2022 USATF Masters 12 km Championships

NEWS

Andrews Wins Eighth Career National Title at 12 km Championships in New Jersey
 

IN THEIR WORDS

MARK ANDREWS

Going into the race, my goal was to win the age group. I had a time goal also (sub-41:00), but that was secondary to winning the age group. 

The weather was not ideal. The temperature was close to 80, with high humidity and a lot of wind. Because of that, I started conservatively. Once the race started, I found the first guy with an M50 back bib, and ran behind him. My plan was to stay with him for 5 or 6 miles, then surge late in the race to try to win. However, he began slowing down by 3 miles, so around 3 and a half, I passed him. Unfortunately, there was a big gap to the next group of 3 runners ahead of us, so I ran alone until about 7 miles. Then an M40 runner caught up to me, so I stayed behind him to the finish, and was able to out-kick him at the end.

Overall, it was a great experience. I was able to talk with a few runners from other teams right after the race, as well as cool down with Chris Hernandez, a GVH runner from South Carolina who I have become good friends with. I would've liked to run a little faster, but the weather didn't cooperate. However I can say I gave everything I had, and it was an enjoyable experience. 

My goals now are to keep improving my fitness and run as close to 16:00 as possible for 5K this fall. Then be ready for the USATF 5 km, Half Marathon and 10 km championships races next spring.