It wasn’t going to take much for Madeline Carlson to top last year’s state experience.In fact, the Warrenton junior had trouble conjuring up any recollection from the 2012 MSHSAA Championships, which the optimist prefers to leave as an afterthought.So as she neared the finish line during Saturday’s Class 3 girls race, Carlson wasn’t concerned about collapsing again in the final 100 meters. She barely remembers that disappointment from her sophomore race.Carlson knew she was better prepared and nothing was stopping her from turning in a satisfactory performance, regardless of whether it yielded a medal.She was significantly improved this time, running a 20:44 to finish 37th — 12 places shy of all-state accolades.“My goal was to medal, but I’m not disappointed,” assured Carlson. “I did a heck of a lot better than last year.”Carlson wasn’t devastated, instead looking ahead.“There’s always next year,” she acknowledged. “The competition was a lot better. There were a few girls who I should have been up there with.”But she had run a strong, healthy race without regret.“To finish in the upper third shows well for their determination and work ethic,” said Coach Mike Spoede. “To go under 21:00 used to place you in the medals, but Class 3 girls’ times have evolved.”Last year it wasn’t that simple.When Carlson went to use her inhaler a final time 30 minutes before the race, it was empty. Panic set in, and she ran the course short of breath.As she approached the finish line, Carlson stumbled to the ground, gradually picking herself back up — but not before falling several positions back to 96th.“I don’t really remember much from last year,” said Carlson.On Saturday, she cut one minute, 15 seconds off her time.And while a sense of urgency set in near the end of the race, she was strong throughout.“When I was running, I was like, I really want this to be over,” said Carlson. “I tried to sprint it in. I figured if I got there faster I’d be less likely to pass out.”This time, Carlson had a more advanced inhaler, equipped with a counter to reassure her.She also had a fiery young rookie on her heels.Freshman Andrea Poole closed on Carlson as the race entered its final mile. She ended up finishing 52nd with a 20:59.“I just wanted to keep her in my eyesight,” said Poole of Carlson, who doesn’t mind the competition from the underclassman.“I was hoping she was close, because I really wanted her to do well,” said Carlson. “I knew after Fireman’s Hill that she would be closing.”Naturally nervous at first as a first-time competitor on the course, she turned that anxiety into positive drive.“I didn’t feel comfortable at first, because everybody started passing me up,” said Poole. “I thought if I let more pass me, I would be letting myself down.”Poole’s rise to prominence has been a swift process. Just three weeks earlier she ran a 21:31 on what is considered a much easier course.“She’s starting to buy in and realize what she can accomplishment,” said Spoede. “She worked harder the past four weeks, and hopefully we can carry this into track season.”

Madeline Carlson finished 37th at the MSHSAA Championships on Saturday.

Derrick Forsythe Photo.