Initially, I told myself racing a 4K would be like 10 fast laps on the track... and after spring GTD on the track, this would be the time to try it. Map folded in my hand, ran the course the day before.. wait a sec... it's grass, some road, college x-c trails, tiny bit more road, more grass! Last race on these x-c trails, I overshot a turn and had to double back, so in prep for the 4K I ran the course twice and did 14 strides on the trails and grass to get a feel for it... then ran course again race morning. No room for mistakes... I wanted the 44 age record. I knew that 40-49 age division would be a reach, so that would be my lofty goal. All week I repeated in my head 4K, 4th, 44... race day was all focus. Pre-race prep and then we were off across the grass... after the 1K mark, I targeted a female wearing S2 triathlon uniform and passed her... she didn't come with, and I targeted another female. It took a little longer but I got her too. Loud breathing and gasps... go, go, go... don't let up until over the finish... 17:07
I did the course again as warm down with a local 18 year old high school runner Tom Mulari and we checked the results for the awards. Race director, Michael Amarello, was posting the age records and handed me my medal!! 4K, 4th, 44!! (a) I did it ! (b) hey, how did he know me? I found the full results and I also got 4th female overall, plus 1st in age divison 40-49!!! BONUS!!! Got the pint glass!!
4th woman, 1st Master, 17:07, 6:54 pace 1/28
These wood carvings are the start/finish line on NHTI campus for the race - run between them
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