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Time Trials at Duke Ellington

May 13, 2020 (Afternoon)

Exercise Type: Run

Weather: 70's; Sunny

Comments:
Had a surplus of pre-race nerves this morning through the afternoon. Got to the track just after 3, got warmups going, and Anthony arrived, followed by the Smurph and then the Gunther sisters. Anthony gave me an interesting plan: go out fast to ensure I didn't have to kick so hard to get sub-4:50. Not my style, usually, but what the heck did I have to lose?

After I did my last striders and adorned my green suit for the last time, I got to the starting line and received two commands before I was off. First 200 was far too fast (33) as my first 400 was in 71. I was alone but focused on not consciously slowing down. My second 400 was in 78, then I focused on increasing effort through the last 2 320m laps. I knew my goal was far off again but I was motivated by A. the fact that it was my last race of high school and B. the moment at the 1500m finals of the 2016 olympics when Centrowitz kept Kiprop at bay during his last 150m. I kicked hard with a lap to go after crossing 1200m in a 75 split. Last 400 was 71. Crossed the finish and instantly knew I could have gone faster. Beat myself up a lil too much, but quickly got over it to cheer on Murphy in her 1600m. She did an amazing job out there, especially considering all the NARPs who wouldn't get out of the way. Really glad I got to share this experience with another senior who has grinded as hard if not harder than I have to make the most of the last bit of GDS running we have been given. Anthony made some closing remarks, thanking us for our leadership and we in turn thanked him for everything, and we were on our way.

I am the luckiest man to have ever lived to have been a part of this team for these 9 seasons. I am eternally blessed. I promise I will hold onto all the memories, from my first run at St. Albans as a freshman to MACs this year to my first workouts with "the big boys" to my injuries and recoveries; all the ups, downs, fun and games; everything. I promise I won't forget. I suppose, with today/my marathon this weekend, I will have written my last word in the ongoing epic saga of GDS running. Although, as Anthony remarked today as I said I would be "hanging up my green suit": you never stop being a hopper. You don't take off the uniform, you just get to add another layer.

Let's continue to make the institution of GDS running something special. May every year be the year of the Bug.