Runnerville

Abdi, Ed Eyestone, your comments, and the Pre Classic. It’s all on this episode of the Toni & Matt Show.

The Big Story - The Prefontaine Classic:Brad Walker gets the American Record in the pole vault. Bekele, running at 9:30 in the morning, goes after, but misses, his own World Record at 10,000m. The fans are back in Eugene, but the TV coverage hasn’t changed.

Abdi Abdirahman joins us in the “studio” from Tucson, Arizona. On his 27:16, just 3 seconds off the American Recrod: “I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t thinking about the record.” Is he willing to push the pace at the Trials? Will he go after the American Record there? GMC Denali’s and XM Satellite radio - it’s all here.

You Talk. We Respond. Joe from South Jersey thanks Tegenkamp for responding personally. He also points out that we need a winner and more team-based events on the track. Brett wants team scoring at the Olympic Games. We couldn’t agree more. Imagine the interest in a tight battle for 8th place in the 5,000m if it meant the difference between team gold and team silver. Besides, who cares about total medals? Billy from Portland calls in with his thoughts of the Pre Classic…and high praise for the Toni & Matt Show: “Your show is my favorite.” And Ben Olson writes in: I am an 8 year old runner from Coon Rapids, Minnesota. Alan Webb is my sports hero. My buddies that I play hockey, baseball and golf with don’t know who he is, but they will this summer. Everyone will know who he is with his olympic gold medal. He will dominate in August.

Ed Eyestone joins us in the “studio” after his appearance in the NBC studio at Hayward Field. Ed talks candidly about his opinions of the Pre broadcast (his first with NBC), explains why the 5,000m and 10,000m races weren’t shown, describes his preparation for calling a meet, and tries to give an answer to Matt’s question: What the hell happened in the men’s 800m?

Bislett Games in Oslo: The baby-faced assassin reigns supreme and Andrew Baddeley gives Brits another great white hope.

What do you think? Call us at 206-888-0346 or email to comments (at) runnerville (dot) com.

[Music is “Super Duper Love” by Joss Stone.]

Happy April Fool’s Day. Unfortunately (or fortunately), we didn’t put together a joke podcast. Is it an indicator of the serious times of our sport? Or just a complete lack of creativity? Tough call. Regardless, we made it to Episode #11. No podfading at Runnerville Weekly!

Are you creative? Have something to say? Call the comment line at 206-888-0346 and record your beef. Or you can email an mp3 file to comments (at) runnerville (dot) com.

In this episode:

Toni Reavis, in response to an African-dominated World XC event, proposes a city-based team system with a full-fledged draft.

Amby Burfoot, also in response to the “crisis” of World XC (or as he calls it, a dual meet between Kenya and Ethiopia), points out the artificial level playing field at the Olympics and World Championships, where only 3 athletes from each country can compete. World XC allows 9. Oops!

Wejo finally hearts Bekele, but isn’t willing to call him the GOAT. He is, however, willing to call him the GOATAXC (Greatest Of All Time At Cross Country).

Chris Lear wonders if world class runners are capable of endorsing anything or representing anybody besides the shoe companies. What do you think? What athletes would be good pitchmen? And what products would you want them to promote? Chris wants to know.

Matt Taylor tries to answer Chris’s question with beer and coffee. Imagine it: Carney and Yuengling. Lukezic and Gaggia Classic. Marketing has changed and running is being left behind…

Contribute to the show. Send your segment via email or call the comment line at 206-888-0346.

[Music is “Mr. Lovely” by Beth Thornley.]