Seeing Double

This is a personal reflection of my day. Today, I ran what I considered to be my first ever double. Once last year, I ran a 4x8 and a 4x4 at the same meet and this year at All-Catholic I ran the mile and the 4x4. But, I don’t count those meets. One of the two races was a 400, one lap; that’s nothing. Today was the big double, the real double. Mile & two mile, 1600 & 3200, 4 laps & 8 laps.

After school I traveled to Vianney with Goetz. I was unsure but confident. I had a tough task ahead of me. I knew that I would be up front in both of the races, but I didn’t know who I’d be racing. Watched the other guys run the first couple events of the meet. Then I warmed up and ran by Coach’s house.

Shortly before the mile began, I learned that there was a Webster runner who can run 4:30s. Right before going to lane one Rob gave me some great advice that I try to remember before all my races. He simply said, “Have fun.” Coach Russo gave me my 200 split and I was in the back of the race but right on pace. We came around the last turn onto the straightaway and the field put on the brakes. I came though the first lap too slow. I moved up into 2nd behind the Webster kid on the second lap. I felt like we were doing fine but I came through slow again. So I made my move and lead the rest of the way and finished in 4:34. This extended my winning streak to three races. It was a little slower than I wanted to be, but I was all on my own for the second half.

After the race, I had a nice chat with Coach and Rob. I always enjoy discussing the race and getting pointers from them. We talked about my form because it was a little off this race. Because I was slightly upset over the time, they reminded me that I ran a great race. I had an hour and a half before I was got back on the black track for twice as many laps. I grabbed my Lemon-lime Gatorade (the best flavor) and relaxed and talked for a bit.

What seemed like a short time later, I checked my watch and saw that I had 20 minutes before the two mile. I decided to start getting loose. Ran a couple laps, stretched, and some drills and strides. Before I knew it I was on the line again. Next to me was SLUH senior Bill Gabeler. He’s one of the nicest guys you’ll meet, and he brings an amazing attitude to the sport. I got have a nice little talk with him before the race.

The race went pretty well. Got out a little over pace running the first mile in 5:06. Obviously laps 5 and 6 came next, but I sorta fell asleep, lost my focus. I was just running and paying attention and stopped closing on the leaders. It was with about 700 meters left that I clicked back in. Bill was starting to fade and I realized I could catch him. I made a big move and finished the rest of the very well. I passed Bill and got third place with a 10:13. Afterwards, he told me how impressed he was with my move.

It was a tough day. I ran a couple good races and brought home a couple medals. All-in-all it was very good and I had fun.