We Got Him!

Just to make sure that, before this unforgettable day comes to an end, that everyone who reads this is aware that we got him.

RM Classic/Memorial 5k took place tonight under extremely humid conditions following another dose of rain this afternoon.  Twelve harriers - the Dirty Dozen - took to the track for the 7:00pm start, and twelve and a half laps later, 2010 Champion Dustin Meeker emerged victorious, successfully defending his title.  His time of 15:40.4 is a new track PR.  Shortly behind him came Tristram Thomas (15:49.3) who went on to do another 5k right after the main event, running just under 17 minutes (with the help of some friends).  Conrad Laskowski, who ran 20 miles yesterday and drove straight to the track from NJ, rounded out the podium, running a season best 15:52.1.  Ed Aramayo had a rough Friday night/Saturday, and was unsure of his ability to run tonight.  He didn't want to commit to racing, but he knew once he was out there he would likely get caught up in the emotion of the event.  He ran valiantly, finishing 4th in 16:08.6. 

Arjun Majumdar, hot off his 16:51 at last week's Kentlands, had a furiously fast finish, running the last 200m in 30 seconds, and blazing past Seth to claim 5th in 16:28.9.  This is the fastest he has covered the distance since he's lived here (confirmed: 16:29 at Bay Cafe 2007).  It was a great race for Arjun.  It was also a great race for Seth Tibbitts, who posted an all-time personal best 16:35.3.  Finding his legs after a lackluster TNT workout this past week was Dave Berardi, who at 51 years young ran a 17:27.0. 

Two weeks off our Ironman, Mike Mashner and I traded positions throughout the race, never straying more than a few meters from one another.  I had a small gap in the last lap that Mike brought back, and we cross the line at the same time, with RM being credited with the "win" at 17:47.0 to Mike's 17:47.1.  For me it was about the same time I ran at BRRC Meet #3 a few weeks ago, so I was pleased, and Mike was happy as he hasn't run too much since IM. 

Joel Gladfelter is our streakholder as he is the only person who has done all 3 RM 5k events.  He has improved each year - this year he ran 18:28.1 (full 5 second track PB).  Alex Viana was a last minute post, but came out and ran and for that we respect him.  He did the inaugural RM Memorial and ran 19:39.  On this day, on probably less running and maybe even less overall fitness, he blazed that, running 19:20.9.  And last, but by no means not least, was Meg McNew.  Meg ran the Parks Half Marathon this morning in a season best 1:27:06.  With 17 miles already in her legs, she came up to the track to watch, but then got roped into running because we had no ladies competing.  She thought she would run 30 minutes.  Nope.  Not even close.  She and Alex ran most of the way together before his ego kicked in, and she finished up at 19:26.6.  Incredible stuff!

It was a great race and a great event.  We sang the National Anthem (led by Melissa Majumdar) and paid homage to America.  Coach Amy Horst was the official timer, and Melissa was the official onomatopoeia-er (she made the "boom" sound for the start, as well as the bell lap).  Other terrific spectators and lap counters included Meg D, Christa Wagner, Uncle Pete and newcomer Liz Lawton, who is going to start running with us.  Thanks to everyone who came out and helped this event going for the third year.  Pound for pound it is the fastest race in Baltimore!