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I didn't embarass myself! <img alt="icon_cheers.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/icon_cheers.gif"> I ran the Men's 45-49 60 meter race. Not a typical distance for a race report, I know, but I am different that way. Anyway, 21 people registered for the race. I'm pretty fast at this distance, being a former high school sprinter, but never-ever considered myself national class or anything like that. And sure enough, my seeded time was the slowest of all 21 guys entered. But not that much slower. And thanks to the encouragement of many people here, I decided to enter. (Having it right here in my backyard - Boston - was a big factor of course).<br><br>
One problem. Like an idiot, I ran the New Bedford half marathon last Sunday. Guarantee I was the only one at the entire meet stupid enough to do this. Thursday, when I tried to see where I was, sprinting-wise, I could not hit top speed. <img alt="icon_shaking.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/icon_shaking.gif"> The legs just weren't ready enough.<br><br>
I was fairly ambivalent. I knew I wasn't going to win the darn thing or even do that well overall, so it wouldn't have been a big deal not to run. I paid a visit to my ART doctor/guru/magician yesterday. He worked me over but good, and suggested I not run yesterday and just save it all for the race.<br><br>
So, I showed up this morning not knowing if I would even run. After a 1-mile warmup jog on the track, it was time to see. I did some strides accelerating to full speed. Pleased, I decided to run.<br><br>
6 of the 21 were scratches. Only 15 guys actually made it. For a sprinter at my age, making it to the starting line is half the battle; I came close to a scratch myself.<br><br>
There were 3 heats. I was in the first heat. Brutal will be pleased to know I was the only white guy out of 6 in my heat, and one of only 4 overall in my age group. There were 2 false starts (not me). I was surprisingly relaxed and casually walked back to the line both times.<br><br>
I got an OK start, and felt great most of the race. I'm pretty sure I was in 2nd or 3rd at 40 meters. I know it seems silly to say, but I kind of faded at the end. I finished in 8.61, just behind a couple of guys in the other lanes. No question, if I hadn't done the stupid half mary I'd have had a better shot at breaking 8.5<br><br>
I watched the other 2 heats and lo and behold - I didn't come in last!! <img alt="icon_compress.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/icon_compress.gif"> That was my stated goal all along. I came in 14th overall - at the Natrional Championships. 14/15 who ran, 14/21 who entered.<br><br>
I'll take it. The meet was well run, a lot of fun. The other runners were all nice. I met some nice folk from places like Louisiana, Indiana, and even New York. I'll never kid myself into thinking I am truly national class, but I ran at the National CHampionships and didn't humiliate or embarass myslef. How cool is that?
One problem. Like an idiot, I ran the New Bedford half marathon last Sunday. Guarantee I was the only one at the entire meet stupid enough to do this. Thursday, when I tried to see where I was, sprinting-wise, I could not hit top speed. <img alt="icon_shaking.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/icon_shaking.gif"> The legs just weren't ready enough.<br><br>
I was fairly ambivalent. I knew I wasn't going to win the darn thing or even do that well overall, so it wouldn't have been a big deal not to run. I paid a visit to my ART doctor/guru/magician yesterday. He worked me over but good, and suggested I not run yesterday and just save it all for the race.<br><br>
So, I showed up this morning not knowing if I would even run. After a 1-mile warmup jog on the track, it was time to see. I did some strides accelerating to full speed. Pleased, I decided to run.<br><br>
6 of the 21 were scratches. Only 15 guys actually made it. For a sprinter at my age, making it to the starting line is half the battle; I came close to a scratch myself.<br><br>
There were 3 heats. I was in the first heat. Brutal will be pleased to know I was the only white guy out of 6 in my heat, and one of only 4 overall in my age group. There were 2 false starts (not me). I was surprisingly relaxed and casually walked back to the line both times.<br><br>
I got an OK start, and felt great most of the race. I'm pretty sure I was in 2nd or 3rd at 40 meters. I know it seems silly to say, but I kind of faded at the end. I finished in 8.61, just behind a couple of guys in the other lanes. No question, if I hadn't done the stupid half mary I'd have had a better shot at breaking 8.5<br><br>
I watched the other 2 heats and lo and behold - I didn't come in last!! <img alt="icon_compress.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/icon_compress.gif"> That was my stated goal all along. I came in 14th overall - at the Natrional Championships. 14/15 who ran, 14/21 who entered.<br><br>
I'll take it. The meet was well run, a lot of fun. The other runners were all nice. I met some nice folk from places like Louisiana, Indiana, and even New York. I'll never kid myself into thinking I am truly national class, but I ran at the National CHampionships and didn't humiliate or embarass myslef. How cool is that?
