Recently I had the privilege to attend the Weltklasse Zürich Diamond League meet with two of my close friends, Ricky Lupp and Matt Collmar. It was the capstone to a ten day trip through Italy and Switzerland, and what a finale it was. The meet is often referred to as the best one day track meet in the world and has earned the nickname of "The Olypmics in a Day."
The meet was fantastic--it was absolutely compelling and awe inspiring to see some of the best athletes in the world perform at their physical peak. Each event had its highs and lows and all 25,000 people packed in the stadium fueled the adrenaline pumping through the meeting.
But I must admit, as exciting as the meet was, I couldn't help but to have a single thought running through my mind throughout the meet: I can be in there, I can run in this meet. When watching a Diamond League Meet on the internet or TV, it can be a surreal experience since the production is so well done. It makes the competition seem untouchable and the athletes invincible, but in person, the event became human....manageable....possible. I could see myself on that track, running with the best of them.
And it is with that thought that I take off tomorrow for my next adventure in life: joining Team USA Minnesota in Minneapolis. Today was my last day in Cincinnati and I'm looking forward to what the future brings. I soaked up all that the Queen City had to offer along the river front on my last run, packed up my car, and am leaving early tomorrow morning!
Thanks to all of those who have been influential in my life in Cincinnati--I cannot thank you enough!
