Drake Relays truly is America's Athletic Classic

The last weekend of April in the Midwest is often cold and rainy. Not so in the spring of 1983. The setting was Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, home of the Drake relays. It was a gloriously warm sunny day. A day that marked my first experience of the Drake Relays. I was a freshman at Drake, running the 400 meter leg of the sprint medley. We made the finals and lined up against some of the best runners in the country. I left it all on the track that day and ran what ended up being the fastest quarter split I would ever run. Alabama won the race with the fastest time in the world that year. They also set a Drake record which still stands today. That was 23 years ago and I've been back almost every year since.

The Drake Relays has a long history and I would argue that the Drake Stadium is hallowed ground in the world of Track and Field. The first relays went off in 1910 in a snow storm. Since that time some of the greatest names in track history have thrilled relays fans. Jim Ryun, Bruce Jenner, Frank Shorter and Michael Johnson are just a few of the legends of track and field to compete at Drake.

Last year, Drake unveiled a newly renovated stadium and track making the Drake facility a truly world class venue. Drake has since been named the host of the 2007 Midwest NCAA Regional and the 2008 NCAA Championships. This was a great move by Drake making it the track and field mecca of the Midwest.

Drake Relays is a great place to compete and an even better place to watch some of the best collegiate and world class athletes up close and personal. The stadium holds about 18,000 spectators and its always sold out for the Saturday finals. Last year I marveled as my kids had the chance to high five Olympic Gold Medalist Jeremy Wariner as he did his victory lap after winning the 2oo meters. Its really amazing to see athletes of this caliber in such a great setting.

Drake Relays runs each year during the last weekend of April. Call the Drake Ticket office at 515 -271-3791 for more information.

Wildlife a bonus for trail runners

Early morning trail runs are usually invigorating and often provide surprising encounters with the local wildlife. Last weekend I was out on the trail with a friend. The air was brisk but it was very pleasant. As we rounded a bend I noticed a large buck off in the distance. It was majestic with large antlers and a pronounced white tail. As we got closer it darted off into the woods. Score! It's always a bonus to see wildlife out on the trail.

Over the last several years I've seen a wide range of animals including deer, coyotes, foxes, hawks, snakes and all kinds of interesting birds. Last winter I was running after and early morning snow when a herd of deer (9-10 of them) crossed my path in full stride. I stopped to look around to see if anyone else saw them. Its more fun to share these experiences with other runners. These unexpected encounters are the "icing on the cake" of the trail running experience.

Occasionally, one of these encounters can get your heart rate going. One morning last December, I was out for a run when a full grown coyote crossed the path ahead of me and looped back behind me. I looked over my shoulder and noticed it had stopped to see where I was going. We locked eyes and then it ran off into the woods. I paid close attention as I came back that way to see if he was waiting for me ;-).

These simple wildlife encounters help rejuvenate the spirt and make running more interesting. Get off the roads and treadmills and take advantage of the trails around you. You never know what you might see!

7 reasons to consider trail running as part of your running routine

Earlier this summer my friend Dan and I were running in McDowell Grove. On a whim, we decided to cut through the woods on some single track trails. Next thing you know, we're weaving through some great scenery, jumping over fallen trees and really enjoying the experience. Since that time I have turned to trail running whenever I need a change of pace. Here are 7 reasons to consider adding trail running to your weekly routine.

1. Break up the routine. Whenever the thought of going out for a run feels like a drag, I usually find myself going out for a trail run. The beauty of the trail creates a great diversion. The obstacles (roots, branches, rocks, etc.) require you to pay attention to the path. No time for mundane thoughts or boredom when you're weaving through the woods.

2. Need a break from the summer sun? Go for a Trail Run. If you live in the the Midwest, you know we had one of the hottest summers on record. The wooded trail setting provides some protection from the summer heat.

3. Conversely, if you need a break from the cold winter wind, trails provide protection from the wind chill.

4. The air is cleaner and more abundant on the trails, thanks to photosynthesis and protection from the exhaust of the roads.

5. "Rush" from the beauty. I always get a charge out of running through the forest, over streams and rivers, etc. I never tire of seeing deer and other wildlife on the trail.

6. Get Stronger. Trails require runners to run, weave and sometimes jump over small obstacles. It’s a great workout and provides strengthening for ankles,quads and calves.

7. The softer surface of the trail provides good shock absortion and lessens the chance for common running injuries like shin splints, etc.

There are some hazards to be aware of on the trail. Its certainly possible to turn an ankle on a rock or root. Be aware of the local wildlife. If you have mountain lions in the area, it's advisable to run with a buddy. Since trails are secluded, women should always run with a buddy.