Track and Field Articles By Nathan Shopay

Though it’s 11 days old, its still fresh as ever in my mind. Did I really get up and watch the entire broadcast on my computer? Did Hall really drop a 4:32 18th mile then proceed to coast away from the field? Did the Today show really miss the start? Maybe it was all a dream or some type of runners’ fairy tale? It wasn’t, and it all happened, but I’m not here to talk about the race, even though it was emotional, unforgettable, inspirational, and whatever other word you enjoy. I’m here to rehash the broadcast. Two plus hours… more »

One Hundred and Thirty Four men will enter Centrals Park’s 5 loops of autumn colored pain, 3 will emerge victorious in the most highly anticipated trials race ever! I can’t believe the time is already upon us. More so I can’t believe I am going to wake up at 4:30 AM (West Coast) to catch the start and watch it live in its entirety. I remember trying to do that for the world cup a few years back, and when the alarm went off, I made the decision in bed (always a bad idea) that the first half wasn’t so… more »

That is the question.

“Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer slings and arrows of the little angry voice in your head questioning the choice to punish your body, Or to take arms against pain, and confront it without the distraction of an over played power ballad. To run is to hurt, but to iPod is to escape.”

To say that many people run with music would be a bit of an understatement. It’s a global exercise phenomenon and has been for a while now. Not wanting to bore you with the… more »

By definition an asterisk is: A star-shaped figure (*) used chiefly to indicate an omission, a reference to a footnote, or an unattested word, sound, or affix.

Lets use it in a sentence.

“He makes me think of an asterisk.”

In the last few years, the asterisk has taken on a life of its own. From posters, T-shirts, to television shows, this symbol has become a bit of a celebrity in itself. When I see a shirt with the asterisk, the message is clear, then I think how sad… more »

This week I decided to attempt some actual journalism. I sat down at my computer with a warm cup of POWERade Jagged Ice and had an email interview with Michael McKeeman. Mike has qualified for the U.S. Marathon Trials with a 2:17:50 and is in the unique position of being Deena Kastor’s training partner. He trains in Mammoth Lakes, CA with Team Running USA, runs for ASICS and is a 1999 graduate of The University Of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

How did you end up with Deena, what is your role?
I ran with… more »

After the global success of my ramblings in the inaugural Nate Shopay FloTrack article, I’ve decided to use my newly found power to take on a difficult and touchy subject.

As of yesterday, millions of American men (and a rare few women) are again suffering from an affliction that last reared its ugly head November 9th 2004.

Marked by lack of sleep, blistered thumbs, and a myriad of irrational grievances, the disease commonly referred to as EPOH (Excessive Playing of Halo) is mainly found in young men in the process of gaining… more »

As my first article for FloTrack I will be sure to make it brief and full of semi-coherent ramblings.

Fall is here and that means one thing... Fantasy Olympic Trials Marathon Draft. All across America office pools are being created and marathon fans of all ages are gathering on weekends in basements to pick their dream team. Each day millions log on to ESPN.com where they can click the “Countdown to NYC” banner on the top of the page (sponsored by Brooks line up of fall weather proof jackets), and check the status of their favorite runner.… more »