# @pdxtrack on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CKSDb4THKuf
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/16383481-pdxtrack-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/ec69d00076.jpg
- **Posted:** 2021-01-20T21:35:46.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Portland Track (@pdxtrack) — https://gondola.cc/pdxtrack

## Caption

There must be something in the rushing waters of the mighty Huron River.  A youthful elixir emanating puffs of steam billowing toward the riverside trails, campus roads and the track behind the Ferry Field gates.
 
In a season where Tom Brady will take the field for his 14th conference championship game, fellow Wolverine, Nick Willis has run a sub 4 minute mile for the 19th consecutive year- besting his countryman, John Walker’s record of 18 years under the fabled barrier.
 
Willis matriculated to Michigan in 2002, following the departure of American prodigy, Alan Webb and joining Canadian prep star, Nate Brannen on a team guided by the salty old vet, Ron Warhurst. In 2003, as a freshman, he ran 3:58 for 4th place in the famous Meyo Mile in South Bend. On Tuesday, Willis, who still resides on a bluff above the Huron River ran 3:58 again, this time in Florida.
 
For all of history until only 15 years before we put a man on the moon, the 4 minute barrier had eluded mankind. Willis has ritualistically returned to the sacred ground to plant his flag yearly, as assuredly as the undergrads flock to Rick’s All American Café for the $1 well drinks.
 
…And it might not even be the most impressive feat that the Kiwi Olympic medalist has accomplished. Once, while in school, Willis downed 18 burger patties at Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger, walked less than half a mile to the Ferry Field track, laced up his spikes and ran a 2 mile against the clock. His time?
 
9:07.
 
Good night, Everyone.
 
Congratulations, Nick!
 
*Further evidence supporting Huron River theory: Michigan legend, ksully330_um ran 1:53 for 800m in 8th grade and retired from competitive running at the age of 35.

#ForTheLoveOfTheSport
#VeryNice
#Sub4

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 668
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 1

## Tags

sub4, fortheloveofthesport, verynice

---
Copyright (c) Gondola