directions_run Run • Aug. 29, 2024, 1 a.m.

Going to split the race into three different parts. Pre-Race Prep, Bulk of the race, and last 600 meters. Prerace prep was great; sleep, hydration, food, and warmup were all perfect. Really felt like experience is getting rid of a lot of stupid mistakes. Will need to continue this. As for the bulk of the race, everything felt very natural. It was not easy, by any means, but I noticed myself naturally opening my stride on the downhill, prepping for the hills, and keeping an eye on my overall positioning without giving it much thought. I want to also recognize that there were very little people running with us, and it would be a lot different with an extra 30 guys in our pack. As for the last 600 meters, I really noticed the heat hit me. I know that I am much better starting my speed up / final kick as early as possible (definitely not a sprinter). As natural as the pace was for the other parts of the race, that speed is absolutely not what should have been the right speed for that last 600. Needed to be much more conscious that the race was nearly over and that it was time to pick it up into another gear. I fought in the last kick, but I would have certainly benefited from a 600 meter surge. As a side note, I could definitely feel like I wasn’t very motivated during the last 600 meters. Part of this is likely due to me running alone and feeling the effects of the heat. However, the “I’m doing good enough” mentality is not going to cut it if I am counted upon to score points for the team. It’s a selfish way to think, and it cannot be that way for future competitions. I know that my strengths lie in the bulk of the race, but it means nothing if I can’t bring it home strong. Another issue is one that I talked about with Ferren. Around the 1.3-1.5 mile marker, Tarasi, me, Cole, and Ferren started spreading out. We had a great pack and likely would have all pushed each other much faster had we kept the pack together. I feel that this would have also really helped in the final 600, as the four of us would have had three others to push each other in that kick. Overall, a lot to reflect upon from this race. I feel that I did well, but could have been more focused on the final 600 of the race. Will be nice to run where it isn’t super hot but glad to have the conditioning for future races. The future of the team is looking bright, just need to keep it that way.