

Kerron Clement, US Championships, photo by Brian Eder for RunBlogRun

Kerron Clement, the 2016 Olympic champion at the 400 meter hurdles (one of his three Olympic medals: gold in 2008 at 4x400m relay and silver in 400m hurdles in 2008), as well as a 4 time World Champion is only 31 years old, considering his time on the elite circuit. One of the most talented athletes in any event in our sport, Kerron combines the speed of the 400 meter runner and the endurance of the 400 meter hurdles. His most potent skill is turning the field into mush over the last hundred meters of the 400m hurdles, when his fitness level is right on.

Keni Harrison, 2017 USATF champs, photo by PhotoRun.net

Keni Harrison is the world record holder in the 100 meter hurdles at 12.20, after her disappointment in not making the U.S. Olympic team. Keni had a setback in Doha, where she broke her hand in warm up and still won the race. After six weeks recovery, Keni came back, ran 12.28, won the US champs, and with her wild card from DL last year, is on the way to London 2017.

Here is the presser featuring Kerron Clement and Keni Harrison. It was light, but also gave each a chance to speak about their specialties.

For the third time in three years, Andre De Grasse has won the Canadian championships. While some media organizations noted the modest time, RunBlogRun believes that we focus on times way too much and the titles are the important thing. De Grasse won the Canadian title on 7 July in 10.11, in Ottowa. Brendan Rodney was second in 10.18. The double gold Pan Am champ (100m and 200m) continues to roll.

Andre De Grasse, photo by PhotoRun.net

Andre De Grasse has been busy since Rio. His silver in the 200 meters, his bronze in the 100 meters and his bronze in the 4x100m made him a bit of a rock star in sports crazy Canada. Andre, quite smartly is not allowing anyone to categorize him. And, we at RunBlogRun applaud his approach.

Andre De Grasse has been picked as the next great sprinter. He has been compared to Usain Bolt. Quite frankly, that is not fair. With the likes of Andre De Grasse, Trayvon Bromell, Christian Coleman, and Noah Lyles, among others, the next generation of sprinters, on a global scale, looks promising, it is too early to say who will do what.

I recall Andre De Grasse getting some rather obtuse questions in Doha, at the first Diamond League meeting. He was asked if he could replace Usain Bolt? Andre De Grasse gave the question and the reporter much more respect than I would have showed. Quietly, and quite thoughtfully he said, " I need to be Andre De Grasse."

Stop looking for the next Usain Bolt. It will never happen again. For athletes like Andre De Grasse, Mondo Duplantis, Keni Harrison, Christian Taylor to be superstars, they need to be themselves, and they need to reveal just enough of themselves for the sports public to find them of interest. Easier to say, than to do.

As we are telling you, Hill training can give you super powers for the fall cross country season. Hills are the secret sauce. Run hills every day your can, even running slow, you will get faster and stronger.

Kellyn Taylor, photo by PhotoRun.net

Watch our hill focus in July . Check out the Lausanne and London Diamond League meetings, lots of great races!

Vin Lananna and Mike Reilly have put on a three meet series in the U.S., with sponsor support, some media support and the enthusiasm of the athletes. It was a good start. RunBlogRun covered each meet (Steve Ritchie for Palo Alto, Lori Shotz on Portland/Gresham, and Jeff Benjamin on New York).

Robbie Andrews, after his A standard of 3:35.25, photo by Jeff Benjamin

There will have to be an increased presense, media buildup and terrestrial TV support to make the series work in 2018. That will mean increased support for athletics media in the U.S. Great to see Beynon Surfaces (buy their tracks, finely made and good company) support the TrackTown Summer Series. Beynon is an example of a company that puts back into the culture of athletics. Beynon has been like that for many years.

The apparent belief, on all things track and field in the US is that the athletics media has nothing better to do but cover domestic meets. The absolute lack of support for media priot to Sacramento affected the crowds terribly, and truth is, athletics media can do much to support events, from email blasts to banner ads, to several month build up, but most domestic meets have little or no involvement or appreciation that media, either print or digital, cost money.

At RunBlogRun, we have been fortunate to find support through key advertisers. They realize that the running culture that they benefit from was created by many media groups around the country. For photographers, writers and technical people to provide the content you love on RunBlogRun, we seek advertisers. Funny thing is, road racing, for the most part, supports track & field content more than the members of track & field advertisers. A strange situation, but, it has been that way for a decade.

Here is Jeff Benjamin's coverage of the running events at TrackTown Grand Finale. We will provide coverage of the field events in another article.

I remember watching Karien Hussein win the 2014 European Outdoor Championships over 400 meter hurdles. He shocked many with that fine run. With the rigors of medical school, Kariem has been juggling training and education, and that is tough. In 2016, Kariem won the bronze medal in the 2016 European Outdoor Champs over 400 meter hurdles.

Well, Kariem Hussein delighted the Swiss crowd at Athletissima last night, winning the 400 meter hurdles in the last steps. Kariem had looked good the entire final straight, and this must have been comforting and inspiring for the fine hurdler. Running his best time in over a year, Kariem Hussein won the 400 meter hurdles in 48.79 last night!

Lausanne still rocking: now with a swiss win! @kariemhussein finishes strong in 48"79: big season best for him and a delighted crowd! @diamondleagueathletics #athletissima

A post shared by Athletissima Lausanne DL (@athletissima) on Jul 6, 2017 at 12:05pm PDT

Jakob Ingebrigtsen, photo by PhotoRun.net

OSLO (NOR, Jul 6): At Boysen Memorial at the Bislett Stadium young Jakob Ingebrigtsen clocked national U18 5000 m record 13:49.54. Amalie Iuel achieved 52.19 and 56.87 in 400 m and 400 m hurdles and Jonathan Quarcoo posted windy 10.17 (+2.8) in the 100 m.

RunBlogRun opines: Jakob continues to develop his fine middle distance running skills, with recent 3:58.07, 3:56.08 for mile and now this fine 5000 meter run. We look forward to seeing him race again. We understand that the entire Ingebrigtsen family runs. More on this colorful family as the season progresses.

Mary Lasitskene, Dreaming of 2.10m? photo by PhotoRun.net

Wayde Van Niekerk, when will he drop the first sub 43?

Great performances in Lausanne on a near perfect evening in the home of the Olympic movement. Lasitskene was amazing and powerful in her jumping and Van Niekerk was just as dominating in his modest show of power in this run, perhaps the most relaxed 43.66 that this writer has ever witnessed.

The 400 meters is one of the toughest events in our sport. The human body is not made to run all out for that long. Most humans can run about 300 meters all out before the body shuts down. Clyde Hart, the USATF Hall of Fame coach who taught Baylor runners how to run the 400 meters, including one successful guy named Micheal Johnson, looks at the 400 meters as a case in energy management.

I have not spoken to the Coach of Wayde Van Niekerk, but I want to. In watching her speak about Wayde and his training, I am fascinated by her observation skills and comments on how Wayde works in training. Wayde Van Niekerk is in the fine hands of an excellent coach.

Last night was another example of the controlled agression that Wayde Van Niekerk possesses. HIs 400 meters was modest for the first 300 meters, then, a quick burst, and as quick as the burst hit, the burst was over. Physics got this young man across the finishi line, and the most modest energy expenditure for a 43.62 effort that this writer has ever witnessed.

Wayde Van Niekerk can break the WR nearly at will.

AMAZING NIGHT IN LAUSANNE! SOIRÉE MAGIQUE À LAUSANNE! Summary and pictures of a magic evening in La Pontaise on our website. Résumé d'une soirée magique à La Pontaise sur notre site. @ubsathletics @diamondleagueathletics #LausanneDL #Athletissima #RoadToTheFinals

A post shared by Athletissima Lausanne DL (@athletissima) on Jul 6, 2017 at 2:33pm PDT

Unfortunately, Dalilah Muhammed did not make the second hurdle. By then, the race was on, and Ashley Spencer and Lea Sprunger were out fast. The US 400 meter hurdler took the lead off the turn and ran for home, running 53.90.

Lea Sprunger had 15,000 Swiss fans cheering on their fine sprinter turned hurdler (who was a heptathlete before). Recently, Lea had broken the Swiss NR for the 400 meters, with a 51.09. Her 54.26 PB and second place in Lausanne showed that Sprunger has the speed, endurance and determination to become a fine 400 meter hurdler.

Une des plus belles soirée d'athlétisme de tous les temps... VIDÉO COMPLÈTE sur FB et www.athletissima.com! #Athletissima #RoadToTheFinals @ubsathletics @diamondleagueathletics @leasprunger @kariemhussein @sarah_atcho @salomekora @waydedreamer

A post shared by Athletissima Lausanne DL (@athletissima) on Jul 7, 2017 at 2:41am PDT

The season for summer training is here. Next week gets harder, and so will the week after that. But, if you follow our training, you will be fitter and fitter each week. Follow our program, and if you have questions, send us a note, [email protected].

Scott Fauble, photo by PhotoRun.net

Friday, July 7, 2017. warm up, easy 30-40 minute run with two 150 meter stride outs, then cooldown

Mariya Lasitskene, Pre Classic 2017, photo by PhotoRun.net

The 15,000 fans in the Stade Olympic de la Pontiase were feted on Thursday night to some of the finest moments of track & field anywhere in 2017. More than that, the combination of local, regional and country events, plus global class events showed what the Diamond League should be, when it is a focused three hours.

Where do we begin?

Tomas Walsh started the shot well, with a 21.97m throw. Ryan Crouser, the recent US champ and man with longest throw in 14 years, dropped a 22.18m first throw. Then, Crouser gave a lesson in shot put throwing: 22.18m, a foul, 21.56m, 22.39m, 22.35m. The fifth attempt did the job! Ryan Crouser wins with 22.39m.

The investment in the men's pole vault with Sam Kendricks, Renaud Lavillenie and Mondo Duplantis had the fans fascinated until the end of the night. Mondo cleared 5.71m, finishining seventh, Renaud Lavillenie continued his healthy jumping, clearing 5.81m, a seasonal best, and Sam Kendricks battled Pawel Wojciechowksi, Poland, who took two times to Sam Kendrick's one time to clear 5.93m, a new meet record. Both tried 6.03m, and did not make a clearance.

The men's 400 meters was fascinating, with Thebe Baboloki leading through 300 meters, and then, with a quick burst, actually a lengthening of his stride, Wayde Van Niekerk took control, and then, gently finished, with a WL of 43.62, with Baboloki in 44.02 PB. Wayde Van Niekerk's WL, DLR, MR.

On the women's side, Daphne Schippers battled with Marie Josee Ta Lou, who did not let up. Schippers ran a seasonal best of 22.15 and Marie Jose Ta Lou ran 22.16 NR!

In the women's 400m hurdles, world leader Dallilah Muhammed dnfed, a week after her 52.64. Ashley Spencer put on the pressure, winning in 53.90, with Swiss star Lea Sprunger running a gutty race, and running PB of 54.29, a week after Sprunger's NR of 51.09.

In the deepest 800 meters in this writer's memory, ten women were under 2 minutes with Francine Niyongasa, who lead and won in 1:56.82, a seasonal best. Charlene Lipsey ran a gutty race and was rewarded with her 1:57.38 PB, with Siffan Hassan in fourth in 1:58.13 PB, and Laura Muir showing top fitness in fifth in PB 1:58.69. Lovisa Lundh, Sweden set NR of 1:58.77 NR with Lynsey Sharp showing a return to fitness in 1:58.80. Eight women under 1:59!

In her last throw, Sara Kolak woke up the javelin world with a NR, WL, MR throw of 68.43m, over coming Barbora Spotakova's seasonal best of 67.40m! In a PB, Kathryn Mitchell threw 66.12m !

Finally, the most amazing event was the high jump demonstration provided by Mariya Lasitskene, who cleared 1.90m, 1.93m, on first attempts, 1.96m on second attempt, 2.01 meters on first attempt, 2.06m on second attempt, and three healthy attempts at 2.10m. Mariya Lasitskene is, in my mind, only athlete who can challenge women's HJ at this time. Her domination and elegance over the bar, with 15 straight wins, shows how we are underestimating this fine athlete.

The press conferences at Diamond League events make a huge difference in how media such as myself can cover an event. For our readers to be informed, RunBlogRun tries to get interviews with top stars, and follow events, development by development so our readers appreciate the competition in these major events. The quality of Diamond League events have been great, good and, well, under DL level. There is some tension this year, as 2018 will mean that all is up for negotiation and most of the players seem to want changes, but are playing their cards close.

Ivana Spanovic, photo by PhotoRun.net

Ivana Spanovic and Mariya Latiskene were well spoken, Latiskene being translated from Russian to French, and French to English. Translation is an acquired taste and also can be done poorly, which we have seen. However, in Paris and Lausanne, translation was quite good.

Ivana Spanovic told that she had an injury two weeks before the Pre Classic. Her performance in Lausanne would be her first outdoor competition. Spanovic wants to jump longer indoors (7.24m is her best indoors), and reach 7.07-7.10 meters outdoors. Ivana has a nice sense of humor and is a fine athlete and competitor. Her English is nuanced.

Mariya Lasitskene, photo by PhotoRun.net

Mariya Lasitskene is quite cautious. Not understanding Russian, but realizing that Ms. Lasitskene is cautious that media will always ask her about Russian doping, this writer focused on her performances and goals in sport. Mariya did show several things: she is both, terribly confident of her jumping and terribly competitive. Note that she says that she competes with herself, and does not believe anyone can jump with her, when she is at her best.

Fartlek and hills are a winning combination. The ability to change gears quickly and the ability to be confident in hills are trained into a runner. Today's run, a fartlekt session is as hard as you want to make it, keep it modest, as you are just starting to run again.

Kellyn Taylor, photo by PhotoRun.net

Thursday, July 6, 2017. warm up, 45 minute fartlek, run one minute hard, two minutes easy, repeat 15 times, then, cooldown

Truth is this. Last summer, the 400 meter final in Rio was paradigm changing. Kirani James, 2012 Olympic champion, LaShawn Merritt, 2008 Olympic champion, and Wayde Van Niekerk, together at 300 meters.

Wayde Van Niekerk, world changer, photo by PhotoRun.net

Then, Wayde Van Niekerk put some distance between one of the finest fields ever over 400 meters and set the World record of 43.03. Amazingly, he was not puking on the ground, nor was he going to the hospital after the race.

In my several interviews with Wayde, I have totally been impressed by his poise, genuine thoughtfulness and modesty.

This year, Wayde has run PBs for 100 meters of 9.94, 19.84 for 200 meters, a world lead, and a world record of 30.81 for 300 meters.

His only foray over 400 meters has been modest. His race in Lausanne on Thursday, July 6 will not be a modest effort. Watch the meet record go down.

Now, listen up and enjoy Wayde Van Niekerks comments to the media at the Lausanne Presser.

Last week you had Sam Kendrick and Renaud Lavillenie speaking about their affection for the pole vault, their different approaches to vaulting and their appreciation for each other. This week, they added the new star of the sport, Mondo Duplantis. As Sam Kendricks said, "Mondo has more world records than Renaud and I combined, heck, I don't have any world records!"

This interview of Mondo Duplantis, Renaud Lavillenie and Sam Kendricks is worth a view and a listen!

Sam Kendricks, Mondo Duplantis and Renaud Lavillenie, photo by PhotoRun.net

Lea Sprunger has had a colorful career in athletics. Her formative years were spent as a heptathlete and as she moved into the sprints, and then, the 400 meter hurdles, the strength and speed from her early carear has made a huge impact.

Lea Sprunger, courtesy of Swiss Athletics

At La Chaux-de-Fonds, Lea Sprunger recently set the Swiss record for the 400 meters, an epic one, and took the new record to 51.09. Her indoor 400m best is 52.24, and her 400m hurdles best is 54.63.

With that fine 400 meters, and her hurdle technique, I asked when we will see her under 54 seconds. Lea noted, " I believe I can run under 54 seconds, perhaps this year, perhaps next year. On Thursday night, Lea Sprunger will run in the 400m hurdles against Dalilah Muhammed, the US champion, and with her time of 52.64, the fastest 400m hurdler active today. We wish Lea much luck as she runs the toughest event on the track, the 400 meter hurdles.

So, the zen moment of Ryan Crouser happened on June 25, 2017. Ryan told us that he knew Joe Kovacs had thrown far, but no sure how far. Ryan then saw that Joe Kovacs had taken his lead, with Kovac's 22.35 meter heave.

Ryan Crouser got in the ring. "On my sixth throws, I normally push it, but this time, I stayed in control and used the power in my lower body to push the shot out there. There was a time when I was in the ring that I forgot what I was doing. That is normally good and means that I will probably throw far." And, Ryan Crouser threw 22.65 meters, his personal best.

When I asked Ryan Crouser to critique the throw, he said that there were three things he could improve. " I feel pretty good about the throw because I did not do the three things I want to do on each throw.

This newest update of the European Athletics list is report 23. Carles Baronet, our friend from Catalonia, compiles these list for our RunBlogRun readers most weeks of the year. This list is extensive, with many national championships. In Catalan, Gracias amic meu (Thank you, my friend).

Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake broke the 30 year old MR of one John Regis at the British Trials, photo by David Wearn

Shelana Oksan-Clarke, 800m winner, British Trials, photo by David Wearn

Robbie Grabberz competed in Paris DL and British Trials, winning Trials, photo by David Wearn

This column is from Paul Halford. It is to provide RunBlogRun readers an intimate view of athletics in Great Britian. I have changed name from UK Athletics Diary, to take confusion that we have official relationship, and now, British athletics diary.

Paul Halford is providing us interesting and accurate columns each and every week on the challenges within the British athletics system. We hope that you like it.

Christian Taylor won the World Champs in 2011 and the Olympic gold medal in 2012. In 2013, Christian Taylor was shut out by Teddy Tamgho's win. In 2014, Taylor rededicated himself and won the 2015 World Champs in 2015, with Pedro Pichardo, who was silver in 2013 and 2015. In 2016, Christian won his second gold medal at the Triple Jump.

Christian Taylor, photo by PhotoRun.net

Christian Taylor speaks in this interview on what drives him, what movitates him, and how competitng with Pedro Pablo Pichardo helped him rediscover his love for the triple jump and competing.

An intense interview, this is a view into what makes one of the finest athletes in the world function!

This was a fun interview. An established European sprint star, and a new shining star in the rough.

Dafne Schippers, photo by PhotoRun.net

Dafne Schippers, who is the finest European women over 200 meters and 100 meters, as well as 2015 Beijing World Champ over 200 meters, 2015 Beijing silver medalist over 100 meters and 2013 Moscow bronze medalist over heptathlon.

In Europe, Dafne is 2014 European outdoor champ (Zurich) gold in 100m, 200m, 2016 European Outdoor gold (Amsterdam ) over 100 meters and 4x100m relay. In 2012, (Helsinki), Dafne had the silver medal in the 4x100 meters. A converted hepathlete, Dafne loves to race, and believes her hep strength helps her in the sprints, her passion.

Sarah Atcho (left), Swiss 4x100 meter team, Amsterdam European Champs, 2016, photo courtesy of All-Athletics.com

The 22 year old Swiss athlete has already competed in the Olympics on the 4x100 meters. This year, she has qualified for the 200 meter as an individual with her 22.92 on 18 June. Sarah is competing in the big leagues for the first time at Lausanne. She knows she is running against the best in the world, and now is the time to deliver on her promise.

Sarah seemed to understand the enormity of her task. She will have her day in Lausanne tomorrow and if she does well, she will be a fine sprinter in Europe for years to come. Sarah is competing in the 200 meters against Dafne Schippers tomorrow night.

A fun presser, here is the video and audio.

The Athletissima meeting is steeped in tradition. The headquarters hotel is the Movenpick, located along the shore of Lake Geneva, in the city of Lausanne, the french speaking part of Switzerland. This first press conference featured three Swiss athletes:

Julien Wenders, breaking Swiss 10k record (28:22), photo courtesy TrackandLife.fr

Julien Wanders, a distance runner, has PBs of 13:37.48 for 5,000 meters, 28:06.17 for 10,000m, and 1:01:43, for the half marathon, all run in 2017. Wanders was injured after his 10,000m PB and Half marathon PB, but has had a two month training block with all the muscles firing, and is focused on running 13:22.60, the A standard for the London 2017 World Champinships. Julien will have a pacer for his pace in the 5000 meters on 6 July.

Selina Buchel, photo by PhotoRun.net

Selina Buchel is the two time winner of the European indoor 800 meters, in Praha in 2015 and in Belgrade in 2017. Buchel has run her PB at Lausanne in 2015, with 1:57.95. This year's 800 meters is very hot, and Selina hopes to run her personal best. She is a tough runner and has done well in physical races. Selina is fit and wants to race well.

Kariem Hussein, photo by PhotoRun.net

In 2014, Kariem Hussein enthused his fellow Swiss with his masterful and suprising win over the 400 meter hurdles in the 2014 European Outdoor Champs in Zurich. In 2016, in Amsterdam, Kariem Hussein took the bronze medal over the 400 meter hurdles. In medical school, Kariem will graduate in 2018. This is the first year, in two years, that Kariem is happy with his health and fitness. He is looking for a seasonal best on Thursday and hopes to run in the 48 second range.

The interview below features a wonderful translater, who understands the sport as well as French and English. Her fluidity during these press conferences in amazing.

Like Paris, the media have pretty good access to the elite. Our only issue is that, with translations and such, interviews of 25 minutes are really half of that. But, this was admirable in the number and breadth of athletes. Here is the interview, posted below.

The magic of hills is not just physical, but emotional. Running on trails, running in parks, all give one a break from the daily grind. Find those places where you can relax and just run. Do not worry about your music, GPS, just time your run and go. The simpler some days, the better.

It is not about ignoring modern techonology. It is knowing when to turn it on and turn it off. Running is about getting closer to your world and appreciating the sounds of silence, as one songwriting team noted oh so long ago.

Craig Lutz, photo by PhotoRun.net

Wednesday, July 5, 2017. warm up, easy 35-40 minute minute run, two times 150 meter stride outs, cooldown.

Here's the teaser for Athletissima, and it is fun! The men's 400 meters could be the highlight of the meet on July 6, in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The 400 meters will feature some of the finest 400 meter runners in the world, including LaShawn Merritt, 2008 Olympic champion, and Wayde Van Niekerk, 2016 World Champion and world record holder.

Here's the video, and after you watch it, read my deep thoughts on Wayde and how fast this man can go!

Leonard Korir, photo by PhotoRun.net

Aliphine Tuliamuk, photo by PhotoRun.net

The battle for Atlanta was won today by Leonard Korir and Aliphine Tuliamuk, as the largest 10k in the world continues its sway over runners from around the world. The US 10k champs were won by Leonard Korir, US Army and Aliphine Tuliamuk, a naturalized US citizen, on the most important day of the US year, July 4, our Independence day. As a nation of immigrants, it is nice to see that both races were won by two people who showcase the power and diversity of our country.

The official press release is below....

Mutaz Barshim, photo by PhotoRun.net

Here is one of my favorite features from EME News. The team managed by Alfons Juck finds much of the behind the scenes info at major meets and provides it in a Flashback column. Some good information here. It is like you were at the meeting!

Usain Bolt running in 2009 at the Berlin Olympic stadium, photo by PhotoRun.net

Okay, we have heard this before at other sites around the world. Some knuckel head football club wants to take the track out of the famous Berlin Olympic stadium. The German mayor and Senate have voted to support the soccer club's demands. German Road Races, an organization that promotes some of the finest road races in Germany has joined many others in demanding that the track facilities be kept in the stadium. Read on, and please, like your favorite blogger (me), give the Mayor a piece of your mind (after you read the release below)! Save the Berlin Olympic Stadium!

Happy Fourth of July!

When I coached at Foothill college from 1990 to 1996, Joe Mangan, my buddy and the head coach, and I had a blast. We had an amazing series of trails behind campus and we would take new junior college runners and get them into shape in 8 weeks. Our secret sauce, as Joe and I called it, was the hills. No matter how slow you would run hills early on, in between cursing your coach, and thinking the end was near, the hills would do their work. The runners would get faster and stronger, and more confident. Four weeks into it, they were new runners, eight weeks into it, they were running PBs. Joe and I would continue to smile, knowing that the secret sauce was consistency, the inspiration of nature, and those darn hills.

Scott Fauble, photo by PhotoRun.net

I recall one Olympic champion, who, due to achilles tenderness, had to run uphill for his strength and speed work. He did this for twelve weeks and with some short sprints around soccer pitches, he was fit and ready to race.

Embrace the hills, they are your friends!

Tuesday, July 4, 2017. warm up, run four 200 meter hill repeats, shorten stride, pump arms, look down at your feet, jog down easy, 30 minute run, then, cooldown.

Omar McLeoad, Pre Classic 2017, photo by PhotoRun.net

PARIS (FRA): There is no injury worry for Omar McLeod. He tweeted after Paris race: "I am doing great guys. Just caught a cramp in both my calves." His next meet on Tuesday at Gyulai Memorial in Szekesfehervar.

The Ostrava Golden Spike meeting was amazing in 2017. Again, I missed it. It is on my list, but the US champs and an illness kept me from getting on the road for that meet.

Watching the meeting highlights, speaking to several of my contemporaries, and reading the major media on the meet, here is what I have come up with as five lessons from 2017 Ostrava Golden Spike. Alfons Juck and meet management should be very proud. They are truly one of the finest meetings in the world.

Dnes to bude dlouhé vítězné kolečko pro @usainbolt! 📷: Pavel Lebeda/ @sportpics.cz / It's going to be pretty long winners lap for @usainbolt #9thtimeinostrava #usainbolt #goldenspike #zlatatretra

A post shared by Zlatá Tretra Ostrava (@zlatatretra) on Jun 28, 2017 at 12:41pm PDT

Cindy Roleder, photo by PhotoRun.net

Cindy Roleder, Germany, is out of the World Championships. The 2015 World Championship bronze medalist over 100 meters, 2016 European Outdoor gold medalist at 100 meters, Cindy took fifth in the Rio Olympics. In 2017, Roleder won the 2017 European indoor Athletics championships over 60 meter hurdles, held in Belgrade, Sebia in March. Per @emenews, Cindy Roleder has an inflamation of the sciatica, a painful condition in the back that requires rest.

RunBlogRun met Cindy at the European Indoors and enjoyed our conversation. A fine athlete, we look forward to seeing her back in 2018 for the European Championships.

When Elaine Thompson battled Dafne Schippers over the 200 meters in Beijing, Dafne Schippers got the upper hand and won in August 2015. A year, later, Elaine Thompson won the 100 meters and 200 meters going away. Her run in Doha showed her behind off the turn and then, Thompson destroyed the field over the 200 meters in Doha in May 2016.

Then came Eugene. Elaine Thompson was spoke of, by some of the cognescenti of the sport, as 'unbeatable'. Any time that is said, someone comes along and kicks proverbial butt. Tori Bowie ran a nearly perfect 200 meters in Eugene, and Elaine Thompson and Dafne Schippers were beat by Ms. Bowie.

Elaine Thompson, photo by PhotoRun.net

After the USATF outdoors, Tori Bowie, quite fatigued after the 200 meters, 100 meters double, made it quite clear that she would not double in London. The night before (June 24), it became clear that Elaine Thompson, by opting out of the 200 meters at the JAA, would not be elgible for London. On Sunday morning, June 25, I was on BBC radio with BBC Jamaica correspondent Kayon Rayner, who acknowledged, that without Elaine, probably no Jamaican women over 200 meters that would impress in August 2017.

Here is our interivew with Elaine. I got a few questions in and Elaine, as always, is charming and says just what she wants to say. While this may be relatively new to Ms. Thompson, Elaine says nothing that she does not want to say.

She will be fun to watch in London over 100 meters. In Paris, her 10.91 was, well, about 80 percent of what this fine sprinter can do.

Eric Jenkins, photo by PhotoRun.net

HEUSDEN (BEL): The traditional Heusden Athletics meet (Nacht van de Atletiek, EA Classic) on July 22 is planning as usual top distance fields. In men 1500 m fresh Belgian record holder Ismael Debjani with Moroccan Fouad El Kaam and also strong US runners are expected (Ryan Hill, Eric Jenkins).

Ryan HIll, photo by PhotoRun.net

The Paris Diamond League press conference is like no other series of press events in the world. The absolute amount of star athletes and access for the media is, well, unique. On that day, I recorded 10 interviews, and missed two!

Mutaz Essa Barshim, Strike a Pose, photo by PhotoRun.net

Mutaz Essa Barshim is a focused athlete. His fitness is strong, his health is strong and his mental energy is strong. In the far ranging press conference, we asked Mutaz about his current jumping, his new MR at Oslo and his pleasure at jumping 2.38 meters.

At Paris, Mutaz won at 2.35 meters, and came quite close to 2.39 meters. He will jump higher this summer and he wants to jump higher on a consistent basis.

Enjoy this interview. Know this, the men's high jump should be quite exciting in London, and the heights reached could historic!

Dalilah Muhammed, 400 meters World Leader, 52.64, photo by PhotoRun.net

SZEKESFEHERVAR (HUN): Tuesday´s Gyulai Memorial will have top 400 m hurdles with Olympic winenr and World leader Dalilah Muhammad against Kori Carter, Cassandra Tate, Leah Nugent and South African Wenda Nel. Ben Youssef Meite who won Paris DL is the latest addition in the 100 m field along with Christopher Belcher and Akani Simbine who replaced injured Asafa Powell.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, a milkman from New Zealand revolutionized training for distance runners. His name was Arthur Lydiard, and he experimented on himself, running up to 220 miles a week in his marathon training. He developed a group of young local runners who became some of the finest Olympic runners ever, including Peter Snell (800m gold twice, 1,500 meter gold once), Murray Halberg (5000m gold), Bill Bailee (bronze medal, marathon) and John Davis (bronze medal, 1,500 meters). Lydiard was controversial, brash, and well, colorful!

His concepts on training have inspired all of my running, especially through the eyes of the late 1968 Olympian Ron Daws, and his books Self Made Olympian. I went from 38 minutes over 10k to just under 32 minutes with that book by my side.

So we are starting hills. Hills are the secret sauce of cross country running. Master them, use them as your training partner, build your confidence, and you will crush your PBs.

When you start running hills, just keep relaxed and know that each day you run hills, the better you will become. Just watch the hard and easy days!

Scott Fauble, photo by PhotoRun.net

Monday, July 3, 2017: warm up, easy 40 minutes of running with some hills, two times 150 meter strideouts, cooldown

This is Lori Shontz's second article for the Portland stop of the Tracktown Summer series. In it, she provides us a unique view into the meet through the eyes of several of the athletes. Tell us what you thought of the meets, email me at [email protected]

Got that W today thank god first one after trials for the #tracktownsummerseries @tracktownusa team got the dub as well today, @af85 tell cookie and lucious have my limo ready when I touch down in New York Tomor!

A post shared by Mike Rodgers (@rodgerdat100) on Jul 2, 2017 at 6:46pm PDT

Okay, it is conversations of Larry for Day 4 from Sacramento. I do a rant on the poor quality of the audio system, which could have been fixed in hours if someone cared, but was not. This was not good for Sacramento as they bid for the 2020 Olympic Trials. The heat had played down by day four, and while warm, the races were good, but the fans were few. As there was little or no promotion of the USATF champs in the athletics media, many did not come, and the heat kept many away. Sport commissions still have not figured out, if you want people at any sports event, you need to promote to the serious fans and use them to reach the many people on the line. Still, some believe that, if you put on a track meet, people will just show up.

Donovan Brazier takes his first title, photo by Brian Eder for RunBlogRun

The second Tracktown Summer series meet was held in Portland today. We asked Lori Shontz, a professor at the University of Oregon who mentors young writers in sports journalism, to cover the meet for us. Here is the first of her two pieces!

#nofilter shot of the homestretch in the men's 1500 in Portland's first pro track and field meet in a long time. Thanks @tracktownusa for hosting a great meet and letting us crowd the track to cheer the guys on.

A post shared by Tilemaker of Fields (@toastedpaco) on Jul 2, 2017 at 5:42pm PDT

Hey sports fans! Conversations with Larry back, and here's my deep thougths day three for USATF Outdoors. We focused on the 1,500 meters, shot put for women and men's pole vault.

Sam Kendricks defies gravity, photo by PhotoRun.net

Adam Gemeli, 200 meters, photo by David Wearn

The British Championships and World Championship Trials was held on July 1 and July 2. The meet was held in Birmingham, England. This is EME news' review of the second day of the championships.

All championships have major moments and moments that could have been. Such was the case with the British Team Trials. Stuart Weir was in Birmingham to cover the two days for RunBlogRun. Here is his second column on the 2017 GB World Championship Team Trials (and British championships) by Stuart Weir. We are happy for his observations.

Alice Barrett wins 100m hurdles, photo by David Wearn

The European season is getting very hot, with the London World Championships 33 days away! Here is report 22, on 2016-17 European Athletics, by our friend from Catalonia, Carles Baronet. Enjoy the report and thanks once again to Carles, who works very hard each weekend to cover Europe, Africa, US and Canada.

Jeanine Assani Issouf signs autographs after finishing third in the triple jump at the European Athletics Team Championships Super League in Lille. #athletics #track #trackandfield #yoursportforlife

A post shared by European Athletics (@europeanathletics) on Jun 25, 2017 at 4:01am PDT

The beauty of athletics in the sumer is that there are several places one wants to be on the same day around the continent. I wanted to be in Paris and Birmingham at the same time. For me, Paris is obvious, with the fine Diamond League meeting. For Birmingham, the British Trials were being held, but also, my British family was all there. If you are fortunate, as I am, to have friends in many places that you travel, then, you are quite lucky.

Speaking of friends who travel, Stuart Weir was at it again this past weekend. Stuart covered the British championships for RunBlogRun.

Here's his first of two pieces on the GB Team Trials system!

The GB Team Trials at Birmingham, photo by Stuart Weir

Sunday long runs are a tradition in our sport. They build endurance, strength and help make you a much more efficient mortal engine. Run with friends and keep it relaxed.

Kellyn Taylor, photo by PhotoRun.net

Sunday, July 2, 2017, warm up, 45-50 minutes, minutes easy run, cool down

As you begin running again, please consider the HOKA ONE ONE training shoes.

To learn about our sponsor, please go to 2017 HOKA ONE ONE Postal Nationals

Want some inspiration? Then, check out the video below, which highlights the 2016 HOKA ONE ONE Postal Nationals. It should inspire you to ask coach if your team can compete in it. All teams are welcome and it is free! See how your team ranks across the U.S! Here's the video: http://www.runnerspace.com/video.php?video_id=190549#ooid=E2OHhiODE6d19qhv14SIqSXQX088IklV

This is Conversation with Larry for Day 2 of the USATF Outdoors. We focus on the 100 meters and the 5,000 meters.

Shelby Houlihan shows her sprinter's lean, winning 5000m, photo by PhotoRun.net

Justin Gatlin won the 100 meters off his experience. Christian Coleman ran a fine race, it was just that Justin ran it better. Tori Bowie just cranked it out and won the women's race, with the Oregon Ducks impressing. In the 5000 meters, Paul Chelimo just flew around the track, running 13:08.62 on a hot night and showing why he should challenge for the 5000m gold in London. On the women's side, Shelby Houlihan outkicked some serious competition, including Molly Huddle and Shannon Rowbury.

Justin Gatlin wins 100 meters, and yells, photo by PhotoRun.net

These videos are fun. The deal is I am to speak only two minutes, this is a bit over. No animals were harmed in the making of this video.

Tori Bowie, wins 100 meters, and looks at Deajah Stevens, photo by PhotoRun.net

The nature of championship races in the middle distances and distance is that you better have one mean kick. Or, you can have a mean kick, but pull a David Moorcroft (look it up), and run away from the crowd like Paul Chelimo did in his time trial over 5000 meters in Sacramento.

Alone in the wilderness: Paul Chelimo strikes out on his own, breaks MR, photo by PhotoRun.net

EME News is the finest global news service in our sport. We are fortunate to have them as a partner. Here is their review of the fine Paris DL. Kudos on Diamond League for moving to Stade Charlety, with 15,000-16,000 in stands, meet looked very good on TV per our observers.

#regram @tvjsportsnetwork Women's 100m: @FastElaine (Elaine Thompson) won in 10.91 sec, Christania Williams, 6th. #ParisDL

A post shared by RunBlogRun (@runblogrun) on Jul 1, 2017 at 2:11pm PDT

Molly Huddle taking lead at end of 10,000 meters, USATF Night 1, photo by PhotoRun.net

Hassan Mead showing why Minnesota rules, photo by PhotoRun.net

Dear readers, here is the first of four videos titled Convos with Larry, Considering heatstroke in Sacramento, for Day 1. These videos last about two minutes, and it is really hard for me to speak ONLY for two minutes. Adam Johnson-Eder, my progeny, times the event by putting up a finger for each minute. Mike Deering tries not to laugh as he manages to film me. No animals were harmed in the filming of this film.

#regram @mutaz.barshim Competition Day !!! @meetingparis @diamondleagueathletics #ParisDL 🇫🇷 #whatgravity team up !!👐🏾🇶🇦 اليوم بطولة الدوري الماسي ، جولة #باريس ، الساعة ٩:٠٠م بتوقيت الدوحة على @alkasssports , دعواتكم 🙏🏽🙏🏽 #whatgravity #aspireacademy #redbullqatar #redbull #nike #justdoit #RM #Qatar #yallaqatar 👐🏾💯💪🏽

A post shared by RunBlogRun (@runblogrun) on Jul 1, 2017 at 11:02am PDT

In the Stade Charlety, 15,000 fans enjoyed a fine evening of global track & field. Highlights were big upset in 110 meter hurdles, with Ronald Levy, Jamaica, winning in 13.05. Andrew Pozzi, GBR, missing British Trials, but impressing with PB of 13.14 in second. Garfield Darien, FRA, taking third in 13.15, Sergey Shubenkov taking fourth in 13.18. World indoor champ and Olympic champ Omar McLeod had a bad day in the office, in 13.41.

Sifan Hassan won the 1,500 meters in 3:57.10, with Faith Kipyegon in 3:57.51 and Gudaf Tsegay with PB of 3:59.54 and Angelicka Cichocka in PB of 4:01.61!

Upset in javelin with Johannes Vetter and a big throw of 88.74m, Jakub Vadlejch, CZE with PB of 88.02m and Thoams Rohler, world leader, Olympic champion, in 87.23m in third.

In the sprints, way too many DQs, and false starts. Kim Collins and Emmanuel Matadi out in 100 meters, and Ben Youssef Meite, CIV, wins in 9.99. Ramil Guliyev, TUR, ran 20.15 in a non descript 200 meters.

In the women's 100 meters, Elaine Thompson ran a relaxed 10.91. Lijao Gong, CHN, called in the shot put, with 19.14 meter throw for the win.

Most competitive races?

Women's steeplechase ahd Beatrice Chepkoech, Hyvin Kiyeng, Celliphine Chespol and Ruth Jebet. Ruth hit a barrier with three laps to go, and still ran 9:10.95. Five women under 9:11.08, with Emma Coburn trying to catch Jebet down the straight. Beatrice Chepkoech won in 9:01.69 to Kiyeng's 9:06.00. After the race, Jebet was limping, obviously in much pain. Chepkoech and Kiyeng helped her get her shoe off.

On the men's side, Mutaz Essa Barshim cleared 2.35m and he had daylight! His attempts at 2.39m was okay, and Bondarenko looked good at 2.32m.

Muktar Edris has one scary kick in the 3000 meters, winning in 7:32.31 over Ronald Kwemoi and Yomif Kejelcha. Kejelcha seems to shut down in final sprints, as he finished third. Kudos to Ben True, who raced here, finishing sixth in PB of 7:35.53, after leading in final lap.

And hats off to Nijel Amos, who seems back in shape. Those flailing arms remind me of Joe Cocker performing Cry Me a River or She Came in Through the bathroom window. Amos is a fine athlete, and with Mark Rowland's help, he should continue to shake up the 800 meters. Nijel won here in 1:44.24.

Here are the results.

Thomas Rohler is the Olympic champion in the javelin. He is part of a true renaissance in the javelin in Germany. Rohler may be one of the most well rounded fit athletes I have ever seen. Thomas and his coach are quite old school. Prior to the Doha meeting, May 5, he was working on overall fitness and not throwing technique.

Then, on May 5, all of that changed. Thomas Rohler let er rip, and the javelin just stayed in the air. My view was: Rohler defied the laws of gravity with his 93.90m. The look on his face afterwards was, well, priceless.

Thomas Rohler, Pre Classic 2016, photo by PhotoRun.net

On June 8, Thomas threw 90.06m and on June 28, Thomas threw 91.53m. Rohler is tall, fit and relaxed. He understands the javelin. When the interviewer asked him about speaking to Jan Zelezney, he spoke about meeting the great thrower. When I asked him about speaking with Andreas Thorkildsen, and or, Miklos Nemeth, he told us about Andreas and his coach speaking about focusing on a spot in the air to throw the javelin at, kind of a visionary approach.

Well, Thomas Rohler is a fun athlete to watch. I have to confess, the German javelin throwers are into their event and just a group of great young men who are focused on throwing far.

Here is what Thomas said to the media:

« I'm feeling good, very good. I'm coming straight for a very good competition in Ostrava, where I was able to throw more than 90 m (91,53 m). With three days between these two events, the MEETING de PARIS should be great. This season, I'm very pleased with my throws. I was able to throw very far, with an amazing start in Doha, an history performance of 93.90 m. Then things have been good. Each year, I try to give myself new challenges, in training as well as in competition. Two years ago, I wanted to be consistent at 85 m. Last year, it was 87 m. This season, I want to achieve an higher goal, I try to be consistent at 90 m or more. So far, I succeed. »

I have a confession. In 2014, I went to Lille, France for the Championnets de Francaise, the elite French championships. I went to see Jimmy Vicaut, Christophe Lemaitre, who were fantastic. But the highlight was the 110m hurdles. The French have five 110m hurdlers who are among the best in the world.

Garfield Darien, World Indoor 2014, photo by PhotoRun.net

At this time, Garfield Darien is the world leader, at 13.09 in cold weather in Ostrava on 28 June. We spoke with Garfield in a wide ranging presser on Friday, 30 June, was amazing. Garfield is coached by his father, and he explained that relationship, which is complicated as any father/son relationship is, but also refreshing.

Most of all, Garfield Darien is well grounded, and relaxed. His training is coming along quite well and he looks to be in the thick of it in London 2017.

This was my first time to see Faith Kipyegon speak. She had one of the most amazing pressers I have ever seen for a Kenyan woman. Faith Kipyegon is, well, delightful. She has a very relaxed way about her, and is very good at conversational English, the key to being a global athlete.

Faith Kipyegon, photo by PhotoRun.net

We asked her about her preferences, a fast race or a slow race, like most championships. She admitted she likes fast races and then, she can see how fast she can run. She is quite capable of running from the front or back. She reminds me a bit of Steve Ovett.

Again, listen to this presser, but two hours before her race, I really believe that she can run under 3:55. We shall see how it goes today!

Good morning to San Jose, good late morning to Denver and good afternoon to our friends in Boston. Bonsoir Paris! This is Larry Eder and we are live at the Paris Diamond League, with special thanks to Nike!

We will provide live results and almost live commentary from my seats at the finish line of Stade Charlety. For your preview pleasure, adding an Instagram video I just did!

Hey sports fans! @runblogrun at @stadecharlety, #paris2024 #diamondlleague #parisDL, #theshoeaddicts #runblogrun #runningnetwork, #iaaf #nike

A post shared by RunBlogRun (@runblogrun) on Jul 1, 2017 at 9:17am PDT

Enjoy the first weekend of July, as we get our training going this coming week. The Paris Diamond League is tonight, as is the Tracktown Summer Series Portland.

Kellyn Taylor, photo by PhotoRun.net

Saturday, July 1, 2017, Take a Day off

As you begin running again, please consider the HOKA ONE ONE training shoes.

To learn about our sponsor, please go to 2017 HOKA ONE ONE Postal Nationals

Want some inspiration? Then, check out the video below, which highlights the 2016 HOKA ONE ONE Postal Nationals. It should inspire you to ask coach if your team can compete in it. All teams are welcome and it is free! See how your team ranks across the U.S! Here's the video: http://www.runnerspace.com/video.php?video_id=190549#ooid=E2OHhiODE6d19qhv14SIqSXQX088IklV