Robert runs at Louisville Track Club Meet at Male

Bright and early Saturday morning Robert and Betsy headed out (after picking up Ben O'Brien) to Male High School for the Louisville Track Club Meet.  Although this is the third track meet of the season, it is the first outdoor meet.  I really don't like the indoor meets because there are so many laps (and corners) they have to run.  Today, Robert is running the 1600 m (1 mile) and the 800 m.  

Robert with his friends:  Mason, Nick, Robert, Alex and Ben

The first event of the day for Robert was the 1600 m.  He was midway on the line and got a great start along with Nick, Ben and Mason.

At the start

The boys get off to a great start.  Nick is leading for our team, but he is labored.  Then Ben, Robert and Mason with other team's runners sprinkled in between.  Ben is on the same team but in a different uniform (just in front of Robert).

 At the end of the first lap it's Nick, Ben, Robert, Mason … At the end of the second lap it's Nick, Robert, Ben, Mason (with a few others sprinkled in between)

Robert passing Ben

 At the end of the third lap Robert is in 5th place with only one lap to go.  Ben is on his heals and he is on Nick's.

One more lap to go.

 Robert got a PR of 5:39 in the 1600 m, right behind Nick (also 5:39).

While at the meet Robert ran into his friend Evan from his Kentucky Fire Soccer team.  Evan runs the 400m.

Robert and Evan

 There is about a 1 1/2 wait until Robert's next event.  I got him a water and pretzel to give him some energy while waiting.  His next event is the 800 M.  Again Robert was smart to get an inside position for the start - he is fourth from the edge.

Start of the 800 M

 This is so amazing - Robert jets out by 12 feet or more than the other runners.  He is even ahead of Logan and Alex.  He looks very strong, but I know he has come out too fast for a 800 m.  It would be perfect for a 400.

Robert with a 12 foot lead on the other runners - WOW!

Robert - still way out if front

He holds this lead for the first 300 m but then just after the turn Logan and Alex pass him.  Robert stays with them the rest of the race!

Robert on the last 400 m

 He has a strong finish in 5th place with a new PR of 5:37.  Way to go Robert.