Women share Indy masters mile experience, video
My apologies to the lady milers. Some great tales of the Indy nationals mile exhibition have arrived, and it’s not too late to share. One account is by Robin Judice, a 44-year-old runner from Lafayette, Louisiana. She writes: “I kept a blog of my whole USATF experience (since I’m a newbie to all this), and my husband Ross filmed the women’s race. It is all posted at www.blazingbayou.com. . . . . Although it was not my shining moment in track and field, it WAS my most thrilling moment in track!” And race winner Mary Grene, also 44, checked in as well, replying to my Q&A.
Here’s my interview with Mary:
Masterstrack.com: How did your race develop — any lead changes?
Mary: I didn’t wear a watch, so I am guessing at splits. I think it was (Jennifer) Hegarty that took an early lead. First quarter was conservative (81 seconds I think). After the first quarter, Judice took the lead for 800 meters. Our pace picked up and was steady with Judice’s effort. AT the bell lap I took the lead. When I got to the back side of the track and 300 meters to go I saw on the giant TV monitor that Mary Thane was on my shoulder. I know how strong Thane can finish, so I made a split decision to accelerate with 300 meters to go.
What were your lap splits?
I didn’t wear a watch. Coach Rojas said not to worry about the time. But the first quarter was 81 (I think) and the last quarter was 67 (I think).
What were the weather conditions during your race?
It was sprinkling. Wet and cold during the “warm-up”, but it felt refreshing during the race.
Given the conditions, were you satisfied with your time?
The time for this race didn’t matter. My objective was to place as high as I could.
How did meet management treat you? How did the crowd respond to your race?
Meet management was awesome. We were treated wonderfully. Impressed with the organization of the event including bus schedule and packet pick-up. Mark Cleary did a fantastic job and really connected to the athletes. Officials did a great job getting the races off in time despite the weather conditions. The crowd was a little thin due to the weather. AT&T handed out free rain ponchos!
Tell me about your stay in Indy. Mix with any of the open/elites? Any stories to tell?
We stayed at the Hyatt and were very excited to be on the same elevator with Alyson Felix! I was interviewed by Dan O’Brian the handsome Olympic decathlete!
What are your competition plans the rest of the summer?
I’ve entered the Masters track&field Championships in Maine. I’ll race the 1500 and plan to run any relays that Athena (Track Club) wants me to run. I don’t expect to win the 1500 because it’s a very tough field. But I hope to run a PR!
And here’s a great shot of the field sent in by entrant Sheri Wright:
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One Response
Great race ladies! It was so fun to surrounded by thoroughbreds in my third masters meet ever. I think someone counted that there were 13+ children between all the women. I wish they’d announced THAT during the race 🙂
Thank you also to Mark Cleary for organizing this and all the invitational events.
Finally a disclaimer to my fellow female masters milers: My husband filmed the video. That means he focused on me during the race. And since some large (invisible) monster jumped on my back on the last lap, he didn’t catch Mary and everyone else who finished in front of me. Apologies to ya’ll…
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