2014 CPCC Skyline 5k

April 26, 2014 8:00 AM
Charlotte, North Carolina

	Time	Pace	Division	Division Place	Gender Place	Overall Place	Bib #
Michael	19:55	6:25	M11-13	3/22	33/300	36/654	1180

Written by Owen:

The CPCC (Charlotte Piedmont Community College) Skyline 5k is the third race in Run For Your Life's Grand Prix Series.  Going into the race, Michael had a goal to beat his 5k PR (19:43), and if feeling great, he wanted to beat mine (19:18).  I know it's only a matter of time until he beats me, he is improving so fast.

The weather was beautiful for this race, it started at 8 AM so we didn't have to get up quite as early as normal.  We were going camping with Zach and Lu immediately after the race, so planning was a little more complicated, however.

Michael and Kyle before the start

I told Michael to start at the front.  I wouldn't normally do that, but the GPX series points are awarded based on gun time, not chip time, for some reason.  I've emailed them asking them why, and telling them that they should use net time, so as not to encourage slower runners to start at the front.  I got no response.  Michael held his own at the start (see video below).

At the start (Michael is next to one of the cones)

Just after the start. Michael's running next to the guy who took second.
The taller guy leading, with blue shoes, was the winner.

As we were waiting for Michael to finish, just ahead of him we saw two boys who looked to be in Michael's division.  Sure enough, they were 12 year old twins that finished just a few seconds ahead of Michael.  So Michael finished 3rd in his division of 11-13 year olds, with a sub 20 minute 5k.  Incredible!

Michael later told us that he was battling with them the entire race.  They passed him at some point.  At the water station they got water and Michael thought he could use that to pass them, but was disappointed when they just sipped the cup and didn't lose any time.   He's so competitive, I hope they show up at the next race so he can race them again.  It's amazing how much good competition helps you improve.

Michael ended up not beating his PR, missing it by 12 seconds.  He was disappointed about that, but I told him when you factor in the elevation profile of this course, that his time was actually more impressive than his PR time on a flatter course.

Michael now has a commanding lead in the GPX Series points after 3 of 7 races, which is especially impressive when you consider that his age group in the series is 19 & Under.

Just before the finish.

Crossing the finish line. They had to replace the clock just as Michael was finishing, but the 19:56 displaying was his official "Gun Time"

Here's video we shot:

Curious George handing out bananas.