Earth to B-Mail. This is John speaking. I'm making my editorial debut as a contributor to the B-Mail. If you don't like it, well, please dear lord drop a 5-star review anyway. They didn't ask me to make this blog post until after the trip was already over. Send help.

Little background for ya: We're creating a mini Youtube series following 9 Bandit athletes as they put the finishing touches on their preparation for the Marathon Olympic Trials in Orlando on February 3rd. I spent the last 6 days in Austin, LA, and Provo (Utah) keeping up with the insane daily routines of these inspiring athletes. It was special and reminded me of certain aspects of the sport that I cherished as a collegiate runner and miss a little. In m'feels right now. 

Here's some vibes from the tour ahead of episode 1 releasing next week...

 The running dictionary definition of hammering.

Bandit athlete, Habs Cheney, is a 24 year old force to be reckoned with. He will be on the world marathon stage in a few short years. Mark my words.

One of Hab's training partners. I mean, tell me you're going to the Olympic Trials without telling me you're going to the Olympic Trials.

Provo, Utah is a helluva training ground. Here's a few screengrabs from the first episode. Habs ripping a 12x1K workout with Olympic hopefuls Conor Mantz, Clayton Young, and Kenneth Rooks. Iron sharpens iron.

Had to for the culture. Quick pitstop for a new Marin scarf 'cause it's a cold, cold world. Also, track repeats in the rolly is as nuevo linguaggio as it gets. Salute.

Duriel Hardy M.D., (yes, that Duriel Hardy), has receipts like you've never seen. 2:17 marathoner, pediatric neurologist (aka saves baby's lives), and proud father. Making the rest of us look very, very bad.

 Hear that? That's the sound of a very fast train.

Stay tuned for episode one on Monday.

Yours truly,
John Rice, proud B-Mail contributor.