world masters championships

As a miler I'm still savoring Patty's big sub 5 minute mile equivalent 1500 meter race at the world masters championships in Italy. Going in it was clear the eventual winner Corrine would most likely be untouchable. Corrine is an outstanding athlete who took home 4 gold medals (800,1500,5000 and cross country) with excellent times in all 4 events. Patty just may have challenged Zofia from Poland for 2nd had she made her move just a little bit earlier. Nonetheless the race and especially the finish offered high drama and excitement for this photographer.

"Just how much speed do I need?" Thats what I asked myself after both the 800 quarterfinals and the 1500 semifinals at the world masters track and field championships in which I was in both cases dusted by 3 or more speedy finishers and knocked out of advancing to the next round. Prior to competing at the world level I thought my speed was good, now I know it doesn't cut it in an intelligent field of serious practicioners of track racing.

Ooo, I'm so proud today!

Patty just emailed from Italy to say she DID win the silver in the 5k -- you couldn't tell from the weird way the world masters championships organizers post the results, and the slightly weird way these races were run.

My training partner and YourRunning.com blogger writes from Riccione:

"The 5000 was a final -- they had a slow heat and a fast heat. I was in the fast heat with two Belgians ranked under 17:00 and I pushed the last mile with a final 75-second quarter to pass one of the Belgians, so I did get the silver medal.