The magic of the 2020 Olympic Trials we more than just race itself. It was also in the journey to that day. The years of training and leading to America's best runners putting it on the line to qualify for the trials. With that in mind we are introducing a new race hoping to help America's best reach their full potential. The Bakline's McKirdy Micro!  The vision for this marathon is to be an OTQ/Olympic Standard marathon event. The course - Rockland Lake State Park is a truly flat and fast course. Newly paved... the surface is incredibly quick. It will also have a clearly marked tangent line along the ENTIRE 2.945 mile loop.  Certification - The event is currently USATF certified and USATF Sanctioned. The World Athletics certification is in processing and is a mere formality. For any athletes looking for an Olympic Standard (American or international) this race will count for that achievement and for world rankings. Pacers:  2:07:30 2:10:00 (if needed/requested) 2:17:59 2:26:00 (if needed/requested) 2:30:00 (if needed/requested) 2:36:59 Prize Purse - They have committed to at least a $10,000 prize purse! The vision of the race is a time standard... not a "race for place." With this in mind there is going to host a shared prize purse concept. They will evenly distribute the prize purse to all who earn the OTQ/Olympic standard. (International athletes are included) Registration Launch - Registration will launch next week (After Boston - Wednesday/Thursday). Visit www.mckirdytrained.com to register. We encourage all athletes considering this event to register. Even if using the race was a "back up event." Having the option to race Bakline's McKirdy Micro allows an athlete to swap out in case they are presented with poor conditions in Chicago or other races in the window. Their only aim in this event is service for what is best for the athletes.  Sponsors: Thank you to Lagoon for sponsoring this episode and for their truly amazing pillows! Take their two minute quiz and learn which pillow is perfect for you and the way you sleep at https://lagoonsleep.com/rambling and save 15% by using code RAMBLING at checkout. Vacation Races is a running and travel company that helps people explore and enjoy the most scenic places on earth. They host half marathons, ultramarathons and trail running festivals at national parks around the country and multi-day running adventures all over the world! Use our codes to save serious money at www.vacationraces.com on these incredible adventures: rambling15 - New customers can use this code for 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon that is not currently sold out (excludes Trailfest events and Global Adventures). rambling200 - New customers can use this code for $200 off any Global Adventures trip that is not currently sold out (code is only good for Global Adventures events and cannot be used toward half marathons, ultra marathons or Trailfest events) --- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices