Sunday, July 31, 2011

I have some BIG news and some not so good news...

The good news?  I have agreed to become an assistant coach at UNLV.  I am the assistant cross country and distance coach.  I am absolutely fired up to join my alma mater as a coach.  I have not signed paperwork yet so it is not 100% but pretty close.  I will be assisting Khadevis Robinson.  He is a Four-time USA Outdoor Champion ('99, '05, '06, '07); Four-time USA Indoor champion ('99, '06, '08, 09); 1998 NCAA Outdoor champion; Four-time USA Outdoor runner-up ('02, '03, '04, 09), so he can run. Not to mention he is also a motivational speaker.  He is representing the USA in the 800M at worlds.  I am so excited to be a part of the coaching staff that will turn around Rebel track and field.   My role will be to take care of practice, assist with traveling, and insert my experience as an expert in efficient running when needed.  I will get to run with ladies and, hopefully, that will transform my running.  I will learn a lot from KD.  Here is his website here.

The Not so good news?  I most likely am out for pumpkinman and possibly put my Ironman dreams on hold.  We (UNLV) have a race the same day.  I am not the "hey thanks for the job but I cannot do it that day" kind of guy.  I am committed to UNLV.  It also puts me on the clock for Las Vegas Marathon.  Running 5-6 days a week will no doubt help my running.  Running fitness will no doubt help my triathlon.  I am putting my work above my training.  I believe that I am awesome at working with runners and I feel like big things are coming.  Who knows what doors will open for me.  Here is how my week went:

Monday-Passed on workout to hang out with old buddy from college.
Tuesday-Training run 4 miles
Wednesday-strength/core
Thursday-Training run 5.5 miles.
Friday-off
Saturday-Long bike.  Started out as a bike/run brick but everyone in the group nearly bonked on the bike.  40 miles including the gnarliest of hills.  The bike gained 3,000 feet.  It was all on the pumkinman course.  I committed to training with my partner and I will keep my word.  I just wont race.  My legs were done.  Crampy, tired, and wobbly.  It was overcast but still 100 degrees by 7:30.  It was rough.  I spilled my water bottle so I only had 1 bottle of water.  It was a character building training session.
Sunday-I flat out didnt feel like it today.  Long run scratched to sleep.  Quote:


"I felt pretty good to be quite honest. But again, That race was stacked. I'm in the race with the current world champion, the previous world champion, the Olympic champion, all of that. You don't know what these guys are going to do. I thought, 'I might have this, but I know someone is going to be coming' ... I was trying to maintain my speed. That is what I need ..."


KD
I cannot wait to pick this guys brain.

5 comments:

Chuck said...

Wow! What a great opportunity! I know that you will make the most of it. I'm proud of you!

Jill said...

That is excellent news, Ron!!! I am one of the assistant xc coaches at the high school I teach and I absolutely love it - I know you will, too!! There are other 1/2 and full IM out there for you to train for when the time comes, you are making the best decision for you and it's a great one! Congrats!!! :)

Karl Stutelberg said...

Ron, it will be a great experience, eye opening to you for sure. I can't wait to hear what you think and learn during your first cross country season. Let me know if you need anything.

Kurt @ Becoming An Ironman said...

Congrats on the job!!

B.o.B. said...

congrats! that will be amazing for your running - no doubt. i need to get a job in cycling. lol!