Moon Over Maclay

 

Jay Wallace,

 

The evening of Thursday June 24, 2010 marked the opening of the USA Track Championships in Des Moines, Iowa. At the very same time, a less auspicious event took place here in Tallahassee. Summer Track # 4 was undoubtedly much hotter than in the Midwest, but that didn’t wilt the spirits of these competitors. The youth turnout was slightly less than in weeks 1 – 3, but still strong. There were many smiling faces (just check out Fred’s pictures) to go along with cheering parents as Tom Perkins and Perry Shaw started numerous 100 and 200 meter dashes. Older competitors took the opportunity during this time to catch up with old friends and meet new ones as they stretched and warmed up. (“Warmed up” is a misnomer in 90+ degree heat; maybe “loosened up” would be a better term).

Every event, no matter how small, leaves a few highlights that each competitor will remember at least for a while. Here are a couple that stuck with me: Kyle Harris decided to race the 200 meter his first time ever. It’s too bad he missed it in week 2, because it was a strong run…complete with a classic lean at the finish. No formal results were kept, but it would have scored some GP points I’m sure. He followed that up minutes later by easily dispatching the older runners in the 800 to win this week’s summer GP event. Kirsten Baggett once again proved her versatility by winning the women’s event.

Several of us – literally – turned around and entered the 3200 next. I can’t speak for everyone, but I’ll bet most were glad we did. As darkness fell, it became apparent the floodlights along the home stretch weren’t working. This proved serendipitous as the moon rising over the school was just awe-inspiring. Every time one rounded the far turn you couldn’t help but look up at it. Racing under the moonlight; now that was cool. No results were kept for this race but who cares?

I can’t promise I’ll write about every forthcoming summer track week, but I’d like to include input from others too. Please let me know of any anecdotes and PRs you’d like to share and I’ll include them.