Only One Way: A Brad Koster 5K Race Report

This was Dee Dee's race. Brad Koster was a young man that graduated from my daughter and son's high school about the same time as Jessica was a freshman or a sophomore. He was an outstanding athlete, a runner, a basketball player, and probably many other things that I do not know about. His family activity every year was to run in the Peachtree Road Race. He contracted a rare form of cancer and died at the age of 22. His life was cut short by a brutal disease that shows no mercy. Even today, Dee Dee still feels the affects of this terrible disease.

Much to Matthew's chagrin, Dee Dee, Jimmy, and I dragged him out of bed at quarter to seven in the morning. We didn't take much time for anything, other then getting dressed, piling in to the car, and heading over to the school. We were one of the first ones there. Dee Dee wanted to make sure that we picked up our registration before the race. They had a nice setup on the practice football fields with tents, music, and a bouncy thing for the kids. I was really happy with the gifts we got at registration. I received one of those draw string bags/backpack, and a yellow cancer awareness wrist band. Luved them both. We spent some time in the activity area, talking to a few people, trying to keep our arms warm. It was a little chilly that early in the morning but was otherwise a gorgeous day. About twenty minutes before the race, we took off for a warm up run, making it back to the start about ten minutes before the race.

As we lined up at the start, friends were handing out balloons. After a few dedications, prayers, and presenting of donations, we released our balloons into the wind. Brad's father came to the start line to kick off the race. "On your mark!" I raised my fist into the air, presenting my cancer awareness bracelet to the world. "Get set." A silent prayer to Brad to give us all strength. "Go." And they were off.

Up the hill between the schools, we started and then over the railroad tracks. Footing was a bit tricky there. I had thought about before the race doing a run 2/walk 1 to see how it would go. That, as usual, went quickly out the window. As we settled into the first downhill, I glanced at my Garmin to check my pace. 8 minute miles. Hmmm, I thought. That's a bit fast for a fun run. After four minutes of 8 minute mile pace, I slowed down for my first walk break. I was very surprised when I crossed the first mile marker in 8:20. That's faster than my last one mile test. Noted, need to do a new one mile test :-) My second mile wasn't nearly as good. We headed down a dead end street and Jimmy yelled at me to quit walking. Sucker! I'm doing the Galloway thing, boy, and this is the way to do it right!

After the first mile we started the loop. It was uphill for the first half, and downhill for the second half. I didn't walk unless my plan called for it. I lost my pace a bit and turned in my second mile at 9:23. Jimmy passed me just as I started my second loop. He was keeping the leader in sight. As I rounded my second loop and headed home, my nose got the best of me and sucked a lot of my breath right out of me. Fortunately for me, the warmer weather has been kind to me, and I was still able to complete the third mile in 8:50. I gave Dee Dee a pat on the butt as she was beginning her second loop and I was heading home.

As I made it to the final turn, I realized that at this point, I just didn't have much left to give. Better still, I wished that I had more to give. I had put a lot into it. I came down the street between the school and kicked it in on the downhill to finish in 27:19.

I turned in my time. Picked up my certificate, bagel, water, and t-shirt, in that order. Jimmy came by to let me know he finished fifth overall and third in his age group with a time of 20:38. Little brat :-) At that point, I had to hurry up and take Matthew to his soccer game. He was sleeping in the car, after having declined to participate in the activities.

Although I have to admit knowing this already, my lesson or principle, if you will, was reinforced by this event. I PRed. I really only know how to compete one way. I have to try my best.

Wes

BTW: Dee Dee PRed as well, coming in at 35:08.

ORN: 3.1 miles, 27:19, race pace 8:48 mmp, R4/W1