Keep Calm and Run On

A.M.- workout at the track. We did 2x 1600 in flats. There were 2 groups going and coach thought I should go in the second group since I felt pretty crappy last week. I got to pace the group which was great. We ran 5:40 (and exactly  on every lap which is always satisfying) and I felt really good.  5 minutes rest then another one. We were supposed to hit 5:30 and were on pace but at the 800, girls were feeling good/antsy and we ran a 5:25. I felt good today which made me feel good that I am over the crappy feeling of last week. But I was a little bummed I didn't go in the fast group. I want to be top 5 and today I didn't run with them. My confidence feels a bit shaken since last week and I need to race and see where I am at. I am excited it is finally race week. 

PM- ran 5 more. Back of my right knee was tight and hurting. 

A.M.- We ran a few grass loops in spikes at the track. Back of my right knee was killing again and I was limping on it so I only did 8 and went to the trainer to get it massaged. Who knew the popliteus could cause so much pain? It killed to get worked on and was tight walking around all day. 

P.M.- did 5 more. My calf/back of knee was really tight and hurt. 

Recovery run. My calf/knee was still sore but it warmed up and felt better than yesterday. Feeling really good about only having to run once!!

Flew into Seattle today and went straight to the course. It is at Jefferson Park (a golf course) and an awesome course. It's pretty wide, open, well-groomed. We run 3 loops (2K each). I felt really good today, well rested, recovered and EXCITED TO RACE! 

Slept a solid 10.5 hours and did a mile shake out before breakfast. It was an afternoon race so I just relaxed in the hotel room all day. It was overcast, a little cooler and perfect race weather. We did a 2 mile warm up, potty break and it was time. I was really nervous this morning but still excited to get out there and run. I haven't run a 6K and raced XC since Nationals 2014 and felt like I needed to break the ice for the season. The first 400 was pretty open and wide then there was a super sharp turn. I did well at getting out and made sure I was on the outside of the turn. That definitely saved me from tripping over the girls who fell/slowed down. I got right with Jennica and matched with her. After a bit, Carrie moved up and we followed. We came by the mile at 5:15 and I told myself to breathe and not panic. I realized I still felt really good and my breathing in good control so I needed to push more. I surged, closed gaps and moved up to the front. 3K was 10 flat. Around the next turn, I started counting and there was a group of 11 and me. 12. I was so close to top 10 and I knew I wanted it. The race started spreading out about 400 after that I knew I needed to catch some girls. I caught one and was in 10th. Too close. 800 left I passed one more and then we hit our kill point. I needed at least one more. I caught one, came close to the finish and saw the clock at 19:43. I kicked hard to try and break 20 and just missed it. I ended up 8th and my time was a 27 second PR (from my freshman year). I was SO excited. I am so grateful and happy that I had a solid race and felt good about it. I look forward to racing again and getting it done. 

5 miles cooldown and dinner with the fam.  

Long run on an awesome trail. We drove about 30 minutes to the watershed. It was lots of dirt trails deep in the woods and so pretty! The bummer was my GPS was way off because it didn't get great coverage in the trees. I was a bit annoyed with that. I had no idea where we were running and just tried to stay with the group. We ended up getting a little lost but were able to get back on the road to get back to the cars. We went off of time for 13 miles since the GPS was off. I was tired and sore but ok.