Amy Kvilhaug, Colleen McGurk, Roberta Little, Judy Stobbe
Photo: Andy Kiss
From Amy Kvilhaug:
CPTC-NB masters 40+ women took to the Armory track on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at the world’s longest-running and most prestigious indoor track and field competition around – The Millrose Games! Kudos and congrats to Judy, Roberta, Colleen and Amy on their effort and performance on the track. They finished fourth in a time of 4:40.69.
The environment was electric and the experience for the 4x400m relay team was second to none. Despite not particularly training for the 400m per se, the CPTC-NB masters women raced their hearts out and put up a more than respectable showing against what was termed as “one of the most competitive masters fields in the 4×4 in quite some time.”
Amy Kvilhaug
Photo: Andy Kiss
With a large field (10 masters teams), it was expected to be hectic with lots of bumping and jostling out of the gate. Because of this, Amy was the chosen one to throw her weight and some elbows around if need be to lead the team out. “First of all, I couldn’t ask for a better group of ladies to race with. Every one of them works so hard. It inspires and motivates me just to be around them. When you have good teammates, it makes the experience that much better. I was excited, nervous and eager to race this event as it would be the first time I have ever done a 4x400m relay indoors – and on such a big stage. I had to chuckle at the large discrepancy in my splits – 31 and change for the opening 200, and then 37 and change for the second 200m (yikes) but I can honestly say I gave all I had and took it as a learning experience to build on (I was either 68 or 69). I also did a good job of confusing Devon as to why I stayed in lane 2 the entire race. Oops.”
Judy Stobbe
Photo: Andy Kiss
Judy was up next and seeing the anticipation on her face as I handed her the baton was a great moment. She is a rockstar. Judy summed it up eloquently…”It’s always a great experience running at Millrose. I’m truly blessed to have the most awesome team. We just missed the podium but ran our hearts out and truly raced to compete. My split of 68 was a little slower than I thought I could run, but my first 200m was 32 which is probably a masters PR. Super fun and looking forward to next Saturday’s meet in Staten Island.” If you haven’t done so already, to put it in Judy’s words, “SIGN UP!”
Colleen McGurk
Photo: Andy Kiss
Colleen was up next and would take on the third leg of the relay. As usual, she was solidly strong and consistent and just looked fantastic and fierce. Not to mention that Colleen is preparing for the NYC Half, so changing gears to the 400m is no easy feat. She gives us a positive recap of her experience and her appreciation of the event and team. “I loved every minute of it!! It was an honor to run in the Millrose games with such inspirational, speedy teammates! I am the farthest from a 400M runner but just went out there and gave it my all! MY first 200M was all adrenaline – the second 200 was when I started to feel it! I heard people cheering and as I turned the corner on that last straight away, I just pumped as hard as I could, GRIMACED and focused on getting the baton into Roberta’s hand as quickly as possible!! I love our Master’s team and our strong women that go out and compete together to be the best team possible! A day I’ll never forget!”
Roberta Little
Photo: Andy Kiss
Roberta would anchor the team and we couldn’t think of a stronger, more solid choice to close it up for us. Roberta is determined and focused and works day in and day out on improving herself. She looked phenomenal out on that track – so focused. It was awesome. She had the tough task of racing alone on her leg but she battled hard. “It is always an honor racing in the Millrose Games alongside many strong athletes” Roberta said. She’s a fierece competitor and is her own toughest critic but if you have ever seen how hard she works and how much she cares, big things are in store for her in the future. “I was not thrilled about my 400 split, I ran two secs off my personal best. I went out faster than I’m comfortable with and tried to stay focused even though I felt like I was in no mans land. Great effort by all the CPTC- NB ladies!”
In closing, we would like to thank ALL the CPTC-NB teammates who came and cheered us on. Your support was incredible and much appreciated. We heard all the cheers as we sped around the track a few times.