I just started training for the Chicago marathon.  THis will be the first time to run at Chicago.  I hope all goes well in training and health.  Wish me luck.

2008 was tough year for running.  I was hurt with a broken toe and knee problems.  Hopefully 2009 will be a injury free year and I can hit some goals in the half and full marathon.  I am ready to run some prs but, need to stay injury free.  I hope everyone accomplishes every thing set out to in 2009.

I was born and raised in Washington State and currently reside near Austin Texas.  I have and always will root for Seattle Sports teams.  This year has been a terribly tough year for Seattle Sports to say the least.  First the Supersonics move to Oklahoma City of all places and no more basketball team. The Seattle Mariners were a preseason favorite to do well in AL but were terrible. The Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren last year is this year and he probably wishes he was in retirement already.  The Seahawks have had injury to basically every starter on their team.  UW football is terrible and lost their star quarterback get terrible calls against when they actually may win a game ex: BYU game.  Well I will quit my ranting and get to the point their is one bright spot in all this.  The University of Washington women cross country is ranked number 1.  I hope they can keep the light burning for goodness sakes all of Seattle.

I find it very sad that such a legend is retiring.  I have seen arkansas run many time because of the fact I lived in Fayetteville for 5 years.  I think what Mcdonnell has accomplished can never be achieved again in any sport.  I grew  up in Washington State and all you hear about in that area and most of the country is Oregon and Bill Bowerman.  I think Bowerman was a great innovater for running.  When it comes flat out winning there is no comparison between Mcdonnel and Bowerman.  I think no one can argue that.  Mcdonnell is great man and his athletes all respected him and that shows a true measure of a man.  Every year many Arkansas athletes would step beyond their ability for this man.  They always stepped up in championship times of year.  That is a direct attribution to Mcdonnell.  Lets just remember one of the best coaches the NCAA has ever seen.  He has my utmost respect.