In the presence of greatness

Race day did not go at all as planned. Upon waking up I felt a tension all over that I knew was not a good omen. There's a productive level of anxiety, and then there's the nervousness that incapacitated. My nerves were through the roof; I even had racing dreams last night. The reason for this rampant do stress? I was going to run the 1600. Though four laps is far less daunting than eight, I always get much more distressed over fast, short races than long, endurance ones. Cross country is far less intimidating for me than track merely because in a 4k I can settle into my pace for a while. Either way, the adrenaline coursing through me caused random anxiety attacks the entire day. My heart rate would soar and my breathing would increase despite the fact that I was seated, in class, learning about something completely independent of running. This stress did nothing to help me come the firing of the gun, however. I hung back, afraid to push. It too hard and die on the third lap. In addition, the open 1600 was a mass of rhythmic bodies all stepping to their own beat, thus getting a position in the first 400 was nigh on impossible. All in all, this imperfect buildup and start coupled with my own poor racing mindset gave me much less than the pr I was hoping for. I did, however, get to experience one of the most impressive mile races, albeit in the form of another, much faster girl. I was able to live vicariously through her 5:04 1600, during which she looked effortlessly lithe and powerful. Even just stepping up to the line it was evident that she had complete confidence in her superiority. Having won the state CC meet three years and counting, she has something to brag about, but this was the first up close insight I'd had into her completely cool mindset. She took off from the line and the pack seemed hesitant to follow, though three brave souls ventured out behind her in a halfhearted attempt to keep up. Within 300 meters she had completely broken away and proceeded to widen the gap with each downfall of her carefully outstretched leg. I don't mean to sound worshipful, but there's an awe I feel whenever I witness greatness, and this girl inspired that admiration as much as anyone I've ever seen. She finished at least half a lap in front of any competition, completing her stupefying performance with a powerful kick. What is it that makes this girl so much faster than the rest of us? I believe genetics play a nigh role, as well Asa training, but I also think she has the pure mindset of a competitor. I've seen it in some girls on my team, but never as much as this small blond speed demon. She had the will to win and her complete confidence intimidated her competition to the point that they no longer even posed a threat. It's amazing, almost funny, to witness that level of intensity. I just kept thinking to myself, this girl is incredible. She is everything I imagine a winner to be, and she knows she can outperform anyone if she really wants to. That is the character of a champion. It was amazing to see that mentality in action.