Running the Triple Crown

Louisville is funny, you can tell the Louisville Triple Crown and the Mini-Marathon are getting closer as you see many runners and training groups out right now. It is pretty cool to see the variety in runners, you have groups training for a cause (Team in Training, Crusade for Children, etc.), you have your hard core veterans, and then you have your "rookies" or those running these races for the first time. I saw quite a few new faces over at Fleet Feet sports this weekend, I really respect those trying to run the Triple Crown and/or mini-marathon for the first time. My brother Eliot is attempting to run all 4 races for the first time and it's pretty exciting. I have enjoyed hearing about his training so far (he runs from Seneca Park on Saturdays) and really look forward to tracking his progress come March and April. Hopefully a sibling "rivalry" won't develop between us as we compete this spring!

I also have a great deal of respect for those who run these races year after year - the veterans. I have read about several runners that have run the mini-marathon every year (that's what 31 straight years!) In my training group, we have a couple of veterans, Manfred Schmidt and Fred Mckee, who are both great runners. Their dedication and discipline with their training has really served as an inspiration to me.

The variety in runners also reminds me of why I enjoy the sport of running so much, virtually anyone can take part. We will see much variety this spring in the speed, age, and size of the runners in the Triple Crown, the one constant is the excitement and enthusiasm these events bring to the Louisville community. I know I am looking forward to them.