World XC in Jordan! part II

The next couple days in Jordan were all about getting adjusted to the new environment and of course the 6 hour time difference. I slept great on the first night but got close to no sleep the second night. Each day, twice a day, we traveled to a stadium with an outdoor track and practice loops for training. I went there once each day and did my 2nd, shorter run, either from the hotel or on a treadmill at the hotel. The practice loops were nice because they were dirt paths with some hills and twists and turns. I ended up doing my workout on it and enjoyed it.

Using the clay from the Dead Sea to rejuvenate our skin

On Wednesday we all took a bus to the Dead Sea. It was about an hour or so to get there and had some amazing views of the mountains along the way. The bus stopped at a great lookout point so we could all take some pictures. We arrived at the Dead Sea and stepped off the bus to what felt like a 20 degree temperature change. The warmth felt so nice because back in Amman we had somewhat chilly temperatures with drizzle. The sun was shining and the Dead Sea beach was just a few steps away. There were Tiki bars and grass umbrellas scattered across the beach. We all pretty much ran down to the beach like a bunch of kids and stripped down to our bathing suits or, for those like myself that didn’t bring one, sports bras and shorts. So, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on the Earth and is so rich with salts and minerals nothing can survive in it. People go there to soak up all the minerals for health benefits. In addition to this, because it’s so rich with minerals, it creates lots of buoyancy. So, when you float on your back you rise above the water more than normal and your feet just pop up out of the water, it’s very weird. Then everyone started taking the mud from along the shore and just plastering it over their bodies. It was actually clay and as a former art teacher I was tempted to somehow bag it up and ship it home to throw a pot.

Riding on a camel

But, instead I decided to slather it all over my body and hope that my skin would be glowing after. We only had about an hour to play before we headed back. We passed some camels on the way back and the bus driver was nice enough to stop so we could hop on one. I think I was the first to jump on. I wasn’t totally prepared for the jolt it gave me as it got off its knees to stand up. I got a couple photos and tipped the camel guy a dinar. We headed back and called it a day.

Thursday hit and it seemed like the vacation was coming to a close. The reason why we were all there crept closer. We had a short outing planned for Thursday and then it was really time to get down to business. Small groups took cabs to some Roman ruins right in the middle of Amman. There was a huge amphitheater there that we opted not to climb in order to save the legs but we took lots of pictures. We then went to a couple shops to look for gifts and make some good or not so good deals on jewelry that may or may not be phony. That night the senior women had our pre-race team meeting with coach Peter Tegen. Peter gave a very inspirational pep talk and I thanked him for it. I certainly know of his incredible coaching history and was honored to get to know him. Thanks Peter!

At the course in our USA warmups

On Friday morning we were able to see the race course for the first time. We were all decked out in our fancy US gear and had some team photos taken at the finish area before we jogged the course. Luckily the predicted rain held off and the course was bone dry. The senior women’s team ran together and assessed the course. We all agreed that the course was challenging, but seemed somewhat similar to the Derwood course where the trials were held. We had lots of positive thoughts about what we could do as a team as well. After seeing the course we headed back to the hotel. All that was left to do was relax and wait.

“It’s going to hurt…”

Last night I was able to spend some time and interview Rebecca. In her first interview since returning home from Amman, we covered a wide array of topics including the World XC Championships, her coaching, the 2009 season so far and what to expect the rest of the year. Today’s installment focuses on the recent World XC Championships where Rebecca was the third American in 36th place. She talks about the experience, things she learned, and of course the race itself.

Next Stop Amman, Jordan

Rebecca’s training has gone well leading up to the race. She’s been over in Jordan for 5 days now and seems to be acclimating well. The trip started with an eight hour layover in the JFK International Airport. She took that time to get in a run in the airport parking lot. To me this represents a highlight of the trip. I think this act is emblematic of the dedication Rebecca has to continually improve in the sport. I read an interview with Haile Gebresalasie where he revealed running under similar circumstances. His point was that he always got his runs in “no matter what”. Or as Chuck Noll used to say, “What ever it takes.”

In Jordan, Rebecca has had several runs and drill sessions and a workout. All seemed to have gone according to plan. It hasn’t been all business. The team made a trip to the Dead Sea and road some camels. But, now the race start is in sight and the business of running will be the continued focus for the rest of the trip or at least until the post race shake out run. I know Rebecca will get a huge lift when she puts on that USA uniform.

Even in Jordan, half a world away, Rebecca’s thoughts aren’t far from State College and in particular the State High girl’s track team. It seems the biggest obstacle she’s had to over come with the travel is not jet lag or time change but rather not having a direct view of how her girls have been training this week. The biggest pre-trip stress was laying out the week’s training for the girls. She will be anxious to hear their results from this weekend’s upcoming meet.

Rebecca is running in the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Amman, Jordan on Saturday. So far the trip has gone well and sounds like a very unique and exciting experience. This marks her first time competing for Team USA at a World Championships. Rebecca takes great pride in representing the USA in international competition. There seems to be few opportunities one has in life to represent their country. It is not lost on Rebecca that there are and have been many others in the same part of the world representing the USA. Regardless of political views, there are sons and daughters of the USA wearing a different kind of uniform and doing so in harm’s way. She has many friends who have gone to Iraq and come home and gone back over again. With the World Championships in Jordan and bordering Iraq, it is impossible not to think of friends, soldiers, and lives who are facing a far greater struggle than that of a foot race. It is not lost on Rebecca that while she and other citizens of the USA will be representing the country in the field of athletics that right next door other citizens of the USA will be representing the country in war. I hope this fact is not lost on USATF. If I had one wish it would be that our old teammate, Jason Cullinane, could somehow go to the race. But, alas he will not see the race or any race until the Army says his work is done in Iraq. Thankfully, many of our other friends are back home and running! Hopefully, soon they will be running with Cullinane.