Well this race was a good experience. It's crazy that it is only my second college race because I raced so much in high school. I ran a mile this morning before breakfast and felt great, just cold. I wanted a longer warm up because it was cold so I ran 3 on the course and got in a few strides at the line before beginning. The race was really big- 48 teams and 327 girls all to elbow and race. The first mile of the race was fun. We were packed tight and it was entertaining to throw some elbows and jostle around for position. My first mile was 5:32- right where I wanted to be. I had to pick it up and push with the girls around me for the next few loops to the 3k. My 3k split was 10:22-faster than I was planning on and coach had said the second half of the race goes even faster. The second half of the race, I felt weird. I didn't feel like I was running that fast and felt like I was slowing down. I wasn't fully there and racing. I was hanging out with girls around me and trying to pass when I would settle but I didn't feel as sharp mentally to be racing. I think a big part of this was, the race was so big, I couldn't see anyone from my team so I didn't have anyone to chase or work up to. I think someone yelled 17:15ish by the 5k (which is a new PR!) And I realized my season goal of breaking 21 in the 6k might be checked off. The finish was uphill and the longest finish of my life. I was so tired but reminded myself every person in a point and counts. I am thrilled with my time- I guess that is the reason I am so tired now. I ran 6 miles cooldown with the team. | 