Bowerman and The Men of Oregon

I had always wanted to read this book because I have always heard how great a coach Bill Bowerman was. I learned much more from the book than I could have ever expected. Not only did I learn of him being a great coach but he was a much better person. I couldn't even choose one of my favorite stories of the book because the whole book just has so many! He helped establish Nike, which has become one of the most successful if not the most successful sporting company in the world. He also helpede get jogging started in Americfa so that most Americans could get in shape without trying to run fast. I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever wanted to learn about track and field and the University of Oregon.

Lindsey Anderson = 2008 Olympian

Entering my senior year in high school I had a new coach in Lindsey Anderson. She was still running from Weber State and was just starting to break out. At first I started to wonder how I was going to respond to her coaching techniques and training methods. As the season went on I got to know her alot more and I knew that she was going to have a huge breakout season eventually. After the season we kept in contact a little bit but as I started to hear that her times started to drop, I knew this was the time she was going to show the world what she was all about. After taking 2nd at the 2007 NCAA outdoor championships she had the oppurtunity to run for the World Championship team which she did qualify for. But late Thursday July 3, 2007 I was watching my coach have the chance to be on the 2008 Olympic team. As the race started I just knew that she was going to make the Olympic team but it seemed like everyone was doubting her and saying she would have to run the race of her life. But with about three laps to go, she was up there with the big dogs, Barringer and Williard! But with a lap to go it was certain that she would make the team if she didn't fall and break something but that was only the beginning. As Anna Williard started to pull away with her American record, Lindsey made her move and took 2nd place and held on to 2nd place. She is so amazing and I can't even explain how much she has affected my life and I know that she is going to do amazing in the Olympics!
-Jex

My summer so far....

Well at the first of the summer I just thought that I was going to chill and work every now and then. But as has time has past I have been doing a whole lot of working and not a whole lot of chilling. Working 4 x 10 hour shifts doesn't really leave you a whole lot of time for yourself but I have found a way to keep running and have some fun. Work has really helped me realize that things aren't free and you must work hard to get where you want in life. Also, it made me realize that I don't really want to be a plumber for the rest of my life(Thank goodness for college)! But I really do like working with my brother becaues he can teach me so much but also get mad at me sometimes too. It was my birthday a few days ago and it was just nice to have some family members around, eat cake, and just talk. I've got one left of being in Utah and I plan on doing some fun things and trying to stay out of trouble because I'm sick of the police and fireworks. Until next time!
-Jex