Nike Running Camps

Day 4 - Thursday 7/27

        Today I was able to sleep in till 9. I went out for a run by myself because no one else's workouts
corresponded to mine. I was scheduled for a 6 miler with a little bit of tempo in the middle. As I was running down the river I ran into my coach and dad who were just heading out for a run themselves. I ran with them for about a mile and then picked it up on the way back to the suites. After the run I headed over to breakfast with my fellow suitemates. I ate pancakes with blueberries, eggs, bacon, homestyle potatoes and some fruit.
        Next, I went over to the Human Kinetics building near the track and jumped in the ice bath. I hadn't had one in a while, so it felt awesome. Following the ice bath I received a massage from trainers. Then it was lunch time. There wasn't too much variety at lunch, pizza and pasta, but both were delicious. We had a team
meeting at 3:30 and we discussed the proper flag etiquette, the medal stand procedure, and also were able to discuss any problems we had with the accomodations with the athletes liasons. They really want to make sure that we are treated well here.
        Then it was time for opening ceremonies. I went back to my room to change into the awesome podium sweat suits. The team met out in the parking lot and we took different pictures. Next was the procession to the stadium where they held us on the indoor track for about an hour before the opening ceremonies. I just hung out with the team while they played music in the background. The opening ceremonies started right on time. We processed in about 250 meters of the track. There was a great crowd out there--a lot of
supporters. Next a couple speakers were presented and they sung the Canadian national anthem. They lit the cauldron that had as many wicks as there are countries in the Pan Am Federation. The flame got a little out of control and they had to put it out unfortunately, even though they said it would stay lit until the end of the games.
        Next came the wheelchair 800m and the paraolympic 100m dash. A Canadian won the wheelchair race while an American won the 100m. Then came the race I was waiting for--the Miracle Mile. It was an amazing race to watch, very exicting. The rabbit took it out quick and they were about 57 or so for the first quarter. They came by the half at 1:58. Goucher took over after the first kilometer. Mike Woods moved up into second place as they headed into the bell lap. They were rolling and the Canadian Woods started to close the gap on Goucher. Goucher pulled away though between 100-150m and finished in 3:56. Woods was right behind him in 3:57. I get to race Woods on Sunday, after his performance tonight hopefully he is still feeling it a bit on Sunday. After the mile I went to dinner and had some Mexican food. Then I settled down in the suite and watched some Laguna Beach. I look forward to watching the distance races tomorrow.

Mark's Day 3 Diary      Mark's Day 2 Diary       Mark's Day 1 Diary: The Arrival