Athletics Southland 3000m Championships

The track group we've been working out with here in Gore hosted a track meet this past weekend and we participated in the co-ed adults 3000-meter race.

It was a perfect summer day in Gore. The track meet started at 1 pm with the 3,000-meter race gun time at 1:30. This made me crazy. I am a first-thing-in-the-morning racer. Otherwise I don't know what to do with myself and what to eat. I went out for a short run. Ruben went for a swim. 

There was a whole lot of standing around before and between the events.
R decided to use the time to stretch (see blue shirt in foreground). I just got antsy. 

Gayle warming up.

R and I were participating in the same event so we couldn't take any pictures during the race. R recreated his triumphant approach to the finish line for you, our loyal blog viewers:

The was professional timing at the race, complete with photo finish. The timing guys were nice enough to give us a printout of the finishes. The race winner is our coach, Ricky Gutsell (10:07; that's a 5:25-min mile). I am runner 9 (12:04; 6:28-min mile) and Ruben is runner 12 (13:11; 7:04-min mile).

 As I walked to the start line, Ricky came up beside me and pointed out a woman in a blue singlet. He told me I should let that woman be my pacemaker because she usually runs a pace that should be comfortable for me. If she's going too quick, he said, run faster. An excellent bit of coaching, that.

The coaching advice worked! I stuck to that lady like glue until the last 200 meters. She is runner 10 in the photo above, coming in at 12:39.

The track group