My biggest issue with the NXN course is that it isn't hard enough...
In my mind no cross country race should ever be held on a golf course. XC courses should have serious altitude changes (the terraces don't cut it for me). I'm also a fan of multiple surfaces, but that causes a problem for spikes.
The NXN meet is held in a constantly water-logged golf course in the rain. Move the meet to a location where the course and weather won't be too much of a factor and hurts these kids who work their butts off for the dream of performing well.
Once upon a time, there was a magical place that never rained. And the NXN was moved there. The end.
The NXN meet is held in a constantly water-logged golf course in the rain. Move the meet to a location where the course and weather won't be too much of a factor and hurts these kids who work their butts off for the dream of performing well.
Once upon a time, there was a magical place that never rained. And the NXN was moved there. The end.
No, NXN won't be moving to San Diego's Balboa Park.
That's XC. It defines who the strongest runner is instead of the best time trialist under perfect conditions with teammate pacers. Track season is coming for those guys and girls.
That's XC. It defines who the strongest runner is instead of the best time trialist under perfect conditions with teammate pacers. Track season is coming for those guys and girls.
This is why XC is such a pathetic sport. Distance runners will do everything to avoid getting slammed by their more talented 800m/1500m counterparts.
That's XC. It defines who the strongest runner is instead of the best time trialist under perfect conditions with teammate pacers. Track season is coming for those guys and girls.
This is why XC is such a pathetic sport. Distance runners will do everything to avoid getting slammed by their more talented 800m/1500m counterparts.
Those guys have a whole season to rip fast times why not make it so grittier and more distance oriented guys have a chance to shine and get scholarships?
Those guys have a whole season to rip fast times why not make it so grittier and more distance oriented guys have a chance to shine and get scholarships?
So do XC runners, you have a 10k on the track (Thankfully, it'll be gone soon). There are 400000 road races every year over 5ks, how many road races exist that are under a mile?
This post was edited 59 seconds after it was posted.
As others have said, this race will NEVER move out of Portland. It is a Nike race. Nike = PDX (Beaverton to be exact). While the weather may be PNW weather, that's cross country, and the event is so much more than just the race. The kids love visiting Nike HQ and everything else.
Having said that, I do wonder, of all the places in the surrounding area, why the golf course in the east side flatlands? Why not the West Hills (Washington Park, Pittock Mansion, Marquam Park, Lewis and Clark ...) or Mt Tabor, Sellwood, Westmoreland, Powell Butte, Laurelhurst, Reed/Eastmoreland, ...). There are so many better locations just in the local area. If you select one with more hills (or the volcano) not only is it a better race but it would be much less soggy with run-off
As others have said, this race will NEVER move out of Portland. It is a Nike race. Nike = PDX (Beaverton to be exact). While the weather may be PNW weather, that's cross country, and the event is so much more than just the race. The kids love visiting Nike HQ and everything else.
Having said that, I do wonder, of all the places in the surrounding area, why the golf course in the east side flatlands? Why not the West Hills (Washington Park, Pittock Mansion, Marquam Park, Lewis and Clark ...) or Mt Tabor, Sellwood, Westmoreland, Powell Butte, Laurelhurst, Reed/Eastmoreland, ...). There are so many better locations just in the local area. If you select one with more hills (or the volcano) not only is it a better race but it would be much less soggy with run-off
I'll even add, with the green space right next to Nike, why don't they create their own world class course and use it as a test bed?
I am thinking 99% of those writing here have never attended NXN. First off the course is far from flat. Also one of the main things about the weekend is how much time the kids spend at the anike World HQ. This experience cannot be duplicated anywhere else. Yes the weather is apin but have you ever heard a kid complain about it after. No they have a blast. The meet is not moving get over it already
I am thinking 99% of those writing here have never attended NXN. First off the course is far from flat.
Nike won't move NXN out of the Portland area but they should be able to find a Portland area course that doesn't turn into a muddy mess.
And the NXN course is actually relatively flat. There is only one hill.
I ran the Open Race last year after NXN high schoolers and it is 100% not a flat course, it's damn challenging and I was way impressed with what those kids ran (especially Jane's 16:32 that day)... I ran 4 other courses during the XC season and the mix of hills and mud/softness made it the most difficult of the year.
Nike won't move NXN out of the Portland area but they should be able to find a Portland area course that doesn't turn into a muddy mess.
And the NXN course is actually relatively flat. There is only one hill.
I ran the Open Race last year after NXN high schoolers and it is 100% not a flat course, it's damn challenging and I was way impressed with what those kids ran (especially Jane's 16:32 that day)... I ran 4 other courses during the XC season and the mix of hills and mud/softness made it the most difficult of the year.
Knowing the area, there are just so many more iconic places in the city that would be both challenging and reduce the slop. I mean, how many major cities have a volcano in the middle of town? :) That side is just so (generally) flat and there are other more naturally hilly areas that drain better
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