>>> Hansons-Brooks Press

Hansons get ready for Boulder and Japan
January 26, 2007
For Immediate Release

Boulder Cross Country
Rochester Hills, MI - January 26, 2007 - The Hanson's ODP Team will be very busy this next month. They will rack up a lot of frequent flier miles in the process. 6 guys, Josh Eberly, Jeff Guadette, Josh Moen, Ryan Sheehan, Travis Laird and Marty Rosendahl will be heading out after their run this morning to the snowy mountains of Colorado. They are racing the Best Cross Country Race on the Planet the next day (Saturday January 27th), which is held in Boulder, CO. It will be their first run of many to come at altitude. The Hanson's rented a house just outside of Boulder; which will be called home for 17 days. They plan on trying to acclimate as much as they can before the big race, the US Cross Country Championships on February 10th. We asked Travis Laird what he thinks of running at altitude~ "If you could imagine running up a hill at sea level with a bag over your head, it's a pretty similar feeling." ~ Laird has some experience at altitude coming from Flagstaff, Arizona. Josh Eberly will be practically in his backyard, as he grew up only miles away from Boulder, CO. ~"I am exited to go back home to see family and friends that I haven't seen in a while. I am not looking forward to the altitude adjustment as I've experienced first hand the patience it takes not to fight the thin air."

Ohme, Japan 30k
Hanson's have another group heading out to Ohme, Japan on the 31st of January. Included in the group will be: Brian Sell, Clint Verran, Luke Humphrey, Kyle O'Brien and Chad "Wheels" Johnson. Mike Morgan was scheduled to run in Japan, but earlier this week he fractured a bone in his foot which will put him on the shelf for 4-6 weeks. The race will be a 30k on the 4th of February. Keith Hanson had this to say about the trip~ "It is always a good thing to get as much International experience as you can." The Brothers believe the 30k American Record will be threatened on February 4th.

Women running Boston Marathon
The Women will be getting ready for the Boston Marathon in April. They will have their trip prior to the Marathon in Florida. They will use Florida to adjust to the heat that the Boston Marathon is famous for.

Program History
The Hansons-Brooks Distance Project began in 1999 when brothers Keith and Kevin Hanson decided they wanted to give back to United States distance running by creating an elite athlete development program that would put Americans back at the top of international competition. Brooks joined forces with the Hanson's in the spring of 2003, allowing for the women’s program to start shortly thereafter. The Project continues to grow and the goals remain high. For more information check out www.hansons-running.com

~Press Release by Josh Eberly