Episode 116 - Bruce Gomez; Head Coach Taos Cross Country, Runner, Teacher

This week I had the pleasure to talk with Coach Bruce Gomez. He is the head cross country coach at Taos High School in Northern New Mexico. He's been at it for over 35 years and has coached some of the best runners in the state, with multiple state champions and championships.

We talk about his own running, getting started as a kid and how it was just part of the culture for him. We talk about his start in junior high with more organized running and continuing into college.

We talked a little about coaching and teaching, including a little about a Native American Studies class he taught.

He also talked about participating in the1980 Tricentennial run to commemorate the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. Runners retraced the path of the original runners, starting from Taos Pueblo. The book, Indian Running, discusses it and gives some history as well.

Bruce is a New Mexico Track and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame Member and I just can't speak enough about how much respect I have for him and the program he has built over the past 35 years. I'm honored to have been able to share some of his story and I hope you enjoy it.

The heat just keeps coming. Take care to get your runs done early and be smart with your fitness. Stay hydrated, be kind, and keep running, New Mexico.