I've long been interested in the relationship between agents, athletes, and shoe companies. Then the Valby family came along and did their own thing. A few other veterans are representing themselves, too. Enjoyed working on this one (despite complaints).

The Marathon Project returns, a new/old venture from Ben Rosario after he announced he was leaving NAZ Elite last week:

My story on the changes at NAZ Elite. Rosario is leaving, 8 athletes out of 20 are not being re-signed for 2025:

I'm enjoying being over on Bluesky:

@derek_call_ "Well now we're getting a little personal, ladies!"

“She was fierce and strong and she would get back out there. I know that it feels scary. We have to, we have to keep running, and we have to keep moving and loving each other.”—Abby Lokits

Mad a to-do list yesterday: Valby, other stories I'm working on, kicker. Came back to kicker. What the heck did I mean by that? Which story did I write that I didn't like the kicker? Four hours later it dawned on me: I need to pick up a kicker for my fantasy football team.

Six-time NCAA champion Parker Valby has signed with New Balance. Spoke to Valby, her father/agent Kyle Valby, and Pete Riley of New Balance, for this story:

Story here:

My story on Matt Brusich, who ran 79.38 laps around his Chicago block to do a marathon before the Chicago Marathon.

Runner's World's awesome content about runner issues will be used to train LLMs. My head is spinning. Hey, ChatGPT: How long should I taper before a marathon? How do I do a goblet squat? How do I make myself poop?

This is one of those running stories that's just kinda fun. Keira D'Amato gets Centro on her pacing team for Chicago:

By about age 26-27, some pros seem to think they've outgrown group training and need more individualization. Groups best for fresh out of college. But hardly any notable Nike signings in 2024 from NCAA. Plus, still no word on Valby.

RT @tckahler: Breaking: Nia Akins will be moving to Philly to be coached by Derek Thompson. No sponsor updates yet.

Will be interesting to see if Camille Herron retains her volunteer role with USATF women's LDR. Appreciate @sabrinablittle's thoughtful comments on this situation.