Today was a big day for me - I ran in the East Area Prep Schools Athletics Championship in Bedford. I was really excited because I was representing my school in the 1500 metre race. What made it even more special was that I was the only Year Five boy selected - all the others were Year Six! I felt so proud to be chosen and was determined to do my very best. My goal was to win the race, not just for my school but for myself too.
Before this race, I had run in two other 1500 metre races. The first was at Woodside Stadium on the 18th of May, where I finished in 5 minutes and 9 seconds. The second was in Leamington on the 3rd of June, and my time was 5 minutes and 14 seconds. I knew I was strong and ready to push myself hard in Bedford. The top two runners would qualify for the National Finals in Birmingham in July, and I really wanted to be one of them.
When the race started, the weather wasn’t great - there was a strong wind, and it looked like it might rain. I tried to get a good start, but I ended up in fourth or fifth place. It was tough, but I kept pushing. I managed to move up to third place, but the two boys ahead of me were too far ahead - they seemed untouchable! The boy behind me was close, but I held my position and finished third.
I was disappointed because my time was 5 minutes and 19 seconds - 10 seconds slower than my personal best. Since only the top two qualify, I won’t be going to Birmingham. It’s frustrating because I know I can run faster - I’ve done it before! The boys who came first and second finished in 5:11 and 5:14, times I’ve beaten in past races. Part of me hopes one of them can’t go to the finals, so I might get another chance.
Even though I’m disappointed, I’m still proud. Most of the boys racing were Year Six, and I’m only in Year Five. I also won a bronze medal for third place, which is something to be happy about. Next time, I’ll try even harder—I need to get ahead early and keep pushing. Today wasn’t my best race, but I’ll learn from it and come back stronger!
