30 minutes prior to race time, Gabe Groom informed our coaching staff that he had a head ache. The staff responded with 'Well, if the pain is in your legs, we will decide whether or not you run. If it is in your head, you decide whether or not you run.' At the end of the discussion, Gabe walked away with a big decision to make. It looks like he made the right decision, not the easy decision. Gabe ran by far the toughest race of his life, nearly matching his PR from a faster HRV course, and somehow managed to be our 4th runner on the team - this feat had never been accomplished before. The outcome of the meet was dependent upon the Panthers squeezing a pack of several runners just ahead of their 5th runner, and Gabe lead that pack of guys. Gabe's conquering of the 'Pain in the Brain' was an inspiration to us all.
At the beginning of the Vancouver 8th Grade Girls Championship race, several dozen young ladies stepped to the starting line aside Allison Warta. The first few seconds into the race, it was apparent that only a few would dare challenge Allison for claiming the title of Champion. After a few minutes, her challengers whittled down to just one, a very seasoned and accomplished runner. But that was not enough to hang with Allison to the end. As in the title of the classic Agatha Christie novel, 'And Then There Were None' that could match her powerful stride and mental determination. Her winning time of 9:07 was 5 seconds faster than last year's winning time. Since this was only the second year of this race, Allison should have the course and meet record. Her incredible smile is a dead give away that she is having the time of her life!