California Track & Running News Apr-June 2013, VOLUME 39 NUMBER 2 | Page 28

CTRN-APR-JUNE_2013--1_Layout 1 4/24/13 8:18 AM Page 28 so cal assn Redondo Beach 10K & 5K Run/Walk Feb. 3, 2013 [email protected] Lay out your team’s jersey to wear for the game and plan to host or attend a party—that’s what many did the morning of Superbowl Sunday. Not runners throughout Southern California, though. Instead, this year they got up before dawn to run the Redondo Beach 10K and 5K Run/Walk. And run it they did—especially if they were members of USA Track & Field Southern California. It was really more like we swept it, though, since our runners claimed most of the overall top spots and almost all age group top-placing spots. Perched at the starting line and then blasting off with Eye of the Tiger blaring in the background, USA Track & Field Southern California’s Anthony Solis (M22, 0:30:44, Barstow) sprinted to a first-place overall finish, while our very own Nathalie Higley (F43, 0:36:16, Redondo Beach) finished first among the women. John Gardinier (M40, 0:33:11, Rancho Santa Margarita) and Leilani Rios (F33, 0:37:52—time still being contested, Coto de Caza) sprinted to an impressive overall third-place finish for the men and women (Leilani’s time may result in a secondplace spot in the overall). A great addition to USA Track & Field Rebecca Trajan Rebecca Trahan LDR News, Q&A Brea 8K winner Brandon Bethke and Mayor Ron Garcia. Wayne Joness with Skip Stolley 28 ct&rn • April–June 2013 Q&A with Coach Jim Bush Jim Bush is one of the most successful track & field coaches from the golden era of track & field, a time when fans packed stadiums, and track stars regularly received the kind of media attention reserved today for top football, basketball, and baseball athletes. Bush’s legacy continues beyond the hundreds of athletes he has trained over his long career. Bush has also written several books on coaching, and during his time at UCLA he mentored his successor in the Bruin track & field program, Bob Larsen. Larsen, the long-time coach of Meb Keflezighi, remarked that Jim Bush was one of the most organized coaches he ever worked with. “Jim Bush did not hesitate if you needed Southern California this year is the California Triathlon. Led by Thom Richmond and showing an impressive presence at the Redondo Beach 10K, we look forward to great things from this group and appreciate their partnership. Brea 8K Feb. 24, 2013 The Brea 8K’s slogan—“Chip Timed, USATF Certified, and So Cal’s Finest Finish”—truly describes the essence of this race. Not only is the course challenging yet fun, it’s one of the bestrun events in Southern California. Presented by the Brea Mall, this event has something for all ages. Whether you’re a child just getting into running or a masters runner with years of experience, the event sponsors, officials, and volunteers will ensure you have a great experience. And with this event boasting one of Southern California’s finest finishes, our Southern California USA Track & Field athletes finished in like fashion: fine and strong. Another sweep with USA Track & Field runners and teams capturing the top spots [