What we all can learn from Chris Solinsky

In the span of five weeks, former Wisconsin Badger and Stevens Point native Chris Solinsky became the best U.S. runner in history when he set personal bests at the 5,000 and 10,000 meters. In May at a track meet in Stanford, California, Solinsky blew away the American record for 10,000 meters by running 26:59.60. In his first-ever attempt at the distance on a track, Solinsky broke the record by over 14 seconds. Five weeks later in Norway, Solinsky nearly eclipsed the American record for 5,000 meters by running 12:56.66. He did not set a new record, however, as Bernard Lagat, running in the same race, finished in 12:54.12.

Nevertheless, Solinsky managed to set the best 5K and 10K combination by a non-African in history. In fact, he is the first non-African to break 27 minutes for 10K.

Tim Layden, of Sports Illustrated, did an extensive interview with Solinsky shortly after the Oslo 5,000. In the article, Solinsky and others discussed the Wisconsinite's atypical runner's build. Rather than being small and light, Chris is a big strong guy. More interesting and more telling to me, however, is Solinsky's approach to training and racing. I think we can all learn some things from the example set by our home state running maestro.

Solinsky was a running prodigy in high school. I remember watching him at high school meets with nearly slack-jawed amazement. He never looked cool and easy. He was working from the moment the gun fired. While deep inside he might have known he was going to blow everyone else off the track or cross-country course, his approach to racing belied any overconfidence.

It was difficult to believe that someone could work that hard from the outset of a race and maintain that effort for the full distance. Yet, here was proof that it could be done. In every race I watched Solinsky run, he was hammering. He didn't always win, though. I recall a state track meet and an NCAA Cross-Country Championship where Solinsky's legs betrayed him before the finish line. But it was never for a lack of effort or determination.

Layden's article portrays Solinsky as a beast when training. He embraces tough workouts rather than shies away from them. When his schedule calls for a hard day on the track or a challenging tempo run, he relishes the effort. How many of us can honestly say we look forward to our hardest session of the week? After all, it can get downright uncomfortable running hard. Yet, for those of us who love racing and strive toward our best performances, running hard is where it's at. It's always easier to avoid challenging days, but If we do we can expect our performances to suffer.

Solinsky does not allow others to define his success. He goes into each race determined to show he belongs among the world's elite. Others' preconceived notions about what makes a top distance runner serve only to fuel Solinsky's desire to get the most out of himself in every race or challenging training session. Every day is another opportunity for Solinsky to hone his skill as he tests his mettle against the world's best.

Those of us who have no desire to run fast, only a wish to get out the door for some regular exercise, can also learn from his example. For many the challenge comes not from seeing how fast they can run but from running at all. Personal records are not only set by time. PRs are set by how many runs one completes in a week, in a month or in a year. PRs are set by weight lost and calories burned. PRs are set by changing our attitude and lifestyle toward regular running or other aerobic activity. We can all challenge ourselves to be our best however we define it. Meeting that challenge does not come easily. But embracing our goals and striving toward them is something we can all do.

As August brings the start of another high school cross-country season, I hope to impart to our young athletes something of Solinsky's example. Our team, like most high school teams, will have a full range of athletic abilities. Some runners will have outstanding seasons, while others will struggle just to finish their first 5K race. No doubt Solinsky's 12:56 will not be threatened during our season. Yet, if these boys embrace their goals and work to achieve them, there is no telling what may happen.

As a coach I always hope for a successful competitive season. Yet, most compelling for me is teaching the importance of the struggle. Watching young runners set goals and achieve them is one of the joys of coaching. Just as we can all learn from the example set by Solinsky as he strives to be the best distance runner he can be, so too can these young and upcoming runners realize just what is possible if you know what you want and go after it.

Good running to you!