Wait till next year! Stones to skip Lisle nationals in August, sorry.
Yes, I can run with both feet off ground.
About Ken Stone
Ken has followed track as an athlete, writer and web-master since the late 1960s, and saw most sessions of track and field at the 1984 Los Angeles and 1996 Atlanta Olympics. He also attended the 1988, 1992, 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 Trials, the last three as a blogger and Patch correspondent. [More...]
Ken Stone
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15 Responses
You’ll be missed Ken
Sorry that you and Chris will not be in Lisle, Ken.
Finances — yes, the dollar outlay could be a concern. By rights, however, this meet should set a new record for attendance (current record is 1503 set in Eugene in 2000), given the desirable location, the absence of a world outdoors this year, no National Sr Games, etc.
Some might be concerned about getting from Chicago’s O’Hare Airport to the host hotel (about 20 miles). I am told by the hotel that visitors should engage Windy City Limo shuttle service ($31 plus tip) or American Taxi ($40 flat fee).
Who knows, you might make a new friend.
Regardless, you might impress existing friends with your cost-saving choices rather than paying for a rental car.
I would be surprised to see the attendance record from Eugene 2000 go. With the economy, increased airfares, and gas prices I think the Eugene record is safe. I hope I am wrong.
nice picture ,good form
Great picture, Ken!
Yes, Tommy, I agree with you. I said “by rights,” which is a little vague. Everything is set up for this meet to break Eugene’s record, not the least of which is population growth.
After adjusting for growth in the US population from the year 2000 to the present, the 1503 that Eugene drew 12 years ago equals 1675 in 2012. There is no way, then, that Lisle should fail to get 1504 to break the record by 1 entrant. And yet I don’t see how it can.
The economy, the airfares, and gas prices will all be a concern, as is the lukewarm interest of masters in nationals. After Eugene in 2000, only two national meets have drawn 1250 or more — Charlotte in 2006 and Sacramento in 2010. Pretty sad, especially since we broke 1400 in both 1989 and 1994 (as well as in 2000, of course).
I think that Lisle will get about 1260. I hope I am wrong.
Not seeing you at the finish line with a comaera — it won’t be the same.
Ken, you look like you’re flying! A shame you can’t make Lisle. I was hoping to meet you and your wife.
Will miss all your great photos, Ken and Chris.
Dangit, I was hoping I’d get to meet you in person at Lisle, Ken. Well, another time hopefully. I really appreciate all you put into this great website – – it’s the first place I visit every day! Your write-ups always bring humor, inspiration, and camaraderie.
Ken,
Will miss you guys- MAYBE CATCH YOU AT THE WESTERN REGION MEET….
Sully
Save your money for WMG 2013 in Torino! If you had a blast in 2007 WMA in Ricionne, you’ll want to come back to Italy!
We’ll just have to look forward to 2013! Best wishes until then!
Sorry to miss you in Lisle. I was looking forward to meet you.
Will miss you at Lisle; totally understand your reasons.
Competing without sponsorship has become quite a self-limiting endeavor.
Chuck Greene
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