Outdoor Class B Championships 2016

Background
The RI outdoor season is so distinctly different in meet layout than the indoor season that you'd almost forget that they're practically the same sport. Personally, I think there are three different types of meet. First off is the dual meet/small relays event, low in importance and typically only used to get a race in. Then there's the invitational, in-state or out-of-state, almost always a big meet where many PRs happen. Finally, there are the championship races, including Division, Class, State, etc. Clearly the most important ones, the ones that really count. In all three season, championship races fall in the final month but outdoor and indoor differ greatly in the placement of invitationals and dual meets. Indoor combines the two right away, as you have meets immediately (after one week), and very shortly half of those meets are invitationals (third meet). In outdoor track, this is very different. Meets don't start until the 4th week of the season, and there aren't any invitationals/big meets until the 8th week, when track is 2/3 of the way through. This makes indoor more stressful early on, but more PRs earlier in the season. In outdoor, it's relaxing without much pressure for quite a while, but then all important meets for a whole month. This makes for less stress early on, but also less PRs.

And unfortunately this format really hurt me. When May came around, I had only hit two PRs the entire season, whereas at the same point in indoor I had run about 10 PRs total. It wasn't that I was doing significantly worse, but there was just much less motivation to run well at small meets. And somehow those two PRs came from the least important meet of the season: The Injury Fund Relays. I had a very successful day running a 2:04 in the 4x800, and a 4:35 for 1600. When May came, athletes were immediately thrust into larger meets. There were some teams, those with better athletes and those conveniently located in the north who had done a few invitationals, but southern teams had not. Here's where the format hurt: I became sick for two weeks, missing one meet and failing to PR at three. A disappointing turn of events brought my track season to a low and really hurt my confidence.

It had been two weeks where I had an annoying sickness that gave me extreme coughing. I had until Saturday to recover, but it seemed to improve. Since I wasn't running great times, I hadn't even qualified for states yet. And there were only two meets left. The first was Class Championships, six meets (three for boys, three for girls) on one Saturday, May 21st. I recovered from the sickness over the course of the week and was determined to end a low-PR season. I was planning on running big in the 1500 and 3000, seeking PRs in both. Competition was stacked in the 1500, but barely there in the 3K (except for one).

Pre-Race
We arrived in Portsmouth at around 9 AM. Their track was very similar to Stonington's, as both have turf fields, some kind of net/fence at the edge of the field, and bleachers in the same position. And both have a quality track. Surprisingly, Portsmouth's had eight lanes. It was awful at first. I had felt like I ate perfectly for the event, meaning I should feel the energy. But I didn't, as the sun and heat were out.

I went for my first warm-up (6 minutes) at 10:25, under the assumption that the seeded 1500 would be going off around 11:30. I felt drowsiness and lack of energy in the warm-up. My second warm-up (15 minutes) was around 11:05, and fortunately, it suddenly became much cooler and the sun went away. I had done my first warm-up on the track, but explored some local roads on the second one. I took my sweatshirt after deciding it was hot. Still didn't feel great on this warm-up, was getting very nervous. I used the bathroom several times, which was not quite as impressive as their track. And finally the moment I was dreading, heading over to the start at around 11:20. Checked in to find out there were three heats instead of two, and it was likely I wouldn't run until 11:45. So in this race there was a 4:01 runner, a 4:04 runner, a 4:11 runner, and a couple of 4:15 runners. The 4:01 was a little fast, and I figured I'd try to stick with whoever was behind him. I put my spikes on as the first heat went off. Next, I did a few strides. I had two teammates in the 2nd heat, which wasn't comforting to me as they would getting their race over much quicker.

The strides felt terrible. I was still drowsy and feeling weak, not happy about that. After the second heat, there were 7 heats of 100 hurdles and dash trials, which seemed to take forever. And finally, the seeded heat was instructed to head over after what seemed like a very long amount of time (we started about 12:00). The instructions were a little weird, as he said we might want to think about taking sweats off, putting shoes on, and heading over to the line. The shoes part was weird as we were going off in less than a minute and everyone had been there for quite a while.

They called to the line. We all nervously awaited the timer, but he was taking a while too. We waited about a minute just standing near the line before we given the usual instructions. "On your mark, fires gun". And then it happened. "Runners, on your mark". That moment was horrible. I had little interest (at that time) to run an all-out 1500 as I was feeling weak. I wished it was a road 10K, but I had to run this, and had to run it in about one second. Then the gun went off.

 
1500
We went out fast, and a five person pack quickly formed. I was feeling the same drowsiness I did during strides, but obviously at the beginning I had no trouble keeping up. The first 300 was very uncomfortable. The pace wasn't too fast, but it was too tight. There were people right in front on me, and two close on each side. The only way to get some room was to slow down and hang in the back, but I didn't risk it as it might hurt my race. I kept kicking the runner's heels ahead of me, because it was too close. After 300, it expanded a little and I was able to get a more comfortable position as I pulled into 3rd. We hit the 400 in 63 and suddenly I was feeling much better. The 2nd place runner pulled to the side a little, and I went past him, pulling into 2nd with 1000 meters to go. I felt content leading the chase pack, as the leader started to pull away for the next 200 meters. This was the 4:01 runner, so I knew I shouldn't get too close to him. But with 800 to go my coach yelled to go after him, and I felt good enough to push the pace the little. I picked it up and closed the gap to about a second over the lap. We (or at least the leader) hit the 800 in 2:10. I felt my third lap was very strong, and I was running a great race, on pace for about 4:08. Of course, I still had to push through the last lap. The leader was a strong kicker and opened the gap a tiny bit again, but never got too far away from me. And then I hit the last 100 meters.

The finish line is right there. Just sprint as fast as you can and finish. It's easy. Apparently my body thought I was running a 1400, because my legs refused to move. I slowed down quite a bit, and it was frustrating as my thighs locked up and slowed down, despite my efforts to keep pushing. The leader completely broke away from me, and I was afraid I'd be passed from behind. I crossed the line, happy with the race but disappointed with the slow finish. I was thrilled I finished second, as I had been seeded 6th (one dropped out), but was awaiting my time. A PR was certain, but by how much? 4:10.0, a 2.5 second PR. It was great to PR again, but the slow finish felt awful. I think I would've run around 4:07 if it wasn't for that. But, a PR is a PR and it was a good race.

Classical Classic was the meet I missed, but I wasn't too disappointed as I heard it ran from 10AM-5PM. This meet went from 11AM-1:30PM, much shorter. Unfortunately for me, that meant less recovery. The recovery time was good, about 45 minutes, but the 1500 took a lot out of me. My chest hurt and I threw constantly for about 15 minutes. Once that passed, I was coughing for 15 more minutes. As I finally got over, I drank lots of water, had a bar, and headed over to the start. Unfortunately, they never called the event so I found out there just one 200 between then and the start. About one minute until the start, and I was still walking over. I still had sweats on, I still had to put on spikes, and I still had to use the bathroom. I asked an official if I had time to go, and he said only two minutes but he wouldn't start the race without me. That was a nervous bathroom break, as I knew I was racing in a few minutes, but wasn't even in racing gear. I made it quick, but as I was putting my spikes on I wondered if I didn't finish. I definitely didn't have time to go back, so I put my spikes on as quickly as possible, took my sweats off and we were called to the line.

I didn't get in my strides. The official said "Fortunately or unfortunately, you're going to be running now". I wanted to tell him that is was definitely unfortunate and to cancel the race, but that's not how life works. Many around me also probably wanted to tell him it was unfortunate. But, the gun went  off anyway.

3000
The downside was that I was now racing, and I felt pretty terrible. The upside was that my coach wasn't looking for a super fast time, but just one that would qualify for states, meaning I didn't have to put everything out there the way I did in the 1500. Another upside was that it went by quickly. There isn't much to recap. The top seed (8:55) paced off me until the end, where he outkicked me. It was just us, and then a giant gap. We hit a bunch of 73s and 74s, likely going through the mile at about 4:52-4:56. I didn't push as much as I should've and finished in a 9:09. I was happy with that, but would definitely like to be running a much faster time in the future.

First Awards of the Season (actually got a ribbon at Division, but lost it)

It was so satisfying to finally run a great meet after so many disappointing ones. Yes, I didn't hit exactly what I wanted, but was overall was happy with what happened. I PR'd and probably qualified for states. Those were the upsides, the disappointments were that the 3K wasn't super fast, the 1500 finish was slow, and I failed to achieve a goal I set a while goal. Of the four division and class championships (indoor and outdoor) I wanted to win an event, but never did. My places in all were: 3rd, 2nd, 2nd, 5th, 4th, 9th, 2nd, 2nd.

There's two meets left in the season, three if I qualify for New Englands. All on consecutive Saturdays.

Running is Tough : Weekly Log- May 23 to 29

Ah...after that PR I get to relax, right? Not quite. At first, I was supposed to have a fairly easy day at Saturday's meet, the Hendricken Invitational, running only two 800s, but my 3K time on Saturday wasn't quite fast enough. Which means I have a hard 3K Saturday, looking for a PR. I've recovered from my sickness, been doing well with training, so no problem right? Except that I'm expected to keep a 4:48 pace for 7.5 laps, likely in 85 degree weather in direct sunlight, possibly running alone. I think from that you can figure out from that why I used that title. I feel that I'm in shape to break 9, but am very worried about the weather and the possibility of running alone. Anyway, here's my preparation pre-race week so far.

Monday: 6 Miles, hill workout. Expected the normal run, but got hill instead. I would have preferred the usual 7-miler. Two sets of fingers, hot, weak and not too great. I made segments for the hill repeats and fingers a while ago, and now, despite my efforts I usually come nowhere near them. Tiring and not very fun. Difficulty: 4/5.

Tuesday: 8 Miles, Potter Hill Loop. After a mock trial field trip at school, we ate an unlimited pizza lunch at pizza place. I ate 10 slices at about 1:30, so not feeling so great during my 2:40 run. But, not feeling awful and the run wasn't too bad. Got through it and got to watch a few exciting races at freshman states (which was a home meet) afterwards.

Wednesday: 4 Miles, track workout. Was once again expecting the normal run, and was disappointed to have a track workout. However, it was much more fun than usual. 10x200, target pace 34s each, 30s recovery. I like doing 200 repeats, but not 400 repeats. Felt pretty good (I usually don't during track workouts), and was way under. 30-31 seconds on most, happy I was able to do that while still not absolutely pushing myself. Afterwards, an all out 400. A little nervous about it as I was feeling drowsy. We got plenty of recovery (at least 8 mins). We went off in different groups. A Group of 4 had an all-out 300, one person had an all-out 350, and had all-out 400. We went off, and I pushed but felt that it was slow because my thighs felt heavy and I finished in typical slow fashion. I also didn't catch anyone like I usually do. Surprisingly, I ran 56.8, which is my second fastest time ever. Fast, but fun workout. Difficulty: 2/5. Felt good on this one.

Getting nervous for Saturday's meet. Hopefully the weather won't be too bad.

Thursday: 4 Miles, easy track again. 2x400 w/60s recovery: 67/67. 4x200 w/60s recovery, something like: 30/30/29/25. Didn't feel as good as I did on Wednesday, but not bad. Another hot day.

Friday: 7 Miles, final run before the meet. Tried to slow down before, and wasn't feeling great as I had tight calves. Very nervous the night before.

Saturday: 5 Miles. Hendricken Invitational. Super nervous as usual and as expected. The time before went by quickly. I did my usual warm-ups and stretches, and it was very hot. Sunny and in the 80s. I tried to fuel right and ate my meal (pasta/bagel/bar) on the bus and had several bottles of water.

The bathroom situation was absolutely terrible and I had to wait 20 minutes in line to use the only stall available. This made me a little nervous closer to my race, but it ended up being okay. I had four teammates run before me, three of those having PR's (all in the 1500). I had figured I'd run around 11:15, but it ended up being closer to 11:35.

I was pretty nervous when I finally headed over to the start. It was still really hot and I just wanted to finish the race. I put my spikes on and only did one stride before we were called to the line. I was seeded 3rd of about 25. I figured there would be no more than three contenders (other than me), and only two who had a solid chance of beating me. Of course, about half of the field was Hendricken, and two of their top runners would probably be leading. The other runner was from Toll Gate, in my class, but was more of a mid-distance runner and I wasn't expecting him to be able to keep the pace of the lead pack for the whole time.

We lined up, only one sub-9 runner in the field (a Hendricken senior who ran an 8:52 in indoor), awaiting the gun. They took awhile to finally shoot it off.

The Race
Right away, the toll gate runner sprinted out. It wasn't extremely surprising, as he often goes out fast. I wasn't sure how long he would keep that pace, but he came back to us after 50 meters. He led, followed closely me and the sub-9 Hendricken senior. We went through the 400 in 71. After 600 meters, I pulled into second and eventually right next to the toll gate runner. Then I led the race for a while. The 800 split was 2:23, the 1200 was 3:36, and the mile was 4:48. I tried to push the last four laps as hard as I could, and I didn't too feel too bad. I started to tire a little with 3 to go, but kept hitting 72s. I heard 6:04 at 2K, and at that point I seriously doubted I would break 9 but still envisioned a PR. I heard the Hendricken coach yell at the sub-9 runner, which made me think he fell off. With 800 to go, I was passed by another Hendricken runner. I passed him back and I think I heard 7:10 (maybe 7:15 but that wouldn't make sense with 600 to go). At the final lap, he took off. I was hurting badly, and tried to stay with him but he broke away. With 200 to go, the time was called out- 8:20. I only needed a 40 second 200 to break 9, but I was slowing. My last 100 was really slow, but I finished in 8:57, a new PR and easily the best race of the season. The winner came through in 8:50.

In both this race and Class B 1500, I ran exactly what I wanted to until the last 200, where I completely fell off and had no kick. I kicked in 37, which isn't very good. If I had run a 33 or 34 last 200, I would've been under 8:55. Another great race, but another disappointing finish. Right now I'm ranked 8th for 3K and 14th for 1500, meaning I qualified for both. I'd just like to PR in both, but for the 3K I'd like to qualify for New Englands and come as close to 8:50 as possible.

Sunday: 9 Miles, Burlingame recovery loop. The early start was nice, but the bugs and the fatigue I felt were not. However, it was very nice to come home at 7:30 and be done.

I also updated my PR page and Results Page.

Weekly Total: 43 Miles
YTD Total: 887 Miles

A Return to Form- Weekly Log: May 16 to 22

It's been quite a while since I was truly satisfied with how I ran. That was back on April 27th, nearly a month. Now for most of you, that doesn't sound like a long time. But when it's one-third of the track season, it is. I had started out great, each meet running about what I wanted to. I was sure this was going to be another great season. Then May came. So far, we were supposed to have two easy meets and three hard ones. I missed two and had disappointing races in three due to an annoying sickness that lasted a whole two weeks. It completely turned my season into one of the worst ever.

Then there was this week, a chance to run great again. On Saturday was the Class Championships. I was entered in 1500 and 3K, looking for PRs in both.

Monday: 9 Miles. I was still a little sick, but barely and I was hoping it was the last of it. I had a great run. A while ago, I had mapped out possible new routes to get away from the boring roads near the school (not boring, but I've just run them so many times). I tried out a Pequot trail loop, South Anguilla road, and return route one last week, but it was just okay. This time I tried out another loop: out on route two, elmridge and north Anguilla road, return Pequot trail. Maybe I just felt better, but this was a really enjoyable run. Not only was I trying out a new route, but it felt pretty easy running 6:30s and went by quickly. The only downside was Pequot trail, with a very narrow shoulder for running. This was a confidence booster, because of how great I felt. I was coughing a lot after, but I believe that was the last of it.

Tuesday: 4 Miles, track workout. 9x400. We started with a 6x400, target pace for me was 69. I felt weak, and it wasn't very fun. About 45 seconds recovery. 71/68/67/67/66/65. Then we had 4x400, increasing speed, my target: 75/70/65/60. Recovery started at 30s and increased. Was not looking forward to last two. The last was cut eventually, and I was getting very tired. 71/69/65. Difficulty: 4/5. I think this was the last day I was sick, or at least sick enough to notice I was sick.

Wednesday: 8 Miles, tried a route I hadn't done in a while, out and back on east ave. I did a loop turnaround in the happy valley neighborhood and winnapaug road. I felt pretty good except for on the hills, which were very tiring. But it was easy on East Ave. Pace was moderate, even a little fast at about 6:20. Calves felt very tight, not pleasant to run.

Thursday: 4 Miles. Hills and track combo workout. One set of fingers, one Narragansett, and 8x200 at 34 target pace. 45 seconds recovery, and I ran many of them at 31-32. Not ridiculously easy, but not extremely hard either. Difficulty: 2/5. Still had tight calves, did some icing and used the foam roller that night.

Friday: 7 Miles, getting very nervous for Saturday's meet. Took it easy, one of the rare times I'm over 7-pace on a road run from the school. Felt pretty good, except my calves were still tight. Took the pick-ups easier than usual.

Saturday: 6 Miles, Class B Championships. You will see more in a separate write-up, but overall, a success. I finished 2nd in both 1500 and 3K. I ran a PR of 4:10 and an outdoor PR of 9:09. There was slight disappointment in both, but definitely much, much better than usual, and I think I have a shot of closing out the season with great races.

Sunday: 8 Miles, Groton trail run with dad. We ran six different park, all combined together with one trail. That was cool, but some of the trails were just okay. I liked Beebe Pond Park, Groton Woodlands (or something like that) and Town's End trails the most. Very tiring to run after the meet.

Weekly Mileage: 46 Miles
YTD Mileage: 844 Miles

Weekly Log: May 9 to 15

This was a brutal week. I had become sick on Tuesday (the 3rd), and it seemed to get worse every day. Then this week, it was getting better each day...until Wednesday. And unfortunately, it had a big impact on my running.

Monday: 6 Miles. Felt quicker than usual, and just tried to get it out of the way. A few miles in the cemetery, turnaround at Timothy Drive then return. Not bad, not great. 6:36 average pace.

Tuesday: 7 Miles. Short and easy river run. Out and back on river road, felt pretty good until I got back. First time running short trails off of River Road- will likely explore more later. Ran a little faster (6:25 pace) than I should've, as I had a meet the next day.

Wednesday: 3 Miles, Southern Division Championship. After underperforming at the last two meets, I was hoping for a great, or at least good meet. Unfortunately, I was still a little sick, but wasn't sure how it would affect me. I was running the 4x800, 1500, and 800.

It was hot, which made me a little tired during the warm-up. We went for a short warm-up, then a slightly longer one before...the 4x800 was called and starting soon. Apparently it was supposed to start at 4:15, but for some reason they were starting at 4. We grabbed our spikes and got ready, then it was about a 5-minute wait for the start. I was getting nervous, especially as I was the leadoff leg.

4x800
There were 7 teams in the 4x800. Westerly got 7th. It was disappointing to get last, but there weren't any really slow teams for us to beat, like there are in other meets. I felt good about my leg. The gun went off, and I had a good start. I was immediately behind the first NK and EG runners, before I passed the NK for second. This was 100 meters in. I knew EG had many quality 800 runners, but felt the pace was just a little slow and passed for the lead. About 200 meters later, he passed me back, much stronger than I was. We hit the first lap in 61, and he started to pull away a little. I was surprised by how hard it was to stay with him, but I picked it up and ran with him until 200 to go. At that point, he picked it up a little and got a few seconds ahead. My last 100 wasn't a great kick, and I felt that I would be passed, but I wasn't. The EG runner ran 2:02, I ran 2:05. Overall, I was mostly satisfied with that, my second fastest 800 ever and only one second off my fastest. Our second runner struggled a bit, about 6 seconds off his usual 2:15, which dropped us to 6th. Both our 3rd and 4th legs hit PR's, but weren't fast enough to hold off the final team and we ended up being the only team not to medal/score.

I wanted to hit a great 1500, but felt horrible after the 4x800. I drank water afterwards, only to immediately throw it up. I was going through tissues quickly, and kept throwing up. But the worse part was a constant cough. This went on for about 45 minutes, not getting much better before the start. And unfortunately, it came a little earlier than I thought.

1500
I was really hoping for PR, but didn't expect to have anyone to pace off of. The top runners were from NK, and they were jus running for the win, meaning they wouldn't lead the race out. There was an EG runner who was great at distance, but the 1500 wasn't his thing. I felt weak on the starting line, not a good sign. We were off. About 50 meters into the race, I see the top NK runner pull to the side (lane 2) for someone to take the lead. I really didn't want to, but it was the only way to keep the pace fast. That, and no one else took immediate action. I passed for the lead, and noticed early that I wasn't feeling great. After 250 meters, the EG runner passed for the lead, with the NK runner going with him. I stayed with them for a lap, but felt very weak and dropped off a little. The gap continued to grow over lap 3, and I was passed by another NK runner. I was able to stay with him for 200 meters, but he was a better kicked. I pushed it to the finish, running a disappointing 4:16 once again.

It was really disappointing to be way off again, but the one part I was satisfied with was my finish, a s my bell lap was at least 6 seconds faster than it was at schomp, which is what hurt me there. Unfortunately, laps 2 and 3 were a little slow.

Whatever I was feeling after the 4x800, I felt 10 times worse after the 1500. The throwing up and coughing was non-stop, and produced a painful feeling in my stomach. Eventually, the throwing up stopped, but the coughing never did. And I had to run an 800.

800
I was coughing so much, especially on the start that a runner asked my if I was okay. I wasn't, but at least it was only two laps. On your mark...I stood there ready to go...still standing...gun shoots off. It seemed like there was an extra five seconds before the gun was fired, which screwed up my start. Immediately, I was towards the back and had to do some lane two running. It didn't really clear out until 300 meters in, where separation began to happen. Came through the 400 in 62, but feeling weak. Lap two I didn't pass at all and just stayed with whoever I could. I finished in a not very good 2:09, but wasn't disappointed as it didn't really matter anymore.

Awful, awful constant coughing rest of night. Ugh.

Thursday: 8 Miles. Another river road run, this time making a turnaround loop on mary hall and Greenhaven. Good pace, but wasn't feeling it.

Friday: 8 Miles. Felt horrible, but ending up running much faster than I felt I would. Just made route up as I went along, terrible coughing afterwards.

Saturday: 7 Miles. I was assigned a hill workout, as I couldn't make the meet. 1 Set of Fingers, and 4 hill repeats up Park Ave. I felt weak during warm-up and fingers, but good on the park repeats and great on the cooldown. I ran fast 400 because I feeling good and near the track. I was coughing afterwards, but not quite as bad as Thursday's or Friday's.

Sunday: 8 Miles. I felt terrible this run, but not in the same way as the other ones. This one, I just had 0 energy. It was hard to keep going, but I managed to finish it. Not a good run, but glad I got the full 8 in.

Overall, a terrible week for running. Hopefully, next will be better.

Weekly Mileage: 47 Miles
YTD Mileage: 798 Miles

Weekly Log: May 2 to 8

Monday: 8 Miles. Ran to Stonington High via route one, returned on SHS roads, and CT neighborhood routes. I was going to do some laps, but it looked like there was practice going on. Thought about the meet Wednesday against them.

Tuesday: 6 Miles, last dual meet of the season. I was ready to run easy wins in the 1500 and 800. Until I felt terrible in school, with weak muscles and back pain. I wasn't sure how this would affect my meet. Luckily it went away during running, but unfortunately I had to do the 3K.

1500
I planned out going out hard, and my first split was a 63. Got slower and slower as it went on, and I became really tired. Finished in 4:16, disappointing, but not the worst time I could've run. It was more disappointing that I was on track to PR, then completely fell off.

3K
I don't remember much about this 3K. Light rain, I ran alone, it wasn't fun at all. It was one of the more unenjoyable ones, as I just counted down the laps. What made it worse was that I knew I was off, pace-wise. I was running 75s and 76s when I should have been running 73s and 74s. I finished in 9:23, also a little disappointing.

This was different from last week, as this hurt my confidence a little bit. Last week I ran fast times (somewhat) easily, and this week I ran slower times and it felt much harder. Hopefully I'll perform better in Wednesday's and Saturday's meet.

Wednesday: 9 Miles. Excited all day to run an easy meet at SHS, a rare meet just for fun, friendly competition, one that didn't matter. And then I was it was cancelled halfway through the day. It was even more frustrating to learn that it wasn't cancelled, but rather Westerly coaches pulled out because of the rain. Stonington and Waterford would be still holding the meet. It hard to get over that disappointment, but I eventually. Unfortunately, my run was pretty horrible. I mapped a new route, a loop to South Anguilla Road via Pequot Trail, return route one, but forgot to eat any bars before and really suffered because of it. Complete lack of energy made me feel terrible as well.

Thursday: 5 Miles. I felt much weaker than usual Tuesday and Wednesday, but Thursday confirmed that I had gotten sick. Many classmates had as well. It seemed I had more symptoms than usual- this time Chest Congestion, Running Nose, Sore Throat, and lots of coughing. We had 7xNarragansett and I felt pretty terrible, struggling to get through them. Except for my first, there were slower than usual. Difficulty of Workout: 4/5 (3/5 if I wasn't sick).

Friday: 5 Miles. Felt absolutely horrible with Chest Congestion, making it hard to breathe on run. Felt really terrible, and ran much shorter than usual, and much slower as well.

Saturday: 3 Miles. I had slept 12 hours, trying to recover from being sick as quick as possible, but still woke up the same. Unfortunately, I still had a meet to go to. It took a long time to get to the fast 1500, but it finally came. It was extremely stacked. I was seeded 10th. I was in a great position for the first 800, running 64 for 400 and 68 for 800. I lost the pack a little over the course of the third lap, but catching them I was still possible. I lost my energy and started to hurt in the last lap. My last lap was poor- I slowed down a lot, was passed and finished in a disappointing 4:16, 14th overall. (1st and 2nd ran a speedy 3:52). I was pulled out of the 800.

Sunday: 0 Miles. Still sick, but starting to improve.

Weekly Mileage: 38 (same as last week)
YTD Mileage: 751 Miles

Weekly Log: April 25 to May 1

Meet on Wednesday against a strong EG squad, before a three and half day school trip to Washington, DC.

Monday: 5 Miles, two sets of fingers. Ran it just as hard as normal but felt weaker and ended up running much slower. Not a great workout. Difficulty: 4/5.

Tuesday: 8 Miles. Kept the pace fairly easy before the meet, but took the opportunity to take the John Street Climb CR- a CR I was cheated out of last time. I explored some side roads (dead-ends) off beach street I had never been on, and then returned.

Wednesday: 6 Miles. Home meet against East Greenwich and West Warwick. EG was stacked in distance and not much else, and West Warwick had quality sprinters, some field athletes, but not much for distance.

I was running the 1500 and the 3000, for the second time in the season. I figured I'd barely win the 1500, and the 3000 would be a close match as an EG runner was right around my speed. He informed he was racing the 800, but wouldn't be racing the 3K.

1500
It wasn't an especially fast start, but I got out to the front quick. Shortly in, an EG sophomore named Dante ran neck and neck with me. I felt like it was a good pace, and didn't pick it up. There were plenty behind us. We went through the 400 in 67, after another lap, he was replaced by his teammate Hank. He took the lead, but I stayed right behind. With 300 to go, I kept thinking about making a move, but he countered the small surges I had. I wasn't until the last 100 where I pulled to the side in an attempt to pass. Every time he pulled away from me, I ran back to him. We went back and forth on the final straightaway, but he crossed the line slightly ahead of me, both of us running 4:13. I didn't expect to lose to him, but was happy to come only one second off my PR in my first 1500 in good conditions. Definite confidence booster.

3000
Got a good amount of recovery before the 3K. Headed over a little too late, as people were lining when I was still putting spikes. Many EG runners toed the line with me, and soon we were off. I didn't go out super fast, and was quickly boxed in. Their best 3K runner and another EG runner started to pull away after 200 meters, but I was stuck in the pack. My coach yelled for me to get out of there, and I slowed down to go around. I had to pick it up a little to catch up to the leaders, but after another 200 meters, I was there. I hung with him for another lap, then passed and tried to pick a little. It felt pretty good after that, actually kinda fun. I coasted to a 9:15 big win, happy with that time. I could've pushed it more at the end, but also a confidence booster.

Thursday: 8 Miles. 4:30 run around the pond with Dad. Not fun as I didn't eat before, which made me fall apart and get weak in the final miles.

Friday: 5 Miles. I missed the 4-mile group on the trip, so had to run treadmill. Wasn't too bad as I only did 5 mile, increased speed every half mile, and watched the TV built into the treadmill.

Saturday: 0 Miles. Too tired, slept in too late.

Sunday: 6 Miles. Was very disappointed to sleep in past my alarm, missing both the group run and the time to do a quick treadmill. Had to wait to do a pouring rain run when I got back. My legs felt great, meaning maybe it was the right move not running Saturday, but breathing didn't feel great.

Weekly Total: 38 Miles (a little off)
YTD Mileage: 713 Miles