Davidson/Neilson return from 10K run in Spain

Ken Johnston

Travelling thousands of kilometers to run 10 kilometer may not sound like something most people would do, but for two Rainy River High School Students it was an opportunity of a lifetime.
Shantelle Davidson and Matt Neilson were invited in the fall to travel to Spain as part of the United States’ cross country team over the Christmas break.
On December 26, 2002 they left for Barcelona, Spain. 23 hours later they arrived there and met their Spanish tour guide at the airport.
With little or no sleep, arriving at 10 a.m. Spain’s time, the rest period they were offered was welcomed.
On the 27th they started the day running. “I ran 5 miles,” said Neilson. Davidson said, “I ran 4 and it was sure nice training by the Mediterranean Sea.”
Nursing a stress fracture, Davidson was told to restrict her actual running to a minimum. Instead she used the pool and rode bike at the hotel.
Both said the weather was like August here and the views along their training routes were incredible.
Team coach and top U.S. distance runner Dan Browne said that both RRHS students were good ambassadors for Canada. Neilson said there were a few Canadian jokes but other than that no one thought it was strange that two Canadians were on the U.S. team.
“They thought the sports coop (between Rainy River High School and Lake of the Woods High School) was pretty cool.”
Because of the coop the pair have been able to compete in cross country and track and field competitions at the high school level. Being at the top of their field in Minnesota lead to the invitation to participate in the San Silvestre de Barcelona 10K race.
Neilson said they thought there would be about 1,000 competing in the race from all over the world. However, there ended up being about 3,700.
Arriving at the starting line two hours early, Neilson said he was able to start about 15 m from the front of the pack. He completed the race in 40:24 and was happy with that time. That time saw him place 9th overall in the 1986 and younger age group of males. He was 644th overall. Two of his other U.S. teammates were 5 and 10 seconds ahead of him.
Davidson said she felt really good during the race and finished in a time of 45:16. “I expected to finish in about 50 minutes, so 45 was really good!” However, a mix up in the statistical data saw her name disappear from the system. Her time was good enough to get 3rd in her age group (1986 and under female) but due to the mix up she did not receive a trophy. However she has been informed that the matter is being rectified and she will receive what she is due.
In addition to the fun they had in the race, both learned a lot from Coach Browne who offered them motivational sessions and tips on things like staying injury free and the best techniques for training as a long distance runner.
“Dan said short fast runs are better training than long slow runs,” said Neilson. “‘Endurance gets you to the finish line but speed gets you to the line first,’” said Neilson, quoting Browne.
“Dan said plyometrics are very important to do,” said Davidson. Plyometrics are jumping exercises.
Besides the running and training for it, the pair, along with their teammates, were treated to a lot of sight seeing. They went to the Olympic Stadium, visited some historic architecture and went to France.
Their 10K race also was held right in downtown Barcelona, so they got to see the city in a way that few others have as the streets were cordoned off for it.
Davidson said she would definitely like to do the trip again. “There is one in Australia,” she said excitedly.
Both plan to compete on the LoW track team again this spring, where their coach, Sariina Kalli is hoping their experience will help other members of the team train.