Julie Hayden of Athena Track Club graciously shares an inside account of what it was like to compete in the Boston indoor nationals’ masters 800 exhibition. Julie writes: “I flew out from Washington D.C. (Dulles) on Saturday morning. The weather was fine. Alisa (Harvey) was going to fly out on Sunday, but Jet Blue canceled all their flights when a snowstorm traveling north hit the area. My flight out of Boston on Sunday night was canceled for the same reason, so I ended up spending 24 hrs longer in Boston than I intended. I was fortunate that Mary Thane kindly agreed to share her room with me on Sunday night.”

Julie continues:

On the race
At the start of the race Lesley (Chaplin-Swann), Lorraine (Jasper) and I were put in the outside of two alleys. Everyone else was on the inside behind us. When we broke, after the one turn stagger, the three of us were ahead of the rest of the field.
We all slowed and let some runners pass as apparently none of us wanted to be the “rabbit”. I’m guessing that Mary Thane may have been in the lead after that point with Marisa (Hanson) behind, but I’m not sure. I didn’t hear a 200 split, but Lesley said that she heard 75 at the 400, which of course was slow.
I was passed by Rebecca (Connolly) and Jennifer (Hegarty) and just had to concentrate on running as fast as I could. My legs felt heavy, almost as bad as when you are dying at the end of a 400. I was disappointed with the time, as the effort felt like I should have got at least 2:28. I had missed the Sportsplex Masters Meet in Maryland the week before due to stomach flu and was grateful to have the energy to run, even if not at my best.
I believe that if Alisa had been there, her pace would have drawn us out faster. I guess everyone was reluctant to take it on and in the end Marissa had the best kick. Each of us went into the race with different things going on in our lives to enhance, or detract from our performance. You just have to go with what you have on the day.
On being a masters exhibition athlete at the National Championship
Awesome.
I had competed at the Reggie Lewis Center last year in the masters champs so I knew where it was and how to get there and was familiar with the layout of the center. This gave me a little more confidence as I walked from the metro across the street to the center on Saturday afternoon. The first things that hit me was the voice of the announcer, the presence of athletes, officials, security and the feel of an event that (for track and field) was important.
As I walked around the arena like a starry- eyed child, I was brought down to earth by a friendly tap from Lesley Chaplin-Swann watching the meet with Mark Cleary. Like me, Leslie also wanted to savor some of the atmosphere and watch the young stars perform. At packet pick-up one of the first differences between master and open athletes became clear. As I was paying my $25 entry fee, a young female sprinter was being told that she had an appearance check!
Next, I viisted the warm up area, (the same as for masters) after showing my ID pass to prove that I was either an athlete, or athlete support. I noticed medical staff, physical therapists and chiropractic staff available to the athletes and made a mental note to be sure to get a massage.
Going back into the arena, I found a quiet corner at the top of the stands and the end of the home straight, and gave myself sometime to get “acclimated” and soak up the atmosphere. From here I had a great close up view of the track and the runners when they exited at the end of the races.
After a while, I noticed that the number of large and muscular men around me had increased dramatically. I was feeling very small. At this point, the ladies came out just below us to warm up for the shot put, and I realized that I was surrounded by male throwers, coaches, families and “shot put fans”. I dropped down to the track side to get pictures of Carl Lewis (involved in the Hershey launch) and the runners in the 3000 Meter and women’s mile races. Lesley, Mark and I were all snapping away and wowing at the speed and ability of the athletes.
At the meet hotel I discovered another difference from the masters meet. There was a hospitality room for USATF with snacks, beverages and a place to relax and socialize with the other athletes. From the number of Hershey products available, I’m guessing the sponsors were the providers for these.
As the only time available to run on the track was 8-9.am on Sunday morning, I took an early shuttle to the center along with a few officials and a female weight thrower. I was surprised to be one of the very few people taking the opportunity to get on the track, but maybe most are better sleepers than I, and didn’t feel the same need to re familiarize themselves with the track.
After going through an easy routine, I met Kevin Forde and Scott Landis who had just flown in from Philadelphia. We had breakfast and chilled at the hotel until it was time to return to the center where we met up with Lorraine and Pete Jasper. As time progressed master athletes were beginning to appear and introductions and re introductions took place. We heard from Mark the news about Alisa and Catherine having to scratch.
Preparations were completed, our event was called and we were escorted “back stage” for hip numbers and clothing baskets. Then it was out onto the track and a quick strideout round the top bend and down to the start.
The race was over before I knew it, and Marisa was invited to receive her medal and conduct a short interview on the winner’s podium. We watched the masters men’s race, which was especially exciting for me, with friends Kevin and Scott finishing 2nd and 3rd. Kevin showing a great demonstration of his impressive kick. The thrill continued as we watched Alan Webb, also from the DC area, win the mile race.
All the masters athletes posed for some pictures later, and there was a great atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie. Locals Leslie Golemme, Jennifer Hegarty and Rebecca Connolly took Mary, Lorraine and I on a fun cool down run and we exchanged information on our families, training and life in general.
With news of snow working its way north some athletes headed for home, while others returned to the hotel. Discovering that I had no flight out from the airport, I headed back to the hotel and another “Open” perk, the USATF party. Mark and another USATF official helped to ensure that I had a bed for the night, putting me in touch with Mary Thane. While the open stars partied Mark, Lesley, Mary and I chatted and nibbled on the free finger buffet.
Despite the unplanned 24 hours in Boston, it was a great experience. Some masters like Alisa were, and still are top class athletes, they have done that kind of thing many times, but for those who haven’t had that experience, it was a great opportunity and one that I would encourage others to take if the chance comes their way. I thank Mark Cleary for his role in the masters’ events in this prestigious meet.