She Runs by the Seashore

Update 8/9/17: This track meet was canceled because of weather.

Another All-Comers Track Meet is around the bend here in Wicomico County. I look forward to these free community events — this is my third summer participating.

I missed the first one this year, but at the July 7 meet, I participated in the 1600-meter race — as usual — and hoped to run under 8:00 and not get lapped. I got lapped in my second lap, and I ran the last lap by myself. The other two people in the race didn’t actually pass me, but they were finishing as I was starting my fourth lap of the race.

I came in at about 7:57 (that’s what my watch had, but I think I heard 7:56). I was pleased with the effort, as I ran the time I was aiming for. I hope to be a little faster at Friday’s meet, maybe closer to 7:30.

My first lap must have been the fastest, as I heard 1:44-1:45 as I crossed the line after the first 400. That was definitely a strong start for me with where my fitness is now.

Participants don’t have to be part of a club to be part of the meet, but I wore my Eastern Shore Running Club shirt to represent. Our club has provided monetary donations to the Westside Striders, whose coach Leslie Wright hosts the meets, and we also set up a Gatorade table at this meet, like we did last year. The Westside Striders are also connected to Wicomico Recreation, Parks & Tourism, where I work.

I ran track in high school, and although I run slower now, it’s fun to get back on the track, and I love that anyone can take part. I was not a star in high school, but I was faster than I am now. I ran the 1600 for a while before running the 3200 in my senior year. I also ran the 800 and I’m pretty sure I also did some 4×800 relays, but I remember the 1600 and 3200 as being my main events.

The flyer advertises the all-comers meets as being open to ages 8-99. There are many more kids than adults that participate, but I’ve always felt welcome, and I did have one fellow adult participate in the 1600 with me.

The longest distance at these meets is the 1600 meters (pretty much a mile but not exactly); there are a variety of other distances people can participate in, along with ribbons for different age groups. I actually earned a first place ribbon in the 1600-meter race because I was the only female participant.

Friday’s meet is the last all-comers meet of the summer, and it starts at 6 p.m. at Wicomico County Stadium. Maybe I’ll see you there!

Like She Runs by the Seashore on Facebook here.