I have always been a recreational runner; however, in 1993 a very dear friend of mine, Joe Myers, introduced me to competitive running. Being an endurance runner then, I focused my training and road races, on long distance. However, in 1994 I went back to school full-time and was accepted into the Nursing program at Frederick Community College in Frederick, MD. This put a new light on my running. Nursing is a competitive and trying program; running became quite a stress relief for me.

As I continued to focus on long distance runs, I also became more competitive with my running. Developing friendships with fellow runners in my age group has really inspired me to work at bringing down my finishing times. As a result, the 5K and mile became my focus. This meant doing quality runs (track workouts and hill repeats). Not being a sprinter, running speed has been something for which I have always had to work. However, each time I do a road race and see my finishing time improve, I keep going back for more. Initially, my goal was to break twenty-one minutes, then twenty minutes, now nineteen minutes.

My first race of "speedster" glory was the 1995 Delaware Strider's Fire Cracker 5K where I ran just less than twenty-one minutes. As I think any fellow competitive runner would agree, one word to describe the mentality of improving running times is perseverance. In order to get fast, one must eat, breathe, and poop running. Continuing to train, race, and "persevere" over the next year, my running reached a plateau, and I struggled to break twenty minutes.

Then, a fellow runner/friend/competitor urged me to join a local running club to get me over the hurdle. So, in 1997 I joined the Frederick Steeple Chasers. That put a new dimension into my running. I have never met such a fantastic group of people. Not only have they become my competitors but my friends. Consistently doing track workouts with the club once a week and with all their support and "constructive" criticism, I have seen my racing times fall. Starting in May with the St. John's 5K in Frederick, I ran a 20:45 and placed first overall. Then, midsummer I was introduced to my first pair of racing flats. Trying them out for the first time, I ran the Gettysburg 5K in a little more than nineteen minutes. I have never crossed the finish line with a bigger grin on my face!

Most recently, I ran the Market Street Mile in 5:37. Going out for a place versus a finishing time, I led the race for a little over the first half mile and enjoyed my "glory" while it lasted. As my times continue to fluctuate, but improve, with each race I do, I have found that racing well equals a good night's sleep and consistency in training. I have always heard that competitive runners are "unique" individuals; however, I think a better word to describe us is "driven" to succeed! By the way, I did graduate the R.N. program with honors and passed the nursing boards Long live running!

On October 11 Rene won the Read Write, and Run 5K in Frederick, MD in a time of 19:12.