I ran my first race just for fun when I had just turned 6. It was a 1 mile race for boys age 8 and under. I came in 2nd with a time of 9 minutes and 11 seconds. The winner was 8 yrs old that later became a friend so I didn't feel that bad about not coming in first.

I tried my first competive 5K when I was 8 in Alaska called the Mosquito Meander. I came in second once again.

The very next week I did the Midnight Sun 10K and came in 15th in the 14 and under male category. There were over 300 boys in this category. And over 3000 total in the run altogether.My granny from Oklahoma was there to watch and cheer me on at the finish line. I beat my dad by over 7 minutes!

One of my favorite runs was when my Dad took me to work at PT. I had to get up at 5:00 am. There was a General's change of Command 3 mile run that day. We started running and I thought the pace was too slow so I ran past every company's formation in the Brigade until I got to the General who was leading the run. And then I even passed him. After the run two very nice Sgt. Majors gave me their coins. They are two of my most treasured items. The General asked me my name and told me I was Outstanding!!

Because of the fires last summer and football practice 5 days week, I didn't get to run in as many races as I would like to have.

The last significant race of the season last year was the Jr. Olympics Cross Country Race in Anchorage. I came in 4th out of the best runners in my age group in Alaska. My parents were very proud of me!

Running is something I love to do and hope to continue to train when I move back to Georgia.

One of the dangers of running in Alaska! This bull moose came on the the course at Kincade Park right after I had finished running! Later we learned there is also black bear and lynx that live in the park too.

April 2004 Special Oylimpics Charity 5K 22:00 (the course was a little short)

June 2004 Mosquito Meander

Top 10 Finishers Name City Age Overall Time

1 Chris Nicolai Fairbanks AK 7 24:16.5

2 Briar Champion Ft. Wainwright AK 8 25:36.5

3 Connor Smith Fairbanks AK 8 29:47.2

4 Keegan Rankin Ft. Wainwright AK 8 30:37.6

5 Lars Evanger Fairbanks AK 8 36:05.1

6 Alex Jordan Fairbanks AK 8 39:21.1

7 Spencer Nace Fairbanks AK 8 40:44.8

8 Nolan Wagner Fairbanks AK 7 46:19.3

9 Mike Luedthe Fairbanks AK 6 46:38.6

10 Dan Mulkey Fairbanks AK 7 51:49.5

June 2004 Midnight Sun Run 10K: 15th Place, Time 52:54 Go to runningclubnorth.org For complete race reults

September 2004 Labor Day Fun Run

October 2004 Cross Country Jr. Olympics State Finals