The 5 K
by James Ebb Huggins, Jr.
 June 6, 1998

Bill Mackey and I ran the Longview 5K - a fun run for sure.
But a strange thing happened along the way - making our memories endure.

Bill was ahead to begin the race - until about mid point when I took the pace.
I did not see him as I sped by - my eyes were somewhere up in the sky.
Actually I wasn't looking into the sweet morning air  - but at a girl runner with pretty blond hair.
She was moving along with grace and ease - when I apparently passed Bill as easy as you please.
All of a sudden I could not see Bill - and though that he had moved on up the hill.
So I put on the steam, and started the grind - not knowing that Bill was somewhere behind.
Bill, not knowing that I did not know him I passed - added more power to keep up with my blast.
So we completed the race with this picture in mind - she was ahead, I second, and Bill close behind.

When we got our breath I ask Bill, "Where did you go?"  He said, "I was trying to keep with you, you know."
"But you were ahead the last I recall."  My mind was somewhere else:  She was thin, trim, and tall!

The morale of the story is, when you run a 5K, - and you want a time that will make your day.
Try to outrun Bill Mackey with your mind on - things.  Then try to reconstruct what confusion brings.
You'll probably do much better - than you normally do.  
For your body will not know - what your mind went through.
Your time may be faster - concentration is the key.  
So keep your mind on good things - and a fun 5K you'll see.
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