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Andy Kent

@akent_02

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boston | anyone can cook
@gt_tracknfield | @cubuffstrack alum
cofounder of @watchmerunapp / pacebuzzapp.com

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The track is what you have to beat. You don’t beat other racers, you beat the track better than they did. – Keith Code

The inaugural Bandit Grand Prix was held last year on July 5 in the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

The F1-inspired event featured multiple 5K open heats with top finishers advancing to a 3K super final. The course—designed by Trimble Chang, known for its work on the Red Hook Crit and OSR Midnight Half—comprised a sinuous 1K circuit with nine distinct turns over a mix of concrete, pavement, and gravel starting and finishing inside the Brooklyn Storehouse.

A unique format somewhere between track and cross country. The environment, controlled but variable, posed a nuanced challenge for athletes—it required them to do more than ‘go fast, turn left’.

The parallels between running and motorsports were unmistakable.

Keith Code is a renowned motorcycle racing instructor. In his book “A Twist of the Wrist” he employs the apt metaphor of a rider ‘spending’ attention and awareness to develop and integrate fundamental skills. Ultimately, however, the volume is more of a meditation on practice and performance than a cut-and-dried how-to manual.

According to Code, lap time is the ultimate metric. Improvement comes not from simply identifying the ‘right line’ and deciding to go faster; rather, it emerges from an understanding of how your strengths and weaknesses fit together: Have a plan, observe your decisions, iterate execution.

What you do is what happens; what you don’t do doesn’t happen.

For the third heat of the men’s race series, I positioned myself on a narrow strip of infield offering a vantage point on two segments of the course.

The unrelenting midday sun pushed temperatures into the upper 80s as runners zipped by. The rasping crush of gravel underfoot and the chalky taste of dust in the air. The fire of competition in their eyes fueled by continuous cycles of action and adjustment.

With each lap, the runners progressively opened the throttle—tuned into their decisions and focused on the track.

The Bandit Grand Prix returns to the Brooklyn Navy Yard tomorrow, May 30.

#banditgrandprix
#trimblechang
#beatthetrack

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IT’S BEEN NO BED OF ROSES 🥀 2:15:51

It is hard to believe it has been over a week since I achieved a major goal of mine, running a sub 2:16 marathon and qualifying for my 2nd Olympic Trials.

This journey has been a long time coming, with several failed attempts but a voice in my head told me to not give in. So after every failure, I sat down, and drafted a plan to get better- now finally the break through I have been relentlessly pursuing. A huge shout to all my friends and teammates who have supported me through the years. My parents, my girlfriend @kirralischofield, my teammate & training partner @ortaluis15 , my @myolympiccoach teammates & family- I thank you all!

Onward we go and back to work. A beautiful thing about our sport is that the clock can always read a better time, providing the challenge to better the past version of yourself. That is what I will continue to do.

#running #marathon #olympics

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OLYMPIC TRIALS QUALIFIER
One week ago today, I achieved my dream of qualifying for the Olympic marathon trials, running 2:15:15! I’ve poured so much into this sport for over 17 years and this may have been the best moment yet.
I’ve worked towards this goal for about 6 years and while the last Olympic cycle was gut wrenching, barely missing the qualifying standard, it made this accomplishment all the more special.
Thank you to @brooklyntrackclub and @ny.run.academy for the continued support and belief. Thank you to @mckirdytrained for setting up an unreal opportunity. Thank you to my family, friends and of course @hannajerome who I couldn’t do this without. Last pic - IYKYK. See you at the trials in 2028!

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Last year’s NYC Marathon weekend was epic, but something tells me we might top it this year 😳🥳🤠
I’m excited for the events lined up this week and to cheer on Sunday! (+ Sat 👍)! NYC is fired up!!

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Sko jackets or whatever!!

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Remember don’t dwell

📸 @paradox.of.causality (the really good one)

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🏁Formula Run🏁
Took on the @banditgrandprix last weekend with the @lostboystrackclub. The starting line countdown gave me chills, running with badass women was so fun, and being around the running community at such a wildly epic event was so fulfilling. Thank you @banditrunning (esp @timrossi)!! I had run the Red Hook Crit many times and absolutely loved bringing it back in a new way!!

photos 1-3 @notafraid2fail 4,6 @nevinshoots

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💰 $1,000 and bragging rights — here are a few of the men to watch at next Friday’s 5K on the Beach.

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Squad going CRAZY.
Joga Bonito (but running).
Ktda.

@eflood_ - 4th overall (10:25 3k)
@wicked.la - 9th overall (10:42 3k)
@luciacaballero18 - 30th overall (11:42 3k)
@aidantooker - 4th overall (8:31 3k)
@akent_02 - 5th overall (8:37 3k)
@nicholaswey - 29th overall (9:37 3k)
@man_on_a_mission0 - 24:44 in the 5k
@mquaroni - 17:05 in the 5k (so silent he avoided all cameras)

📸 @nevinshoots @banditrunning

#ktda
#staylost

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Breaking News

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@akent_02 WINNING the high school boys 2-mile. Smooth as butter, stringing em out.

(he was pacing).

Cc @trialsofmilesracing

#ktda
#staylost

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The full EE squad opener is this weekend here at home at the @armorynyc at the Dr. Sanders Scorcher Invite! Catch the Friday races on @runnerspace and Saturday races live on @nbc @peacock 📺 There are some STACKED races you wont want to miss!!

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