Illinois Indoor Championship was yesterday at Gately Center and we missed a DOOZY of a race. Shockwaves alumni Aidan Connors and Cooper Summy ran the Boys 3200 fast heat and it was FAST.

Only one runner in the top 12 racers did not have a personal best. Both of our guys ran really consistent paces and trusted themselves to personal bests.

Aidan floated around the front of the front pack, sometimes in 3rd and sometimes in 6th, always nearby. He was in 3rd place on the bell lap when he kicked from 150 meters out and swamped his competitors running a 9:01 3200m for the win.

I counted. He only led the race for FOUR SECONDS. But it was the last 45 meters.

Coop delivered a gutsy performance as well. About half way through the race, a pack of runners separated themselves trying to stay with the leaders who purposely went out fast. Cooper waited, running fast but consistently and picked off a handful of runners at the end to a 10th place finish and PR of 9:21.

It would be hilarious for these guys to race me if I only ran a mile to their 3200m, because it would be VERY close. That’s why I race 10 year olds.

Here is an interview with Aidan after the race.

https://il.milesplit.com/videos/804226/aidan-connors-bid-his-time-well-earns-3200-crown

And if you want to watch the race (I’ve watched it twice) SKIP FORWARD to the 5 hours and 37 minute mark.

https://www.youtube.com/live/1y09zgzxMiI?si=RxS9xgiyvzNw-IIG

As an added bonus the call on the YouTube video is none other than the oldest (?) Summy brother Jackson!! I have taught Sports Comm classes and he does a really good job. He clearly knows what he’s doing around running and a microphone.

I’m super proud of all three of these guys, but I have to say my favorite part in a race with a lot of favorite parts was in the interview after when Aidan said he misses Cross Country!!

Great job Boys!!!