RECAP: Warner Pac Mini-Meet

1500m: (Men and women combined into one race)
GOAL: (Joe/Flynn/Zinzile/Jessica) Gain race experience and a PR if things play out right.

The race got out fast but the unflappable Flynn gave us a glimpse of his potential coming through the first 400 in 65 seconds tucked in right behind the race leaders and Joe followed close behind in the chase group.

Zinzile cruised through the first 400 meters in 85 seconds right in the mix with the race leading women and Jessica ripped through the first 400 in 1:32, well ahead of her lifetime best for the distance.

The terrific opening lap for our newbies didn't come without a price. Heading into the second lap Flynn battled to maintain contact with the leaders and Joe worked hard to defend his position in the chase. Zinzile slid slightly off the back of the lead group and Jessica lost contact with the race.

In the third lap the race leaders pushed the pace, Flynn met the 300 lb. gorilla that lurks in turn 3 and Joe closed the gap along with the rest of the chase group. By the end of the lap the chase had caught up with Flynn and turned the final 300 meters into an exciting chase for a personal best. In the final stretch the room-mates and training partners ended up shoulder to shoulder with the Flynn out-pacing his team-mate with a lean at the line to finish in 4:48.

The ladies put in strong efforts and gained valuable experience that will reap benefits next fall in cross country.

Flynn: 65, 75, XX, 4:48
Joe: 72, 78, XX, 4:48
Zinzile: 85, 2:55, XX...5:48
Jessica: 92, 3:30, XX...7:30


4x800m Relay:
GOAL: Have some fun, get a fast effort and post a mark so that we would qualify to enter a team at Conference.

Leg 1(Eric): Got out strong with a terrific first lap taking the lead 200 meters into the race. After a strong push from the Warner Pac runner with 300 meters to go he put in a big surge and gained separation in the final 200. (61/65...2:06)

Leg 2(Shane): Taking the stick with a lead Shane battled through the first lap in solid position before running the second lap with an untied shoelace and no 800 meter race experience. Even so, he got the stick to Flynn for the 3rd leg firmly connected to the race leaders. (65/68...2:13)

Leg 3(Flynn) and Leg 4(Joe): Having already run lifetime bests in the 1500m this was going to be gravy. Both guys were pretty worked after their first race and neither had ever run an 800m so the warmup consisted of downing an energy gel and replacing fluids. Both were game, even if their legs weren't as cooperative as they would have liked. Flynn mustered a 2:27 (67/80) and Joe posted a 2:31 (73/78).

All in all a terrific glimpse at what lies ahead for the program.

GO THUNDERBIRDS,
Coach Howard
Cascade Cross Country/Track & Field