MRTC RRS 1st 5K (July 2019)

Master's 2nd Place
15th of 1206 Overall
1st of 79 Age Group 50-54

Apprehensive over coming back to the MRTC RRS since 2017, not dread but the feeling of being good enough again. Estimated goal time Sub20.

With cloud cover, sprinkles and a minimized heat signature, the worry faded the moment my magnetic chip triggered. Everything my coach (Kevin/Can't Stop Endurance) instilled (over 4 yrs worth) activated by steading my tempo to match lead runners.

Weary not to blast the first mile, the focus was to maintain good breathing and sense runners next to me. Closing in on each runner, my thoughts calculated what cards their labored breathing held. I read their tempo and patterns. The moment a runner missed a beat, it opened a moment to capitalize. No domination, just acceleration and ensure the next target was in view. The race became a Mario Go-Kart video game, the fun came back, this was JOY my body remembered.

In the final mile, my senses felt my tank held more reserves. This body can go for something more than the pre-race goal. In front of me, 200 meters and four runners. Hunt down just one. Tally-ho! With a swift pass by one of the four, my trajectory punched it to the line.

At race end, Coach Kevin handed me a “Recovery Popsicle”. Recapping my last push, I told Kevin, “Man, all I could think was Fast Feet, things we talk about over the years”. He replied, “You know the program more than most.” Likely its ingrained now.

Excited for the up coming series events and what this old body can do. @ Memphis Botanic Garden