Today, I took part in an MYAL athletics fixture in Harrow. I was running in the 600 metre race, representing my club as our top points scorer. I felt really proud to be chosen for this role, and I wanted to do my best for the team. I had run this distance before, and I remembered that race clearly. I had led for most of it, but right at the end, another boy caught up with me and beat me on the line. That memory stayed with me, so this time, I was ready to give it everything I had.
The weather was hot, which made things harder, but I was focused. My personal best was 1 minute and 52 seconds, and I was hoping to beat it. As soon as the race started, the same boy from last time tried to race ahead with me. But I was stronger today. About 100 metres in, I managed to take the lead. Once I got in front, I told myself that I wasn’t going to give it up. I stayed calm but strong, and I kept pushing forward.
I reached the 400 metre mark in 1 minute and 15 seconds. My goal had been to get there in 1 minute and 10, so I knew I was a few seconds behind. But I didn’t give up. I focused on the last 200 metres and gave it my all. My legs were tired, but my mind was strong. I started to get faster and faster, and no one was able to catch up with me. I felt powerful as I headed for the finish line.
When I crossed the line, I was so happy. The official time they gave me was 1 minute and 51 seconds – a new personal best! Both my dad and I had timed it ourselves too. His stopwatch said 1:50, and my watch said the same. So we were a little annoyed that the official time was one second slower. I had set myself a season goal of 1 minute and 50 seconds, so it felt a bit frustrating to be just one second off.
Still, I couldn’t be too upset. I had won the race, and I did it in style. I kept the lead from early on and finished strongly. I didn’t let anyone pass me, and that made me proud. I showed how much I’ve improved since the last time I ran 600 metres, and that means a lot to me.
Now, I want to run another 600 metre race before the track season ends and before I go away. I believe I can get that 1 minute 50 time or even better. I’m feeling stronger, more focused, and more determined than ever. I can’t wait to get back on the track again soon.
