Dathan Ritzenhein, After Just One Race in 2014 Plans on Two Next Week in Europe

Published by MLive.com on January 3, 2014

Dathan Ritzenhein wasn't worried about his inactive 2014 season, but he is making sure to get an early start on the running year ahead.

The three-time Olympian plans two races within five days next week - a 10K at Campaccio Cross Country meet near Milan, Italy on Tuesday, Jan. 6, and then an elite division 4K at the Bupa Great Edinburgh Cross Country in Scotland on Jan. 10.

Ritzenhein has had about eight weeks of healthy training and, given the time of the year and limited outdoor races available, opted to go overseas for the two cross country events.

"I really haven't done anything too hard (in workouts), but I really just want to get out and race," the Rockford resident said. "And cross country is something I've always been good at, and it's something that comes pretty naturally to me, so I hope that makes up for a lack of fitness right now."