Frostbite 5K: Truth In Advertising

I drove up through the Islands this morning and over to Rouses Point, NY, for a 5K sponsored by the Northern Lights Track Club. About 75 people took to the starting line at noon for a fire department fundraiser. The forecast said mid-20s, but that didn't account for screaming wind that hit us whenever we ran east. I kept pulling my cap down over ears and repeating to myself, "Frostbit 5K. Frostbite 5K. Frostbite 5K." I got there early enough to run a few miles before, and finished off a few afterward; 7 miles altogether.

During the race itself, I was running just behind a girl named Jaden for half the race. She was maybe a teenager, early 20s - I only know her name because she had two friends taking her picture an cheering her on. I didn't talk to her, but you start to imagine a person's story when you're running near them for a stretch. I think this race was a big goal for her. I think she had to work hard to keep her pace, and that I unwittingly helped her to do. Her speed would fall off a bit, I run out to the side about to pass her, she'd glimpse me and speed up. This happened countless times, and I started to wonder if she had her own story running in her head about me: something along the lines of, "No f*ing way I'm letting her pass me!!" Meanwhile, I didn't feel a strong competitive streak -- I didn't really want to pass her, I just didn't want to keep tailing her so closely. But also didn't want her to be passed. It seemed important to her not to be beaten.

Near the end of the race, Jaden was grabbing her side and looking back to see where I was. The more she slowed, the more I felt like I was breathing down her neck, so I tried to speed past her and again she picks up her pace. Right on her heels, I tell her, 'You're doing great, and there's only 1/3 of mile left. Just keep going.' She turns her head long enough to realize I'm not trying to beat her, and says genuinely, 'Thanks. Really, thank you." She pored it on once the finish line was in sight and her friends were there to congratulate her. It was sweet. I hope she felt great about the day.