My Best Race of 2003
Larry Reynolds

On Thanksgiving morning, 2003, I walked to the starting line of the RSB 4-Miler knowing that my GP nemesis was just ahead of me. Today was Grand Prix decision day and I wanted to challenge No.2 JK (not Jim Kornell) for a share of 2nd place in my 40-44 age group. The four miles after the gun were my best effort of 2003.

My new co-worker (totally cool) Mark McNees asked what pace I planned for the first mile and I cautiously said 6:10. However, when the gun went off, I decided not to look at my watch and run for glory. I captured my mile splits and heart rate, but did not look at my watch until after the race. At the gun I had a heart rate of 103 BPM, but jumped to 140 within 15 seconds and 161 by 30 seconds.

I kept sight of JK and went out fast. Mile 1 clocked at 5:53 with a heart rate of 173. I was just behind a group of about eight runners led by Mariann, Melissa G., and Melissa M. It felt good to be able to run with the M-pack. Mile 2 clocked at 5:54, heart rate of 181 near the water station. Gary Maxwell called out my name and my nemesis heard and knew that I was close behind.

Just before the water station, I made a move ahead of the pack and several of my competitor role models went with me, including David Holt, Fred Maggiore, and Lee Carter. The next mile clocked at 6:13 with David on my right shoulder and Fred and Lee just behind. My heart rate was up to 185 and I could feel it. Just before the three-mile mark, David surged ahead and was followed by Fred. I was able to retake Fred after a couple hundred yards while David built a 10 second gap.

I never lost sight of my nemesis, but after crossing under the 101 freeway, I saw the gap at nearly 15 seconds and started to push harder again. Approaching the final 200 yards, I realized that I could catch David, but not JK. I still worked as hard as I could and approached David with about 80 yards to go. I surged ahead of him and that caused a severe price in stomach discomfort. My heart rate passed 190 and after a one second pause to recover and see if David would respond, I pushed into the final 60 yards trying to close the gap with JK. My finish in 24:03 was 30 seconds faster than my target and faster than I thought possible. My highest heart rate was 193 at the finish line and I think that is close to red-line for my ticker.

I finished 5 seconds behind JK (23:58) and 5 seconds ahead of David H (24:08). In terms of the Grand Prix, I lost my chance to tie JK for second, but I clinched 3rd from the 4th place challenger Steve Miley.

I looked back at the 2001 RSB Thanksgiving Run and saw that the tables were turned. I ran 23:55 and JK ran 24:06. It is totally cool how two people can run the same times within 3 seconds, only reversed, separated by two years while battling for 2nd place. The yin and yang are back in balance for now, but the battle renews next year.

Finally, I salute my nemesis – JK, aka Jim Kruidenier – you earned 2nd place. I promise you that I tried my best to displace you from your perch and am proud to occupy the perch just below. But remember, next time it’s my turn to win.