McMillanElite :: Ian Burrell

While Martin and Andrew are chasing their Olympic dream, the rest of us are at different stages in our training. Most of the 5k/10k group is coming back from a break and working to build the miles back up. The marathon group is in the heart of their training, and in the past month, they have probably logged more miles than I have put on my car. They are all looking exceptionally strong in workouts and should have solid performances in their fall marathons. In addition, there are about 4/5 McMillanElite athletes that have not yet arrived in Flagstaff. It's shaping up to be a great fall and hopefully an even better spring.

Personally, the decision to join McMillanElite was all about getting back to the roots. I was born and raised in Colorado, and after spending five years at the University of Georgia, I was anxious to get back out west, back to altitude, and back to the norm. The amount of trails in and around Flagstaff is staggering, and I couldn't be more pleased with my decision to join the team. So far, the runs have been a little more intense than I'm used to. With so many talented runners, there is always someone who feels good and wants to push the pace. It's fun knowing that if I just hang on to the other guys, I will be able to get into the best shape of my life. This is the most optimistic I have ever been about an upcoming season. I honestly feel that Flagstaff and the McMillan team create an ideal atmosphere for anyone who takes running seriously. By the time you read this, I will have already finished my first race as a McMillanElite athlete. I run Saturday at the "prestigious" Colorado Springs Classic 10k (I needed to get some things from home and hopefully the earnings from this race can finance the gas). At the very least, we'll see what kind of shape I'm in.

[NOTE: Ian won the Colorado Springs Classic 10k this past weekend in his personal record time for the course]