WENHAM, Mass.— Gordon Track and Cross Country coach Patrick Rich spends much of his time during the school year mentoring his athletes on how to train better and smarter. Over the dog days of summer, Coach Rich flips the tables and focuses his energy on competing in a variety of different style races around New England.
 
On Saturday July 6, Coach Rich competed in U.S. Mountain Running Championships at Loon Mountain in Lincoln, N.H., hoping for a bid onto the U.S. National team, which will compete in Italy later in 2014. Rich averaged 8.01 per mile over the 7-mile climb up the mountain, although many of his mile splits were well under that mark.
 
Rich ended up short of his goal of finishing in the top six to qualify for a spot on the national team, but he improved his mark from last year
 
In an interview with Collegiate Running Association president before the race, Rich spoke to his passion as both a runner and a coach. "My first priority is to live out my faith in Jesus Christ with authenticity", Rich said in the interview. "Coaching at Gordon College, where I can encourage my athletes in their spiritual life as well as their athletic and academic pursuits, helps me keep a proper perspective as I examine my heart, my habits and therefore, my priorities."
 
Following the race, Rich gave a report of the weekend on his running blog detailing the excitements and disappointments he experienced. You can catch his weekend report and other running musings here. 

Photo courtesy of Krissy Kozlosky