400 m, Super 8, Get in the Game

In the summer of third grade I ran the 400. Our city held community track meets at one of the high schools. My younger sister and I ran several events. She excelled at short bursts, like the 50 and 100 m dash. And I preferred longer events. At school I also liked the hurdles and high jump and once tied an older boy for best high jump.

The 400 drew a mix of kids, boys and girls ages 9-12. My dad gave me a pep talk pre-race suggesting I run a steady lap vs. starting off too fast and then burning out. So when the pack pulled away, I stayed steady, determined to run the race correctly. My dad filmed the race with 8mm. He zoomed out, panning between the race leaders and me, running on my own in last place. The gap grew and Dad's camerawork was unsteady, likely due to laughing (in a good way.)

• I didn't fall.


• I didn't pull a hamstring.

But there I was in last place -- and I chose to keep running following the plan. I caught and passed someone in the final stretch.

The 400 is one of my favorite life moments. There are so many races worth running, experiences worth having. If you're curious about a sport, get up and go. Stop waiting for the perfect moment -- it's not coming. Instead, give yourself permission to be a beginner and go. Get in the game.

The film is a family favorite at holidays. It makes me laugh too. I asked Dad to help me transfer it to digital format, even if it means filming the screen and then uploading. 8mm transfer is tricky with audio and super old equipment.

Questions for You:
- What track event is your favorite to watch or compete in?
- Have you seen Super 8? I loved it. I miss making movies as a kid.

Favorite Track Moments
Bonnie Richardson, a girl from Texas, wins the state team track title by herself. Twice.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1160517/index.htm

Eric Liddell's 1924 Olympic 400. Watch the Chariots of Fire clip.
http://youtu.be/GPB7r0UpNIE




Derek Redmond's 1992 Olympic 400 semifinal.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/espn25/story?page=moments/94
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Heather Doriden's 600 M race at Big 10 Indoor Track Championships
http://youtu.be/uqnqLrakxY8

Mary and Bill Film: Meet My Friend Mary (a 90-year old triathlete)

Last week I had the pleasure of attending a private screening of the film Mary and Bill, starring my friend & former neighbor Mary Stroebe. Mary became a triathlete in her late seventies (no excuses people!). She's completed over 12 sprint triathlons. She retired at age 90 and now fires the starting gun at her favorite event the Life Time Fitness triathlon in Minneapolis.

At age 89 Mary went head-to-head with TV host Kelly Ripa in a timed triathlon in New York City, later receiving a Relly award from Regis and Kelly.

The evening in downtown Madison, Wis., combined many of the things I love: my hubby Ken, triathlon, film, can-do stories, state street, original art & music. I shouldn't have worn mascara, the film made me teary in a good way.

The film is directed by Andrew Napier. He began filming Mary and Bill during his senior year in High School.

Please enjoy the trailer, I know you'll love both Mary & Bill, both are true characters.

Mary and Bill

Mary and Bill Trailer from Andrew Napier on Vimeo.