Delerium aka CRR

If you have ever watched me race, you know that I love to be out on the track.

I love hearing the splits, cutting times down, and finding a way to make that finish line closer.

If you have ever talked to me after my races, you have probably met my alter ego-

Crazy Runner Reich (CRR for short).

Now CRR  is quite the character. She has no personal boundaries, feels no need to worry about personal space, and is always willing to give big sweaty hugs. She also speaks with out any kind of a filter and usually has trouble putting together even semi-coherent conversations. CRR is my alter ego and also a complex that I have. Like a twitch or a habit. I am more than slightly addicted to her.

Let us explore this a little bit. I wish I could tell you more of the stories I am sure CRR has produced, but I honestly don't remember what goes on for about 15 minutes after I cross the line. I had almost forgotten about CRR until a friend recently reminded me of her. So here is my explanation to all of you who have met CRR and those of you who probably will and have no idea what you are getting into.

I have dubbed my CRR as the result of anoxic conditions in my brain. I think sometimes I try to run faster than I can breathe. There is usually a boundary that I cross when I run. One step I am normal and relaxed, and then next is when the race becomes fast. Now CRR has also appeared after certain work outs as well. So it is my best guess that my complex appears after the workload that I ask of my body is more than I can actually handle. I can push that boundary, but it results in some pretty funny post race memories. Actually, I love to push that boundary.

One of my favorite college runners, Liz Lawton, actually just reminded me that "running is such a peculiar sport!" And she knows the truth. Even when I know I can not physically take one more step, my brain says to try. Whether it is my heart, my head, or both that gets me through that moment, I am not sure. But I have this desire to see what moment comes after you realize how bad you are hurting. I have tasted this thing, I would call it fun, but people will call me crazy for it. That moment where you hurt the most? Push through for there is a moment right after where I find pure joy. Pain mixed with joy is pretty peculiar. But that is why I tell people to try for one more step. Because you never know how close you are to that one moment that makes everything worth it.

 

Normal or not, it is how I feel when I run.

And you can't tell me we are all not crazy...

Run faster than you can breathe
It is a different kind of drug
-CRR

Always be aware of your surroundings

So I was in for a treat this week and I had no idea! I was able to attend the USTFCCCA Convention this year. This not only included a chance to go see the different symposiums and talks the conference had but a chance to see The Bowerman presentation live!

My first day there I sat in on a talk about strength training for middle distance runners given by Vern Gambetta. We sat in the very front row! I felt so nerdy and excited, almost like I was back in school again, with my note pad and pen. I was just so happy to be learning and I tried to soak everything up. Then Derick and I got some lunch and geared up for some more people meeting and more soaking... The next talk I went to was by Marcus O'Sullivan (from Villanova). He gave a great opening talk on what it means to prepare for training. What I loved about O'Sullivan's talk was that even though his goal was to talk about specific training for middle distance runners, he made it relative to just preparing for any kind of running. The base work is necessary to be successful and to get you to that next level. 

And the fun was just beginning. Even though I had to work the next couple days, I got to go to the events at night. First up was the Mondo BBQ! As Derick and I walked around trying to find Coach Stoffregen and Coach Eby through all the tables we just happened to walk by Jennifer Barringer (now Simpson)! She was sitting at a table with Ryan from Flotrack and that wasn't the end of it! Lisa Koll then sat down right behind our table to talk to some of the coaches. Of course Andrew Wheating could be seen across the lawn and we even got to see him up close when he and his mom walked through where we were standing inside. I couldn't believe it! But in all three cases I had been to nervous to walk up and introduce myself. They were such big figures to me I couldn't even imagine talking to them. 

The next night it was time for The Bowerman. USTFCCCA is calling it "the Heisman" for track and field. There were 6 nominees, split 3 of the best collegiate women and men. And of course, I was totally blown away. But not by who I thought. Derick introduced me to Coach Smith. As in Francie Larrieu-Smith. I may not have been getting an award that night but I had the best seat in the house, right next to Francie. It was amazing to get to talk to her and ask her about running. I had a blast! She reminded me to look at who I was in the room with. The people I had been so nervous to talk to were sitting in the same room as I was. Never in a million years did I think I would see Jenny Barringer unless I was in the stands watching her at a track meet. But, there I was only a few tables over. Basically, it hit me that its not that far away. "It" being standing on a track right next to these athletes. All it takes is hard work. Well, a lot of hard work. I'm still being realistic, but man it was cool this week. And, it showed me what was out there. 

I think my second favorite part was getting to see some of the other Division III coaches there. It brought me a small connection to a few of the runners I knew when I was in college. The talk with Francie helped me realize that I was surrounded by some of the best people while I was in DIII. Take Randelle Boots of Wellesley College, for example. If you don't know her name yet you will very soon! She is not only an incredible runner but also quite the incredible person. I thought it was a privilege to run with her last year and I can not wait to see how she does this year. I think DIII and beyond will get to know her very well in the next couple years. Also got to meet a few people who knew Liz Lawton. Another incredible runner who I was lucky enough to meet! And, Jenny Scherer, who is total proof that hard work pays off. My entire collegiate career I was surrounded by people like this who were inspiring athletes. I can't forget my own teammates either. Now, in San Antonio, I have gotten to meet the people who help me here. And I am so thankful.

This week was incredible. I learned to always be aware of my surroundings.