Notes
Before beginning this easy 3-miler, coach emphasized the goal of staying together on the run. Alex Hart was determined to transform this goal into a reality. Jacob Graham however, would be a hindrance to the team's desires, if not successfully motivated. His small stature often interfered with his path of improvement, and could only be overcome with encouragement from his peers. For this reason, Alex conceived a plan which consisted of several athletes assembling at young Graham's rear. They would remain there for the entirety of the run, chanting him to victory when deemed necessary. This strategy received an overwhelming level of support, with leading proponents being Hank DeVries, Bradley Thornton, and Casey Dowdle. Within 600 meters, the team had witnessed a significant change in Graham's appearance and behavior. He tore off his shirt, doubled his stride-length, and began to foam at the lips, like a rabid canine thirsty for blood. He was no longer bound by his lack of height. He was now on the road to success - a road that would generate tremendous reductions in his mile time, and eventually merge with the path of the all-time greats. One day, Jacob Graham will run along side Mo Farah, Galen Rupp, and even the Great Kenyan Cheetah. We can only hope that when that day comes, he will recall the most prominent turning point of his running career - the one initiated by the beloved Alex Hart.