The Patriots set off to Alabama with the same goals: to each run the fastest she could and to complete course assignments leading up to final exams. Like studying, these hardworking ladies are very familiar with what it takes to go the distance. 13.1 miles in a single race that is and those lengthy miles taking place just three days after running the NJCAA National 5k.
Thursday the Pats headed for Huntsville in the CF van. As Coach Lumley drove through Birmingham rush hour traffic, the ladies studied, relaxed, and slept. Friday was the course preview where the women took their daily practice run on the course at John Hunt Park. This preview really helps the runner determine which parts of the course to speed up during, what the terrain is like throughout the route, what pace to be at for each mile, and ultimately being able to envision oneself performing the following day at the venue. Friday evening the ladies attended the NJCAA Cross Country banquet held at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center which was stated to have been a blast.
Saturday morning the women continued homework assignments. Midday the ladies headed to the park to set up shop. The Division II Women's field was the largest of the six races with 322 competitors. Each of the Patriots ran her fastest collegiate 5k. Sophomore Captain, Heidi Kearney, led her five freshmen teammates pacing a 22:33 5k at 7:16 average mile pace. Teammates ran without watches trusting in the process and their training. Magda Barcia followed in 22:46, Iraly Faria a 23:31, Simone Hamilton 25:40, Jensen Plante 25:59, and Caitlin Perusse 28:45. Each cut a substantial amount of time from her personal record; Heidi took off 58 seconds, Magda 1:21, Iraly 0:44, Simone 0:28, Jensen 0:58, and Caitlin 2:30. The Patriots set a program record with a 24:06 top five team average and placed 33rd of 38 complete teams and 46 teams total. After running a cooldown with a stunning sunset behind them, the team enjoyed a celebratory post-race dinner at Wahlburgers. The time difference made for early evenings in Alabama where darkness came soon after 4:45 P.M.
Sunday the women ran an easy run to stretch the legs and begin to switch gears for the upcoming half marathon. Knowing the half would be at the same site but on the road, the women ran at the park. Monday consisted of a similar routine with a practice run and homework. The half marathon is all about believing one has the mileage and endurance to capitalize on a scenic location to enjoy a long run. The Patriots did just that.
On Tuesday, November 14, freshman Magda Barcia beat the school half marathon record by seven minutes and 13 seconds to a program best of 1:45:44 all while holding an average of 8:04 mile pace for the 13.1 miles with just a 35 second spread in pace. Consistent and looking strong from start to finish, Magda ran to a 65th place finish among the mix of DI and DII competitors in her half marathon debut. Heidi Kearney beat her previous PR to run a 1:51:13. Like Barcia, for Faria, Hamilton, and Plante it was their first time competing in a half marathon. Iraly raced to a 2:01:13, Simone a 2:04:27, and Jensen a 2:11:03. The team placed 17th of 22 complete teams with a 1:58:44 top 3 average (half scoring is the top three unlike a 5k which is the top five).
The Patriots wrap up a record setting year looking to the future with great excitement of what next season brings. Only time and miles will tell.
