What happens during Patina's race in Chapter 1?

Patina has been running the 800 meter for three years. She knows how to pace herself for the first 400 meters. She does not realize how fast the girls are in her new league. She expects them to start to tire at 400 meters, but they do not. Patina is tired, but she speeds up anyway. She starts passing the other girls. Patina makes second place. Patina is so disappointed she wants to cry, but she holds the tears in.