Resources For
Join RRCA Today
The RRCA is the oldest and largest organization in the US dedicated to distance running.
With over 1000 member clubs and events representing over 200,000 running club members, why run with anyone else? Join the RRCA today!
Sign Up For Email Updates
Keep Pace with the RRCA. Sign up now for monthly email updates about the RRCA. Don’t worry we will not sell or give away your email address.
AATC Youth Alum Receives High Honors
Written by Tracey Cohen
“I had a great experience with the Ann Arbor Track Club,” acknowledged Lex Williams, Road Runner Club of America 2011-2012 Roads Scholar.
“It was a positive influence early in my career,” Lex continued regarding his experience with the AATC Youth Program, “and one of the many reasons I decided to stick with the sport when I was younger.”
Of his recent honor, Williams revealed, “I am extremely humbled to have been named a Roads Scholar by the RRCA. The generosity of the RRCA combined with the support I receive from In the Arena,” a charity based organization dedicated to helping talented athletes achieve Olympic status and run professionally, “have allowed me to pursue running full-time.”
Recruited by Olympian and former University of Michigan volunteer assistant coach, Tim Broe, Lex relocated to New Hampshire on September 1, 2010 to be a part of In the Arena’s post-collegiate training group.
“In the Arena allows me and other athletes to live and train in Hanover, NH with access to everything we need to be successful professional runners,” Williams explained.
“In return, I am involved in a number of community service projects servicing youth in the surrounding areas.”
One such project includes starting and coaching a new middle school cross country program in Canaan, NH.
“My teammate, Ben True, and I are coaches and have 29 kids on the roster.”
“I am also planning to be involved as a volunteer with the Special Olympics this year,” Williams added.
On Lex’s recent honor, In the Arena Head Coach, Tim Broe, maintained, “Lex is a very deserving and hard working kid, and even more important, he is a responsible, serious athlete who does everything in his power to be the best he can be.”
“He’s a great person,” Broe added, “and very good with the kids and coaches.”
Despite having had to undergo foot surgery in November 2010, Williams has his eye on the 2012 Olympic Trials.
“I will concentrate on either the 10,000m or 5,000m.
Lex plans to run both early in the spring season and make a decision based off his performances.
While the Ann Arbor native and University of Michigan alum does not make it home as often as he might like, U of M football and spending the holidays with his family are high on his list of priorities.
“Greg Meyer”, the last American male to win the Boston Marathon and a graduate of the University of MI, “was my neighbor growing up,” Lex pointed out. “He was one of the reasons I chose to go to Michigan.”
Williams’ training currently consists of 70 - 100 miles per week dependant on the time of year and relevant phase of training.
“I have my own core routine, we meet for drills and strides a couple times a week, two hard workouts and one long run. It’s a pretty basic schedule, and the rest is recovery and a good diet.”
And words of wisdom from the 24-year old Olympic hopeful include:
“Make sure you are enjoying yourself. When it comes to pushing yourself and working hard, I ask my middle-schoolers - ‘are you going to be able to walk away from this workout proud of yourself, saying that you did your very best today’?”
A prime example of all one can achieve when practice follows actions the individual preaches.
Please visit our website to learn more about the RRCA Roads Scholar Program and its 2011 - 2012 class.
