Keep Calm and Run On

A.M. 10 mile run- nice and easy since we have a workout tomorrow. 

P.M. Found out we don't have workout until Wednesday so I went to the student gym and ran 5 more on the treadmill. I felt great. I am back. 

Easy run

A.M. we met at the intramural field for workout. 800's at 100% VO2 max. Coach wanted us to run 2:34. We ran the first one on the grass and it was not happening. We hit 2:42 and it felt hard. We did 2 more at 2:41 then jogged to the track and changed into flats. Then we finally hit 2:34 and 2:34. The last one, everyone got antsy and just took off. I ran 2:32 and was in the back of the pack. It felt better to be on the track.

P.M. ran 5.5 more. I was pretty sore and tired. 

9 in the morning and 5 later. I am still feeling really well this week. Strong and not too tired so I am going to hit 75 this week. 

Surprise workout today. We ran on the field by the track and did 800, 1200 and 800. I ran 2:43, 4:06 and 2:40. 

The beginning of our run was flippin cold and unbearable. The wind finally died down and the sun thawed us out. I ran 3 miles warm up then a 20 minute tempo. I averaged 6:40 and felt better towards the end. I ran back by myself but it went really fast and I feel great. 

We met at the intramural field and ran a mile at race pace. We hit 5:27. Then we went to the track and ran a 1200 in flats- 3:58. Ran 10 in the morning and 5 later. 

8 in the morning and 4 later. My ankle has been sore and hurting so I had graston done which has helped. Still wearing brace or taping every run to be cautious and get through the season. 

Short run, norma tec and ice bath.

We ran early this morning before leaving for New Mexico. 

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. 

Long run at home. I met up with Bill and we ran in Park City. It was a great run that I needed. 

Recovery day

Workout this morning was freezing cold. The grass was snowy, crunchy and even with tights, long sleeve, gloves, headband and lots of layers I was cold to the bone. The wind didn't help. We did 800's on the grass. It felt harder that it should have and I was trying hard not to be frustrated. I ran 2:43's and decided to be done after 3. I felt so frozen and stiff I couldn't get the pace. Ran later to get miles for the day. Did norma tec and ice bath. 

Ran before leaving for Kentucky!

We couldn't run the course today so we ran a trail by it. I felt really heavy and stiff from a long travel day yesterday. It felt good to get moving. Did norma tec tonight. 

We got to run the course today and I like it. It's great because it's not repeated loops but one big loop so it doesn't feel as long (we'll see if I say the same thing tomorrow). I am excited to race tomorrow! 

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. 

Took a full week off which was glorious. I got a nasty cold that day after nationals and was very grateful I didn't need to run and could just get better. Felt tight today and tired. Got in to the trainer to get rehab exercises for my ankle which I am now doing 3 times a week.