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DyeStat Cross Country 2000
28th Manhattan Invitational
Pudlin was confident she could stay with the pack
by Don Rich, publisher of DyeStatPA
As Julia lined up to race against a Footlocker Finalist/US Mile Champ , the number one runner on the nation's #1 team, who was just two seconds behind her at the Great American in September, plus the only girl to run a 5K as fast as Pudlin this year, she was still quite confident of staying with the pack.
That confidence wouldn't have been the case a month ago, but after her third place performance in the Great American XC Festival, a few more course records, including a 17:14 5K, and the first sub-19 at Salesianum, Julia was brimming with confidence and hoping for a win.
Sharing the starting line with her were Erin Donohue of Haddonfield (2nd-14:42.24), Danielle Coon of Saratoga Springs (3rd-14:59.80), and Karen Pulliam of Quince Orchard, Maryland (5th-15:20.46). "I always have looked up to Erin (Donohue) as someone way ahead of me."
At race time, the sun was brilliant, but it was also a bit too warm to be comfortable racing conditions. The shorter course is 2.5 miles, but keeps the entire trail in the woods as used at Footlockers. The start and finish are shortened. Julia wanted to run the race to re-familiarize herself with the course, since the only time she has run there was in 9th grade at Footlockers. She missed last year because of a stress fracture.
Julia just wanted to stay with the pack and see what developed. She was ready for a break at any time, especially after experiencing the startling surge put on by Alicia Craig at the Great American three weeks ago.
Coon and Donohue took it out, with Julia and Pulliam in tow. At the 1-1/2 mile point, Julia was ready when the move from Donohue came. She responded, and tracked Erin through the woods, content to put distance on the other competitors. The two were together as they came out of the woods for the final quarter mile.
"I tried to pass Erin four times, and actually got around her once, but she passed me right back. I was thinking about how strong an athlete she is, that she's a national champion miler, so I thought that her kick would be better than mine would. But I kept trying, and just decided to give it one last push at the end, and she didn't respond."
Julia's training has focused on distance and hill work. She hasn't yet incorporated any speed. So to say the least, when she burst by Donohue in the last ten yards, she was surprised. "I have a kick in me!"
Julia runs two dual meets this week, is taking a break next weekend, and is scheduled to go for her third consecutive Independent Schools State Championship at Mercersburg Academy on October 28. She may look for a race between the end of October and Footlocker Northeast on November 25. And right now, she has to be considered one of the favorites to advance to Orlando.
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