Well sometimes you get blindsided, have to adapt quick and move on.
I was pretty nervous this morning but excited to race. Great shake out, breakfast, usual pre race prep. The morning was cool and the rain didn't roll in until later. We got 2.5 warm up, a little longer since it was cold. Then changed to spikes, prayer, cheer, strides and we were off. My start was pretty good- not awful and not leading it. I had both arms out to keep my balance and stay on my feet because when it narrowed, there was a lot of pushing around. I think I caught a girl from falling next to me in an attempt to stay on my feet when... my spike got stepped on. flat tired. Again. I was stunned. And thought "you have got to be kidding me" I kept moving, in shock and unbelief that it happened again. (Nationals 2013) I was still in the middle of everyone, in ok position and couldn't get to the side to put it back on. I tried stepping on it hard but that didn't work. I decided to go for it and see how long it would last.
I snapped back and started moving up and closing gaps well. We hit the hill by the mile and my spike was untied and a goner. I kicked it off and said I 'm going for it this time. I hit the mile 5:25 and felt good about that. I worked well to the 2K looking for teammates ahead and moving up. Then we hit the gravel and I regretted losing that spike and was filled with a lot of doubt and frustration. From the 3-4K was gravel that hurt and the rush of energy from kicking my spike was gone. Girls were moving and I wasn't. My mind was not there, body heavy and so tired. I wanted to drop out of that race so badly.
I looked up and saw Yesi just ahead and got myself to move to her and work with her by the 4K. We finally hit grass which felt better on my foot and I was dead tired and hurting. I tried to maintain and keep moving and it took all I had to just get to the finish.
I cried when I finished- out of frustration and anger that it happened again. It was something that was out of my control that I needed to deal with. I was pretty bummed and sad this is how it ended. My battle today was to keep racing- not in a new PR or placing well. I jogged back to the mile to get my spike and it was gone. I am actually really sad about having to leave it on the course. I have no idea where it is and I came home with only one.
Next year, duct tape.
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