Stop Pre: Nike & Track

When people think of Nike, they typically think of Michael Jordan, Mia Hamm, Tiger Woods, and other major super star athletes. Most people don't think, or know, about the company's first sponsored athlete Steve Prefontaine, or his coach and the companies co-founder, Bill Bowerman. Steve Prefontaine, who was one of the greatest runners in track history, helped pave the way for modern professional Track & Field and get Nike off the ground.

While running for the University of Oregon from 1970 to 1973, Steve would burn through track shoes more often than he cared for. So, his coach, Bill Bowerman, made him a pair of running shoes that was lighter, and more durable than any of the running shoes during that time. Bill would then co-found a company dedicated to making shoes for athletes of all sports. But in order to do that, he needed to get his brand known. Fortunately for him, the same runner who needed these better shoes was also in a position to make them popular.

Steve was one of the best runners in cross-country, winning back to back championships for Marshfield High in Oregon, as well as one of the most popular runners in Track and Field, setting the 5000 meter record in the 1972 Olympic Trials, and placing 4th at the Olympics in Munich. With his increasing popularity, Nike would go on to sponsor Steve in 1973, bringing national attention to the company. Since then, the attention has shifted away from track and field, becoming well known in sports like basketball.

To check out more, go to: http://news.nike.com/news/40-years-of-prefontaine

Why Run Cross Country

People partake in sports for a variety of reasons. To stay in shape, to improve their skills, for the thrill of competition, to test ones limits, to win, etc. Each sport offers players to do many of these in different ways. Many team sports allow players to be very competitive and improve their own skills in order to benefit the team. But, that is only the case for the best players, as they are the ones that get to play the most. There are only a couple sports that give every individual the opportunity to get everything they could want. One of which, is cross country. This is because in cross country, every athlete gets to  participate, the runner is the only one who can determine how he or she will do, and personal progress is easy to track.

There is no bench in cross country. The only reason an athlete would be unable to compete is because they became injured or violated one of the rules. This means that no matter the runners skill level, they are able to run. This doesn't happen in many team sports as they need their top players in order to win. cross country is different. Only the first 7 runners on each team count towards their teams score, but that doesn't mean only the top 7 are able to run. Even if their score doesn't count for the team, they still get a chance to partake in the whole meet, and they can track their own progress though the season.

Cross country can be individualized for each competitor. They can set goals for themselves in each race that they can use to track progress. Workouts can be individualized to help each athlete improve in the areas they need. Because the focus is no longer on the teams success, each runner can focus on their own growth. In the end, if the individuals improve themselves, the team improves.

Runners in cross country have the unique experience of being in control of their performance without the interference of the competitors. Are there instances where someone might bump into another or trip up another runner, but the premise of the sport is individual achievement. In soccer, basketball, and football, there is another team who is physically trying to stop you from winning. Whereas in cross country, there is no one physically interfering with the aesthete's performance. At the end of the day, anything they have or have not accomplished is completely on the runner.

While team sports are great, cross country is a great way to stay in shape, challenge ones self, and be competitive without having to directly fight off the opponents. It is great for improving endurance, motivation, and overall self worth. Not to mention the only real cost are the shoes.