Another season is coming to an end. I was proud to compete at USA Championships, race across Europe, and represent the USA at the NACAC Championships in Toronto. But now, the FUN begins and I get to place my passion into my calling as an athlete. 
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On any given day you might see me strolling around in orange jersey supporting my hometown team. You all know I am a huge Syracuse fan (Mama Rogers raised all of her boys well!!). But this time of year, I have another reason to get all painted up in Orange-- HOOD TO COAST 2018 with World Vision 4 South Sudan! It is time to paint Portland orange again this year with the ten crazy passionate, fast running, world changing teams that have shed blood, sweat, and tears to change lives in South Sudan. 

This is our 6th year running HTC World Vision 4 South Sudan - all that dedication has translated into over $3 MILLION dollars for the people of South Sudan. In a time when the young country is still struggling to gain its balance, the HTC 4 South Sudan runners have brought hope and light to the most vulnerable. This is powerful! But I need your help!! I am a team captain again this year and raising money to change lives - run along me and donate to touch the lives of thousands of children in South Sudan! Join our team, be part of the passion, and be that hand that reaches out to a young girl or boy just like me in the moment of my deepest need. 

LET'S DO THIS!

This beautiful country has been through a turbulent year. With the announcement of a government shutdown yesterday, the divisions are evident even at the highest levels. Many of the challenging issues revolve around immigrants. So, I wanted to share just a few of my thoughts. 

From the perspective of an immigrant and a proud American, I want to say that I am hopeful. This point in American history is one of progress. We are talking about some of the most important social issues - race, humanitarianism, religion, equality, etc... These were issues that ten or fifteen years ago were locked away, considered by some as "solved." This year has been one of discussion and action. That gives me great hope!

When I came to America 17 year ago, in July 2001, I was determined to be a contributing member of this beautiful society. As a 16 year old "Lost Boy," my deepest desire was to work hard for a better life and to embrace American values. America was more than a country to me - it was hope. The idea of the American Melting Pot - that from diversity we find strength - is admired across the world. This experiment in democracy and cultural diversity has made the idea of "America" an aspirational one. Every country around the world, from the largest to the youngest nations, respect to the ideal of America. Proud citizen's of all the world's nations, still hold admiration for the pure vision of America, a land of immigrants.

Today, we are discussing hard issues and that is a wonderful thing. I challenge everyone to sit down together at a round table and keep the discussion moving forward. We grow more complex, more capable, more innovative through these powerful dialogues. It is OK not to agree - in fact it is great - because then we have the chance to stand in another person's shoes, understand their story, and grow. 

Let's keep talking about challenging issues, let's keep strengthening idea of America, and let's keep doing acts of hope and love!

A little boy who would become an Olympic athlete is flying—running as fast as he can barefoot, kicking a soccer ball on a dirt playing field at a refugee camp in Kenya, aiming for the goal.
A whistle blows.
The future 1500-meter champion is called to the sidelines and the ball is taken away. He walks dejectedly to his new position—as goalie.
“In Kenya, I started playing soccer,” two-time Olympian and flag bearer Lopez Lomong told me. “I always wanted to win because I didn’t like to lose so I started to play striker.”
A striker, in soccer speak, is the player who scores the goals. They’re called forwards or attackers as well. Though the team plays together, the strikers get the glory.
Lopez wanted that glory.
“I would hold the ball and run with it all the way until I would score,” he says. “I wouldn’t give it to anyone. I would think, if I share with someone else, I could lose the ball.”
So Lopez would play as a virtual one-man team—speeding up and down the field with the ball, stealing, scoring, and getting all the glory.
Then things changed.
            “They said, ‘You need to learn to be the goalie so you can learn to share the ball.’”
            Lopez learned to be a goalie. The goalie is the consummate team player. As a goalie, you need to motivate your teammates. You are the last line of defense in a game. You have to keep your eye on the action all the time and be in constant communication with your teammates.
            “I became one of the best goalies,” says Lopez. “And I started learning to share.”
            Since that time, Lopez has become two things: a great athlete and a man who shares. Lopez gives back.
He came to the United States in 2001 as one of the “Lost Boys of Sudan”—a product of the civil war in Sudan—taken in by loving foster parents. Although he feared his parents in Sudan had been killed, he learned that they were still alive and was able to contact his mother by cellphone.
            Reunited in Sudan with his parents for the first time, 17 years after he had been abducted from his mother’s lap at a church service, he saw the needs of his country with new eyes. 
            Today, Lopez is a tireless advocate for the people of South Sudan—the newest country in the world, gaining independence from Sudan in 2011. “God keeps blessing me,” he says, “I want to go and try and raise as much money as I can.” Money for clean water, healthcare, education—for people who are starting from scratch.
“I want to do more with World Vision,” he says. World Vision has worked in Sudan since 1972—and South Sudan since its independence in 2011—bringing relief and supporting the local church. And when Lopez sets his mind to something—it happens.
There is something very special about every Olympic athlete. Gymnasts such as Simone Biles and swimmers such as Michael Phelps do what seems to be the impossible. Kerri Walsh Jennings plays volleyball in sand! I can barely walk in sand. Ashton Eaton and Brianne Theisen aren’t only the best at what they do—they’re married to one another. It’s mind-boggling.
But as I watch the Olympics, I cannot help to think about Lopez’s story and how he learned the greatest lesson of all: living to share. For it’s not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game. Lopez learned that early in life in a refugee camp in Kenya, barefoot on a soccer field.
He will be remembered not just for his victories on the track—but for the broader journey of his life—a life lived for others.
That’s true glory.
 
By Kari Costanza
World Vision USA

In the light of recent events I have spent a lot of time reflecting on my journey from a refugee camp to the United States.  Many people wonder about what it was like to come to America over 14 years ago and get a second chance at life.  In short, my future was rewritten in an instant! But, I would really like to share what I imagined of America and how the realities surprised me.  
    As I say in my book, as a refugee in Kenya, I imagined that America was next to heaven!  America was a place that even the richest and most powerful could not reach - in some sense going to America would have been as impossible as travelling to Mars.  I imagined America to be a utopia.  To me, Africa seemed a continent full of violence and turmoil. After seeing the devastation of war across so many African countries and observing life in the refugee camp, I felt trapped in the fight for survival.  There were moments of joy amidst the pain, but I wanted so badly to go to a place without sin and without violence where there was not reason to be afraid.  In my essay to the U.S. embassy cataloging my life story I remember writing: "I do not feel safe here.  I have nobody to take care of me. I want to have a new life in America."  

       It's been many month's since I have last written so let me catch you up on life since September.  Let's start with the BIG change - getting married!  I know everyone says that you don't remember your wedding day and that it all goes by in a blur, but let me tell you, those moments with our family and my new wife will never get blurred.  Huge shout out to Britt and both of our amazing families for making the day one of the most memorable in my life! 
         
      But when the bells go quiet, the cake has been eaten (pecan frosting - yum!), and the last dance has played (Angel by Sarah McLachlan) it is something like the feeling you get when you run through the line at the end of an Olympic 5K.  No, seriously!  It's exactly what it feels like!  You have been planning for this moment, training, visualizing it again and again, and then there you are with arms outstretched, taking a big breath and trying to memorize every little thing about it.  When you cross that Olympic finish line you feel the exhaustion, relief, runner's high.  Gosh, I love those feelings! Every bit of it.
       

      So with the overwhelming happiness that all newlyweds have, we boarded a plane and traveled for 24 hours to Australia.  We both got middle seats 20 meters apart... romantic, right :-/... but I guess we can't complain about free flights from cashing in airline miles.  So, groggily, we stumbled into Sydney.  And it took our breath away!  This city is AWESOME... why can't it be 24 hours closer.  Harbor tour on a 100 year old ship, The King and I at the Sydney Opera house, runs through the botanical gardens, Darling Harbor, Sydney nightlife, afternoon Tea at the Victoria building... I could have explored that city for years! 
          But we kept marching on, and a week later we found ourselves in Adelaide, where Brittany will be assigned late this year.  In the same way we were awed by Sydney's over-the-top sparkle and character, we were awed by Adelaide's down-to-earth living.  We strolled to the Central Market each day to pick up ingredients for Ugali - fresh Kale and wild kangaroo meat (I know, they are so cute, but a man's gotta eat!). We toured the Adelaide Hill's nature reserves and wineries and connected with Aboriginal culture (Brittany picked up some new painting inspiration and I am working on my didgeridoo skills). Can't wait for the exciting new adventures Down Under during my off season!
       But, before I get carried away dreaming about dingos and Tasmanian devils I'm BACK TO THE TRACK!!  After a short but fun indoor season, outdoor starts on Friday at the Mt. SAC Invite.  I am racing the 1500m at 6:39PM and can't wait to be out in the open air, running in the beautiful California sunshine with the Bowerman Track Club.  Next up is Stanford Payton Jordan Invite on Saturday May 2nd.  Time to light it up and set the stage on the way to IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China. Come cheer me on in California!! 

Just 20 Days away - It's becoming REAL people!  A few weeks ago wedding pews, centerpieces, bow ties, playlists, and party favors were dreamlike imaginings... Now the suits are pressed, hanging in my closet, the plane tickets and hotel rooms are booked, and I know more than I could ever wish to know about the minutia of party planning... napkin folds?! Seriously!? But honestly, I am STOKED!!  Britt has been a champion in planning so much of our special day.  I am doing exactly what a good fiance should do - "Yes Honey, that's exactly what I wanted... couldn't have chosen any better myself ;)"  And the best part is we are in the final stretch --- I am down to my LAST 2 races (Berlin and Rieti) before I stand at the end of that aisle waiting to recite those vows.  Homestretch, right?!

But this wedding is more than just a lovely day spent with friends and family.  For Brittany and I this is a day where we get to celebrate our devotion to one another but ALSO our devotion as a couple to making a difference in the world.  In so many ways our relationship started through running and then flourished through our joint passion for charity.  For us, CHARITY is synonymous with LOVE! We hope that this union is further celebrated by lighting a fire of compassion in those around us! 

Instead of gifts we are asking for our friends and family to memorialize the special day by touching hundreds of lives in East Africa.  We are supporting the Spark a Brighter Future project through World Vision which will provide digital education tools, internet connectivity, and training to students and teachers at schools in Kenya.  More than just providing access to educational resources, this project will empower children to DREAM bigger and CONNECT to a world of possibility.  During my 10 years as a refugee in Kenya I yearned for the opportunity to go to school and pursue my dreams of having a better life.  My friends and I wrote the alphabet in the sand of the refugee camp and dreamed of having a pencil and paper.  My life changed when I got the chance to write my story down and submit it to the US embassy for a chance to build a better future in the US.  With your help Brittany and I want to make sure that every child has the opportunity to write down their stories and pursue their goals in education. Education has changed both of our lives and we hope together we can celebrate our marriage by changing the lives of hundreds of children in East Africa.  
If you want to be part of our special day and help us SHARE THE LOVE with hundreds of children in East Africa, please visit our Wedding Giving Page!  Thanks for all of your prayers and thoughts on our special day - I will be dancing down that aisle!

It's finally happened - Brittany and I have been challenged to the ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE!  We taking the challenge for CLEAN WATER in South Sudan. Just $50 provides clean water for life for ONE child in South Sudan!  Take the clean water ice bucket challenge and help us save lives!!

Next up is: Alan Webb, Steve Haas, Tom Caracci, Tom Hightower, Rebekah Morreale, Nanami Sunaga, and Katie Ross!!  24 Hours :)  
Donate to our Hood to Coast event or to Team World Vision for South Sudan!

This is a weekend to remember for so many reasons.  Some moments thrilling, some devastating... this weekend was one of emotion and everyone agrees that this weekend is one that defines the future of track and field.  The weekend started off with a trip to Albuquerque which is almost a homecoming for me as I get to visit Brittany in her hometown and race in front of a crowd of friends and family.  Coming into this weekend, I imagined it would be one that exhibited the greatest American track had to offer and a joyful reunion of athletes and family.  
     I started off with the 3000m.  Over the last few years I have been training to learn how to transition from mid to longer distances and this was another step on that journey.  I had the chance to compete with an incredibly large field (20 athletes all racing on a 200 meter track- unbelievable!!) but unlike most championship races it was an hard, HONEST race. I truly commend my teammate, Andrew Bumbalough (Bumbi), for his couragous racing and putting it all on the line.  Nobody could capture it better than my teammate, Ryan Hill - "Bumbi wanted to go out hard... well [Shoot]... He's our teammate... Let's just do this like a team would do this...". And I am so proud that Bumbi took the race at an honest pace and should be recognized for his hard work and a brave race plan. 
     I finished a somewhat disappointing 4th, as I had hoped to make the team in the 3000m (only top 2 go to World Champs) but I was overwhelmingly proud of the tough racing of my younger teammates. They inspired me to look to the 1500 meters the next day not just as an athlete but as a warrior fighting for the purity and transparency of our sport.

Most would think that track is the purest of sports and usually it is - a start line and the finishing tape... only sweat and blood in between.  But this weekend left many confused and wounded in the track community.  Thankfully it seems now that some justice has been restored to the women's 3000m race and we are sending our strongest team to represent Team USA at World Champions. I am a Nike athlete and I am proud of my company for enforcing transparency in our sport.  My teammates and fellow athletes are dedicated to stand up for good sportsmanship and this sport that we all love. Together with Nike and USATF we are fighting to preserve track and field as the purest of sports and the greatest show of athleticism. What happened this weekend is not what Nike or USATF represents...
     I grew up in Africa where I fought daily with corruption.  For ten years I struggled to survive in a refugee camp in Kenya, eating rubbish, and learning to work with together with friends to make it through the good times and the bad.  We ran to keep our minds away from depression and hunger - it was our salvation.  To have the opportunity to run full of joy and represent the greatest nation on earth has been a blessing in every way.  Every time a tie up my shoes and run on the beautiful trails in Portland I am reminded of the blessing of second chances and redemption. So, this weekend when I laced up my spikes and stepped onto the track for the 1500 meters I ran with only joy and for the virtue of the sport. I expected a tough race and respected the talent of all of my competitors - whatever the outcome of I would have been happy.  When I broke the tape at the finish line I was realized why I do this sport - to wear the jersey of a country that good and honest and inspire a young generation to fill our shoes and be good roles models.  Hard work pays.  
    Thank you for all of the friends and fans who have shown support for what I represent on the track. Keep in tune for the indoor World Championships in Sopot, Poland, from 7 - 9 March 2014 and send up your cheers for Team USA!!  GO USA!!  Let's continue making history!!

As we stand on the starting line of a New Year it is a perfect time to share the excitement of many new beginnings.  First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR family, friends, fans!  I just landed in Colorado Springs and got my room at the Olympic training center and am staring down the beginning of the 2014 season with anticipation.  On my first run today I savored the crisp mountain air and the sweet smell of ponderosa - oh how I have missed you, Colorado! The season will start with races in Colorado Springs and Albuquerque before I head to Boston for my first major race.  The main event of the season will be the USA Championships (Feb 21-23) in Albuquerque and then the Indoor World Championships in Poland (7-9 March). 
     And since I am in Colorado, I guess there is no better place to announce another new beginning that will make 2014 one of the most memorable years of my life.  After 6 years, I will finally get to marry my best friend, Brittany.  Six years ago when we met in the indoor track at the Air Force Academy, I knew Brittany was a special woman, but I never realized what a fullness and strength she would bring to my life.  I am so proud of Brittany's success in her Air Force career and her service to the country that gave me a new life.  I am so proud that I get to support my best friend as she changes the world everyday. I know we will face many challenges and adventures throughout our lives, but we will face them together praying to God that he will lead us on many amazing journeys!

As many know, this December was a rough time for South Sudan, with the outbreak of politically charged ethnic violence.  As always, women and children were caught in the middle of the strife of a young country that yearns for stability and peace.  While the solutions to the ethnic conflicts that crippled South Sudan are challenging to pinpoint, 4 South Sudan and World Vision are even more committed to fighting for a bright future for the new generation in South Sudan.  My birth country is one of so much beauty and diversity.  Despite the political and ethnic challenges of a young country it is important to hear the voices of people who dream each day for a world without violence.  I believe even more strongly that education is the key to allowing young people to have the tools to change their country. Thank you to World Vision and my other partners for helping me have a huge impact on South Sudan. Most of all, thank you so much to everyone for all of the support and encouragement over the last few years as we have made this dream a reality!  

        After a month of very hard work in Mammoth Lakes, CA, we have finally reached that critical moment - the start of outdoor track season!!! I am so sorry about missing a few weeks of blog posts - between the tough track workouts from Coach Schumacher, the killer core from Pascal, and the endless time in recovery, it seems like just a blink of an eye since I arrived here exactly 1 month ago. Training at high altitude has been great but the best part of training camp is the chance to train with the worlds best distance runners. Just wanted to give a shout out to all of my teammates who have been pushing me through all the tough workouts - you guys are amazing! 
       But now it is finally time to give up the mountain roads, the trainers, and the serenity of nature for a blazing fast oval, a new set of track spikes, and the roar of the crowds!  I will be opening up this weekend at the Re:Run race in San Diego, CA.  I will be running the 800m on Sunday May 5th starting at 11am in Balboa Stadium. If you are a Californian it would be amazing if you would be in the stands cheering me on as I hark back to my roots in the 800m.  The cool thing about this race is that if you want to be part of the fun, you can also run a 5k in Balboa park in the morning (starting at 730am) that finishes at the Stadium and then cheer us on starting at 11am!  (www.rerunsandiego.com)