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Track and Field Blogs - David Torrence

Building Steam with...Some Fresh Whole Grains?

February 12, 2009

“We don’t need to fragment it any further…I sympathize…but that’s our job to do on a larger scale.”

There I was. Sitting at my computer, volume turned up, listening to this fat-cat CEO…the man with the future of USATF in his palm…tell me that I can’t do something that would make my life just a little easier.

I mean, I’m thinking to myself…

“Dear Mr. Logan,

What you think might last 6 weeks, is my 6 months. I don’t need your sympathy, I need you to get the hell out of the way.”

What if I could get discounted groceries with that Whole Foods sponsorship? What if I could start traveling for free or at a discounted price with JetBlue if they sponsored me? What if talks with more companies combined with increasingly fast performances lead to more endorsements, and possibly even some advertising? Wait, I got it….What if I could talk to Apple and do a viral web-commercial to some catchy neo-indie/electronica tune where I demonstrate how the iphone not ONLY allows me to listen to music while working out, but ALSO logs my mileage in the middle of a conference call while reading the New York Times and makes me a protein shake? Write that down.

Sure these examples might be a bit far-fetched, but is something similar really not in the realm of possibility? And even though all of those things may be small money, once they accumulate something like that would make a huge difference in my ability to support myself and train full-time, as it would many others.

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That is what first ran through my head when I watched the “PGA, NASCAR, and T&F” interview with Doug Logan. A subject that is especially poignant considering my situation, I was getting pretty pissed watching him tell me that a sponsorship from Whole Foods (or something else similar) is small potatoes.

Agh, but there I go again. As you can see, I really want to talk about Doug Logan and his interviews with flotrack and trackshark, but it seems whenever I start writing about it I suddenly find myself in the middle of a short story. There was just so much he covered. Also, there is still yet-to-be-seen footage which could help me understand further his goals and how he is going to do it. As a result, I’ll make a quick comment here and move on. However, I plan on returning to the subject in future installments, as it directly affects me and my sub-elite status.

So, I’ll just keep it short and sweet: After watching more of the interviews and really trying to understand what he is planning, Doug Logan appears to be an extremely intelligent, experienced, and business savvy man. He seems to have a vision for the sport, and for the most part, some clear cut ways of how he is going to try to turn T&F around. And from what I’ve seen, I think that’s more than a lot of his predecessors have done. I also feel that it might be helpful that he was not an elite athlete, coach, etc. of the sport and can address our problems from an outsider’s perspective…something that we haven’t seen in a while due to the “Good Ol’ Boy” network.

So Mr. Logan, I apologize for the “fat-cat” comment, but I’m still going to be as critical as possible of your ideas, because…to put it bluntly, as of right now you have my future in your hands.

But again, I’m starting to turn this into another novel. So now, back to some of what’s been going on under my immediate control:

Some of you had asked why I haven’t joined a running club/team such as OTC, Zap, etc. The bottom line is, I love the bay area and I truly believe in my coach. We have a very good understanding of each other, and I would hate to switch things up when the going is just getting good. I know I may be making things a little tougher on me, but at least I will always have that option to leave and join a group if it gets too difficult supporting myself. I just really love the city and the friends that I’ve made here, and it is one of my beliefs that in order to be a good runner and to get good training in, you have to be happy with where you are. And right now I couldn’t be any happier (well, if I had a contract I’d be happier, but you know what I mean).

As for racing, my last race went pretty well. It was my first indoor 3k, and I had not run that distance since my 2^nd year in college, so considering all of that, I was decently happy about the race. It’s never fun getting 3^rd, but at least the time was a big pr.

My next race is the Husky Invite up at UW again. I don’t know what it is, but every time I set foot on that track (except once) it’s just magical for me. So I’m looking to tap into that one more time this indoor season to make a name for myself in the Mile. I’ve never been this fit and healthy in my life, and if anything I’m more excited than nervous to see what in the world my body can do, because it’s surprising the crap out of me in every other workout. I just hope I can top the collegiate guys who’ve run some nasty times so far…which by the way, brings me to the following question: since when did people start snatching up sub-4’s like freaking candy? U.S. Distance running is ridiculous right now.

Anyway, after running the mile I will analyze my two indoor performances to see which one I will run at nationals. I need to be in the top 5 seeded entrants to get my trip paid for, so that has a lot to do with my decision of which I will run. But what I really want to focus on, is which race I could have a shot at winning. Some of you may guffaw at such a notion, but I know I am a threat, and I am going to do everything in my power to make it a race.

I have never been hungrier in my life… and not only because I want to cross that tape first, but because I’m literally racing to try and get some money in the bank, put some food on the table. Spaghetti can only keep me sane for so long. And what better way to negotiate a contract with shoe companies than to point out that I beat their boys.

P.S. Thanks for all the support and comments everybody. Feel free to shoot me some questions, or ask me to cover some topics from the sub-elite perspective, and I’ll do my best to respond. I will also comment a little update after my race, so check back on Sunday so you can know how it went.

Videos

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PGA and Nascar

This video starts a week long series of videos with USATF CEO, Doug Logan. Here Logan talks about the issue of multiple brands on a runner's jersey.

Post a Comment

#30	Anonymous Coward February 17 at 12:04pm David, Why didn't you put these remarks up within your blog so that people could see it. Not saying they won't see it, but it is definitely easier to know that you have new remarks within your recent experiences and on the current blog subject. Maybe you could listed it as a Post U DUB entry. Great job at Washington eventhough you were not pleased with your placing. You have to go all the way past the tape and I'm pretty sure you aren't going to forget that in the future. Lesson learned! Good luck and good post! reply
#29	David Torrence February 15 at 7:25pm Ok, so I want to address some comments that were posted here (and on my first entry) to clear up some things, and also to give a little warning to any freshman student athletes. No, I did not drop out of Cal, I was KICKED out of Cal. During my first year, I really believed the athlete stereotype of being invincible, and thought that despite not going to class, not showing up to midterms, and generally waking up at noon everyday, that I would be given a free pass that first year, because well, doesn’t everybody? WRONG. For two years I took courses at a local community college, appealing the decision that dismissed me, and trying to get back in. In the meantime, I still ran (on my own), and tried to compete the best I could. A lot of people told me that I should just transfer somewhere else and move on, but I knew that I couldn’t just run away from something that I utterly failed in. I had to redeem myself, and make it up to those I had let down. Eventually I was granted re-admission, and was able to return to school and the Cal team. It is not something that I am proud of, as I could have been a great help to our cross and track teams, but it is something that I have definitely learned from. So you can think I am still that irresponsible, class-skipping athlete, or that I am somebody that worked hard, was dedicated to my fitness, and graduated from UC Berkeley. Your call. As for the Husky Invite, it was a thrill. So many awesome PR's, so many big names. I remember when I was about to get onto the line, I looked up the straightaway, and just seeing everybody on the stands with faces of anxious anticipation...I couldn't help but get a little giddy. I mean, as a fan of T&F;myself, I was a little upset that I couldn't watch the race as well! When the gun went off, Gabe took the lead like he was supposed to, and although I love the guy...he is not the greatest pacer. He was constantly speeding up and slowing down, speeding up and slowing down, and also off the 2:28 1k split he was supposed to hit. But whatever, a race is a race, and I was in it just to win anyways. Which didn't exactly happen. I thought I had it when I was heading down the final stretch, but that young gun Centro got me right at the end. You can watch my post-race interview and notice that I wasn’t the happiest camper. However, after now having more than 3 minutes to reflect on it (and also considerably less itchy), I am more positive about the result and my training. And although I was not quite where I wanted to be, I think I am rounding into pretty good shape for Indoor Nationals. As for which race I will compete in, I think that I will most likely run the 3k in Boston. After watching my training partner Michael Coe run a freaking ridiculously badass, massively negative-splitted 3k, and knowing that I am waaay fitter than him (just kidding mike!), I think it would be my best event at that time. It will be my first indoor track race that is against mainly professionals, and I am very excited to test my abilities against the big boys. I’ll take your suggestions into consideration for my next blog, and thanks again for all the encouragement. reply
#28	Haters February 14 at 12:22am to everyone baggin on his blog: let me know when u all drop a sub 4:00 mile, then state ur case against him. Until then, leave the kid alone and let him train and blog in peace, enjoying every minute of his running career. reply
#27	.................... February 13 at 10:17pm BigT said: “Actually I think David is one of the better, more intelligent-sounding bloggers on Flotrack. Sounds like you are just bitter because you got rejected from Cal and aren't fast enough to run there.” Actually I believe that he went to Cal and had to drop out/take courses at a CC because his GPA wasn't high enough for a while. reply
#26	Inspired February 13 at 8:09pm you are sooooo inspirational! the fact that u keep persevering through these tough times is very great to hear about and makes me want to work harder to accomplishing my goals. Not many have the heart u do to keep chasing the dream. good luck in all u do. your hard work will definately pay off soon! reply
#25	Nick Higgins February 13 at 7:42pm "During Logan's last year at MLS, the league lost $34 million. MLS was reported to have lost $250 million in its first five years under Logan." -Wikipedia (search Doug Logan) Keep working hard to get that elite status man. You've got my support on a spiritual level. Here's a toast to a major sponsor supporting you on a financial level reply
#24	Kyle Louv February 13 at 3:38pm Can you give us any time predictions for UW? 3:57 would put you way up on that leader board. Back up the talk, I'm rooting for you. reply
#23	PPV February 13 at 2:33pm Good stuff. You seem very thoughtful and cognizant of what is going on. Don't let the haters get you down. reply
#22	Anonymous Coward February 13 at 1:56pm I liked your thoughts. David, go get them this weekend in the mile at Washington! So what is your diet like with having a limited budget? Do you work anywhere in your spare not training time? Give us a typical week in the life of David Torrence. Hey and don't let that Don Gable guy fool you below...he eats pizza almost every meal of the day haha. He seems to think that if the oven gets warm enough anything will burn. It will to an extent but you gotta get your food groups in. reply
#21	Pchemisfun February 13 at 1:56pm Not even being near the level that David is at in running but having to make a somewhat similar decision on witch graduate school to attend based on the stipend amount, relative cost of living and so forth I can sort of see where he is coming from. While I may never be a contender for the Nobel Prize in chemistry I feel my talents as a chemist are worth something. Thus any stipend that is decent for an area (20K/year in CA just wont cut it) is widely appreciated along with health care and dental care. While my family has the money to send me to grad school without such accouterments I would like to be independent to pursue my personal goals just as David would like to have a bit extra to make it easier for him to maybe break onto that world class level. On a side note this sounds somewhat similar to the battle between the athletes and the AAU... but it isn't an issue of should athletes be sponsored it is witch athletes to sponsor etc. reply
#20	The Flaw February 13 at 1:55pm Here is the flaw with Torrence's ramblings - "So Mr. Logan, I apologize for the “fat-cat” comment, but I’m still going to be as critical as possible of your ideas, because…to put it bluntly, as of right now you have my future in your hands." David, YOU, and ONLY YOU, should have YOUR future in YOUR hands. If you run a world leading 7:30 for 3km or 3:50 for the Mile, WHO CARES who the USATF CEO is... you will be writing your own tickets. reply
#19	Cal2012 February 13 at 1:48pm good luck at UW, and keep up the good work putting cal on the map in the t/f world :) reply
#18	WOW! February 13 at 1:14pm Man, some bitter people on here. There is nothing about this guy that sounds entitled. He sounds hungry (which is great- well not if he is hungry literally!), humble and a good guy. Keep training hard and stay who you are. Sorry if poor reading comprehension of some jealous person forces them to try to make you look bad. reply
#17	BigT February 13 at 12:52pm Cal..... said: “This guy would have never been accepted to Cal without athletic talent...” Actually I think David is one of the better, more intelligent-sounding bloggers on Flotrack. Sounds like you are just bitter because you got rejected from Cal and aren't fast enough to run there. reply
#16	Sponsors February 13 at 12:49pm I understand David's concerns. He does come off a little "entitled" but he has to realize that he has to be a contender on the national stage (top 7 at least, most times even better) to be considered for a shoe stipend+travel+gear. It's all about how you perform at Outdoor Championships. Nothing else you do really matters whether you like it or not. You've got to be a threat to make a World Championship Team in your event. Just something to think about. Getting an agent might help too, I don't know if he has one. reply
#15	Mark From Flotrack February 13 at 12:14pm Ryan From Flotrack said: “You have obviously not met David, otherwise you'd know he's one of the nicest guys out there. I think you're missing the message....David is talking about himself because its his own blog, but what he is saying can be applied to all runners in his situation at the "sub-elite" status.” haha nice one Ryan. I like it! Who should David be talking about in his blog? Maybe next time I will read David's blog to hear how Kyle Alcorn is doing. reply
#14	Ryan From Flotrack February 13 at 11:57am Thoughts said: “David, maybe if you had some personality and did not come off as some spoiled brat you would appreciate someone like Doug Logan and probably have landed a sponsor by now. Futhermore, you are completely selfish in believing that YOU should be the biggest concern of USATF. The running world does not revolve around David Torrence. Understand that, and you will grow. Why don't you focus on making some noise on the national level? Dig deeper when the race is in your grasp. Just some thoughts.” You have obviously not met David, otherwise you'd know he's one of the nicest guys out there. I think you're missing the message....David is talking about himself because its his own blog, but what he is saying can be applied to all runners in his situation at the "sub-elite" status. reply
#13	Thoughts February 13 at 11:40am David, maybe if you had some personality and did not come off as some spoiled brat you would appreciate someone like Doug Logan and probably have landed a sponsor by now. Futhermore, you are completely selfish in believing that YOU should be the biggest concern of USATF. The running world does not revolve around David Torrence. Understand that, and you will grow. Why don't you focus on making some noise on the national level? Dig deeper when the race is in your grasp. Just some thoughts. reply
#12	Phillip Hinrichs February 13 at 11:26am Well, I don't know about all of that stuff (below, not getting accepted to Cal) but I think you should just join OTC, but if you don't because of your coach/friends/bay area then I hope you might drop the harsh critiques of USATF because better options are out there. Either way, I love the attitude and ambitions. Good luck at UW, spike some Huskies as you pass them! reply
#11	Cal..... February 13 at 11:07am This guy would have never been accepted to Cal without athletic talent... reply
#10	Runner February 13 at 10:40am Put in the time and the time will come reply
#9	Michael Koral February 13 at 10:24am HANG in there DT your freakin tough i can feel it as i read the blogs just go out and run your race your race which is a fast one reply
#8	Lol February 13 at 10:23am Wait, I got it….What if I could talk to Apple and do a viral web-commercial to some catchy neo-indie/electronica tune where I demonstrate how the iphone not ONLY allows me to listen to music while working out, but ALSO logs my mileage in the middle of a conference call while reading the New York Times and makes me a protein shake? Write that down. lolzjopke reply
#7	LOVE THIS GUY! February 13 at 10:06am I really hope you hit it big and get a sweet contract and run some damn fast times. You are on the verge of being one of my favorite pro runners out there. reply
#6	Aidan Goltra February 13 at 10:04am That's right man the Bay Area is the BEST!!! reply
#5	E.Sabljak February 13 at 9:00am Best of luck dude, I think I need to start being as hungry as you are! Very inspirational! Here is a question: Are you looking at impressing, getting a deal with one specific company/shoe sponsor? Or, just whatever you can get? reply
#4	Don Gable February 13 at 8:12am Keep it up David! Hell of an inspiration man. So what are you eating now adays? I mean I'm sure we're on the same kind of diet, Manchurian Noodles from Sam's Club and Ham Sandwiches. Take care man hope all is well. reply
#3	Christopher Pietrangelo February 13 at 7:24am GO DAVID GO!!! reply
#2	Trevor Dunbar February 13 at 1:51am That is some good stuff you speak of. It may be bold, but your confidence and determination is inspiring. I will be cheering for you as you attempt to light it up in your upcoming races. reply
#1	David Williams February 13 at 12:52am Keep workin' hard David. Go big this weekend. reply