After her state meet performance this weekend is going to be easy and fun. Last week in Newport News, Rachel showed us that she had a serious other gear when she out-kicked Penn Relays 3K champ and US #1 Kate Murphy down the final stretch. Her time of 10:19.90 ranks her 7th all-time in the state of Virginia. That also was after running a swift leg on the 4x800 the night before and then followed by a 1600m performance last Saturday afternoon.
What that performance also showed us was Rachel's ability to race, which is a whole lot different from what she was doing. Over the past few months we have seen Rachel running for 90% of the race, usually in the lead, and then opening it up the final part of the race to hold on to the victory. That type of running has worked really well for her because she is a superstar talent to say the least. But after the Golden South race where she blazed a 4:46 (1600) and received an auto-bid into the Dream Mile, we have seen a different runner. The penultimate of this has to 6A States where she did not lead for a step until 300m to go and made the perfect move to secure the victory in the 3200 over Murphy.
We have also seen this thing called speed from Rachel. To get a spot in this race she closed in a 61 to bring home the bid and title, something easier said then done. She also split a 2:11 by herself up at 6A North Regionals in the 4x800 once again showing us she has that other gear.
Though she is not as experienced or decorated as some of these other girls racing, Rachel seriously has the pedigree and ability to go well under 4:40 in a race this year. If she really wants this and the races plays into her favor, do not be surprised to see this Patriot sophomore becoming a national superstar Saturday.
