Jeff Thies

[Jeff Thies @jeff_thies6]

@RunnerBeck @runthemtnman @Predamame By my count 2025 and 2007 have a similar break down. And I would argue that level of competition is why Americans just went 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 in the 5k at Budapest. Those guys all learned to compete in the ncaa

[Jeff Thies @jeff_thies6]

@RunnerBeck @runthemtnman @Predamame It’s not a trend in my opinion. It’s the ncaa. As my original post showed, from 1981 to 2007 to 2017 to today, the top 40 has always been very internationally influenced

[Jeff Thies @jeff_thies6]

@RunnerBeck @runthemtnman @Predamame I take more issue with the roster cap. I have several teammates, straight A students, 100+ miles a week, worked their ass off, were the back bone of the team. they don’t get a chance in today’s system. There are good coaches out there giving those guys a chance

[Jeff Thies @jeff_thies6]

@RunnerBeck @runthemtnman @Predamame That’s a completely fair and reasonable position. There is room for improvement on the current system. There is too much ambiguity in the current system for how an athlete can earn money. I’m not a fan of a 60 minute half guy going from the pro circuit to ncaas

[Jeff Thies @jeff_thies6]

@RunnerBeck @runthemtnman @Predamame I was not offered a roster spot(let alone scholarship) at my top schools and I learned and grew because of it. Your kid and any kid is not entitled to a roster spot at their favorite school, just like I wasn’t.

[Jeff Thies @jeff_thies6]

@RunnerBeck @runthemtnman @Predamame And I agree there are inconsistencies with some athletes ages that can be problematic, but posting a results page with no more context than nationality is a problem.

[Jeff Thies @jeff_thies6]

@runthemtnman @RunnerBeck @Predamame Because I would argue as someone who was actually impacted by the issue at hand, my opinion pulls more weight than a rando on twitter who was not. But happy to hear your case

[Jeff Thies @jeff_thies6]

@runthemtnman @RunnerBeck @Predamame Foreign*

[Jeff Thies @jeff_thies6]

@RunnerBeck @Predamame @RunnerBeck let me clarify. I have been in the top 15 at NCAAs. Complaining about an athletes nationality is weak. I wanted to and did compete against the best. After reviewing your profile I recommend you lay off the African athlete comments. It comes off xenophobic

[Jeff Thies @jeff_thies6]

@RunnerBeck @Predamame So what? That’s just how it is. Have you ever been in the top 25 at NCAAs?

[Jeff Thies @jeff_thies6]

@Predamame Such a lame debate! This was the 1981 UTEP team that put up 17 points. NCAAs has always been one of the deepest international XC races and that’s why it’s fun.

[Jeff Thies @jeff_thies6]

@tiga_style You can train off HR. It can be helpful for the first time racers, but the best race on feel. Look at Matz AR he Hr would be considered elevated but he knows his body better than a number on the watch does

[Jeff Thies @jeff_thies6]

@Hybridathlete Use it as a teaching moment. XC is racing people not the clock. Go for the win and enjoy the competition

[Jeff Thies @jeff_thies6]

@Siemers_XC_TF One of the biggest blessings of my career was patient coaching. It allowed me to fall in love with running, consistency, and discipline. Only 2 major injuries put me in the position to run 4:08 a few weeks ago as a retired pro for the fun of it.

[Richard Sherman @RSherman_25]

That was not PI?!!! That was an INT!!! This stuff is so ridiculous sometimes. So hard to play defense in this league.

[Ari Meirov @MySportsUpdate]

This isn't DPI.

[Jeff Thies @jeff_thies6]

@barrettfitz All that to say, good luck in Chicago! Maybe I’ll catch you at McCarren sometime

[Jeff Thies @jeff_thies6]

@barrettfitz Totally get the small following and context! And I’m with you on tough love/callousing the mind and body to the elements at the right time and place. Lots of people had 20 training for NYC and the risk of illness and injury are much higher in today’s conditions