All The Miles Mattered

Dean Karnazes grew up in Southern California during the height of the U.S. running boom. He ran just one season of high school cross country, in fall 1976, but he went on to become one of the world's most famous runners, writing a popular book about his incredible success over long distances. Karnazes once completed a 50-day, 50-state marathon streak. For some relay events designed for 6 to 12 runners per team, he runs the course solo. In the book, Karnazes shared stories of coaches whose messages resonated with him. His high school cross country coach, Benner Cummings, was unconventional to say the least, but his approach helped set up Karnazes for success in ultra running. Also in this podcast discussion, Karnazes recalls the conflict he had with another coach, which led Karnazes to throw his running shoes in a tree and quit the school team. Come along for the run!

  Lou Snelling was a standout runner for Seminole High School and the University of Central Florida.  This Q&A goes back to his running roots, to elementary school field day, running in middle school, and then joining Coach Bruce Calhoun's program at Seminole High. Snelling has been a college coach for more than 20 years, and just last weekend, his Bowling Green women's indoor track team won the school's first conference title in more than 25 years. Thanks for coming along for the run. This is one of three episodes posting today, all with a focus on Seminole.  

  Come along for the run! This episode, one of three being released today, includes Q&As with several Seminole High runners and the words of their coach, Bruce Calhoun. Calhoun built the boys and girls cross country teams into Pinellas County's best in the second half of his tenure. No matter how well the teams did, the runners treasured their time under Calhoun's tutelage. Learn why Calhoun says "I marvel at myself" -- a rare comment by the coach who never sought praise.  

      At last, the story of the 1994 Largo Invitational. The Largo boys and Lakewood girls won the races, but that's not what people recall about the day, Oct. 12, at Taylor Park.   "About as bad as it gets," one coach said. Another coach told meet officials that his own team should be disqualified. Come along for the run with the retelling of events from multiple eyewitnesses and participants.

The Boston Marathon is a big deal. It's this weekend. And we found Leto and Largo runners who competed in the prestigious spring race (they aren't the only ones). So, the alternate title could be ATMM Goes to Boston. Hear the words (occasionally of the four-letter variety) from John Brennan (Largo Class of 84) and Matt Heiser (Leto Class of 85). Thanks for coming along for the run! Music credits: "Out on my Skateboard", Mini Vandals; "Is This Really Happening," TrackTribe

In early 1979, Mark Altimari didn't know much about Largo cross country. His family had moved recently from suburban Philadelphia to Tampa, and he was a confessed "wrestling dummy" at his new school, Leto High. Then, he met Leto coach Bobby Ennis, "the first adult to truly believe in me," Altimari said. He soon learned more about the rival Packers and more about cross country, and then more about the work it would take to take down Largo. The events of fall 1980 on cross country courses in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties didn't end Altimari's interaction with Largo. Instead, a letter created a lifelong bond. This episode of All The Miles Mattered goes in-depth on the mail sent to Altimari after the state meet in 1980, which in 4A boys competition was decided by 3 points.  

Belen Jesuit in Miami has won more FHSAA boys cross country state championships than any program. This weekend, Belen goes for the 15th title in program history. Coach Frankie Ruiz's team has its sights on other championships, as it will run at least one other race after the 3A state meet on Friday, Nov. 17 in Tallahassee. In this episode of All The Miles Mattered, Ruiz talks history, his call to Coach Brent Haley in 2019, his runners' quest for 15, and more.   Music: Mini Vandals, Out On My Skateboard

This episode of All The Miles Mattered, the third of Season 2 and the 22nd if you count the trailer, has a lot of familiar voices in the story of Largo, Leto and the challengers to those programs’ dominance in cross country. It also has a new one, from a challenger the dominant 1983 Largo team never saw. It’s a voice from 2,000 miles away, a coach who expected maximum effort from his runners. The episode also takes a deeper look at just how good the Packers were, how that famous five-across photo came about, and how the returning Largo runners dealt with a new teammate. Come along for the run! Music: Mini Vandals (Out On My Skateboard, Inconsciousness), Bob Bedell (acoustic version of Video Killed The Radio Star)

Chris Palmer, a 1984 Largo graduate, was part of three cross country state titles for the Packers in the early 1980s. This episode features Palmer's talk at the start of the Sept. 15 reunion of Largo runners, which came one night after the track at Largo was named for Coach Brent Haley.  Special thanks to Largo's Mike Fowler for the audio. Music: Is This Really Happening (Track Tribe)

Welcome to the start of Season 2 of All The Miles Mattered. This is as close to a news episode as you’re going to get for a story 50 years in the making. Last month, at halftime of a Largo High School football game, the track at the stadium got a new name and also a familiar name. It was the first of two nights honoring Coach Brent Haley. Come along for the run! Sound: Turn3 Productions Largo High School PA Music: Mini Vandals (Out On My Skateboard) BK Productions