IN THE ARENA WITH GABRIEL

In the Arena Alumni

2009-11-07T17:30:00.000-08:00

Having served as one of the founding members of the Arena Roster, Gabriel Jennings has recently joined the ranks of organizational alumni. In the Arena (ITA) is honored to have had Gabe among those on our frontlines for over two years; and we're grateful to him for the extraordinary work he's done with thousands of youths in California and Oregon during that time.

ITA wishes Gabe all the best in his personal and professional lives, especially in his most recent incarnation: as a first-year student at the University of Oregon Law School. If you would like to keep up-to-date with Gabe –or with any of ITA’s alumni –please visit the Arena Athlete Alumni blog, where you'll find first-person updates on all of our alumni.

Thank you for your interest and support.
Onwards and upwards.

CIM Blowup

2008-12-10T18:40:00.000-08:00

Waldo Lake

2008-11-23T16:16:00.000-08:00

Eugene, November 23, 2008

The intensity of my marathon training has reached a new level of understanding. I am starting to get shivers down my spine at the end of runs. I have not felt that satisfying sensation for 8 long years. For 8 long years I have been in the wilderness, numb to the joy of running. I just finished a 130 mile week! With a 24 mile long run! And Oh Lord does it feel good. Sometimes I just don't want to stop running, I feel immortal, like I could run for ever, one foot in front of the other. . .

This past weekend my friend Kelsey and I drove up toward Willamette Pass, past Oakridge to the Waldo Lake turn off. The difficulty became that at over 5,000 ft., the weather quickly turned to a blizzard, and the unplowed road had almost two feet of snow. I put chains on and we started up the 13 mile access road to Waldo Lake. (Waldo Lake is exactly 26 miles around, so in preparation for the trip in the warmth of my Eugene home I figured that with a 40 minute warmup Waldo would prove the perfect training ground for the CIM marathon in a little less than three weeks.) We made it about 5 miles up, when my little Toyota Tacoma pickup started spinning wheels in the ice up the steep grade, and it looked as if we were going to be stopped dead in our tracks. Luckily around the next bend we found a sort of flat turnaround. Utilizing all the muster of my little two wheel drive truck, and a few potently directed prayers, we were able to turn the rig around. I pulled the clutch into neutral, pulled the emergency brake and let motor run while the heater kept us warm; while Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana" was blaring from the stereo speakers and we debated our next move. Somehow I persuaded Kelsey to camp in the back of my truck with a soft topper shell for protection. So we unloaded the canoe, bike and gear and set up camp in back of the truck. Somehow I managed to get a pretty raging fire going, on top of two feet of snow in a blizzard, and we nuzzled as close as we could to the blaze keeping the immediately exposed portion of our body warm. With a thick foamy for padding, warm blankets and below zero sleeping bags we were able to keep surprisingly cosy through the night and the storm. The next morning I awoke at 4 am, put on my running clothes and sat in the cab with the heater on to get nice and toasty before my run. Luckily it had only snowed another couple inches in the night, and the sky was now crystal clear, as the stars sprang down to mother earth with that freezing clarity that burns a whole in one's soul!

My journey through the morning twilight was sublime! I made it to the virgin snow covered lake at dawn. I ran 24 miles, and snowshoed another 8 miles for a 5 hour expedition!

Thanksgiving day I am running a super elite 5K race in San Jose. . . CIM December 7. "The hay is in the barn" as Bill Bowerman liked to tell his athletes two weeks out from their peak championship race.

Godbless and Godspeed!

Gabe Jennings

Monson Half Marathon

2008-11-09T20:15:00.000-08:00

Boston, November 9, 2008

Its all happening so quickly. . . I can hardly keep track.

Last weekend Sammy took second in the State Championships! Congratulations Sammy! Sammy made a balsy move with over a mile to go; then Sammy made another ballsy move with 1K to go; then Sammy battled Drew of North Medford all the way to the final lap on the track before his final concession of defeat . All in all, courageous effort! Sasha was a notable 12th and Paige was a heroic 20th. Nora, Amelia and Elia all came through with big high pressure performances. Everybody else was disappointing. The pressure of the State meet is so enormous that many succumb to mediocrity. And of course there is such a thing as an off day. Maybe the coaches are at fault. Maybe I am at fault. Probably, all and none of the above. Anyway, as a whole, I believe the South Axeman are considerably better. We are champions and we should be State Champions.

I now find myself in the penthouse suite overlooking the Charles on Harvard Square of my tremendous hosts and benefactors: Amory (with baby) and David Salem. Yes, our very own and beloved Amory Rowe! Now almost 5 months pregnant with a beautiful belly and radiant aura. I am so proud to be one of the first (the first?) ITA athletes to visit Amory as a soon-to-be-mama.

Earlier today I raced at the Monson 1/2 marathon just 60 some miles west of Boston. I am very encouraged at my performance and I am looking to up the intensity of my training leading into the CIM marathon December 7th in Sacramento.

Here is my initial assessment of the race to Mr. Scott Simmons, coach and Queens University:

"Dear Mr. Scott Simmos: The race today went pretty well. I ran 1:09.3+, which on the surface looks really slow; however, the course was really tough; there was a pretty continuous steep uphill grade until almost the 9th mile. The last 4 miles were screaming downhill, but so what. I took the lead from the gun and came through the first UPHILL mile in 5:20, two miles in 10:30 and I could here footsteps in back of me. At mile 3 the Kenyan behind me tried to surge a 5:10 minute mile up a steep hill, but I held on for dear life. I took mile 4 up another series of hills with the Kenyan on my heels. By mile 5 there was a gigantic hill with no end in sight, and I began to think maybe the course was a point to point uphill all the way. At mile 6 I let the Kenyan get a 20 meter lead, which he extended to 80 seconds by 8 miles. Miles 6, 7 and 8 I ran 5:45, 5:50 and probably close to 6 minutes. The hills were destroying me. Then, finally at 8.25 miles we crested the final hill, but just at that moment the Kenyan in third place closed on me. We hammered the next two down hill miles at 4:55 pace, and by mile 10 we were only 15 seconds back from the leader. At mile 11 we closed to 10 seconds but a blister under my right forefoot started burning so bad that I ran with a noticeable limp, and fell off to 5:20. The last mile I closed well despite the burning, and finished a few seconds in back of second for third and not too far off the leader. Overall I am pretty pleased, and am sure that the time translates to sub 66 on a flat course. See you soon. I am eager to get feedback on how to approach this next month of training before my marathon. Yours Truly Gabe"

And so I am Truly Yours, and Your most Humble and Obedient Servant! God Bless, Kick Ass and Godspeed!

Captain Gabe

We Are The Champions

2008-10-26T17:27:00.000-07:00

Eugene, October 26, 2008

The ITA Eugene South Axemen destroyed their opponents yesterday at the District Cross Country Championships at Alton Baker park. It was one of my proudest moments as peer coach. All the kids ran their utter hearts out. We won the girls title 33 to 34 to South Medford. Sasha, Paige, Rachel, Nora, and Amelia ran beyond themselves with no room to spare. Congratulations! The boys won 43 to 49 to North Medford. Eamon, Scotty, Brian and Simon had clutch performances! All racing their best race of the season when it counted most. Both races were extremely close and exciting! It is ineffable for me to express how excited I am for both teams. I could hardly sleep last night replaying the races in my mind's eye. Next weekend we have the State Championships. Sammy is in contention for a State Title if he puts himself out there and tries to run away from the field at 2000m. Sasha is also in contention for a State Title, although she doesn't realize her potential, which makes it difficult to achieve high performance. Both teams have the opportunity to post impressive marks.

My grandma is also turning 80 years old this week and the whole family is throwing a huge party for her on Saturday. Congratulations Grandma! I am currently living with Grandma, and we are having a grand old time going to concerts, watching "Gone with the Wind," having dinners together and just being companions in general. Grandma is an inspiration to me. She was a virtuoso professional violinist in her day. May you live to see the century Grandma! I want you to train my kids (yet to be born (or conceived (I think?))) in Violin.

At the moment I am exhausted in runner's fatigue. That satisfying feeling where gravity sits you down and endorphins bubble up around your temple, impressing a sort of happy if dull bliss. The miles are logging up over 100 with 20 mile long runs. Fall is popping with yellows, reds, greens, and golds like never before.

Godspeed elfman!

Gabriel

South Sister

2008-10-07T13:07:00.000-07:00

Eugene, August 9, 2008

This past weekend Auspicious signs started to turn against me, and I have begun to wonder if Fate has some serious atonement in store for me. I don't know exactly what I should be repentant for, so many personal limitations, hard to say, but sometimes just being an American is enough to rile my blood and puke in disgust. I am resentful at my inability to achieve the success I yearn for; what is it that is obstructing my motion. Recently, little things trouble me: like a flat tire, forgetting to pay my credit card bill on time, sleeping in past an appointment, a bad dream of a spider eating off my head (spurred on by Strauss' Salome).

A storm started to brew as I drove on highway 242 past the lava highlands leading to Mt. Washington, sliding almost out of control, almost off the road. An outsider could reflect and say, "No Gabe," that is not bad luck, that is just stupid unpreparedness, and reckless impulsiveness. Today Dick Brown alluded my floundering to a Niel Young song, "running in circles." My Grandma tells me I am always living on the edge and taking risks, implying that if I take enough risks I am bound to have a run in with the gods every now and again. I say, "Grandma, don't be an old dotard; get off that old walker of yours, and go for a jog, live on the edge, you might like it, it might bring some energy into your life." She says, "Are you crazy, I would have heart attack." She might be right, and I worry about her. I might even start listening to her a bit more; but not if I have to sacrifice all the adventure! I loathe a boring dull life!

Anyways, this Saturday I began driving to Bend to support the South team at the Puma Invitational. But as I approached the city I felt this strong pull away from the meet, call it a state of aporia, depression, whatever, but somehow I knew that I was in no position to be supportive, positive influence to a team that I love and respect. Instead I went to a park on the Deschuttes river in downtown Bend and read Nietzsche's "Genealogy of Morals." Of course the reading made me even more reflective as I pondered phenomenology of myself as Artist and Creator; but the truth is that I was shirking my responsibility, being a terrible role model. And all of this supercilious philosophising was nothing but hurtful to myself and my relationships! But I couldn't help myself; I was possessed! I had to read on: what does Nietzsche mean by "Good" and "Evil," "Guilt," "Shame," and the "Ascetic Ideal?" Is he completely off his rocker, is he MAD? Is he making me mad? Usually, after reading Nietzsche I need to heal with St. Thomas Aquinas, Schopenhauer, Plato; God help me see the VIRTUE in humanity! I tell you, Nietzschian thought and scepticism has been the main reason I RUN. Thinking too much brings on melancholia. Like I have said before, "Action is thy only salvation." Overly consumed reflection is dangerous for your body and your mind. Better to run. Yet, one with out the other is hopeless. After all, as Schopenhauer points out, it is ability to Will and abstract that gives the human oversoul the ability to deliberate into the future, cut out a mold of phenomenal substance to play and harmonize. For me, it remains a balancing act. Perhaps, Ralph Waldo Emerson grounds me best by essaying a sort of "practical power" as a virtue generating maxim.

Anyways, after reading "The Genealogy" and blowing off my commitments I started driving in desperation to the South Sister on the eastern edge of the Cascades. Earlier this summer the South Axemen had summitted the South Sister on the final day of their summer preseason camp from the campsite at Elk Lake, just a few miles from Devil's Lake. Unfortunately, at the time I had missed the opportunity for a joint climb by about an hour, tardy for my rendezvous with the team. Consequently, I have been curious about the South Sister ever since. With my head full of Nietzsche and insatiable curiosity I now found myself driving along Centennial Avenue with a quarter tank of Gas and a partially flat back tire--a test of faith? Or just stupidity? I pulled into Devil's Lake at about 3:30pm, and set off for the summit via the climber's trail without any of the usual provisions for such an effort: all I wore was running shoes, Munich pants, motorcycle gloves and a pendleton long sleeve; no food, water, nothing. Mean clouds had been brewing all day, with storming winds and rain at the lower elevations. Less than a mile into my ascent the snow started falling. Pretty soon I was running through a foot of snow in a blizzard. I generated enough heat by running to stay warm, but my face started to get wind chill from the frigid blizzard on the windward side of my face. At about 8,000 ft I lost all traces of the trail in about 2 ft of snow. Without hesitation I kept trucking straight up the mountain. In fact, it was a relief to leave the trail, the invisible trail that is. I just went straight up the most direct route, navigating around rocks and stumps. The snow was fresh, just having fallen that morning, so even with running shoes, I was able to get good traction. Climbing at a steep vertical I used my gloves to pull myself up. At about 6pm I figured I was less than 1,000 ft from the summit, but I couldn't hardly see more than 10 ft ahead of me in the blizzard. One side of my face was completely frozen, my beard was an icicle, my hands were frozen! I reached this rocky bluff outlook, with the wind almost blowing me off the opposite side of the cliff. There was no more going up; I had reached a sort of perch, so I either needed to go back down and angle around the butte, or I needed to jump off a 20 ft ledge in order to continue my climb. It took me about 2 seconds. "I am going home, get me off this mountain."

After a string of defeats, luck seemingly against me, I am forlorn and miserable. I want all of this insecurity to stop. But the road ahead looks impossible, impassible. My enemies seem to close in around me at ever corner; at every turn new obstacles turn up.

This weekend I intend on supporting the South Axemen at a Portland Cross Country invitational. I think I will take the bus this time! With Districts next week and the High School State Championships in three weeks, the high school season is proving much more exciting than my own. Sammy, our star senior and State leader with a 15:44 posting at Nike PreNats, is capable of turning some major heads and winning a State Title! Yesterday, Sammy and I hammered away at a string of 7 kilometers of race pace on Amazon trail--meaning K's in 3:00 to 3:10. That was encouraging for both of us.

A new year is upon us!

Gabriel

Mt. Jefferson

2008-09-21T18:27:00.000-07:00

Eugene, September21, 2008

This past weekend I attempted to summit Mt. Jefferson from the Woodpecker Ridge trail head (on the south side of the mountain) with my friend Kelsey. Oregon's second largest mountain (at almost 11,000 ft) proved too much for us as we descended in defeat just below the top cliffs at around 9,000ft, flanked by glaciers, and strewn with treacherous scaly shale. Besides the difficult climb to the summit ahead and lack of provisions or gear (ice climbing crampons, ropes, harness, etc.) we were concerned at the loss of sun light (being 4pm), and our need to return to base camp on Woodpecker ridge before daylight closed her eyes and darkness blanketed the land. Although the mountain is supposed to be one of the most popular in the cascades, we did not see a soul our entire climb! The reason: the route we chose was absolutely mad: eroded hills without trail, glaciered river with crevices, impassable waterfalls and the final cliffs at the top. But beautiful! and Sublime! We made it safely back to base camp and spent most of the next day licking our wounds and recuperating at the glorious Britenbush hot springs, only 20 miles away from the mountain. Yesterday, not quite ready to return home we made a half-day canoe trip from Monroe to Corvallis, some 18 miles. The river was majestic, showing off her fall colors, while giant blue herons fished along the shore, and we even spotted a bald eagle! I am just not ready for summer to end, wanting to make the most of every remaining sunny day. Next weekend we are planning an overnighter via canoe at Waldo lake, and another dip in the North Umpqua hot springs, more single scotch at McMiniman's?

Training is coming along. I am starting to find my stride again since Coach Tom Telez visited last month to "correct" my form. I have been visualizing the push-off, extension, dropping my legs naturally in front of me (no lifting with the hip-flexers), running more flat-footed, while using the arms to control the tempo. Running is a meditation! There are no drills, weights, or other replacement for focused running. The goal is to let the body find its most natural rhythm, a sort of wheel that generates its own momentum by renewing energy. As training progresses the miles are going up and the tempos are speeding up. In preparing for this marathon, CIM, December 7, I am trusting the three simple components of 1. long runs, 2. long tempos and 3. long intervals to bring me to the finish line a champion. By following a simple program with proper recovery, and keeping my focus on form, maintaining the discipline to make running a priority first thing in the morning, I pray that I will achieve a higher power and unity in my running.

My ITA project with the South Axemen has been up and running for almost a month now. Once again I am finding the young athletes to be a huge motivator: the curiosity and freshness that a beginner brings to a discipline helps the veterans remember the purpose in our sport; in return the veterans offer experience, skill and wisdom. And so my approach this fall has been more of a peer than a coach, as I try to lead by example. As a student of dance I am often struck how dance is almost entirely an imitative art; we emulate the grace, rhythm and movements of the masters. I am taking this approach with running. As a master of my sport I want to be a model to be followed. I think there are too many fat coaches that exhort there athletes from the sidelines without knowing or feeling the pain, transcendence, focused form, courage and habitual discipline that it takes to be a champion. I want to lead champions!

Godbless and Godspeed!

Gabe

Habana Bound

2008-08-29T13:18:00.000-07:00

Eugene, August 29, 2008

After a very busy summer I have finally settled at my Grandmother's house in Eugene just below Spencer's Butte. I arrived Monday and began running Tuesday; it is now Friday. Since the Trials I took almost 5 weeks of no running, which is probably the biggest break of my career. The time was well served, and I find my self eager to expand lungs and heart and grapple with demons. Today and continuing over the weekend I have a conference with Coach Tom Telez, Carl Lewis' coach, and my own Coach, Dick Brown. Coach Telez aims at helping me with my form so that I run with greater efficiency and power. Coach Brown and I are planning to run CIM marathon December 7 in Sacramento, while keeping sharp enough to time trial a 1:51 800m. As usual, the goal is ambitious considering my time frame, but there is nothing like the pressure of performance as a motivator.

After a brief rendezvous with the South Axemen at Elk Lake two weeks ago I will be fully integrated into the fall program this Monday with the start of school. Head Coach Jeff Hess is excited at the dedication and excitement on the team. The kids just finished two weeks of "daily doubles," meaning working out twice a day. I am kind of glad I missed daily doubles, because the kids would have surely destroyed me in my naked state, but now I am eager to begin anew. Our star senior, Sammy, is probably going to prove the perfect training partner while I make the adjustment back to fitness.

From August 16 to August 24 I was in Habana Cuba learning Afro-Cuban folkloric songs, drums and dance. The trip solidified my dance knowledge and made me realize how restless I continue to be. After making numerous connections in Cuba I am determined to live and train in Cuba over the next quadrennial. My fantasy is to garner a coaching position for the Cuban national team while I continue to train and learn music. The way I look at it: I was going to invest in graduate school--but, living, learning and giving in Cuba is a better education. However, there are numerous details that need to be worked out before my tentative departure this winter after the CIM marathon. Foremost, my contract with Saucony is up in December and I need to try to get a renewal. Secondly, visas for Cuba only last one month, so I need to find a way to get a work permit and gain citizenship. Thirdly, I need to set up a foreign bank account so that I can access my US dollars while in Cuba. There are no easy answers to any of these questions, and how my running will fit into this new vision. But one thing is for certain, life is exciting and full of promise!

Gabe

Orff

2008-08-09T13:34:00.000-07:00

San Rafael, August 9, 2008

The past two weeks I have been studying at the San Francisco School for the levels II Orff Schulwerk training. Two years ago when Ms. Rowe relayed to me her idea of founding In The Area, she stressed the volunteer component of giving directly to the communities where the ITA athletes live. This got me thinking, what skills do I possess that I might transfer into my volunteer work. Running and coaching obviously come to mind, but I also hoped to integrate my latent skill in music and dance into a teachable form. While scrambling to put together a comprehensive lesson plan to teach music to kids, my mom and her sister, my aunt, both pointed me towards the Orff Schulwerk, which they have both utilized themselves in the classroom with much success. Two weeks later I attended the annual Orff conference in Omaha Nebraska, with Ms. Rowe's blessings in November 2006, I was completely hooked, and the rest is history: I attended the levels I training last summer 2007, this past year's conference in San Jose, November 2007, and now levels II training August 2008.

The program is a three year program and takes place once a year in August for two weeks. Next year will be my last year, and hopefully I will graduate from level III with an Orff certification. Carl Orff, the founder of the method, composed the famous opera Carmina Burana, he is also founder of the Orff Institute in Salzburg Austria and developed five volumes of scores to facilitate a method of teaching music to children. The method involves movement; mallet instruments like xylophones, glockenspiels, marimba, etc. (but instruments were the bars or keys can be removed, so that scales can be simplified for kids); recorder (flute) instruments; and singing, starting with the solfeggi approach to learning note names with easy to sing syllables like: do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti, do, as demonstrated famously in The Sound of Music.

Orff theory involves a sort of species counterpoint that enables children to progress from "little" to "big." We focus on basic musical feeling of harmonic sounds through the body while encouraging improvisation, and performance. Last year in level I I learned a basic approach for teaching K - 3rd grade music with recorder, mallet, voice and movement but while staying exclusively in the Do pentatonic (or five a five note scale), meaning in Do pentatonic taking out the F and B bars or notes in the scale. On the soprano recorder we start with improvising on E and G because the minor third is the easiest interval for kids to sing and also easy to finger on the recorder at 6 years old, which means we need to transpose to Fa and Sol pentatonic. This year I studied the Level II training which is geared for 4th to 7th graders. In level II I learned how to integrate the hexatonic scale (or six note scale), basically adding Fa or a perfect forth interval into Do major; next we learn the complete eight note major and minor scales; and finally we learn the basic modes that complement major and minor (Ionian and Aeolian): Dorian or minor D scale with flatted sixth, Mixolydian or major G scale with flatted seventh, Phrygian or minor E scale with flatted second, Lydian or major F scale with raised forth (tritone interval). This all seems very theoretical but you must keep in mind that we are learning this basic species counterpoint via singing, dancing and playing; there are few formal theory lessons on the chalkboard. Next year I plan on taking level III, which is more advanced, geared to 8th grade and above. In level three I will finally learn how to integrate chordal music into the Orff approach! Doug Goodkin is our level III master teacher. Lord Douglass leads the music department at the San Francisco School, leads the Orff levels training, has his own master classes though out the year, is a world renowned Orff practitioner, and teaches in the "special" yearl long program at the Orff Institute. I am excited to tackle level III next year and beyond! See Lord Douglas' website:

http://www.douggoodkin.com/AboutDougGoodkin/index.shtml

Doug Goodkin has a vision for founding Orff West in San Francisco to bridge the Orff Worlds, and integrate Orff methods into the classroom from sea to shining sea! I am one of many hearty disciples and I look forward to using my new found skills to enlighten the youth in the spirit of In The Arena.

The bond that I have formed with my classmates is unbelievable, now that most of us have completed two years together in an intimate collaboration for two weeks each summer of long days of continual "orffing." Almost all of the levels training attendees are music teachers, with degrees in music, I am the exception, as a coach, though I did study for a music major at Stanford University.

This next season I plan on continue my work with the Eugene South Axemen Cross Country team. In fact, August 12th I plan on rendezvousing with a group out in Elk Lake, on the east side of the Cascades for the end of their summer pre-season camp. I hope to begin teaching keyboard, voice, recorder and movement to students on a private and small group basis this fall.

God Bless! Can you hear the music?!

Gabriel

Vino

2008-07-17T20:43:00.000-07:00

Caspar California, July 17, 2008

Since the Trials are through I have a month of active rest to get my feet under me, or over me. Cloud me! Cloud me!

The adventure continues. . .

My cousin, Jules Maltz, married Kelly Greenwood July 12th at Viansa Vineyard in Sonoma. I made the trek south, and have been wine tasting ever since. I have been thoroughly exploring Sonoma, Napa, Alexander Valley, Dry Creek, Rock Pile, Russian River, Garcia River, Anderson Valley, Navarro River and everything in between. A story couldn't possibly do justice to my journey. My zigzags have taken me over hill, dale, river and everything in between. I am sipping on Dry Creek meritage blend at the moment: the flavor, and warmth is very grounding. I have been searching for the perfect big Red, a cab that can age 15 years, hold its bite, while maturing the tannins. Rafinelli's unfiltered cab has changed my life and my palette forever, and I can thank Kelly and the Roger's family for opening up the wine cellar to me, and their kitchen. However, Rafinelli's does not sell its wine but to an exclusive list of patrons, of which I am not included. Unfiltered wine has all of the microbials buzzing around in its raw essence, piercing the soul, chakras inflamed, singing to angels.

Two nights ago I descended three miles down the sharp canyon walls of the Garcia River, from Fish Rock road outside Point Arena on the Mendocino Coast. I took no water, and had no provisions. My goal was to find the remote hot springs five miles up the river from its ocean confluence. However, with only rough directions from John the bartender at the Lost Whale Inn, the treasure hunt took on epic proportions as I set off down the cliff at close to 9pm with only 45 minutes of twilight before dark. I managed to reach the river at around half past 11pm by pure determination. No hot springs. The trek back up the steep hillside in the dark, through brush, fallen trees, and obstacles of immeasurable description, was one of the most challenging of my career. Luckily it was a full moon! Yet, as midnight came, so did a mist that covered my trail. Soon I was very lost, thirsty and fatigued. I dug a bed out of the hillside, using a log for my base, and covered my self in leaves to keep me warm. I slept most of the night in the woods to the sound of owls.

Now water turns to wine and I am grateful for the simple blessings of life.

I will be at the Afro-Cuban dance and drum camp all of next week. At the closure of camp I will be the featured speaker at the Humboldt Cross-Country camp, coinciding with my own. The last week of July and the first week of August I will be training in the the second level of the Orff Schulwerk at the San Francisco School. Orff is a methodology for teaching music to children! It is my dream to be a children's choir director someday, and this is the perfect training grounds.

I plan on making it back to Eugene August 10th or so, but who can tell where the adventure will take me until then. There are many more valleys to explore on my way. . .

Gabriel

The Lyre

2008-06-11T22:11:00.000-07:00

Eugene, June 11, 2008

I have been working on constructing a harp from a kit. The kit is pretty minimal so I am needing to do some pretty fine woodworking. She is walnut, her curves are smooth and round, her angles captivating. I was turned onto the harp through my girlfriend, Kelsey, when she was keeping hers in my room to practice. When she plays for me I am transported to a calm peaceful world, and all my troules seem to dissolve. When I play, the strings almost play me; the meditation resonates a basic vibration that unifies the Spirit of the universe.

I will be putting on the second coat of varnish after blogging. Then bed time. The light lingers until almost 10pm, only ten days away from summer solstice. Where have the seasons gone?

Love and Light
Gabe

State

2008-05-28T09:05:00.000-07:00

Eugene, May 28, 2008

The State meet rapped up the 24th of May, and after a few days of reflection, I am still at a loss to express the enormous emotions that have sprung from a full season working with the ITA Eugene South Axemen. A few individuals made some impressive marks (in order):

Sasha took third as a sophomore in the 800m: 2:16!!
Walker took fourth in he 1500m: 3:59.
Casey finished fifth in the 800m: 1:56.
Sammy was just off the lead pack in the 3K, sub 9.

This third day of competition I ran in the elite 800m: eighth in 1:49.6. I was actually quite encouraged by my performance: form, feeling and motivation.

I am looking forward to the Pre Pre, 1500m on June 8 before the televised portion of the Prefontaine Classic. Then on June 15 I will be running another 1500m at the "Last Chance Meeting" at Hayward Field. At this point I have a solid B standard: 3:39 from the semifinals at last years outdoor nationals in Indianapolis; so it is just a matter of getting to the line as psyched as possible for July 4 and again on July 6 for the finals of the Olympic Trials.

God Bless and destroy your opponents! When you can't destroy your opponents, destroy yourself so you can rebuild yourself.

Gabe

Districts

2008-05-17T22:02:00.000-07:00

May 17, 2008

The Arena Axemen competed in Grants Pass today for the final day of competition in the Districts championships: qualifying for the Oregon State High School Championships May 22, 23, and 24th.

There were a lot of brilliant performances, but a few stand out in my mind from memory: 1,2,3 sweep in the boys 800m 1:57/1:58's: Casey Weinman, Walker Augustyniak, Brad Gissel: Walker took control from the gun, Casey surged with 230m to go, and brad finished well over the last 120m; 1,2,5 in the girls 800m 1:21: Sasha Teninty (sophomore), Rachel Bunting, and Nora Wilson (freshman): Sasha stalked the leader from the gun, sling-shotting past with 170m to go, while Rachel moved from mid-pack to third in the backstretch, challenging Sasha in the homestretch; 1,3 dominance in boys 1500m with a bold move by Sammy with 800m to go and a final quarter surge by Walker in 58 for a 4:06 and 4:09 respectively. The South girls dominated the 4 X 400m relay, victorious by 70 meters: lead-off Anna Persmark (frehman), Sasha Teninty, Lauren Opsal and Rachel Bunting (after winning the open 400m and second in the 800m).

I am excited for the State Championships next week! I would like to see some aggressive and confident running: fast and relaxed : : the sublime opposition. I believe we can win some titles. Hayward Field here we come! I am also competing myself on Saturday, May 24, in an elite 800m set up by Mr. Gagliano of the OTC elite Track Club with the intention of running the Olympic A standard: sub 1:46! We will race at around 1pm to start off the final day of the State Chapionships. It appears that I will be holding myself accountable to everything that I ask of my athletes. Do as I do!

God Bless and PUT YOUR HAND ON THE TORCH!

Gabe

1500m Opener

2008-04-26T06:58:00.000-07:00

Eugene April 25, 2008

Life is full.

The South Axemen continue to prepare for Districts May 15. I am optimistic for big performances. A couple of our stars are set on winning, and most of our leaders are autonomous, free acting, free wheeling runners who intend on turning some heads on and off the track. As my Achilles Heel has sidelined me the past month, I have not been able to actively run with the kids, which has left me taking a larger role on the coaching side of things. Today I drive up to the Centennial Invitational in Portland to encourage a few of our stars on the boys side: Walker, Ryan, Casey and Sammy. All of them will be aiming for personal bests; what more can you ask for?

Last night I raced in a 1500m: 3:41.68 (I believe) for second, just behind Pifer from Colorado. Thanks for coming out last night and supporting. It was a good opener; better things to come. I race again May 9 at Hayward field for the Oregon Twilight.

Today I am going to the Opera at the Gateway Mall, live feed from the Met, the show is a favorite of mine: Donizetti's "La Fille du Regiment"; then I am driving up to Centennial to support the Axemen. Sunday morning I am driving out to Fossil in Eastern Oregon where Bill Bowerman grew up to present to the elementary kids on Monday, where my coach, Dick Brown's Daughter, Jenny, teaches. Monday afternoon my girlfriend, Kelsey, and I are planning on an overnight canoe trip on the John Day River--some 38 miles. It should be a fun weekend!

God Bless and Destroy Your Opponents!

Gabe

Spring Break

2008-03-31T11:02:00.000-07:00

Eugene, March 31, 2008

The past week has been spring break for the ITA Axemen. We held informal workouts Tuesday and Friday and begin a full-fledged spring season tomorrow.

The flowers are blooming, and like the birds and the bees, I too have caught a bit of the spring fever, even though the weather has been wet and miserable as usual--snow, at times--now, however, the sun suddenly shines through in all its glory--that's Eugene for you. What I mean by spring fever is that I met a beautiful girl a little over three weeks ago and we have been dating ever since. Her name is Pearl, we met at the opera and we live through the opera. Last week we explored the Oregon coast of Yachats to Newport, settling down in the Tennessee Williams room of the Silvia Beach Hotel. The highlight of the trip was reading "A Streetcar Named Desire" in a tiny but hot bathtub with a rich Sonoma Cabernet and dark chocolate: an Ecstasy one can only wonder. In recent months Silvia's Beach has taken me on a journey beyond the horizon of our recent centuries to the depths of the Mediterranean world. Silvia Beach's physical hotel is just the immediate gratification of months of research. With Proteus as my guide, I feel like I can do anything. Apollo may frustrate my enterprise, but Proteus will protect me. The problem now is that the Willamette Valley is so far from the sea, and my vanity is in constant danger of self-destruction without assistance from the gods to properly channel my energy. Such a dilemma Joyce identifies as a "Tall Man's Complex" of sorts, always thinking oneself the tallest man in the room, but I prefer Schopenhauer's title "World as Will and Idea," Emerson's "Over-Soul," Nietzsche's "Superman," or Campbell's "Hero." However one defines this teleological principal of processing the ideal, our literary history is enough entangled in Aristotelian cannibalism, for me to offer yet another list of hackneyed footnotes. Yet I am too smitten with the enigma to offer a solution. . . better to just BE THE HERO, in between your blogging of course, where the customs of society beg us to describe THE HERO.

My Achilles Heel has taken me away from running the past 10 days, and I anticipate another week heavy on race walking and pool workouts. Such a regime screams "Victim," so I have added a goodly amount of power, weight lifting to get my testosterone levels up, and vindicate myself from the recent calumny that I am a faggot; my antagonists cite the tendency of me to take two hour walks along the river while belting Flowtow's "M'appari" from the top of my lungs as a sure sign of homosexuality. I assure you that this is a false rumor, though I do quite enjoy the motion of race walking, the sexiness of the step, the efficiency of the stride. And although I remain contemptuous of race walking as a sport, I am an advocate and subscriber to race walking for its physiological benefits: form-running breakdown, freeing of the mind, focusing of the mind, and its low stress.

God Bless and Walk with the Hips!

Gabe

Purlple and White

2008-03-09T15:08:00.000-07:00

Eugene, March 9, 2008

Some people run for the money [me].
Some run for the glory [me].
Power [me]?
Others run for companionship.
Still others run for fun.
To stay in shape.
For fashion [Nora?].

After watching the South Axemen compete in the Purple and White intra-squad meeting I realized that I have been running for the wrong reasons. As I reflect on my life I realize that money, glory and power have brought me little ultimate satisfaction in life and a lot of tears; mostly, because I have failed to gain material wealth, glory or power; or at least to any sustaining degree. Yet, I fear that even when I do gain these material rewards, part of me will remain unfulfilled. Yet, I remain fixated on this whole reputation thing: above all else I desire honor. Yet honor is so fickle, earthly fame seems to disappear almost as quickly as it is won. So I guess maybe I am after some more lasting satisfaction. Any ideas?

After Coach Hess helped team Purple take second in the 4 X 4, he gleefully took a victory lap with the whole Axemen team: Purple, White, winner, loser, competitor, injured reserve, and team volunteer. Coach Hess handed off to anchorman, Carlos, with a 20 meter lead; only to watch Casey make up the deficit in the backstretch and utterly destroy Purple in the homestretch, garnering victory for White. But Coach Hess was not pissed off; he did not reproach Carlos for losing the race, succumbing to lactate head, his terrible form. No! He congratulated Carlos on a courageous effort, and congratulated the enemy team [white]. I was really taken in by this chivalry, and gentlemanly sportsmanship; his ability to subdue his pride and honor the champions as well as the defeated. After watching Coach Hess play the valiant knight, I am glad that I chickened out of the 4 X 4, because I am afraid that if Carlos has lost a race I had worked hard to win; he'd be running 5 mile Lydiards with the distance runners for the rest of the spring until he shaped up or dropped out.

Yesterday, thanks to coach Tyson, our Axemen brilliantly exhibited a brilliant spirit of unification at our Purlple and White meeting. And it is these young athletes who will remain my inspiration and models for the future!

Sunshine and God Bless!
Gabe

Shame

2008-02-26T08:58:00.000-08:00

Oregon City, February 26, 2008

I apologize to my family, friends, and fans. I represented Saucony dishonorably this Sunday at the USATF Indoor 1500m Championships. I succumbed to fear and exhibited cowardice and impotence in my race. In the Army such behavior would be met with Court Marshall, and possibly dishonorable discharge for abandoning the front line. I am fortunate for my life that Sport is a somewhat forgivable game, unlike her sister War, who kills and takes prisoner. Unfortunately, for the honor of my family I can not even find the courage to make seppuku. To hell with honor and reputation! It is my own anguish I wish to be rid of. My only redemption lies on the track. I would vow revenge on my enemies, but I have vowed before and made a fool out of myself. Empty promises are laughable. Our only salvation lies in action and virtue.

Gabe

Dempsey Track

2008-02-18T16:31:00.000-08:00

Eugene, February 18, 2008

Well, I got the opener out of the way: 3:58.8 for third behind Stanford's Heath and Brown. Thanks to all the fans that came out to support! Though you made me nervous as hell, as intended, right? The pressure really helped, sorry I didn't make a more impressive performance.

The Axemen performed well on Sunday in the Mile: Walker 4:31; Casey 4:41; Ryan 4:43; and Robert 5:05. All of them ran solid, a ver promising opener!

God Bless and Kick Ass!

Gabe

Lawrence Hill

2008-02-10T07:57:00.000-08:00

Eugene, February 6, 2008

Yesterday, the winter distance crew at south headed to Lawrence hill to do some hill repeats. The session was illuminating in a few regards: firstly, hills can tend to equalize levels of ability and fitness; secondly, the true character of each particular warrior is especially exaggerated through the motion of the hill. On the first point, I was rudely awakened to the fact that despite what I believe to be my Olympic caliber training, acumen, etc.; our first group of ten Axemen, were able to hang with me on this hill, and apparently, only a little less stressed then myself. I am really quite proud of these young warriors, and it is more as a scientist that I notice this interesting data, then as a competitor or an antagonist to these young apprentices who are under my tutelage. Yet, there is no denying that in the heat of a difficult workout one is apt to compare his perceived pulse, oxygen out-take, flushed face, etc., against his fellows. On the second point, it is really the sociologist in me rather than track trainer that likes to mentally record the apparent virtues and character that these young apprentices possess. For instance, I make a note if one of the kids goes out like balls the first interval, then drops out half-way in unexpected fatigue; or on the contrary, begins conservatively, and finishes in an untested blaze of speed for the final interval. I make these mental calculations more as a game to gague the potential vocations these warriors might carry forth in order to make a livelihood in our society, then as an indicator of who is going to be varsity, or anchor the mile relay.
Tomorrow, we head to Amazon trail to undertake a rigorous circuit of trail threshold running, coupled with track speed. This workout is a sort of inverted Michigan if you are familiar with modern collegiate workout lingo; and it is a bruiser. We will be calling it “The Hess” in the future, after the head distance coach at South, Jeff Hess, who is the workout’s inventor. We’ll see how my Olympic caliber training and experience holds up against these youngsters tomorrow. Hopefully, a few of them will surpass me someday, is that not the goal of every coach? With that selfish-altruism in mind, I hope to hold them off tomorrow and show them whose boss.

Train to race. Race to win. Feel it. Want it. Know it.

Gabe

Winter Campaign

2008-01-18T12:37:00.000-08:00

Eugene, January, 18, 2008

I plan on a short Winter Indoor Track Campaign this season. First off I will be competing in a Mile at the Husky Invitational, held at Dempsey Track, UW, Seattle, on February 16, followed by a Mile at USATF Indoor Nationals in Boston, held at Reggie Lewis Stadium, on February 24, concluded with a Mile at the IAAF Indoor World Championships held in Valencia Spain, on March 7 -9.

The training is progressing rapidly. Yesterday, I ran a quick 50 minute out and back, averaging under 5 minute miles, finishing at sub 4 pace; then, 8 minutes rest and a quick quarter in 53 seconds at Hayward field with trainers. Tomorrow, I have a Practice Race session at Hayward Field, followed by a Time Trial two days later; I will be lobbying for a 1200m as Time Trial: sub 3:00?!

I am anxious to race. My opponents appear very formidable in light of this most auspicious year, and thus I am concentrating my preparations to defeat them with especially terrible vigor.

The newest component of my training has become my almost daily aqua jogging, as a substitute for secondary runs. Coach Dick Brown has made me a convert of the benefits of water running for many reasons: less impact, resistance on both aspects of the running stroke (arms and legs), and slow motion meditation and drilling of form. However, possibly the most telling aspect in my own celebration of aqua jogging is evident in the prologue and epilogue to my pool workouts: I most diligently warm up with a sauna and hot tub before I enter the pool; and I follow each workout with a diligent cool down of hot tub and sauna. Let me again stress the importance of the hot tub and sauna as a boon to my aqua jogging! I don't have an physiological evidence in my support, only the experience of a hopeless sensualist. But in this most terrible winter am I not justified?!

"Now is the Winter of our discontent, made glorious summer by this sun of York. All the clouds that lowered upon our house in the deep bosom of the ocean, buried." --Shakespeare (Tell me from what play, and you will win a prize)

Gabriel

Unexpected Meeting

2007-12-26T14:11:00.000-08:00

Arcata, California, December 26, 2007

Amory asked the Arena Warriors to reflect on an anecdote from our recent volunteer efforts. Here is my response:

Last week I accidentally fell upon my South team on an evening run along the Willamette river. Being just before Christmas break for the Eugene South cross-country teams, the kids have had an unstructured training regime. So, it was unexpectedly that I came across a handful of my athletes crossing the Knickerbocker bridge from the north as I was passing from the south. Going out on a leisurely recovery run myself, I was listening to sacred Cuban music on my ipod looking forward a gentle pace so that I might better take in the scenery due the closure of this calm, gentle and rarely dry winter afternoon. Yet, when I perceived Walker, our team leader, leading a hearty squadron of our varsity boys across the still wet bridge, the tenor of my run quickly changed as I made a sharp U-turn, so that I might take my natural place as the leader of this brave company. I hailed each boy as a comrade, and made an easy stride next to Walker. We quickly overtook the train tracks and made our way up the slight hill to the intersection of Franklin Blvd., the city's main artery, and the bike trail that leads directly to my house on E. 15th avenue. As the shadows grew long, and our pace quickened, I felt proud to have so quickly assumed the leadership of such a promising pack of young warriors. As the 4th place team in the State, by 3 points to third, and a recent 8th place at Nike Team Nationals, our team had already proven itself a contender for any title in the west. But more than athletic prowess, I admired the scholastic aptitude, intellectual prowess, eloquent manners, and general camaraderie of the boys. They are, indeed, a well rounded talented, ambitious group, of which running makes for only a portion of their character. As we passed my house and made for Haward Field five blocks away, the senior leaders, Ryan and Walker took charge: Ryan led the left flank with firm purpose, while Walker in the vanguard by 5 meters swept the right flank to the sidewalk, and I led the center birth. With a sharp quickening of pace upon reaching the threshold of the University, the William Knight Law school, the gates of Hayward, and MacArthur Court looming in the distance, we assumed a rank of couplets led by Walker and myself, perfectly matching stride in symmetrical rhythm. After another surge, the famous graveyard was upon us, where Oregon's first settlers are buried, 1834, and allies to the Union cause, 1860's; this graveyard, where legend has it, Pre himself made both many a solitary run, and a heated competitive fartlek all the same; for most of us, whether from Eugene or abroad, the graveyard remains the sole warm-up grounds for the many Track competitions hosted at Hayward Field each spring and summer. So not surprisingly, it was in the graveyard that our group started surging with fantastic energy. There is something within the dark gloominess of the place that strikes the spirit with fear and reverence. I set upon Walker, Ryan upon me, and Casey, Zach, Bryan and Simon keeping strongly in order to our rear; our breaths were now heaving in the mist. Finally, at the western end of the graveyard, where the school of Music takes its place, a saxophone or french horn can often be heard over the tombstones, raising the spirits to further heights, as the path suddenly becomes a stage, and the alleys thy orchestra. Even this evening without any musician present as the shadows grew large upon us, the distant cacophony could be heard from the practice rooms below, as we rounded the bend out of the trees, now on 18th avenue, only two blocks from South High School on 19th and Hilyard--the final sprint had begun--but, I would not remain, as I doubled back through the graveyard. I would let the kiddies fight this one out for themselves. I wished them a happy Solstice, merry Christmas and a happy New Year. We will see where I find them on my return. We will see who has been disciplined over the break and who has succumbed to sloth, who will be a casualty to injury, illness or neglect; while others will have drilled constantly, rested plentifully and gained the favor of the gods through their holiday celebrations and ceremony. Upon return, I will examine, assess, and direct the South harriers to my highest ability.

Gabe

Portland Meadows

2007-12-07T14:36:00.000-08:00

Eugene, Oregon, December 7, 2007

December 1 I took Eugene South HS up to Portland Meadows race track for the Nike Team Nationals. The boys and girls teams performed exceptionally well. The course was very muddy, and snow was falling, but the team fought against their foe courageously.

Now we are looking forward to 3 weeks of active rest away from the team setting before we take up a modest Indoor season after Christmas. Coach Pat Tyson will bill joining the squad as Head Track coach in January, so we are looking forward to his experience and leadership.

Monte El Caballo!
Gabriel

South Goes to Nationals

2007-11-27T14:51:00.000-08:00

November 27, 2007

I take Eugene South to Nike Team Natinoals in Portland at the the Portland Meadows Race Track this Saturday. I will be the sole coach on site, so it is my largest dose of responsibility. I think the kids are up to the challenge.

Gabe

2007-11-10T19:32:00.000-08:00

August 29, 2007

The last month has been one of prospective vision. There has been little structured training or volunteer work of any kind. However, that is not to say that this time away from the rigorous routine has not been productive. To the contrary, this short window away from training has given me a clarity not evident before the most recent reflection. Furthermore, my goals have become tempered and synchronized to my current state of mind. It is my intention for 2008 to be the harvest of decades of hard work, vision and strategy. It is difficult to peak once every year: the rare flower blooms when circumstances are in its favor. Our sport of Track and Field, for one, is of a quadrennial character, and as athletes and leaders we must mature at the moments of greatest opportunity.

Undoubtedly, the time has come: Carpi Diem.

During my time off from running I attended a blessed wedding in Trinidad California between college friends; an Afro-Cuban dance and drum camp in Arcata, CA; and an ORFF conference (the pedagogy of teaching music to children) in San Francisco. After the conference a friend from Belgium, Amandine, and I explored Marin, Mendocino where my parents live, Forks of Salmon--my childhood home, the Oregon Coast, Eugene where I now live, the McKenzie river, Mt. Hood watershed, the Gorge on the Columbia river and Portland. What a fantastic trip it has been. Now it is time to get back into the groove now that I am back home in Eugene.

I met with Coach Dick Brown yesterday and he has prepared a unique 21 day cycle of training for me to test my mind and body in the most dynamic and progressive way. Coach Brown is a scientist of sport and sage of competition. It is a delight to explore new regions of training.

Blessed day
Gabriel

2007-11-10T19:31:00.000-08:00

July 18, 2007

The last few months have been very busy for me. The last portion of May I moved from Chula Vista, California to Eugene Oregon. I drove my truck, loaded with my motorcycle and everything else I own, the entire distance—Interstate 5, arriving only two days before the "Road to Eugene" meeting (PAA, Professional Athletics Association). Consequently in part from the travel, I raced poorly in the 1500m, 3:45, finishing second to last; I was especially disappointed, as the PAA rewards victory and high placing with a generous purse, resulting in a loss for me of much needed revenue to my foes. The next two weeks I worked constantly to settle down in Eugene, initially in the garage of my buddy's house, John Figueiredo, sophomore at U of O and harrier for Lane Community College. Finally, I began to move slowly into the first floor of Mr. Figueiredo's house, which is now, what I am proud to say, my new home in Eugene--Track Town USA--only five blocks from Hayward field! All the while I continued to train under the guidance of my new coach, Dick Brown. The weekend after the PAA meeting, Coach Gagliano of the Oregon Track Club, hosted a dual, twilight and daytime meetings June 8 and 9, just after the Oregon State Championship: June 6-8, and the day before the prestigious Golden League meeting, The Prefontaine Classic, also at Hayward Field. For the twilight meeting I competed in the 800m and ran 1:49 flat, middle of the pack—pretty good! Encouraging! The next day I ran the 1500m against a solid field; I sat on the rabbit through 900m, before a line of nine guys passed me; however, I regrouped with 150m to go, had a decent kick, passing a large group of men, and again I finished in the middle of the pack at 3:43, okay, still encouraging! Mr. Jordan McNamara, also a freshman at lane community college along with John Figueiredo ran a brilliant last 300m, outkicking the field in the last 20m for a 3:40. Little did I know at the time, but McNamara would end up being my housemate for the summer. Two weeks later I was in Indianapolis for the USATF National Championships. In the trials, June 22, I had a break through race for the season in the 1500m: 3:39, I ran 39 seconds over the last 300m to take second to Allen Webb by 1/10 of a second. Yet, I wasn't able to capitalize on my trials breakthrough in the finals, lacking both the consistency and confidence to be a contender. So it wasn't surprising when two days later, June 24 I placed last or second to last in the finals, in another mediocre 3:45, or something like that; I don't keep too careful of records of my failures, lest I remember losing too vividly and it starts to become a patterned habit. It is no exaggeration to say that I returned home to Eugene, with a very heavy face and a heart full of shame. My suffering was worsened due to my awareness of how many people believe in me, knowing how many people feel that I should be the champion; but worst of all, knowing that I myself am a champion, and that I performed like a coward. So, it is with heavy spirits that I faced the next weeks of training. Although, I was planning on competing in Europe this summer, after my failed finals at Indy I realized that my capacity to get into the prestigious Golden League series would be severely limited, and furthermore that the "B" level meetings that I would be able to enter would surely be a losing enterprise, financially and morally. So, with my European opportunity jeopardized, and my dreams in Osaka for the World Championships shattered, I decided to stay in Eugene and grow some roots in the community. After all, much of my disappointment this season has been a direct result of scattered training sites, changes in coaching, and changes in training. So far the decision has proved productive and rewarding, as I discover my routine here in Eugene and build valuable relationships and support. As a sort of warm down racing series I have entered the local Eugene all-comers Track series, as an opportunity to release my pent up frustration, get some speed training, and try some new things. I have already competed in the last two all-comers meetings held at Eugene South every Thursday in July, and have one more Thursday to go, tomorrow, before I get to take my mandatory two weeks off from running break! Compliments to my new coach, Dick Brown. My first meeting, July 5th, I won the 400m in 51.7 and took second in the 800m to Mr. Mike McGraff (1:56 to McGraff's 1:54); McGraff ran really strong over the last lap, striking with 400m, and utterly destroying me over the last 200m. I have to admit that I was a bit surprised to see McGraff at all at an all-comers meeting. I feel that he sort of stole my glory, so, in light of this defeat, I trained really hard the next week with an eye for redemption. But, this time, to secure my chances for success I decided to enter as many events as possible. So, Thursday, July 12, I arrived at Eugene South at 5pm, a half an hour before starting time, determined to win. My first event was the long jump at 5:30pm. Not having long jumped since 7th grade, I was a bit out of practice. But as a 41ft high school triple jumper I was fairly confident in my ability, at least of what I perceived to be the "all-comers" ability. However, the competition was pretty stiff, and as I was the last to jump, I had both the advantage, but also anxiety of watching all my competitors jump before me. A 12-year old girl jumped 16ft first attempt, pretty good, and I started to get nervous; then a 20-year old man jumped almost 20ft, but he fouled. I jumped 16`1``, barely surpassing the 12-year old girl, but still 2-4 inches behind four other competitors in the 14-and-under division. The next round: I jumped 15`10``, the 12-year old girl jumped 16`10, `` and the 20-year old jumped 19ft, but fouled again. The last round the 12-year old girl fouled, otherwise jumping well over 17ft, and the 20-year old was busy doing the 110H hurdles, so I took the runway for the last time, thinking that if I could surpass the 12-year old's 16`10 and if the 20-year old fouled on his last attempt, I just might win the long jump. Carefully guessing my steps, I bounded for five steps before accelerating to my best speed yet, hitting the board perfectl. The result: line drive, PR, 17`1``. With no other competitors left aside from the 20-year old hurdler, second place was secure; so, I changed into my flats for the Jogger's Mile. As I toed the line for the Jogger’s Mile with another 30-plus joggers around the invisible waterfall start, a graduating senior from a Eugene HS introduced himself to me and said that he was a big fan of mine, etc. etc.. I asked him what he was trying to run in the Jogger’s Mile, and he said, "Oh, I just got off work, and I am a bit out of shape. I can't run the [scored] 1500m because I've got to leave early; but I think if my legs feel all-right maybe I can run 5:05, just for practice."
So, I am thinking, this kid is a wimp, sounds like a lot of excuses to suck, I am going to "JOG" his punk-ass into the ground.
I tell him, "good luck" and the gun goes off.
I lead the first lap at 70-second pace, when in the middle of the homestretch the high school kid surges to my shoulder in what I interpret as a direct challenge! I am thinking, this punk is going to pay for his audacity, and I pick up the pace to 65; he continues to challenge me, running wide on the turn and into the backstretch. Coming on two laps the crowd senses a bruiser and starts cheering like crazy. Running shoulder-to-shoulder at 800m, 2:14, it appeared to be quite the race; however, on the next backstretch, I put in a good surge and dropped the kid for good, coasting into a 4:31 mile, to his 5:05. So, I guess at the end of the day we both achieved our goals: he got his 5:05 and I "JOGGED his punk-ass into the ground," or at least so I thought. On my cool down I jogged past the long jump pit to find out that the 20-year-old had finally landed a legal jump, besting my 17`1`` with a 20-footer. Oh, well, so many things are out of one's control; I took my second place red ribbon and grinned (it now hangs in my room above my desk). However, there is not much time to catch one's breath at these all-comers meetings; I now toed the line in the 400m, just minutes after my Jogger's Mile "victory" (unfortunately the Jogger's Mile is un-scored and offers no prizes). Coming to my attention, using blocks in lane 4, I noticed a fit-looking fellow in a speed suit from Lincoln College, who I had beaten by 10 seconds the week before in the 800m, but his skill as a sprinter remained unknown. The only other guy that looked any good in the 400m was the Lincoln fellow's arrogant teammate. I say arrogant because he walked with that arrogant air of a prize-fighter, he addressed the starter like a subordinate and ordered his lackey to hold his blocks for him in a particular manner. But I had no idea how Lincoln fellow or his teammate would shape up in the heat of battle, and this not knowing made me a little nervous, especially when I watched the Lincoln fellow practice his block starts with impressive force; the Lincoln fellow's arrogant teammate on the other hand didn't practice any starts, he just sort of posed in front of his block, relishing his massive muscles. I still have not learned the skill of block starting. Undeterred, I strategically took lane 2 in an awkward standing start. With my inside lane vantage point I planned on keeping the competition in the outside lanes in my view as the race progressed so as to know exactly what place I held; thus, it was my hope to use the inside stagger as a momentum booster coming out of the last turn. Sure enough, after a slow start I pulled almost dead even with the Lincoln man at 200m, which from my position in lane 2, effectively means that I already had the lead. And just as planned, coming out of the last turn into the home stretch, I used my momentum to gain a yard lead. But somehow the Lincoln man found that extra gear, he kicked harder than I could and out leaned me for the 400m title, 50.89 to my 50.90. Ohhh, so close! I was especially disappointed, as I noticed Nicole Teter and Lauren Fleshman in the stands just before the start, and I ever so wanted to impress them with a victory. I remember even mentioning to Nicole that a 400m title was within my grasp. Oh, well, maybe, she noticed the virility of my effort despite the defeat. Unfortunately for my ego, anyways, any chance of maintaining a respectable reputation was dashed to pieces in the next event, the 100m dash. Believe me I knew that victory was just about impossible in this event, but some sort of inexplicable pride in the feeling that I must carry out the things that I set out to do brought me to the line. Still out of breath from the 400m just moments before, I took lane 1, the only remaining lane for my age group, "20-year-olds in their prime.” This time all my competitors wore speed suits as I took the line in my standing start, and waited for my competitors to hold their set block position. The result: it wasn't even close, in fact, my margin of defeat was far worse than expected; the leader gapped me by 10m in the first 20m and opened up another 5m before the tape, leaving me thoroughly embarrassed for last place in 13 seconds to his 11 seconds. Further exacerbating my situation, lactate acid completely flooded my head immediately after the race as I hobbled around the softball field to the restrooms to put my feet up under an awning in search of some much needed shade. I now had 15 minutes of rest before the 200m! Phew! I was planning on using every second of that recovery, when I turned my head, my back on the ground and legs up, and who did I see? Mr. McGraff, the victor from U of O in the 800m the week before! I tried to look powerful and confident from my position on the ground, but I couldn't help feeling really dizzy and nervous, like there was no way in hell that I could beat a fresh McGraff in the 800m. He asked me if I was running the 800m, and I managed to give a barely audible, "mmHmm" meaning "yes". I asked if he was running, knowing full well that he was; we exchanged "good luck" salutations and shook hands. Then I quickly made my way to the backstretch for the 200m. I knew that the 200m was a different animal from the 100m, more of a sister species to the 400m with its long turn and almost endurance like straight away; so, I thought I had a chance. The starter asked us how we wanted to divide into sections, and the Lincoln man's arrogant teammate suggested we be seeded by "entry time" instead of the usual age group and gender divisions; however, nobody had previously submitted any entry times, as the competition was after all only an all-comers meeting. Anyhow, the starter not being too keen on logistics of this sort happily obliged, and those of us confident in our ability self-selected for the fast "sub-26" section, myself included. A bit of a "seeded" farce if you ask me. Oh, well. Once again, I was handicapped by my standing start, but this time feeling my oats in the homestretch I outkicked five of my foes for a solid third place in 23 flat, less than a second behind the Lincoln man, who won; some 42-year old, past NYAC pole vault champion, took second. I was third, and to my greatest satisfaction, I beat the Lincoln man's arrogant teammate for the second time in the day--ha, ha! Often the littlest victories are the most rewarding. I then took a 200m jog recovery, when I noticed the competitors were already lining up for the 800m run. I felt tired, stiff and sore, my groin was slightly strained from the long jump, and the competition ahead looked really tough: Joaquin Chappa and Mike McGraff, U of O's middle distance stars, were both entered in the 800m. But I had resolved to run the 800m and by golly I was determined to go to the line! I was just having these thoughts when Ms. Jill Metzler, the Eugene all-comers meet Director, frantically stopped me in the infield. "You are not going to run any more events are you?" she asked rhetorically.
"Um, actually, yea the 800m," I replied, not catching her underlying demand, asked as a question.
"Well, actually, you are only allowed three events for three dollars, and you have already competed in four, not counting the Jogger's Mile."
"Oh," not thinking to offer her another three dollars, "well, how about if I rabbit."
"Well, you know," she assured me, "I don't really care, it is just what if someone asks, I saw Gabe Jennings compete in six events, but he only pays for three?"
"Oh, sure," I said, not being really too sure.
Anyways, it turns out that after hurrying over to the 800m start line and seeing McGraff and Chappa doing some really aggressive strides I chickened out of even doing the rabbit job. Of course, with Ms. Metzler's earlier forebodings still resonating in my ear—I felt that I had a valid justification for opting out? It is probably a good thing, too, considering that Chappa came through in 52 flat for the first quarter in route to a 1:52 victory by Mr. McGraff. So, Mr. McGraff defended his all-comers meet title and went home with another blue ribbon. After the race, I tried to convince Mr. Lananna that I wasn't trying to dodge a McGraff X Jennings show down, and I even explained the Metzler incident, how the meet director wouldn't let me run, but my old college coach just laughed, leaving me hardly reassured. So, I went home with a second in the long jump, second in the 400m, first in the Jogger's Mile (which doesn't count, unfortunately), sixth in the 100m, third in the 200m and a "NO-START" in the 800m. The no-start left me especially unsatisfied, even dejected. My depression was compounded by the fact that upon my return home to my Eugene apartment, my housemate, Jordan McNamara, incidentally a semifinalist in the 1500m at this year's National's meeting, was watching the Paris, Grand Prix, 1500m final showdown between Allen Webb and Medhi Baala. Webb outkicked Baala for the victory in 3:30, a new PR, and just one second from the American Record! How could I not feel the pains of envy?! While I experience a string of disappointments, my rival, Mr. Webb, revels in a string of victories on the world stage, while I on the other hand am defeated on my local home turf! But I try to reassure myself that these strong emotions build character and fan the flame of ambition! My morning run the next day was certainly more frisky than usual. And I now more than ever I feel that heart-wrenching desire to redeem my losses, rebuild my esteem, and to challenge Mr. Webb in the Olympic arena, or at least to play with Mr. Webb, as an opponent, as a friend and ally on the world stage of Olympic glory. At least these are the feelings I have now, hopes and dreams, as I pour forth an exuberance of energy into my "last lap" of professional competition—the build-up to the Beijing Olympics. Sure, I want to beat my enemies, but they are not even enemies, at least in the sense of war, just competitors, and maybe even allies as I just elucidated with Mr. Webb. The challenge as an Olympic athlete is to test your wit, psyche and brawn against your competitors, so that the excellence and virtue of the Games as a whole flourish. As athletes and Olympic contenders that is our greatest challenge: to perform excellently and beautifully in the spirit of competition. I hope to hold myself to that goal in this coming Olympic season. As for tomorrow, my next particular event, Thursday: the date of the next Eugene all-comers meeting, I hope to do my best and enjoy the process, no matter how much lactate head makes me nauseous, and fear bears down on me, at least the pressure to win will be minimal here at Eugene's friendly all-comers meetings compared to the future pressure and expectations that go along with say, The Olympic Trials! Realistically, tomorrow, I believe that I can defend my position in the long jump against that 12-year old girl; I hope to really JOG that high school punk into the ground in the Jogger’s Mile—maybe a 40 second margin of victory; I hope to put up a good fight against the Lincoln Man in the 400m; I hope to get a better start out of the blocks in the 100m; I hope to improve in the 200m; and finally to give Mr. McGraff a run for "the money" in the 800m, which leads me to my closing offering. As I will be paying $6 for entry into the meeting tomorrow instead of the usual $3 I thought that I would ask for one dollar "ticket" donations, that will go to the Gabe Jennings Competition Fund via In The Arena. So anybody who wants to come out and watch Mr. McGraff go head to head with Mr. Jennings in the 800m, tomorrow, and is feeling a generous inkling towards our sport can make a check out for one dollar, payable to the ITA!
As for my ITA community service, I am still ironing out the details of my project. I do hope to take on a much larger role this coming year and so far I am considering a few different options: running/coaching at either Lane Community College or Northwest Christian College of Eugene, or just coach/mentoring at South Eugene High School. All three possibilities are very appealing, and I am looking forward to a good 2007 all around!