Cardinal Distance Runners Score Big Day of PRs at Goucher
October 10, 2022 - Towson
Distance running can be considered one of the hardest activities to participate in when taking into account the amount of time and miles it requires. But the one thing most people forget is the mental aspect of running 5 miles, 10k or a marathon (26.2 miles). Distance running tests your mental toughness and capability to stay focused for the duration. Physically, a person could be ready but if their mind is not strong enough to endure; the desired results most likely will not be achieved.
Having started training for the cross-country season on August 5th, Head Coach Mark Pryor was confident his young team were physically ready for the challenge of a 5-mile (8k) race. But it was their mental toughness that Pryor was unable to judge. The increase in race distance from high school to college, the level of competition and the varying courses are all hurdles each cross-country runner must clear.
The question of mental toughness was finally answered on an early Saturday morning on the campus of Goucher College. The Coach Caslin 8k Classic provided the test for Coach Pryor's young team. Training has been going well but still, the team's performances in their races were not matching up until October 8th when ALL 5 members of the Cardinal cross-country team ran Personal Records (PRs) for 5-miles. According to Pryor, it was beautiful to watch his team actually race, battle and test themselves against the distance, competitors and cool weather.
Freshman Keynaud Randolph, who has been leading the team in its previous 4 meets ran a 5-mile PR of 28:42 placing 12th overall on Saturday. His previous 5-mile best was 29:34. Keynaud ran so well he achieved PRs for 2 miles (10:58), 5k (17:38) and 5 miles all in one race. Coach Pryor was super excited for Keynaud because he led the race for the first 3-miles. It was a testament to how confident Keynaud felt and ran his own race. Finishing in 12th place, his best finish to date indicates that as he gains confidence the runners behind him will not be able to catch him next time. That's a lesson that Coach Pryor has been eager for Keynaud to learn.........not to be afraid to run up front with the leaders. He is the most talented distance runner on the team.
Freshman Ethan Bush (pictured above) ran his PR of 30:41 for 5-miles at Goucher. His previous best was 30:56 but like his teammates, Ethan went out at a quick pace and attacked the distance. Coach Pryor was ecstatic with Ethan's first three miles. He just needs to get out of his comfort zone and push himself mentally for the last 2-miles.
Sophomore Ryheim Hall ran a PR of 31:54. His previous best time for 5-miles was 32:46 at the 2021 Region XX Cross Country Championships in his first ever cross-country season. Having the opportunity to train with other distance and middle-distance runners has helped Ryheim tremendously in his fitness level and racing. Coach Pryor noted that Saturday's effort by Ryheim was one of his best performances in his college career. Freshman Zachary Sanders ran a 5-mile PR of 31:56. His previous best was 33:12. Zach doesn't start out very fast but rallies in the later stages of the race. He can be categorized as a "strength" runner. Coach Pryor so happy to see Zach stay focused the entire race and passing runners during the last 2 miles of the race.
Freshman Joshua Blackston who has never run cross-country ran a 5-mile PR of 37:29. His previous best was 41:20 as Joshua enjoyed the greatest improvement of all his teammates. It was great to see all of his teammates waiting at the finish line for Joshua to cross the line and celebrate his noteworthy effort. Coach Pryor had an idea that Joshua's times would improve with every week of training and increased fitness. Joshua also scored PRs in his 1-mile, 3-mile and 5-mile times.
Here is the link to the team and individual results:
The difference in everyone's racing on Saturday according to Coach Pryor is that they didn't settle and "raced" the distance as opposed to just surviving. Every member of the team accepted and fought the mental battle which is indicative of their career best performances. That was the best part.
The team won't have long to try and continue their fine running as they are scheduled to compete at Wilks University in PA on Friday, October 14th. It will be the team's first appearance at Wilks University, but a challenge Coach Pryor feels his team is more than ready. The Region XX Championships are scheduled for October 29th at Hagerstown CC.
GO CARDINALS!!!!!!!