BU Terrier: A smart and tough 5km

Through the years, they have exasperated me with their race splits. But before I continue, it must be stated: No one is a bigger fan of grad student Annie Gould and traditional senior Bianca Luparello. If my daughter were to grow up and to be like either of them, I would be a very proud and happy father. But, facts are facts. They are our athletes, and I’m one of their coaches, and when they run long distance races, the expectation is they will run smart, tough and even-paced races. I never question the “tough” part, because these two ladies care deeply about their running and about our program. The “smart” (Bianca) and “even paced” (Annie) part of the equation, though … well, that has always been a work in progress. Work in progress. I am being nice here. Both of them know that I have had stern, post-race conversations about their races. Many times, I have agonized over typing up the post-race splits for the blog. Dammit! That last 1km (or more) needs to be faster! Too slow! Why are you slowing down so much! Wake up, will ya?

Well. I’m here to tell you: Last night, together, they both GOT IT. Was it perfect? No. It rarely is. But, it was pretty darn good. I stood in my usual spot, by the pole vault pits, and quietly told them their splits throughout the race. I mumbled “45, good” many, many times. There was a slight fade toward the end of the race – trust me, they heard about it from the old coach -- but it was oh-so slight and Bianca finished with a flourish and a major breakthrough effort. Annie had an indoor PR by a lot and her best race in a long time. They got it, and they got it good. And so, in fairness, after all the stern conversations and angst-ridden split taking, this was a wonderful, breakthrough effort for both of them. We couldn’t be happier and more proud of their effort. Nicely done, ladies!

5,000-meter run

47. Bianca Luparello 18:40.24

42, 87 (45), 2:10 (43), 2:55 (45), 3:39 (44)

4:23 (44), 5:08 (45), 5:53 (45), 6:38 (45), 7:23 (45)

8:08 (45), 8:53 (45), 9:37 (44), 10:23 (46), 11:08 (45)

11:53 (45), 12:38 (45), 13:24 (46), 14:10 (46), 14:56 (46)

15:43 (47), 16:29 (46), 17:14 (45), 18:00 (46), 18:40.24 (40.24)

Kilometer splits: 3:39, 3:44, 3:45, 3:48, 3:44.24)

51. Annie Gould 18:48.44

43, 87 (44), 2:10 (43), 2:55 (45), 3:39 (44)

4:23 (44), 5:08 (45), 5:53 (45), 6:38 (45), 7:23 (45)

8:08 (45), 8:53 (45), 9:38 (45), 10:23 (45), 11:08 (45)

11:53 (45), 12:38 (45), 13:24 (46), 14:10 (46), 14:56 (46)

15:43 (47), 16:30 (47), 17:16 (46), 18:03 (47), 18:48.44 (45.44)

Kilometer splits: 3:39, 3:44, 3:45, 3:48, 3:52.44