Race day. Mile shakeout before breakfast. I was pretty nervous today and had a hard time getting calmed down. I had a lot of mental negativity warming up and doing strides. I just needed to race. Started out pretty well- got pushed back a bit when the course narrowed and we hit the gravel/roots as well. I was able to see teammates close and push up with them. We were in a solid pack of 5 or 6 up to the 2K. I began feeling better and started to get antsy as the lead pack was gapping us. Between the 2 and 3 K I surged and by then the lead group was gone and it had begun to string out. I felt good to move up and pass a couple then got stuck in no man's land the second half of the race. I hit the 5K and felt so dead. I felt drained and no one was close by to try and move with. I struggled to get a kick going but finally did and passed a few before the finish.
I am mad at myself for not going with the lead pack earlier in the race. I waited too long to move and then was stuck by myself. We ended up 4th which should hopefully be enough for Nationals since we did so well at Wisconsin.
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