From the Archives: LAKERS 5 KM PREDICTION RUN OF 2009 The 5th annual 5km Prediction Run will go down in Lakers history as one of the fastest, warmest on record and with the first recorded tie for first place. The race also saw the team members grapple the mantle from the coaching staff with the year of penance finally paid off in full. Revenge was indeed sweet, as the tandem of Jeff and Alex carried the hopes of the athletes on their shoulders to victory by nailing their predicted time down right to the second (Jeff -17.55) and (Alex in 19.00) using different tactics. Team captain Paulo set the early tone with a torrid pace right from the start indicating that his revised prediction would soon separate the pretenders from the contenders. It would prove to cost him in the end. This early strategy only caught coach Raymer and his pacer buddy -Bailey off guard briefly as soon he and Jeff were in hot pursuit of the Portuguese stallion. More drama was unfolding in the pack as Kevin settled in for an even “wait and see” strategy with Ryan strategically poised behind him to make a move, should he start to falter. Behind them a troika had formed with Alex, Mike and Donna Mae figuring three heads are better then one in predicting successful pacing. James looking so ever confident decided the best strategy would be to follow Ali, Felicia and Tara Lynn. Melissa and Carly decided to adhere to the philosophy of Lao to lead one must follow tactic. Meanwhile far from this maddening crowd Rory and Curtis were blissfully unaware of these aforementioned activities that were unfolding in their absence, while they frantically searched for the race, thinking the run was beginning at 3:30. It is ironic that the team historian would not be witness to this historical race. Fate can indeed be cruel to those who misread emails:). But I digress! On the home stretch, one could see the strategies playing out like the last tune on the Titanic. Solid plans were slowly unraveling like the Leafs play-off hopes. The wily Professor and his four legged companion reeled in and soon surpassed Paulo and Ottawa’s favourite son. Kevin maintained control with poker faced confidence- would he be the winner? Meanwhile the hopes of Little Britain lay on the shoulders of Ryan. Alas, It was not to be as perhaps Ryan, feeling the lingering effects of last weeks Halloween bash, would soon cash in his chips as he was swooped by the three musketeers of mayhem. The “rookie” aka as Alex Hurley was out to prove the bus ride home from the OUs was an aberration in his other wise impeccable reputation, and today he would show his true mettle. He was showing Mike the ex gryphon a no holds barred approach to racing with Donna Mae riding in their slipstream. Not to be outdone James call me Pele” and Ali were waging a battle of epic proportion. The only question remained who would break first? Not to be outdone, Tara Lynn in the near company of rookies Felicia and Melissa all looked comfortable clicking along like finely tuned metronomes with German like precision. Carly “everything is beautiful” Drake was getting in touch with her inner self on this farewell journey in her final prediction run. Unselfishly, she also flagged down the pace vehicle to advise of errant clothing on the road that could become a hazard to her teammates, sacrificing precious seconds from her own prediction. But that’s the selfless and team oriented side of Carly we have all come to know. No doubt a future Florence Nightingale in the making. First across the line was Coach Raymer (17.34) dipping across the finish like a sprinter in, repeating as overall leader for the second year in a row. Could that dip make the difference? Paulo and Jeff were next, separated by a scant second (17.54 to 17.55), both showing good recovery from the OUs . The Cage man hit the finish line next looking as he could do again, posting a cruise like 18.32 effort. Behind him drama was unfolding as Alex, Mike and Donna Mae, waged an inspiring duel that neighbours on College Drive will talk about for weeks. Finally youth prevailed as the Rookie crossed the line in 19.00 flat 4 seconds up on the revitalized Mike who has re-invented himself as a runner this season. Donna “cowgirl” Mae showed she will be a force at the provincial next week posting a solid 19.20. Ryan playing the role of Silitoe’s main character came in on his own having run a tactical race in 19.51 only 30 seconds off his predicted time. Next came the dynamic duo of James and Ali. Unable to shake each other through five grueling kilometers, it appears they had made a pact to finish together crossing the line in 21.22 an effort of OU proportion. Unlike her predecessor, Tara Lynn the pride of Omemee made a move for home with a kilometre to go edging out the princess of Priceville Felicia 24.08 to 24.35 respectively. Keeping both of them in view and energized by her first season of varsity competition was Brampton’s favourite daughter Melissa who posted a fine 25.02. Rounding out the field was Grimsby’s own Carly savoring the moment posting a 27.14. Well done everyone. Be aware the coaches will be ready for next year!!
Posted on: Wed, 04 Dec 2013 16:21:27 +0000
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