Forty seemed like a nice age for Newburyport's Chris Kealey to begin his indoor track career.

The organizer of Newburyport's annual summer sprint event - the High Street Mile - did just that last weekend.

Kealey competed in Reebok's 13th annual Boston Indoor Games (BIG) last Saturday at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston.

Harboring hundreds of spectators and running enthusiasts, the meet featured world-class talent with nearly a score of past and future Olympic medalists competing in 20 track and field events.

Kealey, the president of the Winner's Circle Racing Club in Salisbury, is normally an outdoor runner. But Kealey understands, there are some experiences you just cannot pass up.

"It was great," stated Kealey. "The atmosphere was really exciting. A little nerve-racking, but it was just such a privilege being able to race.

"There was a world record broken in the women's 2-mile (Meseret Defar of Ethiopia). Everyone involved was so fast."

Kealey placed sixth in the Master's Mile (4:35.79), a single-mile race between various men from New England and the Metro region over the age of 40.

"When I first arrived, it was impossible not to be overwhelmed by the energy in the air," explained Kealey. "I was anxious, but like anything else, once it started I was all set.

"Training really prepared me for what was ahead. I had a fatigue-resistance routine that helped push my muscles and lungs further, and by running at a 90 percent clip for a mile, my endurance began to build," said Kealey. "Winter running around here isn't the easiest, but it definitely aids your progression."

Kealey, despite being more familiar with outdoor racing, enjoyed the transition in environment.

"The more you do something, regardless of your experience, the more comfortable you become doing it," stated Kealey. "I'm not used to the way they gauge quarters, it's different than running outdoors. But as long as I run well, and my pace is comfortable, everything goes smoothly," said Kealey, who admits that "Strategy is the key."

What many non-runners and other light runners may not know, is the tendency to become dehydrated faster when indoors.

"It's so dry indoors that runners are very susceptible to dehydration," explained Kealey. "I'm never really hungry before a race; maybe a power bar or shake will do, but I always make sure I'm hydrated. That's what really matters."

In preparation the day before his race, Kealey is cognizant of getting his body and mind prepared.

"I ran a three-mile jog the day before. Just to get the cobwebs out," stated Kealey. "Though, in actuality, just like anything else, it's more of a mental cleansing. Thinking about what needs to be done. For any chance of success, the head needs to be there."

However, on the morning of the race, an unwelcome omen of sorts entered the fold.

"I woke up the day of the race, and my foot hurt slightly," recalled Kealey. "I was a little worried about that. But once I entered the Reggie Lewis Center, everything was fine."

Kent Lemme of the Greater Springfield Harriers finished first in the race, clocking in at 4:25.04.

"He was in another league. I have to give him credit," said Kealey, who plans on returning to the BIG next year.

"If the body's able, than I'd love to do it again," Kealey said.

As for his own running, Kealey is proud. And for good reason.

"I just wanted to run at an even pace. Not to follow anyone else's, but to make my own," said Kealey. "It's when you try to match some one else that you throw away your strategy, and things fall apart."

Keeping a steady pace throughout, finishing strong was Kealey's goal.

"I hung back at the start, but pushed hard during the last quarter," explained Kealey. "I'd definitely cross that finish line again."

Kealey's Kick

Name: Chris Kealey

Hometown: Newburyport

Age: 40

Sport: Running

Team: President of Winner's Circle Running Club

Best mile time: 4:23.00

Accomplishment: Placed sixth in Master's Mile at Boston Indoor Games Saturday

Saturday's time: 4:35.79