Another PR...District Meet Next

For the third week in a row, Joshua set another personal record at the Rockwall-Health Hawk Relays last Friday afternoon. This PR came in the 1600m with a time of 4:43.8. It looked like Josh was going to cross the finish line in first place, but out of no where, he got passed at the line. He literally lost by a half second as the winning time was a 4:43.5.

In the 3200m, Josh took second with a time of 10:28. The winning time was 10:13. The wind was blowing pretty hard when the gun sounded around 3:45 and a combination of that and Josh not really being mentally ready to run took a toll on his time. Josh had mentioned before the race that his coach was not sure why they scheduled a meet five days before the district meet and Josh didn't push himself like he has because he wanted to save himself for district. However, between the 3200 and the 1600 which started around 8:30, Josh had a change in attitude and decided he was not going to let the guy who beat him in the 3200 beat him in the mile...and he didn't. The guy took third.

Next up for Josh is the district meet which will be held at Hanby Stadium in Mesquite. They have spread the district meet out over two days, Tuesday and Wednesday. From what we have been able to figure out, Josh will run the 3200m at 7:00 Tuesday night. The 1600m will be sometime Wednesday night. They will run it with the running finals which begin at 6:30. I am guessing that Josh will run sometime after 7:30 or 8.

What are Joshua's chances at moving on to the regional meet you ask? Well, pretty good. From all the times I have been able to get my hands on so far from school in our district, Josh has the second fasted time in the 3200m at 10:12. The fastest time is around a 9:50 in the district. For Josh to be one of the top three finishers, he is going to have to leave it all on the track and run a very smart race. He can do it, but he is going to have to stay focused. The top three times advance.

In the 1600m, it's a little different story. There are two guys who have faster times...around 4:30. Then there is a pack of three or four runners who are right around the 4:40 to 4:45 time including Joshua. It should be a very competitive race for the third spot. At least with the 1600m being run on day two, Josh should have time for his legs to recuperate from the 3200m.

Deshonna has already said that Tuesday will be a very special day...the day Josh qualifies for the regional meet in the 3200m and also her ??st birthday.

If you are not doing anything Tuesday night and live in the area, come out and support Josh. If you need directions to Hanby Stadium, let me know and I will get you there.

Until next time...