Season 2 Episode 8: The Anniversary Special with Camden Khon

It’s the first anniversary of The Blue Water Running Podcast! One year, forty episodes, and 3500 downloads later, it’s been an incredible privilege to get to know local athletes and hear many amazing and inspiring stories from the Blue Water Area and beyond.  

The top two episodes from last year are episode #15 with Matt Armelagos of Michigan XC Speed Ratings, where I heard firsthand from one of the state’s foremost experts on statistics in cross country and track, and the transparent and brave story of Abigail VanderKoi in episode #20, where she shared her journey of recovery and continuing progress in fighting an eating disorder while striving to achieve success in athletics.  

The very first episode of the podcast aired on March 28, 2024, and featured 2023 Armada graduate Camden Khon (who happens to be my oldest child).  Camden runs cross country, indoor, and outdoor track for Spring Arbor University, where he recently earned indoor NAIA All-American status by taking fourth in the mile in 4:10 and third in the Distance Medley Relay in a new school record of 9:52, in which he ran the 800-meter leg.  I invited Camden back to the pod to reflect on the last year and his progress from a tenth-grader in high school to a collegiate sophomore: he didn’t start in the sport immediately winning or setting records, and has put in years of hard work to see success. You can still grow and improve each year, even if the results aren’t immediately evident, which is a realistic but encouraging message for those who strive and hope to do the same.  Camden will give us some insight into what racing is like at the NAIA level, advice he’d give a current athlete, and how to keep a mindset that focuses on continual improvement versus overnight success. 

Thank you so much for listening to the podcast: words can’t express how thankful and blessed I am to have been able to do this for the last year.  Please share an episode to help spread the word about Blue Water Running’s mission, which is to feature and celebrate the achievements of high school and collegiate cross country and track/field athletes from our area. You can follow Blue Water Running on Instagram, X, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, along with athlete and meet reports and photos on the website at bluewaterrunning.org.

Blue Water Running coverage is sponsored in part by Elite Feet of Port Huron. If you need running shoes, spikes, or apparel, their friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you find the right fit (and they are big fans of running, too). They are located at 327 Huron Ave in downtown Port Huron.

Verlinde Insurance, located in Richmond, Michigan, is a new supporter of coverage on Blue Water Running. Training as an athlete teaches you resilience and preparation. Apply those lessons to your life with their insurance plans. Be ready for anything with them by your side…I have my home, auto, and umbrella insurance policies with Verlinde Insurance and can tell you from personal experience that their rates and customer service are second to none. You can visit Verlindeinsurance.com or email Noah@Verlindeinsurance.com for more information.    

 If you are interested in sponsoring coverage or partnering with Blue Water Running as an advertiser to reach and support local athletes, please reach out via our website or social media channels.  

https://www.bluewaterrunning.org/
https://bluewaterrunning.buzzsprout.com

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