1998 Brentwood 5K

Report by: Eric Barron

Out and back on San Vicente Boulevard, the Brentwood 5K course is tougher than it seems because of the slight elevation change. Still, the weather was fine for racing and the troops were eager. Peter breezed across the line in 17:43, and John B. and Mike A. were shortly behind with a 18:07 and 18:37, respectively. John, who has had problems translating his good practices into good races, may be turning the trend around.

Coming close to breaking seven-minute pace, Peggy finished in 21:53, ably paced by Steve, who finished just ahead in 21:43. Seconds later, Shauna, who has become the latest of too many to announce that she is moving out of state, set a p.r. with a 21:58 (and warmed down by running the 10K). May she wear the TCLA colors proudly in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

The 10K course consists of two loops of the 5K; boring, but efficient. Tom ran a strong 40:59, maintaining a consistent pace throughout. Running somewhat together, and trading places during the race, Melinda, Todd, and Elizabeth finished in 44:18, 44:54, and 45:11, respectively. Wenise was not far back with a 45:56. Breaking eight-minute pace were Julia, in 48:19, and Stephanie, in 48:23. The big winner of the day, however, was Julia, who was oblivious to the announcement that she had won a free month of personal training at a local gym. After the race director refused to believe that the TCLA coach was named Julia, the coach graciously informed Ms. Toth of her bounty.

One last note. Given that the Brentwood race is run on Memorial Day weekend, and situated less than one mile from a national veterans' cemetery, you might think that the race directors made some mention of those who died so that we might enjoy our weekend. You would be wrong. TCLA, however, does not forget.