Betsy's Family Blog: Marissa Runs in the State Championship 5K Race

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Marissa Runs in the State Championship 5K Race

This article appeared in the Courier Journal on Sunday, 11/3/13 after the Regional Race. I couldn't get the blog program to rotate it so it is vertical instead of being horizontal. Sorry!

Saturday morning Marissa woke up and had her regular grilled peanut butter sandwich before leaving for the bus. The bus left NOHS at 9:00 am. The girls don't race until 12:15 but it takes over an hour to get there and then set up, warm ups, etc. The weather conditions are less favorable than expected. It is sunny which is great and around 50 degrees but there is a strong wind - estimated at 25 mph. It will help the girls in some sections but make it much more difficult in others.

The NOHS girls had a good lane location and got a good start to the race. They were all in the first 30% of the runners. Erin was out in front with Gaby from Collins and Alecia from Padukah. Marissa was the next North runner followed by Grace, Jesse, Caitlyn, Charlotte and Christina.

Marissa is working hard. She is right on pace for where we expected her to be considering her injury. It would be amazing to see her run with times like last year, but that is just out of the question considering she had 5 weeks off. She is in the top 50 maybe even top 40.

Marissa crossing from one section to the next.
This is just before the 1 mile mark

Marissa made great process on the hills section of the course. The course is divided in two parts 1) the start/finish area and 2) the other side with all the zig-zags and hills. It's hard to explain unless you have been there.

Marissa going hard

Marissa just before crossing back to the finish section.
This is after the 2 mile mark (almost 2 ½ miles)

Marissa sprinting hard for a finish. The finish is uphill. Tough on the legs.

Marissa sprinting for the finish

Marissa finished in 39th place with a time of 21:37. That's exactly where she was expected to be considering the injury. Last year she ran a 20:14 at STATE. She will be anxious to work next year to beat her sophomore time. Based on the regional times, the team was expected to take 4th place. Marissa worked hard for her team - so did everyone.

Erin finished 7th at 19:45, Marissa finished 39th at 21:37, Jesse finished 49th at 21:59, Grace finished 51st at 22:00, Caitlyn finished 57th at 22:10, Charlotte finished 64th at 22:16 and Christina finished 74th at 22:30. The top 5 scores from each team determine the placements - 6th and 7th runners are tie breakers. Our team took 3rd place!!! We beat the predictions!!!

After the race Marissa said it was really tough on the legs. They just weren't prepared for all the hills and the wind was definitely an issue, but she was happy for her team! They were all there together!!!