THE BROOKS BLOG

Men's Open Field

Some estimates had the temperature hitting negative 12 degrees during the Men’s Open race last weekend in Spokane, WA. I’m not sure if weather records exist for the USATF Club Cross-Country National Championships, but this would be difficult to surpass!

Literally hundreds of club teams from across the nation toed-the-line at the annual cross-country championships, but no one stayed long after his or her respective race had ended. Brooks had an amazing showing with half of the teams wearing Brooks racing uniforms, the Hansons distance project had returned, and Brooks bought drinks for its athletes following the race (USATF negated that benefit this year).

My personal experience running with 358 other men in the Men’s Open race was pure torture. The winds were easily approaching 30mph, the ground was nearly frozen, and I couldn’t muster the energy to spit far enough to avoid my chin! However, there were no major catastrophes and everyone enjoyed themselves in the post race festivities.

Even if the run wasn’t happy for everyone, we found a way to making running a happy experience in the end! Is this 30 degrees in Seattle balmy or what???