THE STREAK IS OVER AT 103

On Tuesday evening of July 17 1 was beaten in a race in the National Senior Games (The Senior Olympics) at Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I was beaten fairly and decisively, so I have no complaint. What might surprise you, however, is that this was a completely planned event. I had planned for months to lose in this particular race on this particular day. Usually I plan to win; but this time I planned to lose. Mostly because I knew I could not do otherwise.

The last time I have been beaten was when my good friend, Robert Coffey, wiped me out in the Heat Rash Dash on August 7, 1999. We were so evenly matched at that time that I managed to beat him two weeks later, before passing out of his age group; and the streak was born. There have followed 102 consecutive races in which I have come in first in my age group. It has been beyond anything I could have dreamed of at the time.

But why would I plan to lose? There are a number of reasons: 1. 1 didn't want a record based on avoiding stronger competition. 2. I felt it was time for the streak to end. I've had my day in the sun. It is time now for others to shine. 3. I have been hearing the footsteps for several months of those who will soon enter my age group. I wouldn't have the ability to hold them off indefinitely. My solution, therefore, was to pick a time and place where I could lose on my own terms; and since during the streak I had gone through two sets of Regional and State competitions, it seemed appropriate that it end at the Nationals.

The Senior Olympics had invited me for three events: the 800, the 1500 and the 5K. Each State was able to qualify two in each age group, so I was invited represent Texas. My dream was to keep each of my events in the top 10, knowing that even that would be hard to do, since I expected to be far outclassed in everything I entered. Just to be there was thrill enough for me.

When I tell you of 103 consecutive 1st place wins it would be easy for you to assume that I must have been running great races every time I went out; but that would be giving me far too much credit. In reality I ran both good races and bad ones. Sometimes I was proud of my time and others I was seriously ashamed to have published in the paper. Surprisingly, I ran some good races when I was limping with injury; and some poor ones when I was without excuse. It just so happened that on my worst days either my strongest competitors didn't show up or were also struggling. So more by pure luck, rather than any real ability of mine, the streak went on. It will furnish me with good memories for years to come.

BUT HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO YOUR RUNNING???
First, You Have Real Potential. You can become a better runner than you are today. Any time you become really discouraged about yourself, just think about me! My running form is terrible. My breathing patterns are atrocious. I seem to be able to do very little about the extra weight that I carry around my waist; and I did not even begin to race regularly until after I was 65. BUT I CAN STILL RUN...AND SO CAN YOU! If I can deal with the disadvantages that I have, just think what potential you have for improvement.

Second, Your Achievements Can Be Far Greater Than Mine. You don't have to do the same things that I have done at all. You can set your own goals and start your own streak. In fact, you may have one going even now. I certainly didn't recognize mine when it started and it may prove to be utterly insignificant compared to yours.

Time Is On Your Side. You have time to get better, while those of us who are older face a steady decline. Our only hope is to slow down the process, when the records shows that even the cream of the crop loses about 30 seconds from their 5K time each year after 65...and the rate of decline only increases. That is why it is so difficult for older runners to compete with those even a couple of years younger. Don't you see the advantage that gives you?

I've had a grand time during the streak; and I thank each of you who have helped and encouraged me during it. NOW IT IS YOUR TIME. You can beat me any time you are ready. BUT it wouldn't mean nearly as much if I made it easy for you, now would it???