Same Song, Different Verse

The scenery, location, weather, and gender distribution were different, but in several ways, my experience at the RRCA (Road Runners' Club of America) Women's 5K race in Syracuse in August resembled the 5K I ran in Evanston at the end of June. Both courses were fast, flat, out and back; I jockeyed for position with another runner in the last quarter mile, I was 11th woman (again); and I finished in virtually the same time (20:22). This time, though, I walked away with a pair of Thorlos for being 2nd in my age group.

So here's how it went. Diane Sherrer and I took the "scenic route" through Liverpool and after asking directions twice (after all, this was a "women's" race), found the entrance to Onondaga Lake Park. Over 200 women and girls gathered to start the race and runners who planned to run under 21 minutes were instructed to get in the first 2 rows. So I got right up in front along with the quintessential intimidating, muscular runner wearing--what else--black briefs and running bra and cap. (This was my first time on "el mero"--the very--starting line.) As we lined up to start the 9am race, the emcee announced that Miss Black Briefs (Kristen somebody or other?) was soon to become a Mrs.--at 11am, to be exact. She was also defending her championship. I was impressed. (She came in 2nd in 17:26 and at 9:30am, she was still doing her cool-down!)

Anyway, the race started and the lead pack quickly got away from me. I finished mile 1 in 6:15--a bit too fast--and reached the turnaround in 9:57--right on target for a sub-20, or at least to beat my time from Chicago. I counted 11 women ahead of me and continued on my way, not looking forward to the long, straight return. I heard footsteps behind me and expected to get passed at any minute, but the footsteps continued on through the 2 mile (12:56) and beyond, and never caught up to me. I still thought I could beat my time and kept working it.

Within 1/2 to 1/4 mile of the finish, I gradually caught up to the woman ahead of me and passed her. A few seconds later, she went flying by me and I thought she had me. But no--she could not maintain her deceptively decisive lead. I kicked it in and passed her for good, finishing in 20:22. I pushed the last mile hard, so I thought my time would be faster. But considering that I didn't run from July 15 to 25 while I was in Morocco, and that I haven't done any speed work in over a month (you can reproach me later, Lorrie!), I guess I can't be disappointed. Besides, I got a free pair of socks.

-- Esther Prins