EUGENE, Ore. –– Hanging out with Nick Symmonds should be more than a twice-a-year occurrence. But for two guys living on opposite coasts, with totally divergent lifestyles, that unfortunately isn’t realistic.

So, you make the most of the opportunities when presented. The last time we connected was in September when he was in New York for the Fifth Avenue Mile. Needless to say, a lot of good tales can gestate over a nine month period.