A lot of hard work and emotions of all sorts have taken place since the start of the year. After The club xc champs in mid December I took a week of really easy training before regrouping for a successful track season. I had a sinus infection that lasted from early December through mid January. It was nice to finally kick that thing. I really picked up my mileage in January, peaking at 100 miles per week before coming back down. That was one hell of a week. It took a very long time to build up to that. Years and years of getting stronger and stronger. I've had a past of injuries so averaging 85-90 miles/wk in Jan was great for my confidence and more importantly building a huge foundation. My training philosophy does back to the stronger you are the more you can handle. Both in the way of intensity and quality training that will need to be done in order to perform well when peaking for major competitions. Strength takes time, speed comes quickly.
Training at a high level places a great deal of stress on the body. Transitioning from a lot of volume to high intensity must be dealt with carefully and can vary from person to person. From a distance runners perspective we always want to keep our mileage consistent. Even when throwing in hill repeats, threshold training, intervals, and fartlek training. We are very stubborn people! It sometimes takes a few weeks to realize that your doing too much and something must give. My weakness has always been my left side. I've had an array of issues that start in my lower back, and the dull ache often affects my gluts, IT band and knee. I never really kicked this issue, instead learning to tolerate it. Although I love racing, indoor track is not for me. The tight turns place a lot of stress on my left side and I aways seem to get sick once racing indoors. Last year I didn't race indoors at all which was a good decision. I've had my issues but workouts were going great so I decided to race this past weekend in Boston. After all, it would be nice to see what kind of mile I could run off strength. This also gives me a way to reevaluate my training cycle thus far. Kinda like those mid-term report cards that most were terrified to get back in the day.... Below is what I posted in my training log after the race.
I'll first start with with my travels to Boston. I didn't sleep too well the night before. Not because I was nervous about the race. It had more to do with knowing that I had a flight to catch at 7 am and would be racing mid-afternoon 500 miles away. I was up at 5:00, showered, finished throwing a few things in my suitcase and was off to the airport. Jimmy dropped me off around 6. Was on the plan at 7 and before I knew it landing n Boston at 8:30.
Once exiting the terminal I took a shuttle to the Blue line train, which in normal circumstances drops you off at the green line which takes you two blocks from the Track/Tennis center at BU. There was some construction going on so I was detoured and got a little confused. This was my first time using the transient system in Boston so of course construction would be taking place. Soon back on track; literally and arrived at the BU track around 10 am. All and all not too bad.
Once arriving to the track I paid my entry fee, changed into running attire, and did 4 easy laps to test out the track. My left hip, lower back and IT band were bothering me. Already at the meet so what I'm I suppose to do. I sat around for a few hours before checking in at 12:45. That's always the worse for me. The first section was scheduled to go at 1:45, which is the fastest, then proceeds from there. My time of 4:02 seeded me 14th. Thinking that would be good enough to get me in the fastest section but a lot of fibbing was done. Not concerning myself with that. Whatever section would be fine. I knew section 2 would roll as well, or at least I was hoping.
The race -
Watching the first heat go as my hip had a tight dull ache minutes before my heat was schedules to go. Amazed to see the first section won in 3:57 with five guys breaking 4:00. The crowd was ecstatic. The starter announced that the rabbit would bring our section through in 2:28. That would be perfect. It was s small field of only 9. The gun sounds and I got out well only behind two guys. Came through in 30 and it felt fine. Even better was no hip discomfort. Through 400 in 59-60, 600 in 1:30, 800 in 2:00! I was amazed at how good this felt. Working but never feeling as though I couldn't handle it. Hit the 1000 in 2:30 and then we slowed to a 33 for the next 200. That killed our chances at sub 4:00. I was hurting, very tight but my legs were still under me. Wish I would have come into the race with more confidence. Being hesitant came at a cost. In this case it was a couple of seconds. Waited too long to pass the Mason guy and the guy from Cornell got away a bit. Ran the last lap in 30 which was good for a huge indoor pr of 4:05, good for second. Not saying I could have broke 4:00 today but running in the 4:01-4:03 range was possible. It's crazy to think because I'm still in my strength phase of training. Glad my leg decided to work with me today. Can't wait to be 100 percent healthy. Cooled down with 4 of the 5 guys that broke 4:00 in the first section. Happy for those guys. Decided to run the 3k later on since I was already there and didn't feel too bad. Ended up running 8:30 and it hurt. Legs were spent but all and all a great day! Probably not racing again until late March. It's time to train hard, get healthy, and kill it come outdoors. It's a long season and this is only a start! Link to the race is listed below.
http://www.flotrack.org/coverage/238265-2011-BU-Valentine-Invitational/video/457509-M-mile-H02
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
2011
Wow! It's hard to believe that this blog was started last year when venturing out to Colorado. What a year 2010 was. From highs to lows and everything between. A lot of personal bests were achieved but nothing like I had hoped for. I learned a lot about myself, which will help prepare me for a successful 2011. I'm sure there will be many obstacles to overcome. When June rolls around and I'm standing on the starting line waiting for the gun to go off in the 1500 final of the U.S outdoor champs, I will think to myself, it's not that moment or experience that's so great. It's the journey along the way. Long runs that seem never ending. Nagging injuries that linger for years and years. The 100 mile weeks that you never thought possible. Track workouts alone, in which you find out what your made of. I could go on and on but the fact of the matter is, nothing is more gratifying than the experience along the way!
Running related goals for the first half of 2011 -
1) Stay healthy
2) Sub 4:00 for the Mile ( I've made a pack that I will not cut my hair until sub 4 is achieved.)
3) Qualify for the U.S outdoor champs in the 1500 and advance to the final
4) Sub 14:00 for 5k
Non-running related -
1) Be true to myself
2) Take more risks
3) Be a role model or positive influence in the lives or others
4) Be open to others opinion or beliefs
5) Travel and see the world if possible
Please share with me your goals for 2011. Both running and non-related to running. Hope everyone is pumped for a great year!!!
Running related goals for the first half of 2011 -
1) Stay healthy
2) Sub 4:00 for the Mile ( I've made a pack that I will not cut my hair until sub 4 is achieved.)
3) Qualify for the U.S outdoor champs in the 1500 and advance to the final
4) Sub 14:00 for 5k
Non-running related -
1) Be true to myself
2) Take more risks
3) Be a role model or positive influence in the lives or others
4) Be open to others opinion or beliefs
5) Travel and see the world if possible
Please share with me your goals for 2011. Both running and non-related to running. Hope everyone is pumped for a great year!!!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Transformation
Time of day 10:00 AM
Distance 4.00 mi
WUCD Shoe Air Pegasus
Distance WU/CD 6.00 mi
Comments 20-min warm up + drills & strides then the workout as follows...
6 x 1k at Interval pace with 2:30 recovery between each segment.
20-min cool down to conclude the workout...
Headed over the track at Saint Chris around 10 am. This was only my third time getting on the track since starting this cycle back in August. The other two times were nothing too exciting. It was a warm and breezy morning for this time of year. I've been feeling really good over the past couple of days, which is a nice change of pace. I told myself I would just run off feel for the first interval, then take the rest of the workout from there. The first k was 2:54 which felt pretty damn good other than the wind. The times for the entire workout are listed below -
2:54, 2:54, 2:52, 2:52, 2:51, 2:49.....
Really pleased with the effort. I feel like I'm reaching a new level of fitness which is very exciting and just in time for Nationals. Something happened on the third Interval that built confidence and a sense of developing into a greater runner. I felt smooth, strong, and efficient. It's like all the 80 mile weeks, working on form, tempo runs, drills and the racing over the past couple of weeks all came together. I would call this a transition. A feeling that I rarely get and will gladly expect moving forward. On top of all this I've run 90 miles over the previous 7 days. After finishing up I jogged for 15-min and ran barefoot on the grass for another 5. The pieces are becoming a whole which in return is motivating me to train harder and I'm starting to see that my dreams can indeed come true! Happy to get a harder session in. I've been racing well on pretty much mileage only. Going forward I can't wait to see what the future holds.
Distance 4.00 mi
WUCD Shoe Air Pegasus
Distance WU/CD 6.00 mi
Comments 20-min warm up + drills & strides then the workout as follows...
6 x 1k at Interval pace with 2:30 recovery between each segment.
20-min cool down to conclude the workout...
Headed over the track at Saint Chris around 10 am. This was only my third time getting on the track since starting this cycle back in August. The other two times were nothing too exciting. It was a warm and breezy morning for this time of year. I've been feeling really good over the past couple of days, which is a nice change of pace. I told myself I would just run off feel for the first interval, then take the rest of the workout from there. The first k was 2:54 which felt pretty damn good other than the wind. The times for the entire workout are listed below -
2:54, 2:54, 2:52, 2:52, 2:51, 2:49.....
Really pleased with the effort. I feel like I'm reaching a new level of fitness which is very exciting and just in time for Nationals. Something happened on the third Interval that built confidence and a sense of developing into a greater runner. I felt smooth, strong, and efficient. It's like all the 80 mile weeks, working on form, tempo runs, drills and the racing over the past couple of weeks all came together. I would call this a transition. A feeling that I rarely get and will gladly expect moving forward. On top of all this I've run 90 miles over the previous 7 days. After finishing up I jogged for 15-min and ran barefoot on the grass for another 5. The pieces are becoming a whole which in return is motivating me to train harder and I'm starting to see that my dreams can indeed come true! Happy to get a harder session in. I've been racing well on pretty much mileage only. Going forward I can't wait to see what the future holds.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Great Weekend!
Time of day 7:00 AM
Distance 4.97 mi
Duration 24:09 @ 4:51 min/mi
WUCD Shoe Air Pegasus
Distance WU/CD 6.00 mi
Comments: Pleased with my effort for the most part. Woke up around 4:45, headed over to the race with Skeeter and Bryce around 5:30. It was rather chilly out, 36 degrees to be exact. After parking and walking over to the start we warmed up for 20-min. I then used the restroom and proceeded to do drills in order to keep my body warm. I didn't know what to expect coming in since I haven't been working out too much, and when I have it's been nothing special. I stripped down about 5-min before the race. It was chilly but I did 5 or so strides, keeping warm, preparing to run fast. Before the start I knew going out relaxed, not letting my emotions get the best of me would pay off big time. As the gun sounded we were off and I was up front but didn't feel uncomfortable. As a pack 10 or us came through the mile in 4:49. This was perfect but I knew some of the guys were going to eventually start moving. It was important to stick with the pack through 2 mi since it was breezy and loosing contact would cost me once turning on Grace. My split through 2 was 9:46, not bad but not great. It was Cameron who runs for Zap, another guy and myself off the lead pack. Cameron was moving better than I was over the next mile. I came through 3 mi in 14:46, so 5:00 that mile. No wonder the pack was getting further ahead. I started to piece things together and run as hard and relaxed as I could over the remaining two miles. Cameron made his way up to his teammate who was dropped and I was about 10 sec behind. I hit the 4 mi mark in 19:36, 4:50 that Mile! I started to move hard as I knew there was a downhill finish. Coming down the final quarter mile I could see the clock, knowing a narrowly missed cracking sub 24:00. Pushing through the line in 24:09. A PR by 22 seconds. For where I 'm currently at with my training, I'm very pleased with the effort. It took a while to get some clothes on and get a cool down in. I saw and talked with many people after the race. What a great day of racing and fun with friends and runners who all enjoy the sport! Next up is the Philly 8k next weekend. Really pumped for this one. Need to be a bit more aggressive during the middle of the race. I'm strong and fit, ready to compete and race with the best!
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Distance 4.97 mi
Duration 24:09 @ 4:51 min/mi
WUCD Shoe Air Pegasus
Distance WU/CD 6.00 mi
Comments: Pleased with my effort for the most part. Woke up around 4:45, headed over to the race with Skeeter and Bryce around 5:30. It was rather chilly out, 36 degrees to be exact. After parking and walking over to the start we warmed up for 20-min. I then used the restroom and proceeded to do drills in order to keep my body warm. I didn't know what to expect coming in since I haven't been working out too much, and when I have it's been nothing special. I stripped down about 5-min before the race. It was chilly but I did 5 or so strides, keeping warm, preparing to run fast. Before the start I knew going out relaxed, not letting my emotions get the best of me would pay off big time. As the gun sounded we were off and I was up front but didn't feel uncomfortable. As a pack 10 or us came through the mile in 4:49. This was perfect but I knew some of the guys were going to eventually start moving. It was important to stick with the pack through 2 mi since it was breezy and loosing contact would cost me once turning on Grace. My split through 2 was 9:46, not bad but not great. It was Cameron who runs for Zap, another guy and myself off the lead pack. Cameron was moving better than I was over the next mile. I came through 3 mi in 14:46, so 5:00 that mile. No wonder the pack was getting further ahead. I started to piece things together and run as hard and relaxed as I could over the remaining two miles. Cameron made his way up to his teammate who was dropped and I was about 10 sec behind. I hit the 4 mi mark in 19:36, 4:50 that Mile! I started to move hard as I knew there was a downhill finish. Coming down the final quarter mile I could see the clock, knowing a narrowly missed cracking sub 24:00. Pushing through the line in 24:09. A PR by 22 seconds. For where I 'm currently at with my training, I'm very pleased with the effort. It took a while to get some clothes on and get a cool down in. I saw and talked with many people after the race. What a great day of racing and fun with friends and runners who all enjoy the sport! Next up is the Philly 8k next weekend. Really pumped for this one. Need to be a bit more aggressive during the middle of the race. I'm strong and fit, ready to compete and race with the best!
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Wednesday, November 10, 2010
11/10/10
Time of day 2:00 PM
Distance 6.00 mi
Duration 31:30 @ 5:15 min/mi
Route Pony Pasture
Distance WU/CD 5.00 mi
Comments Tempo workout down at PP. What a great day for working out! I warmed up for 20-min, used the bathroom, did drills & strides before starting.
- 4 mi at 5:15 pace with 2-3 mi rest + 2 mi at 5:10 pace. HR was steady between 160 - 166 once reaching steady state.
- 4 x 30-sec in new Wave Universe to get my legs turning over. I'll be using these flats this weekend. They only weigh 3.7 ounces!!!
I'm ready as I'm going to be for this weekend. I'd like to run sub 24 although I know the workouts don't indicate me running that fast just yet. I know I'm strong and believe the mileage is going to pay off big time this cycle.
Distance 6.00 mi
Duration 31:30 @ 5:15 min/mi
Route Pony Pasture
Distance WU/CD 5.00 mi
Comments Tempo workout down at PP. What a great day for working out! I warmed up for 20-min, used the bathroom, did drills & strides before starting.
- 4 mi at 5:15 pace with 2-3 mi rest + 2 mi at 5:10 pace. HR was steady between 160 - 166 once reaching steady state.
- 4 x 30-sec in new Wave Universe to get my legs turning over. I'll be using these flats this weekend. They only weigh 3.7 ounces!!!
I'm ready as I'm going to be for this weekend. I'd like to run sub 24 although I know the workouts don't indicate me running that fast just yet. I know I'm strong and believe the mileage is going to pay off big time this cycle.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Decisions
I have a painting hanging from my wall which is titled "Destiny". I bought it a while back because It looked soothing. It's a painting of a small boat surrounded by a body of water. The other day I was pondering and stumbled upon a quote at the bottom of the picture that reads "The decisions we make not the chances we take determine our destiny." Looking back I've taken more chances rather than making well thought out decisions. Anyhow it's been a while since my last post. A lot has happened over the past couple of weeks. I was putting in all the hard work preparing for the final phase of my training cycle. That mixed with my last few weeks of school and making the transition to a new phase of life.
Two weeks ago I had to make the decision to either race at UNC, or Swarthmore in Pennsylvania. I thought both races would have good 1500 fields so I entered in both and decided last minute to race at Swarthmore. The meet is put on by Villinova and typically attracts some of the best distance runners in the northeast. The meet was held on Monday the 10th and I had two final exams the following morning. I felt fairly confident that I would do well on the exams so Wallid, my mother and I made our way to Pa around noon on Monday. It had been windy the past couple of days and the forecast was calling for windy conditions yet again up and down the east coast. My mom offered to drive me to the race which was really nice for a couple to reasons. The first being we don't spend much time together, and the second being she gets to see me do something that I'm extremely passionate about. She knows how hard I've been working, so her being there meant a lot. When arriving at Swarthmore it was a chilly, breezy afternoon and not many people sitting in the stands. I've come to notice that a lot of the faster meets are at small places like this, that not many people know about. I felt rested since my last workout was some fast 800's from 4 days prior. Looking at the heat sheets I was the 16th fastest seed at a time of 3:45. I couldn't believe that 3;45 might not get me into the faster section. After warming up and doing some drills I went to get my number and was told I'll be in the second of 5 sections. It was almost go time and I didn't get pissed. I told myself I was going to lace up my spikes and run like hell. While doing a few more strides I watched the first section as the rabbits brought the leaders though in 1:57. The winning time ended up being 3:41.99. Next up was my section.
While standing on the line waiting for the starters instructions I told myself I was ready to run fast, no matter what. The gun sounded and I found myself leading the race. Coming through 400 in 59. Feeling smooth I continued to lead through 800 in 2:00. Coming up on the k I was feeling tight but still had my legs, which was nice. I looked up at the clock with a lap to go, 2:45 - 2;46... I though damn I'm slipping a bit. At 1200 I was 3:01 and that's when I started to really tighten up. Around 250 to go some guy went by and a few others tried to do the same. I reacted rather than leaning back falling apart. I even gained some the last 50 but ended up second in a time of 3:47.39. I couldn't be upset. After all it was a 2.5 second pr and I did most of the work. I remember coming down the final straight, seeing the clock click away the seconds, 3:39, 3;40, 3:41 and so on. It was amazing seeing 3:30 anything on the clock and feeling so close to the line. Of course I ran nowhere near that fast but I now know that's a realistic possibility one day. After the race Wally and I did an easy cool down before getting in the car and driving back to Va. Wally ran 3:50.33 which was a good race considering he raced two days ago at UNC. Glad he decided to come along. The journey home was nice although my mom had some starbucks coffee for the first time ever, which led to her talking about anything and everything. She seriously needs to never touch that stuff again. I know she was excited for me and after explaining everything to her she kinda understand it all. I'm lucky to have such a wonderful mother that understands where I'm coming from and respects the decisions I've made, good and not so good.
The following morning I woke after 4 hours of sleep and was ready to get the last two finals OF MY LIFE over and done with. I Graduate on May 22nd although I still have a 6 credit hour internship to do over the summer. It was a great feeling to finally be finished. I should have been racing the night before finals in the past. I don't know what grade i received on each of the finals but my final grades for the semester were 2 A's, 2 B's, and a C in my 1 credit palates class. I couldn't believe she gave me a C although I missed 4 classes due to races, and our class was based on attendance. Guess you can see where my priorities are. Thinking back on it I think I made the right decision to race when I did, missing those classes. Oh well it's over and done with at this point.
Since I raced on Monday my entire schedule was off. I registered for the 1500/5k at a last chance meet at North Carolina A&T which was to be held on Sunday. I had a feeling the 1500 was going to be loaded and didn't want to miss out of an opportunity to crack 3;45. Jimmy was racing in the 5k so we decided to go together. I did 1 workout in between which consisted of tempo and Reps. It was a different workout than I was accustomed to but it seemed to work me, without killing my legs before my race. I did the workout at U of R and after finishing up I talked with coach Taylor from U of R for a bit. Jimmy has been working out with his guys some. We were talking about training and the upcoming meet. He is an extremely nice guy that's passionate about the sport and does a great job with the program over there. We briefly discussed the idea about staring a post-collegiate group in the area. He'son board so i need to get on the ball and make it happen. The day before the meet in Greensboro coach Taylor offered jimmy and I a place to stay after the race Sunday night.
Midday Sunday afternoon we were on our way to Greensboro in hopes of running some fast times. If I would have known how the night was going to go I would have stayed at home and had a few beers. Driving down to the meet took no time at all. We decided to take 360 which is more scenic and less traffic. We arrived at the track around 5pm, where we paid our $30 entry fee, which was shady. After getting fucked we made our way into Greensboro to find a coffee shop and a quick bite to eat. I was racing at 9pm but needed something. Everything was pretty much shut down in the city and it took forever to find a coffee shop. We couldn't find one damn Starbucks in that entire city. We sure as hell passed enough fried chicken joints that would give an entire track team CAD. We soon came across a Carabu coffee shop, or however you spell that. Finally some coffee and a nice chicken wrap from a deli that was open. Once returning to the track we found that all the distance runners were all together on the far side of the stadium. I checked in a while before my race and the lady seemed fucking clueless on what she was doing. She said we would get our number on the start line. I didn't think into too much. I put down a seed time of 3:43 so I would get into the fast section unlike Monday. I went out for a 20 min warm up, returned to the infield to do drills and prepare mentally for the race. The meet was now behind schedule but soon I had my spiked on and a few strides under my belt. Once getting to the starting area the lady started calling off names for the first section. She did not call my name so i instantly knew something was not right. I approached her and she said that I would be racing the the second section. I told her that can not be correct and she said they mixed all the seeds up. Something that would only be done in championship races. Coach Vig came over to see what was going on, and before I knew it all of his guys and the other unattached faster guys from my section were all put in the first section. I was getting fucked right before the race but there was nothing I could do about it. Not only that it had been an hour and a half since I started my warm up. The first section was soon off as i waited to race. A guy from my section offered to rabbit for me since he knew I was getting fucked. Robby Andrews won the first section in 3:42 and a hand full of other guys ran under 3:45. The officials took another 5 min after that section before we were off. We were off and quick as the guy came through the 400, I heard 57 -58. I was thinking shit this is fast, but try to relax. The announcer was calling me by the wrong name, which was the fairly consistent with the direction of this meet. Anyhow we came through the 800 in 1:58 and I was feeling it. The rabbit slowed a lot as he took me through 1000. I came through with a lap to go in 2:46 but i knew the last lap was going to be rough. Nobody was within striking distance, coming through the 1200 in 3:01 just like Monday. The last 300 I was completely lactic and just trying to finish. I won my section in 3:48.33 but was extremely pissed off. After the race they were still announcing me by the wrong name and i blew up on the officials. I drove to this meet to compete with the best. Instead I got fucked while half of the first section ran like shit. I paid $30, drove 3 and a half hours to do what I could have done back home. It's shit like that that test my limits to how much more I can take. It's hard enough and these bastards made it that much harder. There is not a doubt in my mind that I would have run under 3:45 that night. Everyone could tell how frustrated I was, and was entitled to that. People who know me know I like to bitch about things, and they are right. I may complain but at the end of the day I put in the hard work and I busted my balls in that race Sunday night. I left Greensboro knowing that much. There are not too many opportunities to race fast so I'm hoping I'll find the right race and make it happen before my cycle comes to a close. After talking with coach Taylor I calmed down and cheered on Jimmy in the 5k. He looked great for the first 6 laps but died off, running 14:49 which was still a pr. I know he was upset but he will get there. He just needs to keep his head up high and continue putting in the hard work.
That brings me back to decisions. Running is just like anything else in life. It's all about for much your willing to sacrifice to become great. Sunday night was a testimony to that. How many times can you get knocked to the ground, kicked and beaten before things come through. Jimmy and I had a great conversation about this on the way home. It comes down to how badly you want it. If you make the decision to continue with the sport, then give it everything you have. That's what we'll continue to do. I'm extremely fortunate to be given the opportunity to peruse what I love doing, and for that I'm thankful.
Two weeks ago I had to make the decision to either race at UNC, or Swarthmore in Pennsylvania. I thought both races would have good 1500 fields so I entered in both and decided last minute to race at Swarthmore. The meet is put on by Villinova and typically attracts some of the best distance runners in the northeast. The meet was held on Monday the 10th and I had two final exams the following morning. I felt fairly confident that I would do well on the exams so Wallid, my mother and I made our way to Pa around noon on Monday. It had been windy the past couple of days and the forecast was calling for windy conditions yet again up and down the east coast. My mom offered to drive me to the race which was really nice for a couple to reasons. The first being we don't spend much time together, and the second being she gets to see me do something that I'm extremely passionate about. She knows how hard I've been working, so her being there meant a lot. When arriving at Swarthmore it was a chilly, breezy afternoon and not many people sitting in the stands. I've come to notice that a lot of the faster meets are at small places like this, that not many people know about. I felt rested since my last workout was some fast 800's from 4 days prior. Looking at the heat sheets I was the 16th fastest seed at a time of 3:45. I couldn't believe that 3;45 might not get me into the faster section. After warming up and doing some drills I went to get my number and was told I'll be in the second of 5 sections. It was almost go time and I didn't get pissed. I told myself I was going to lace up my spikes and run like hell. While doing a few more strides I watched the first section as the rabbits brought the leaders though in 1:57. The winning time ended up being 3:41.99. Next up was my section.
While standing on the line waiting for the starters instructions I told myself I was ready to run fast, no matter what. The gun sounded and I found myself leading the race. Coming through 400 in 59. Feeling smooth I continued to lead through 800 in 2:00. Coming up on the k I was feeling tight but still had my legs, which was nice. I looked up at the clock with a lap to go, 2:45 - 2;46... I though damn I'm slipping a bit. At 1200 I was 3:01 and that's when I started to really tighten up. Around 250 to go some guy went by and a few others tried to do the same. I reacted rather than leaning back falling apart. I even gained some the last 50 but ended up second in a time of 3:47.39. I couldn't be upset. After all it was a 2.5 second pr and I did most of the work. I remember coming down the final straight, seeing the clock click away the seconds, 3:39, 3;40, 3:41 and so on. It was amazing seeing 3:30 anything on the clock and feeling so close to the line. Of course I ran nowhere near that fast but I now know that's a realistic possibility one day. After the race Wally and I did an easy cool down before getting in the car and driving back to Va. Wally ran 3:50.33 which was a good race considering he raced two days ago at UNC. Glad he decided to come along. The journey home was nice although my mom had some starbucks coffee for the first time ever, which led to her talking about anything and everything. She seriously needs to never touch that stuff again. I know she was excited for me and after explaining everything to her she kinda understand it all. I'm lucky to have such a wonderful mother that understands where I'm coming from and respects the decisions I've made, good and not so good.
The following morning I woke after 4 hours of sleep and was ready to get the last two finals OF MY LIFE over and done with. I Graduate on May 22nd although I still have a 6 credit hour internship to do over the summer. It was a great feeling to finally be finished. I should have been racing the night before finals in the past. I don't know what grade i received on each of the finals but my final grades for the semester were 2 A's, 2 B's, and a C in my 1 credit palates class. I couldn't believe she gave me a C although I missed 4 classes due to races, and our class was based on attendance. Guess you can see where my priorities are. Thinking back on it I think I made the right decision to race when I did, missing those classes. Oh well it's over and done with at this point.
Since I raced on Monday my entire schedule was off. I registered for the 1500/5k at a last chance meet at North Carolina A&T which was to be held on Sunday. I had a feeling the 1500 was going to be loaded and didn't want to miss out of an opportunity to crack 3;45. Jimmy was racing in the 5k so we decided to go together. I did 1 workout in between which consisted of tempo and Reps. It was a different workout than I was accustomed to but it seemed to work me, without killing my legs before my race. I did the workout at U of R and after finishing up I talked with coach Taylor from U of R for a bit. Jimmy has been working out with his guys some. We were talking about training and the upcoming meet. He is an extremely nice guy that's passionate about the sport and does a great job with the program over there. We briefly discussed the idea about staring a post-collegiate group in the area. He'son board so i need to get on the ball and make it happen. The day before the meet in Greensboro coach Taylor offered jimmy and I a place to stay after the race Sunday night.
Midday Sunday afternoon we were on our way to Greensboro in hopes of running some fast times. If I would have known how the night was going to go I would have stayed at home and had a few beers. Driving down to the meet took no time at all. We decided to take 360 which is more scenic and less traffic. We arrived at the track around 5pm, where we paid our $30 entry fee, which was shady. After getting fucked we made our way into Greensboro to find a coffee shop and a quick bite to eat. I was racing at 9pm but needed something. Everything was pretty much shut down in the city and it took forever to find a coffee shop. We couldn't find one damn Starbucks in that entire city. We sure as hell passed enough fried chicken joints that would give an entire track team CAD. We soon came across a Carabu coffee shop, or however you spell that. Finally some coffee and a nice chicken wrap from a deli that was open. Once returning to the track we found that all the distance runners were all together on the far side of the stadium. I checked in a while before my race and the lady seemed fucking clueless on what she was doing. She said we would get our number on the start line. I didn't think into too much. I put down a seed time of 3:43 so I would get into the fast section unlike Monday. I went out for a 20 min warm up, returned to the infield to do drills and prepare mentally for the race. The meet was now behind schedule but soon I had my spiked on and a few strides under my belt. Once getting to the starting area the lady started calling off names for the first section. She did not call my name so i instantly knew something was not right. I approached her and she said that I would be racing the the second section. I told her that can not be correct and she said they mixed all the seeds up. Something that would only be done in championship races. Coach Vig came over to see what was going on, and before I knew it all of his guys and the other unattached faster guys from my section were all put in the first section. I was getting fucked right before the race but there was nothing I could do about it. Not only that it had been an hour and a half since I started my warm up. The first section was soon off as i waited to race. A guy from my section offered to rabbit for me since he knew I was getting fucked. Robby Andrews won the first section in 3:42 and a hand full of other guys ran under 3:45. The officials took another 5 min after that section before we were off. We were off and quick as the guy came through the 400, I heard 57 -58. I was thinking shit this is fast, but try to relax. The announcer was calling me by the wrong name, which was the fairly consistent with the direction of this meet. Anyhow we came through the 800 in 1:58 and I was feeling it. The rabbit slowed a lot as he took me through 1000. I came through with a lap to go in 2:46 but i knew the last lap was going to be rough. Nobody was within striking distance, coming through the 1200 in 3:01 just like Monday. The last 300 I was completely lactic and just trying to finish. I won my section in 3:48.33 but was extremely pissed off. After the race they were still announcing me by the wrong name and i blew up on the officials. I drove to this meet to compete with the best. Instead I got fucked while half of the first section ran like shit. I paid $30, drove 3 and a half hours to do what I could have done back home. It's shit like that that test my limits to how much more I can take. It's hard enough and these bastards made it that much harder. There is not a doubt in my mind that I would have run under 3:45 that night. Everyone could tell how frustrated I was, and was entitled to that. People who know me know I like to bitch about things, and they are right. I may complain but at the end of the day I put in the hard work and I busted my balls in that race Sunday night. I left Greensboro knowing that much. There are not too many opportunities to race fast so I'm hoping I'll find the right race and make it happen before my cycle comes to a close. After talking with coach Taylor I calmed down and cheered on Jimmy in the 5k. He looked great for the first 6 laps but died off, running 14:49 which was still a pr. I know he was upset but he will get there. He just needs to keep his head up high and continue putting in the hard work.
That brings me back to decisions. Running is just like anything else in life. It's all about for much your willing to sacrifice to become great. Sunday night was a testimony to that. How many times can you get knocked to the ground, kicked and beaten before things come through. Jimmy and I had a great conversation about this on the way home. It comes down to how badly you want it. If you make the decision to continue with the sport, then give it everything you have. That's what we'll continue to do. I'm extremely fortunate to be given the opportunity to peruse what I love doing, and for that I'm thankful.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Changes
I'm at that point in life where a lot changes are about to take place. My final semester of college is coming to a close. I'm not overwhelmed with exams which is nice compared to previous semesters. I've been doing a lot of thinking about life in general over the past couple of days. Thinking of all the times I've experienced transitions in life. Looking back, these changes have made me stronger and helped me develop as an individual. Although I thrive off consistency as a runner, life's obstacles help me perform at my absolute best. Why that is I can't really be sure of.
I've been reading the book "Again To Carthage" which is the sequel to "Once A Runner". In short both books are about the life of a serious distance runner. What it takes to be the best and what's given up in the process. I'm reading a chapter right now in which Quenton Cassidy, a fictional character replays his childhood remembering moments that lead to his success. So while reading this book, getting ready for a new chapter in life, I can't help but think back on some moments that made me the person I am right now. Why am I in love with this crazy sport? Maybe because it was a way out for me. My first memory of really going out for a run was when I around 10 years old. I was fishing over at Byrd park with some friends and I saw all these people running around the lake. I always ran during soccer practice, but never enjoyed it. For some reason I decided to start running around the lake. The only problem was I had no shoes on. This didn't stop me from running a couple loops around, enjoying every minute of it! I remember how beat up my feet were afterward. Other moments include running the mile in PE my freshman year in high school. My teacher was amazed that I ran 6:04 and told me to go out for the indoor track team to prepare for soccer in the spring. That's when it all started....
Since that day running has been my way of dealing with things. Through the ups and downs I always had that connection. At times I have not run for months due to various reasons, but never did I lose my love for running. I remember changing high schools in January of my junior year. This was a new beginning for me. That outdoor season I told myself that nobody was going to beat me, and in a way I had something to prove. Just thinking that put me a level above everyone I raced against. After high school I didn't run competitively for a few years but once given the opportunity to compete in college, I again felt like I has something to prove. Looking back I ran some great times for my fitness level at the time. At the end of the day I have to look myself in the mirror and ask the question, did I give it everything I had today? Some days you have it and others all the pieces may not have come together. That brings me back to right now. This training cycle has been going great. I've put in all the hard work, starting in January when I was putting in the miles all alone in Colorado, to running through the snow all winter, to busting my ass on the track the past few months. I know what I'm capable of now it's time to go into these next few races with the desire to win! In a few weeks I'll be graduated college and a new start awaits me. Things are really going well. I mean my workouts have been phenomenal, I'm becoming more involved in coaching which is something I have a passion for and want to continue doing for a long time. I would love the opportunity to train somewhere next year and really see what I can run with having all the things it takes to be a great distance runner. The fact of the matter is I need to run certain times over the next 6 weeks in order to ensure myself that possibility. I'm doing things I never thought possible, now it's time to believe in myself again. Whatever the future holds I'm ready!
I've been reading the book "Again To Carthage" which is the sequel to "Once A Runner". In short both books are about the life of a serious distance runner. What it takes to be the best and what's given up in the process. I'm reading a chapter right now in which Quenton Cassidy, a fictional character replays his childhood remembering moments that lead to his success. So while reading this book, getting ready for a new chapter in life, I can't help but think back on some moments that made me the person I am right now. Why am I in love with this crazy sport? Maybe because it was a way out for me. My first memory of really going out for a run was when I around 10 years old. I was fishing over at Byrd park with some friends and I saw all these people running around the lake. I always ran during soccer practice, but never enjoyed it. For some reason I decided to start running around the lake. The only problem was I had no shoes on. This didn't stop me from running a couple loops around, enjoying every minute of it! I remember how beat up my feet were afterward. Other moments include running the mile in PE my freshman year in high school. My teacher was amazed that I ran 6:04 and told me to go out for the indoor track team to prepare for soccer in the spring. That's when it all started....
Since that day running has been my way of dealing with things. Through the ups and downs I always had that connection. At times I have not run for months due to various reasons, but never did I lose my love for running. I remember changing high schools in January of my junior year. This was a new beginning for me. That outdoor season I told myself that nobody was going to beat me, and in a way I had something to prove. Just thinking that put me a level above everyone I raced against. After high school I didn't run competitively for a few years but once given the opportunity to compete in college, I again felt like I has something to prove. Looking back I ran some great times for my fitness level at the time. At the end of the day I have to look myself in the mirror and ask the question, did I give it everything I had today? Some days you have it and others all the pieces may not have come together. That brings me back to right now. This training cycle has been going great. I've put in all the hard work, starting in January when I was putting in the miles all alone in Colorado, to running through the snow all winter, to busting my ass on the track the past few months. I know what I'm capable of now it's time to go into these next few races with the desire to win! In a few weeks I'll be graduated college and a new start awaits me. Things are really going well. I mean my workouts have been phenomenal, I'm becoming more involved in coaching which is something I have a passion for and want to continue doing for a long time. I would love the opportunity to train somewhere next year and really see what I can run with having all the things it takes to be a great distance runner. The fact of the matter is I need to run certain times over the next 6 weeks in order to ensure myself that possibility. I'm doing things I never thought possible, now it's time to believe in myself again. Whatever the future holds I'm ready!
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