KIMbia Athletics

As we move into 2010, our athletes will each be sharing a look back at 2009, which we will be running throughout the next two weeks.  First up, Tim Nelson, arguably the most-improved male American distance athlete in 2009.

This year you qualified for your first National teams, competed in your first World Championsip, became the 14th-fastest American at 10k, and twice took Olympians to the wire for a National Championship.  If you had to rank your races from 2009 based on how fondly you remember them, what would be #1 and what would be the runner-up?  And why?

My number one race would have to go to the Cardinal Invitational 10k.  It was an awesome experience to finally achieve my goal of running the Olympic ‘A’ Standard and getting under the 27:40 mark.  Second would have to be USA Cross Country.  I would be lying if I told you I expected to be up with a very fit Meb at the end of the race.  Meb’s later performance at the NY Marathon only made that race all that more meaningful.  If only I had kicked a little bit sooner…

You will be making your half-marathon debut in early 2010, with the marathon now visible on the horizon.  Is there any moment from 2009 — whether in a training session or a race — that gave you the confidence or motivation to step up in race-distance in 2010?

USA 15k Championships was an eye opening race.  I averaged 4:41 per mile and had quite a bit left at the end.  That kind of performance definitely made be feel better about my chances in the half-marathon.

Do you have a favorite brew-pub to recommend to folks visiting Portland?

Kells Irish Pub is a good place in downtown Portland.  I think there is also one in Seattle and San Francisco.  I’ve only been there once but I hold fond memories of their fish and chips.

What’s your favorite running-related memory from 2009?