Goosebumps! this video is still awesome, and will be awesome for years until he breaks his own record. But the commentary really does make this such a great video
I get choked up every time! I think that every time I lose motivation, I am going to watch this video...beautiful! The commentary, the dudes on the track...its perfect! Only one thing to do....head out for a run.
What an amazing race. This is the first time I've watched this race and it was just the inspiration I needed. Talk about fuel for the soul of any runner. I agree with so many of the comments below, "Solinsky is the real deal" and thank you Flotrack for the coverage.
We really are fortunate to have had Flotrack covering the resurgence of American running (high school, NCAA, pros) in the last 5-10 years. I think the rise of Flotrack has contributed a lot to the upswing in overall interest in the sport. Thanks Flotrack!
Really hard to get tired of watching this race. Just impressive as hell.
There is alot to be said for those who run to win, vice those who run for time.
If i remember my track and field correctly, Pre was always more concerned about winning than anything else. Solinsky is the real deal. Anyone who believes in himself as much as this guy seems to believe, and is willing to run whatever he needs to do to win, has to be watched. I mean, who ever heard of tempo runs of 8 to 18 miles??!!!
Stevens Point, where Solinsky grew up, I would say is pretty comparable to Coos Bay and Marshfield High (for Pre) in terms of being a tough guy to be a big guy around town (i remember Stevens Point Special Export (real cheap beer) being sold for $2.99 a case back in the late 70's). While not as sophisticated a city as Portland, I think the environment where Solinsky grew up probably helped him to get him the toughness he needs in order to race at the toughest levels. Same kind of deal as the working class town of Coos Bay where Pre grew up. I mean, Central Catholic in Portland (where Galen went) is okay, but other than Joe Fulton back in '72 and Kenny Klotz in the early 2000s, I don't get the impression it's as good of a training ground as growing up in Northern Badger country. Don't forget Stevens Point also produced Suzy Favor Hamilton, another pretty good runner of note.
Congrats to Chris' coach. It isn't an accident that so many of his peeps hare doing so great. It's a special chemistry to be able to teach your athletes to believe in themselves. I think guys like him and current Oregon coach Vin Lananna are the most likely candidates to help us get to the top. I mean, its pretty embarrassing when the last medal we've gotten in middle distance on the track is Dellinger's bronze medal in the 5k back in 1964 in Japan (not including on the road medals, like Frank's marathon gold in 1972 and silver in 1976).
Part of believing in yourself is inherent, but part is something that is teachable. I mean, why were the Bowerman teams from the mid 60s to early 70s so good? Sure many of the best guys tried to get their way onto the Oregon teams of that era, but there were many people who were just as capable, had they gotten the same coaching. Bill Bowerman and Bill Dellinger at Oregon were able to teach both the body and mind of their athletes to race and win at the highest level, at least Stateside. UTEP and WSU teams from that era were pretty good too, but that i think was more the product of great athletes (the first batch of imports) from Kenya, more so than coaching, say by WSU coach John Chaplin.
So, 26:59 is a long ways from 26:17, but I think we are definitely on our way. Keep it up Chris. Watching you gives a mid 50 year and now 12 minute mile old codgers like me dreams of what it was like back in the day and past glories.
thanks
true, they assume you know who is running in the race, stay up on running and you'll have an idea, flotrack is for serious fans...not for casual pansies...
I have seen this countless times. It gives me goose bumps everytime I watch this. The last half mile is amazing! (The announcers also did a wonderful job with their enthusiasm)
I would kill to see a Workout Wednesday with Solinsky. It's nice to see someone like him breaking records, looking forward to seeing some awesome races with Americans at the front.
None of these guys are rookies but the majority of the lapped guys held lane 1....come on guys you were holding up greatness...if you are getting lapped...hit lane 2 brah.
my prediction for solinsky:
2010:
USA champs 5000 - 1st
USA champs 10000 - 1st
2011:
World XC - 1st individual
USA champs 800 - 1st
Daegu World Champs 10000 - 1st
Daegu World Champs 5000 - 1st
Daegu World Champs 800 - 2nd to Symmonds
2012
USA champs steeple - 1st
London Olympics steeple - 1st
Solinsky is gonna do some work!
Bernard Lagat just got the American Record for 5k in Oslo with a 12:54.1 and Solinksky with I believe a 16 second PR with a 12:56.66 (0.4 seconds behind Ritz's former record). WOW.
Those announcers were pretty annoying, definitely a little too enthusiastic. They should have saved their enthusiasm for the end acheivement, which definitely deserves a lot of enthusiasm but man that guy was annoying.
solinsky did something good ,incredible job ,no one should under rate the kid ,so when he meets the kenyans and Ethiopians that would be a different time and story coz the drama will begin so congratulation Solinsky ,shenghai is today 23 you are in the line up prove your point you can do 26.56 ,coz these guyz dont know what it takes to be a champ
(Solinksy DEFIES PHYSICS !!!!! May 2 at 12:03pm
Considering how muscular Solinsky is, his time is INCREDIBLE !!!! Bulky muscles help with explosion & sprinting (sprints, 400.800) but are a hindrance in distance running due to their added weight. Look at how much the additon of Bulky muscles slowed down Alan Webb. However, to every rule there appears to be an exception & in distance running, that exception is Chris Solinksy.
His performance seems to defy the laws of physics (greater masses need greater energy than smaller masses at the same speed). Its amazing how he can run that fast for that long without going into oxygen debt & blowing up. He obviously can run at an HIGH percentage of his max VO2, because logic dictates that he should have faded but instead, ran 1:56 for the last 800 meters to run 26:59 10k. I'm ecstatic for American Distance Running, but I hope he (and his Nike Partners) are clean.)
Remember Rob de Castella, the Aussie Marathoner who ran 2:08:18 in Fukuoka Marathon in 1981? He was nicknamed "TREE'' by his competitors.
And the only thing that's not clean is "YOU, so go take a shower!
Calling Rupp "spoiled" and "immature" doesn't diminish the fact that he is an amazing runner. It's not his fault his parents worked hard in life so they could provide their child with things that will improve him as an athlete. It is true that Solinsky won and he did run a great race, but I didn't see him running behind the rabbits the whole race and then take over when they dropped out. Also, I'm pretty sure it was Solinsky that did not congratulate Rupp after the race.
Rupp is overrated. Hes a prissy, immature child with too little decency to really congratulate his teammate who had an amazing race. Granted he has ran some amazing times himself, but stop jizzing all over him, he does that enough himself.
Fit Right NW Presents:
Nike Track Night w/Special guests Chris Solinsky and Shalane Flanagan
Cost: Free
Who: Nike sponsored track athletes and American Record Holders - Chris Solinksy and Shalane Flanagan
What: Special Q&A;and Signing
When: This Wednesday, May 5th
5pm - 6pm
Optional Group Run
6pm - 6:30pm
Refreshments and Hor d'oevres
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Nike Product Development Preview - A special preview of new Nike shoes, spikes, and apparel to come with product samples and prototypes on hand. The designers and product line managers will be on hand to explain the products and answer questions.
Chris Solinsky and Shalane Flanagan - Group Q&A;and Special Signing with Nike's elite distance athletes. This will be the first official public appearance by Chris Solinsky since his historic American Record 10K run at Stanford this past weekend (26:59). He is the first non-African athlete to break 27 minutes in the 10K and what's even more incredible is that this was his debut 10K race!
Shalane Flanagan is a the American Record holder in the 3K, 5K, AND 10K and is an Olympic Bronze medalist in the 10K. She is currently pursuing more records and PRs, and runs for Nike.
Where: Fit Right NW - 2258 NW Raleigh St. Portland, OR 97210 - 503.525.2122
Thank god, a runner who I am not ashamed to have win. Solinsky is old school like Bob and a solid runner, obviously. The more we can have people like Solinsky, Lagat, Teg, Ritz and even Ryan Hall the better this country will be. Rupp is a spoiled baby. Agreed with everyone else tho, Flotrack nice job guys, keep up the good work.
Awesome Race! If Solinsky can break 27 than within the next few years we could have a boat load of guys running that fast. Guys like Ritz, Rupp, Teg, Lagat, and maybe even Webb. American distance running is movin on up - to the east side!
Fantastic race for Solinsky and Rupp. It makes me think what Teags, Ritz and the rest of theses Oregon guys will do in Europe this year. It's not a champs. year, so its all about running the fast times.
Great call by Ryan but I just wanted the other dudes to shut the F up at the end, lol. Still, thanks for an awesome video.
This style of commentating is perfect for the viewership of this site but I think would be a bit confusing for the masses. It assumes a lot more knowledge than even casual fans (much less non-fans) have. Still that's what makes it so engaging for people who care about these runners and know who they are.
I just loaded this up and FFed to the last 7 laps. DAMN what a fun call to listen to! Great call Ryan. "What's the 200 split? What's the time?! Give it to me! He's gonna be close to 27.....OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Ryan you are the Gus Johnson of the track world. You continue to impress with your outstanding commentary. I have watched this race several times over to relive the excitement and emotion you brought to the race. Best of luck in your future broadcasting endeavors.
1:56 for last 800 would seem to be a shoe-in for kick of the week...but, Rowbury making up 6 seconds on Shalane in the 400 was pretty impressive! Great night of track and field and as always great coverage by Flotrack.
EVERYTHING about that was flawless. The race, the time, the commentary, everything. Thank you Flotrack, thank you for existing, and thank you for rocking as much as you do.
I believe the quote on Webbs build from the book is "upper body that would put Ivy League Linebackers to shame." Probably a little bit much even for a 800/1500 guy.
Seriously, where has Mark been. I may be wrong, but it seems like its been months since he's covered a meet. Ryan's awesome and the Floskis are really starting to be great commentators, but the Ryan/Mark meet coverage just can't be beat. I know I'm not the only one that has been wondering where Mark has been...So Ryan, Floskis, or even Mark: Where is Mark Flo?
fan said: “Fantastic to watch, loved their genuine excitement - but it took me (just a casual fan) half the race to figure out who was who...”
Seriously? The coverage is pretty close up to the runners and they are introduced in the beginning. These guys are well known in the distance running community...even for the casual fan...
Muscles & Distance Runnin: The world records are set by skinnier guys because they were too small to play basketball. It does not mean that muscle-type has any less chance in running, just look at Solinsky, Alan Webb and the guy that won the world cross, they could be professional bodybuilders if they would just run 30 miles per week
Definitely the most amazing race i've ever seen. And being there was just unreal. The atmosphere for the last mile or so was so freaking awesome and it was such an amazing performance I can't explain it.
On a side note, Solinsky definitely looks a little slimmer than he has in the past and that probably helped him there. But man. Literally unbelievable.
At 28:57 in the video you can see Solinsky look to someone on the side of the track to see if he should make a move and then immediately surges. He had sooo much left.
that was just awesome...ryan called solinsky on looking great right in the beginning..through the last like 7 laps he just looked like he couldve took off whenever he wanted
If one of the top Distance Coaches in the world recognizes that TOO MUCH MUSCLE is a hindrance to distance running then why can't some of you ? Using the flawed logic of some of the folks on this site, POWER LIFTERS have GREAT BODIES FOR DISTANCE RUNNING. If this were true then why are all the WORLD RECORDS & OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALS FROM 1500M UP OWNED BY SLIGHTLY BUILT RUNNERS LIKE BEKELE, GEBRESELASSIE, EL GUEROUJ, ETC. Also, if some of the readers flawed logic were true, Usain Bolt could set the 10k world record because he's built like a Wrestler
I maybe the only person here who did NOT like the commentary. I was very confused as to who was who. Names were mentioned but I didn't know what position they were in at various points in the race. The commentators didn't even mention what colors the racers were wearing to differentiate them out. Disapointing.
i agree with drayne... just so much more fun to watch with an announcer and camera that know track and field so well. I wish cbs could realize this and either follow suit or allow flotrack to cover it live
Stronger arms --> airborne longer for each stride = faster and easier running. Solinsky is amazing!!! "One time, after a workout, I was just so hungry I just ate a whole box of Fruit Loops."
Solinsky ran the perfect race. Most amazing is closing with a 1:56 final 800 off of that pace. There are few runners in the world that can close like that. I can't wait to see what he does with the 5k this year. Sub 12:50 is not unrealistic if the conditions are right.
Ryan and Flotrack are really raising the bar with their coverage. Ryan's excitement just blows away what we heard on CBS/gostanford. Ryan is a real fan who does his homework and brings a passion to the coverage that makes it feel like you're sitting in your living room with a bunch of track buddies calling the race together. I watched again today just to hear Ryan's call. The camera work was excellent too! Awesome!
Awesome commentary, I cannot overstate how much better this was to watch the 2nd time around, even already knowing what happens. I might have stopped watching it live if the Stanford people hadn't heard you guys talking and basically copied everything you said.
I have been watching 10k's on the track for 25 years. Next to Geb and Tergats Olympic duels, this was the best. What made it great was the call. How can anyone say watching track is boring when you listen to the call of that race. Sitting by my computer alone, I stood up and cheered when the race ended. Thanks Chris Solinsky and thanks Flotrack.
i have seen Chris run in HS and collegiately and always in awe of his performances with his size. reminds us oldtimers of the those flying kiwis Dixon and Walker
Considering how muscular Solinsky is, his time is INCREDIBLE !!!! Bulky muscles help with explosion & sprinting (sprints, 400.800) but are a hindrance in distance running due to their added weight. Look at how much the additon of Bulky muscles slowed down Alan Webb. However, to every rule there appears to be an exception & in distance running, that exception is Chris Solinksy.
His performance seems to defy the laws of physics (greater masses need greater energy than smaller masses at the same speed). Its amazing how he can run that fast for that long without going into oxygen debt & blowing up. He obviously can run at an HIGH percentage of his max VO2, because logic dictates that he should have faded but instead, ran 1:56 for the last 800 meters to run 26:59 10k. I'm ecstatic for American Distance Running, but I hope he (and his Nike Partners) are clean.
You guys are awesome. I also just watch the race for the second time, in its entirety, just for the Flo-commentary. Also, great work panning back over the field to check on the rest of the studs in the race.
Ryan,
I rewatched the race this morning just to hear your commentary. You did not dissapoint. The cbssports gostanfard coverage was aweful. They don't know the athletes' history, PRs, splits, personalities. Thanks you for keeping tabs on all the runners in the race not just the leaders, even though you knew the record was going down. You guys make 25 laps more exciting than any other race of the day! Thank you. This is what track and field needs. Keep this up and you will be doing commentary on TV before you know it!
What's your point? You think that actually had any impact on the race results whatsoever? Are you implying that Galen Rupp is so fragile that a tap like that will destroy him? Or are you just posting meaningless, snarky comments trying to bring down what was a great race by Solinsky?
I am so glad I am still alive to see this?...wow!....THE ROCKET IS BACK....funny thingi is...he made it look easy!.......the fact is....running fast is never easy!
.....1st time he looked skinny and not like football player!......wow
M 10k F01 (Chris Solinsky *American Record 26:59 video, 2010 Payton Jordan) 10k
Race Video Chris Solinsky breaking the American Record at 10,000 meters (10K) at the 2010 Payton Jordan Invite at Stanford University. Solinsky ran a time of 26:59.60 to break the American Record by 13 seconds.
In this race the Canadian and Collegiate records were both broken also. Simon Bairu broke the Canadian 10k record by running a time of 27:23. Sam Chelanga of Liberty ran a time of 27:08 to break his own Collegiate Record by 20 seconds! May 1, 2010 Level: college Event: 10k
M 10k F01 (Chris Solinsky *American Record 26:59 video, 2010 Payton Jordan) 10k 
There is alot to be said for those who run to win, vice those who run for time.
If i remember my track and field correctly, Pre was always more concerned about winning than anything else. Solinsky is the real deal. Anyone who believes in himself as much as this guy seems to believe, and is willing to run whatever he needs to do to win, has to be watched. I mean, who ever heard of tempo runs of 8 to 18 miles??!!!
Stevens Point, where Solinsky grew up, I would say is pretty comparable to Coos Bay and Marshfield High (for Pre) in terms of being a tough guy to be a big guy around town (i remember Stevens Point Special Export (real cheap beer) being sold for $2.99 a case back in the late 70's). While not as sophisticated a city as Portland, I think the environment where Solinsky grew up probably helped him to get him the toughness he needs in order to race at the toughest levels. Same kind of deal as the working class town of Coos Bay where Pre grew up. I mean, Central Catholic in Portland (where Galen went) is okay, but other than Joe Fulton back in '72 and Kenny Klotz in the early 2000s, I don't get the impression it's as good of a training ground as growing up in Northern Badger country. Don't forget Stevens Point also produced Suzy Favor Hamilton, another pretty good runner of note.
Congrats to Chris' coach. It isn't an accident that so many of his peeps hare doing so great. It's a special chemistry to be able to teach your athletes to believe in themselves. I think guys like him and current Oregon coach Vin Lananna are the most likely candidates to help us get to the top. I mean, its pretty embarrassing when the last medal we've gotten in middle distance on the track is Dellinger's bronze medal in the 5k back in 1964 in Japan (not including on the road medals, like Frank's marathon gold in 1972 and silver in 1976).
Part of believing in yourself is inherent, but part is something that is teachable. I mean, why were the Bowerman teams from the mid 60s to early 70s so good? Sure many of the best guys tried to get their way onto the Oregon teams of that era, but there were many people who were just as capable, had they gotten the same coaching. Bill Bowerman and Bill Dellinger at Oregon were able to teach both the body and mind of their athletes to race and win at the highest level, at least Stateside. UTEP and WSU teams from that era were pretty good too, but that i think was more the product of great athletes (the first batch of imports) from Kenya, more so than coaching, say by WSU coach John Chaplin.
So, 26:59 is a long ways from 26:17, but I think we are definitely on our way. Keep it up Chris. Watching you gives a mid 50 year and now 12 minute mile old codgers like me dreams of what it was like back in the day and past glories.
thanks
2010:
USA champs 5000 - 1st
USA champs 10000 - 1st
2011:
World XC - 1st individual
USA champs 800 - 1st
Daegu World Champs 10000 - 1st
Daegu World Champs 5000 - 1st
Daegu World Champs 800 - 2nd to Symmonds
2012
USA champs steeple - 1st
London Olympics steeple - 1st
Solinsky is gonna do some work!
“you can see chris look out toward jerry, get the signal, and just take off. @25:02”
damn..thats impressive
Ritz and Galen better step up their game
Bekeles go nothing on you =] you'll get the world record (26:17.53) just
you wait!
Considering how muscular Solinsky is, his time is INCREDIBLE !!!! Bulky muscles help with explosion & sprinting (sprints, 400.800) but are a hindrance in distance running due to their added weight. Look at how much the additon of Bulky muscles slowed down Alan Webb. However, to every rule there appears to be an exception & in distance running, that exception is Chris Solinksy.
His performance seems to defy the laws of physics (greater masses need greater energy than smaller masses at the same speed). Its amazing how he can run that fast for that long without going into oxygen debt & blowing up. He obviously can run at an HIGH percentage of his max VO2, because logic dictates that he should have faded but instead, ran 1:56 for the last 800 meters to run 26:59 10k. I'm ecstatic for American Distance Running, but I hope he (and his Nike Partners) are clean.)
Remember Rob de Castella, the Aussie Marathoner who ran 2:08:18 in Fukuoka Marathon in 1981? He was nicknamed "TREE'' by his competitors.
And the only thing that's not clean is "YOU, so go take a shower!
"Ride that train through the goodness" and "Look at that melon!"
Just under 27 minutes of pure entertainment. And a great race.
average minds discuss events
small minds discuss people
if only flotrack could edit out small minded haters. Just more reason athletes continue to do great things...
Nike Track Night w/Special guests Chris Solinsky and Shalane Flanagan
Cost: Free
Who: Nike sponsored track athletes and American Record Holders - Chris Solinksy and Shalane Flanagan
What: Special Q&A;and Signing
When: This Wednesday, May 5th
5pm - 6pm
Optional Group Run
6pm - 6:30pm
Refreshments and Hor d'oevres
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Nike Product Development Preview - A special preview of new Nike shoes, spikes, and apparel to come with product samples and prototypes on hand. The designers and product line managers will be on hand to explain the products and answer questions.
Chris Solinsky and Shalane Flanagan - Group Q&A;and Special Signing with Nike's elite distance athletes. This will be the first official public appearance by Chris Solinsky since his historic American Record 10K run at Stanford this past weekend (26:59). He is the first non-African athlete to break 27 minutes in the 10K and what's even more incredible is that this was his debut 10K race!
Shalane Flanagan is a the American Record holder in the 3K, 5K, AND 10K and is an Olympic Bronze medalist in the 10K. She is currently pursuing more records and PRs, and runs for Nike.
Where: Fit Right NW - 2258 NW Raleigh St. Portland, OR 97210 - 503.525.2122
Prettyman
amazing race and commentary... that line just capped it off to perfection haha
This style of commentating is perfect for the viewership of this site but I think would be a bit confusing for the masses. It assumes a lot more knowledge than even casual fans (much less non-fans) have. Still that's what makes it so engaging for people who care about these runners and know who they are.
“Fantastic to watch, loved their genuine excitement - but it took me (just a casual fan) half the race to figure out who was who...”
On a side note, Solinsky definitely looks a little slimmer than he has in the past and that probably helped him there. But man. Literally unbelievable.
If one of the top Distance Coaches in the world recognizes that TOO MUCH MUSCLE is a hindrance to distance running then why can't some of you ? Using the flawed logic of some of the folks on this site, POWER LIFTERS have GREAT BODIES FOR DISTANCE RUNNING. If this were true then why are all the WORLD RECORDS & OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALS FROM 1500M UP OWNED BY SLIGHTLY BUILT RUNNERS LIKE BEKELE, GEBRESELASSIE, EL GUEROUJ, ETC. Also, if some of the readers flawed logic were true, Usain Bolt could set the 10k world record because he's built like a Wrestler
Thanks for the ride!
Ryan and Flotrack are really raising the bar with their coverage. Ryan's excitement just blows away what we heard on CBS/gostanford. Ryan is a real fan who does his homework and brings a passion to the coverage that makes it feel like you're sitting in your living room with a bunch of track buddies calling the race together. I watched again today just to hear Ryan's call. The camera work was excellent too! Awesome!
His performance seems to defy the laws of physics (greater masses need greater energy than smaller masses at the same speed). Its amazing how he can run that fast for that long without going into oxygen debt & blowing up. He obviously can run at an HIGH percentage of his max VO2, because logic dictates that he should have faded but instead, ran 1:56 for the last 800 meters to run 26:59 10k. I'm ecstatic for American Distance Running, but I hope he (and his Nike Partners) are clean.
I rewatched the race this morning just to hear your commentary. You did not dissapoint. The cbssports gostanfard coverage was aweful. They don't know the athletes' history, PRs, splits, personalities. Thanks you for keeping tabs on all the runners in the race not just the leaders, even though you knew the record was going down. You guys make 25 laps more exciting than any other race of the day! Thank you. This is what track and field needs. Keep this up and you will be doing commentary on TV before you know it!
"Solinsky could break 27!"
analysis all you want that was a smack
Spot on Ryan! You called it!
.....1st time he looked skinny and not like football player!......wow