WESTMINSTER -- Jenny Howard and Mike Mamo both spent lonely -- and productive -- afternoons running yesterday.

Howard, of Fallston, and Mamo, of Milford Mill, jumped to quick leads and cruised to victories in the 3,200-meter runs on the first day of competition in the Class 1A and 2A state track and field championships at Western Maryland College.

The meet was suspended at 7:55 p.m., during the final event of the day, the 800-meter relay, because of thunder and lightning. It will resume this morning at 9:20 a.m. instead of the scheduled 10 a.m.

Howard won the 3,200 for the third consecutive year. The senior had little trouble and ran the fifth-fastest time in meet history, 10 minutes, 57.78 seconds, to win the Class 2A event. Michele Barrett of Allegany was second in 11:24.63.

Howard won the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs last year and has taken the state cross-country title for the past three years. Her problem yesterday was a familiar one: She had no one to push her.

Howard will attend the University of Wisconsin at Madison in the fall.