As the year ends we can look back and reflect on the year in running.

On the National and World scene the Olympics returned to its' origin as the Games were contested in Athens, Greece. The successes of the U.S. marathoners were the highlight for U.S. distance running.

I had the pleasure to go to the Olympic Trials with my brother, Jeff, and Bob Schul. It was the fourth time that Jeff and I have covered the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials. Bob Schul, who won Olympic Gold in the 1964 5,000 meters, is a great person. It is always great to talk with someone who achieved so much in the sport of running.

It was also enjoyable to watch and cover the success of athletes from Ohio in the Trials. Robert Gary earned a return trip to the Olympics in the 3,000 meter Steeple Chase. Rob Myers's outstanding run to finish third in the 1500 meters was both exciting and a disappointment since he did not make the Olympic "A" standard to make the team. Briana Shook had an outstanding run, and her disqualification will not be remembered, especially since she went out a few weeks later to reclaim the American record in the Steeple Chase.

A number of runners represented Ohio in the Men's and Women's Olympic Marathon Trials and RUNOHIO was able to spotlight them. Check out these summer articles on RUNOHIO Regional News - http://www.runohio.com/news/index.html

On the local scene a number of college and high school athletes had much success. The OHSAA State Track & Field Championships returned to Ohio State University after many years of successful competition at Dayton Welcome Stadium. Having the Championships back in Central Ohio on the Jesse Owens Track was exciting. The OHSAA Cross Country Championships had a great crowd and weather last fall. Results and photos are included in this issue as are the results from the Footlocker National High School Championships. The NCAA and NAIA Cross Country Championships results are also in this issue.

Ohio witnessed the growth of road racing as more and more individuals toed the starting line for more and more races last year. Many enjoyed numerous old time favorites and a number of new races. Local running clubs continue to offer runners a chance to train and improve their running while helping to promote running. Also, a number of training programs are now available for athletes to train to run a half marathon or marathon. There is an article in this issue dealing with moving up from the 5km to the half marathon for athletes who plan to run the Capital City Half Marathon. This article can also help athletes training for an old time favorite like the Athens Half Marathon or one of the new half marathons added to the Flying Pig Marathon and the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon or any other local half marathon.

The top finishers in the 2004 RUNOHIO Grand Prix are also spotlighted in this issue. Check out this article for advice from these top runners on their training and suggestions to improve your running. - article and results will be posted later on - http://www.runohio.com/other/grandprix.html

Congratulations to everyone who ran last year. Whether you ran one race or numerous races, whether you ran a personal best or completed the race, congratulations and good luck in 2005.

On a sad note Arthur Lydiard passed away last month.

Many considered Lydiard the greatest and most influential distance coach in history. Arthur Lydiard, who had been on a U.S. speaking engagement this past fall, passed away on December 11th. Lydiard was in Ohio in November for a clinic at South Point High School. I had the pleasure of meeting Lydiard years ago when he was in Athens for an earlier tour and clinic.

In 1963 he wrote the book, Run to the Top, which is considered perhaps the most influential book on distance training of the past century. The core of the Lydiard program is building a large aerobic base or a base of stamina, hill bounding/running and anaerobic sharpening, strength and speed. Read more on this coach and legend - http://www.runohio.com/news/01-05-01- Lydiard.html

In this issue the RUNOHIO Book Review looks at Arthur Lydiard- Master Coach by Garth Gilmou, which was released just a month before his death. http://www.runohio.com/news/01-05-book- review.html

Lydiard was know for his quotes and here are a few which I think we can all reflect upon: "Champions are every where, all you have to do is train them properly", "The essence of athletics is the pleasure you can get out of it." and "If your coach can't tell you why you are doing a particular workout, get yourself another coach." -Arthur Lydiard

If you haven't read one of Lydiard's many books I hope you will take time in 2005 to read his books.

I will be directing the Arnold 5K and Arnold 5K Pump and Run on March 6th. The Arnold 5K Pump and Run has a limit of 600 athletes and I think we will reach the limit soon. http://www.runohio.com/news/10-13-arnold-pnr.html

On June 5th I will be working with the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department in directing the "Oldest Road Race in Columbus," the Columbus 10K. The race is looking for additional sponsorship to ensure the continued success of this downtown event. Also, if you would like to volunteer for this event, we can always use additional help. http://www.runohio.com/news/11-22- 04Sponsorship-Opportunities.html

List your 2005 races in the RUNOHIO Race Calendar - http://www.runohio.com/news/11-22-04_calendar- listings.html

Keep up with the running in Ohio and surrounding States and Save $5 on a year subscription to RUNOHIO and on a RUNOHIO T-shirt - http://www.runohio.com/news/11-30-04- Xmas_special.html

After having a broken arm in October I am sitting at home recovering from hernia surgery. It will be good to get back out for a run.

I hope when you are making your New Year's Resolutions you will consider volunteering at a local road race, working with youth runners and helping out your neighbor. If we all do a few kind acts to help others nearby, I am sure 2005 will be a great year for all of us.

Have a Happy and Safe New Year!

Matt McGowan