Eugene bills itself as Tracktown USA, and that is a pretty apt name. The University of Oregon is famous for their track teams, most notably under the coaching of the legendary Bill Bowerman in the 60's and 70s. Hayward Field is where Steve Prefontaine killed the competition meet after meet. Olympic Trials(such as the current one) and World Championships have been held here. The crowds who attend know track and field, and winning here, you get a heroes applause.
Last year, during my Hood to Coast adventure, I had the honor to tour Hayward Field. From the outside, it's a very unassuming place. It's not a bowl stadium, though I believe there are plans to make it more that way. It is awash in the university's colors of green and yellow. The seats are bleachers. There is very much a bygone era feel to the stadium.
Stepping onto the track though is where the magic happens. After a few steps, I felt very much like I was in a land of the giants. On this track Pre wowed the crowds. Nick Symmonds had masterful come from behind wins here. Shalane Flannigan dominated here. The world's fastest men cemented their status here. Anyone who is anyone in track has been on the track, and now I was on the track. So what did I do? I ran.
To be fair, it wasn't a good run. I was holding my smartphone, and recording it, so there would be proof ran there. Still, in my mind, I was ahead of Pre, and holding him off as I crossed the finish line, winning the race.
In my life there have been to places I've ran which held special meaning for me. One was finishing on the 50 yard line in Notre Stadium, the other was my few meters run in Hayward Field. Both places allow you to be with your heroes for a time, and it is truly magical and special.
Charlie
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