It was another week of track racing for the ARC. We had two veterans and one new member in action.
At Wingate University, Javan Lapp lined up for his second 1500m of the season. After a smooth race last week that saw him move up throughout the pack and finish second, he planned on a more aggressive start this time around. Unfortunately, the fast early pace lead to a nice blow-up in the final lap. He jogged it in, but lived to fight another day. He’ll be back on the track in a few weeks at his alma mater, UNC-Charlotte.
Lapp lacing up.
At the Raleigh Relays, Justin Gragg ran his second 5000m of the season and new Asheville resident John Raneri shook off his marathon legs with a 1500m and pacing duties in the 10000m.
For most of his race, Justin was up with the leaders and on pace for a personal best. He hit a lull in the last 1600m before rallying for a quick last lap. His 14:48 didn’t satisfy his goal, but he should have more opportunities to pop a fast one in the coming weeks.
Just over a month after his 50th place finish at the US Olympic Trials Marathon, John stepped down to 1500m to test his speed. His 3:51 (equivalent to a 4:10 mile) was only a few seconds off of his personal best and a sign of good things to come this spring. A short while after his race, John jumped back on the track to pace the 10000m. He kept it going at the front for a bit over halfway at 29-low pace. Nice day of work!
Welcome to Asheville, John Raneri!
NC State University’s Raleigh Relays - Raleigh, NC
John Raneri - 1500m - 3:51.
Justin Gragg - 5000m - 14:48.78
Results
