After states, it's a whole two weeks to new englands. Then 6 days after that until nationals. I'd prefer that the two week gap be placed between new englands and nationals, but either way, it's nice to have a weekend off. While awaiting to see whether or not I made the fast heat, a pretty normal week of practice.
Monday: 7 Miles. Hilly Hopkinton roads with sam. Enjoyable run on quiet roads in Hopkinton. Decided to run maxson hill somewhat hard and was surprised to take the segment. This run, at least the maxson hill section, took a lot out of me and I wasn't fully recovered from states. Cool to run here for the first time and will certainly be back.
Tuesday: 7 Miles with sam again. Ran from the Pawcatuck river trailhead (short out and back trails to the water) and explored roads like river road and osbrook point. Very enjoyable and peaceful with many great views. Felt much better than I had on Monday.
Wednesday: 8 Miles, light hill workout. 5xNarragansett. First Narragansetts in several months. Enjoyed not doing park, but felt very weak the entire time. Difficulty: 3/5.
Thursday: 6 Miles, track workout. Started out with 6x400 at 1:45 w/60s recovery. They were a little tiring, but overall not too bad. Hit around 1:43 for most of them. Felt pretty smooth, but was nervous I may have something brutal after that. 4x400 at 75s w/45s recovery. Felt really good and coasted easily. Difficulty: 3/5.
Friday: 8 Miles. Warm (60 degrees in February) run through northern westerly. Felt hot and tired running up a few hills at first, but eventually got much more comfortable and increased the pace without getting really tired. Felt great throughout the rest of the run and mostly enjoyed it.
Saturday: 6 Miles, another track workout. 6x200 at 35s w/30s recovery. Low recoveries made it a little tiring but overall the pace and distance was so light that it didn't take much out of me. 4 minute break before an all-out 1200. I was really nervous for this and wanted to hit between 3:12-3:15 (64-65s per lap). My coach had two other distance runners run the first 600 and the second 600 with me. I went out fast and felt comfortable, but got tired in the second half (and was unable to beat the 2nd 600m runner or pass people I had been chasing). 3:17. I wasn't thrilled because I should be able to run faster but I didn't think it was bad either, because it would be pretty good 1500 prep (if I could close in at least 50 seconds for the final 300) and was faster than my previous 3:25 best (run in practice awhile ago). After only 2 minutes to recover after that, I had 8x200 at 37s w/30s recovery. While the pace and distance was light again, I hadn't recovered from the 1200 and my chest and lungs really hurt. I got them done without much difficulty, but was wheezing and gasping for air inbetween. Difficulty: 4/5.
Sunday: 11 Miles. Pachaug trail loop. Wasn't expecting to go so long, but since I was feeling good and the pace was very easy, I didn't really mind. Group of 5. Hung in the back for the most of it, so I actually don't remember most of the trails as I was looking at people's back and not the trail ahead. Not quite as awesome as the first time I went here, but definitely some cool new terrain. Glad to get back to the usual Sunday routine of trail recovery, now that the snow has finally cleared up.
Weekly Total: 53 Miles
YTD Total: 363 Miles
A perfectly normal week of training. Apparently, we're still going to have practice everyday which is disappointing to hear because I'm so tired of doing distance runs from the school. This was a nice week off, but next week will be important. Mid-week, I'll find out if I'm in the slow or fast heat of the 2-Mile at New Englands and whether or not I'll be doubling. Practices should be pretty easy, but New Englands certainly won't. Still looking for a time in the low 9:20s. As happy as I am to finally finish up the PCTA meets for the season and to run at some new tracks, I can't wait to finish the season out.
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Monday, February 20, 2017
States- Weekly Log: February 13 to 19
The indoor season has gone by very quickly and states is already here. Really nervous for this one, and suddenly race day rolled around. I wanted to run around 8:45 in the 3000, place top 3 and second if possible. For the 1K, I wanted to run 2:36/2:37 and place top 6.
Monday: 7 Miles. Hill workout, 7xPark Ave. Really bored of these and have been exhausted during them recently. Didn't put as much effort in as usual and still felt a great amount of tiredness/pain. Ran one of my slowest average paces ever on the hill. Difficulty: 4/5.
Tuesday: 8 Miles. Pretty tired in the last few miles, but overall an enjoyable out and back to chase hill. Felt good running sub 6:40 pace for most of the run and got in a decent elevation gain.
Wednesday: 6 Miles, track workout. 5x400 at 69s w/90s recovery. Tightened up quickly but was mostly able to complete without too much difficulty. Track had been cleared in lane one halfway around, so the 400s were out-and backs with a slow turnaround. 5 minute break after that, then a 450 with 250 all-out, then the returning 200 at 34s. That last part was hard. Difficulty: 3/5.
Thursday: 6 Miles, another track workout. Wasn't thrilled to have this second one, since it was states coming up and I would prefer to take two easy days rather than one. It was short, but still fast. 6x200 w/90s recovery at 30s. Felt pretty good. Difficulty: 2/5.
Friday: 7 Miles. Recovery run through white rock/springbrook. Felt a little heavy but mostly good. Tried my best to take the pace really easy and mostly succeeded.
Saturday: 4 Miles, State Meet.
Super nervous and waking up with sore hamstrings didn't help. I was able to shake some of the soreness out with warm-ups and stretching but legs certainly not feeling 100%. Not heavy or tight, but perhaps would have preferred to be. Used the bathroom frequently but had trouble eating my breakfast (nervousness?). I had about 2.5 hours before racing from when I got there, but that time passed quickly and again I soon found myself in the nerve-wracking situation of awaiting the call to the start while watching the final events before my race. Only this time, the pressure was unreal. I was expected to PR on a much slower track where I'd possibly have to do much of the pacing myself, all while trying to hold onto 2nd place if not 3rd at the state level. The expectations were actually higher than last year, yet for some reason I wasn't nearly as nervous. It was about 5 minutes before the gun for the 3K went off and a bizarre and crazy situation was created. During previous heats of the 4x200, the gun had misfired many times causing delays, but it was nothing I hadn't seen before. During the second to last heat, the gun was misfired, but a second fire indicating that there was a misfire and that they would restart did not happen and girls ran an entire 200 meters before the race was started again. The 3000 ended up running 15 minutes late and my legs were not benefiting from it.
First Mile
Gun went off and ben drezek took it out and had the lead. I was caught up a little at the start, but got out and ran with him through 400, which was 71. I was surprised DJ wasn't there, but tried to focus on my splits. My coach wanted me to run 35s so I could go through the 1600 in 4:40 and have a chance at PRing. Ben was already running a 36 on lap 2, so I had to pick it up and get the pace down to an even and fast split. Ben stayed right there, but it seemed it was just us. The splits were pretty right on. Soon enough DJ came up with us and started running alongside me. I was feeling pretty good but was concerned that Ben was still right there. Went through 1600 in 4:40 like planned.
Through 2K
Suddenly, I was no longer feeling great and the pace took a significant decrease. I started hitting 36s instead of 35s. I wanted to pick it up but was struggling as I had already pushed through so many laps at 35. I wasn't sure how the rest would play out, but a little off going through 2K at 5:54.
Final K
Without about 5 to go, I hit a wall. I had gone from a little tired to completing dying. It felt like someone had turned on a "feel terrible" switch. My splits were starting to suffer and I felt both extremely weak and terrible. At 800 to left, DJ made a big move to pull away. He succeeded easily and was soon gone. Ben did the same soon after, but pulled away more slowly. I knew I wasn't in for a good time, but was really hoping to hold onto that third, all-state spot. The final three were absolutely brutal, running the slowest splits of the whole race, feeling like the most pain of the entire race, and everything indicated that I would get passed from behind in the final 200m and lose my spot. A repeat of my awful XC state meet where I lost my first-team spot in the final 600 meters of the race. It seemed my chances were slim as someone called out "Max" (freshman Max DiMuccio) right as I passed the finish line with a few to go. The last lap was scary, but someone it didn't happen. I crossed the line in 9:00.68, another horrible time but somehow managing to get the place I wanted. I was simultaneously devastated and ecstatic.
While I had plenty of recovery, the bad time from the 3000 wasn't giving me much motivation for my next event, and I was extremely nervous for the 1K. Distance runners had been having bad days all around, and I definitely didn't see anything happening for me in 1000. I originally had little confidence I could place in the top 6, and now I had none.
1K
There were plenty of fast runners in the 1000. Some fast 2:38 and 2:39 guys struggled in the slow heat, and while still producing fine performances, only one guy broke 2:40 running a 2:39. I knew that if I got top 6 here, it would likely beat that time and get me top 6 overall. From the gun, DJ and Mars pretty much took off right away and I never focused on them after that. I found myself in the chase pack, 6th in our heat, behind Hope's Elijah Akindolie and NK's Ethan Wyllie and Jack Perreault, both of whom I narrowly lost out to the last time I had faced them in the event. I was able to get around Ethan and into 5th place. Coming up on 400, I tried to make a move around Jack but really wasn't feeling strong and couldn't do it. My legs were feeling weak and I was wondering if I'd have another bad race feeling crappy just 400 in. Fortunately it was just my legs and I never felt the awful weakness I experienced in the 3K. Jack and Elijah went back and forth in the third lap, but Elijah eventually came out in front. For a second, it seemed I'd be able to move up but was never able to complete a strong enough move. It was really encouraging to go through 600 in 1:33, where I knew I had a chance at 2:36/2:37. I wasn't really thinking about placement. Elijah started to pull away from Jack in lap 4, and I was able to slip by him as well before hitting that bell lap. Elijah had a really good kick and pulled far away. It looked like I went through 800 in 2:05/2:06, and I definitely thought I had a solid shot at a PR. I felt that I was running strong on the last lap, but Jack passed me back with 120 to go and like last time, I stayed right on him but narrowly missed beating him. 2:38.67. 5th overall. Absolutely thrilled with the place, and at the time just happy not to run poorly again.
To say that I have mixed feelings about my results at the state meet would be an understatement. Place wise, I'm absolutely thrilled to move up to all-state and also score in an event that isn't my best, but time-wise I was way off what I should be capable of and didn't get the 1 to 2 second PR I was hoping for in the 1K.
My 3000s at PCTA this year have all followed a similar pattern- run really well through 1600, but fade badly in the second half, especially in the last 1000 and finish in a disappointing time. I was hoping states would be different, as it was the most important, but the same pattern not only took place, but I faded worse than in any other meet. Overall, my indoor season has been near perfect in the other events, but my 3Ks have been way off, except for my 8:44 at Yale. This entire season I have
been tired and weak in events often, but nothing comes close to the feeling I experienced at the end of the 3000.
Overall, here are my pros and cons of the meet:
Pros
Monday: 7 Miles. Hill workout, 7xPark Ave. Really bored of these and have been exhausted during them recently. Didn't put as much effort in as usual and still felt a great amount of tiredness/pain. Ran one of my slowest average paces ever on the hill. Difficulty: 4/5.
Tuesday: 8 Miles. Pretty tired in the last few miles, but overall an enjoyable out and back to chase hill. Felt good running sub 6:40 pace for most of the run and got in a decent elevation gain.
Wednesday: 6 Miles, track workout. 5x400 at 69s w/90s recovery. Tightened up quickly but was mostly able to complete without too much difficulty. Track had been cleared in lane one halfway around, so the 400s were out-and backs with a slow turnaround. 5 minute break after that, then a 450 with 250 all-out, then the returning 200 at 34s. That last part was hard. Difficulty: 3/5.
Thursday: 6 Miles, another track workout. Wasn't thrilled to have this second one, since it was states coming up and I would prefer to take two easy days rather than one. It was short, but still fast. 6x200 w/90s recovery at 30s. Felt pretty good. Difficulty: 2/5.
Friday: 7 Miles. Recovery run through white rock/springbrook. Felt a little heavy but mostly good. Tried my best to take the pace really easy and mostly succeeded.
Saturday: 4 Miles, State Meet.
Super nervous and waking up with sore hamstrings didn't help. I was able to shake some of the soreness out with warm-ups and stretching but legs certainly not feeling 100%. Not heavy or tight, but perhaps would have preferred to be. Used the bathroom frequently but had trouble eating my breakfast (nervousness?). I had about 2.5 hours before racing from when I got there, but that time passed quickly and again I soon found myself in the nerve-wracking situation of awaiting the call to the start while watching the final events before my race. Only this time, the pressure was unreal. I was expected to PR on a much slower track where I'd possibly have to do much of the pacing myself, all while trying to hold onto 2nd place if not 3rd at the state level. The expectations were actually higher than last year, yet for some reason I wasn't nearly as nervous. It was about 5 minutes before the gun for the 3K went off and a bizarre and crazy situation was created. During previous heats of the 4x200, the gun had misfired many times causing delays, but it was nothing I hadn't seen before. During the second to last heat, the gun was misfired, but a second fire indicating that there was a misfire and that they would restart did not happen and girls ran an entire 200 meters before the race was started again. The 3000 ended up running 15 minutes late and my legs were not benefiting from it.
First Mile
Gun went off and ben drezek took it out and had the lead. I was caught up a little at the start, but got out and ran with him through 400, which was 71. I was surprised DJ wasn't there, but tried to focus on my splits. My coach wanted me to run 35s so I could go through the 1600 in 4:40 and have a chance at PRing. Ben was already running a 36 on lap 2, so I had to pick it up and get the pace down to an even and fast split. Ben stayed right there, but it seemed it was just us. The splits were pretty right on. Soon enough DJ came up with us and started running alongside me. I was feeling pretty good but was concerned that Ben was still right there. Went through 1600 in 4:40 like planned.
Through 2K
Suddenly, I was no longer feeling great and the pace took a significant decrease. I started hitting 36s instead of 35s. I wanted to pick it up but was struggling as I had already pushed through so many laps at 35. I wasn't sure how the rest would play out, but a little off going through 2K at 5:54.
Final K
Without about 5 to go, I hit a wall. I had gone from a little tired to completing dying. It felt like someone had turned on a "feel terrible" switch. My splits were starting to suffer and I felt both extremely weak and terrible. At 800 to left, DJ made a big move to pull away. He succeeded easily and was soon gone. Ben did the same soon after, but pulled away more slowly. I knew I wasn't in for a good time, but was really hoping to hold onto that third, all-state spot. The final three were absolutely brutal, running the slowest splits of the whole race, feeling like the most pain of the entire race, and everything indicated that I would get passed from behind in the final 200m and lose my spot. A repeat of my awful XC state meet where I lost my first-team spot in the final 600 meters of the race. It seemed my chances were slim as someone called out "Max" (freshman Max DiMuccio) right as I passed the finish line with a few to go. The last lap was scary, but someone it didn't happen. I crossed the line in 9:00.68, another horrible time but somehow managing to get the place I wanted. I was simultaneously devastated and ecstatic.
While I had plenty of recovery, the bad time from the 3000 wasn't giving me much motivation for my next event, and I was extremely nervous for the 1K. Distance runners had been having bad days all around, and I definitely didn't see anything happening for me in 1000. I originally had little confidence I could place in the top 6, and now I had none.
1K
There were plenty of fast runners in the 1000. Some fast 2:38 and 2:39 guys struggled in the slow heat, and while still producing fine performances, only one guy broke 2:40 running a 2:39. I knew that if I got top 6 here, it would likely beat that time and get me top 6 overall. From the gun, DJ and Mars pretty much took off right away and I never focused on them after that. I found myself in the chase pack, 6th in our heat, behind Hope's Elijah Akindolie and NK's Ethan Wyllie and Jack Perreault, both of whom I narrowly lost out to the last time I had faced them in the event. I was able to get around Ethan and into 5th place. Coming up on 400, I tried to make a move around Jack but really wasn't feeling strong and couldn't do it. My legs were feeling weak and I was wondering if I'd have another bad race feeling crappy just 400 in. Fortunately it was just my legs and I never felt the awful weakness I experienced in the 3K. Jack and Elijah went back and forth in the third lap, but Elijah eventually came out in front. For a second, it seemed I'd be able to move up but was never able to complete a strong enough move. It was really encouraging to go through 600 in 1:33, where I knew I had a chance at 2:36/2:37. I wasn't really thinking about placement. Elijah started to pull away from Jack in lap 4, and I was able to slip by him as well before hitting that bell lap. Elijah had a really good kick and pulled far away. It looked like I went through 800 in 2:05/2:06, and I definitely thought I had a solid shot at a PR. I felt that I was running strong on the last lap, but Jack passed me back with 120 to go and like last time, I stayed right on him but narrowly missed beating him. 2:38.67. 5th overall. Absolutely thrilled with the place, and at the time just happy not to run poorly again.
To say that I have mixed feelings about my results at the state meet would be an understatement. Place wise, I'm absolutely thrilled to move up to all-state and also score in an event that isn't my best, but time-wise I was way off what I should be capable of and didn't get the 1 to 2 second PR I was hoping for in the 1K.
My 3000s at PCTA this year have all followed a similar pattern- run really well through 1600, but fade badly in the second half, especially in the last 1000 and finish in a disappointing time. I was hoping states would be different, as it was the most important, but the same pattern not only took place, but I faded worse than in any other meet. Overall, my indoor season has been near perfect in the other events, but my 3Ks have been way off, except for my 8:44 at Yale. This entire season I have
been tired and weak in events often, but nothing comes close to the feeling I experienced at the end of the 3000.
Overall, here are my pros and cons of the meet:
Pros
- Made All-State in Track for the first time
- Scored in the state meet for track for the first time
- Was able to hit consecutive 35s while doing the pacing for the group for 8 laps
- Was able to run a successful second race, while many others struggling in the 1000
- Have the option of running an alternate event at New Englands
- Beat out fast 1K runners who have better PRs than me
Cons
- Lost to 3000 runners that I have faster PRs than
- Faded badly in the second half of the 3K
- Did not hang with leaders as they picked it up in the 3K
- Ran 15-20 seconds slower in the 3000 than expected
- Ran progressively slower and slower in the 3000
- Lacked a kick in the 1000 and 3000
- Didn't PR in the 1000
It was a weird day. More than satisfied with place, but not all with times. Normally, it's just the time I care about but states is the one exception where placing is really important. The 1000 wasn't that important, but I'm definitely mostly satisfied with that. It was disappointing to fade so badly in the 3K and be way off on time, but I think my happiness of getting top 3 outweighs that disappointment. The biggest reason why I wish my time was a little faster is that I may not get into the fast heat at new Englands.
I'm glad to have a few weeks off. Right now, I'm not extremely nervous for my two remaining meets: New Englands and Nationals. I'm actually excited for both, as I finally get to get away from PCTA (not that its a bad track, just that I've run there so many times) and run on some quality banked tracks. I want to run around 9:20 at new englands, and I'm really hoping my time can get me into the fast heat of the two-mile. It'll be tough otherwise.
I'm glad to have a few weeks off. Right now, I'm not extremely nervous for my two remaining meets: New Englands and Nationals. I'm actually excited for both, as I finally get to get away from PCTA (not that its a bad track, just that I've run there so many times) and run on some quality banked tracks. I want to run around 9:20 at new englands, and I'm really hoping my time can get me into the fast heat of the two-mile. It'll be tough otherwise.
Sunday: 0. Day off was nice, especially with the four weekend.
Weekly Total: 38 Miles
YTD Total: 310 Miles
Sunday, February 12, 2017
Last Chance Meet and Final Week Before States- Weekly Log: February 6 to 12 (w/Rest of the Season Outlook)
Only a quick break after class because Tuesday is the last chance qualifier. While I've definitely qualified in the top half for both 3K and 1500, my 1000 isn't where I want to be and I have a chance at getting in the seeded heat. We're also trying to qualify a westerly 4x800 team for states, so I'm running that again. With lots of recovery (and no 1500 this time) inbetween the two events (practically first and last), I should finally be able to hit the 1000 I've wanted to for so long- about 2:38. My goal originally was to hit 2:36 by the end of the season and my times at division and class have been a little slower than anticipated, so I think to have a chance at that I'll need to hit 2:38 on Tuesday. While my main goal at states is top 3/all-state in the 3K, placing in the 1000 would be great as well. As for the 4x800, I just want to a fast time but could care less about PRing. Hopefully a little more consistent than Saturday's effort.
Monday: 7 Miles. Track workout. Was feeling really sore and wasn't thrilled that we had a workout. I knew it wouldn't be anything brutal, but was still worried considering my legs felt like crap and I was feeling weak on the warm-up. 6x400 w/just 30s recovery @71s each. Not too fast, but certainly a hard breathing effort. Legs felt really smooth, but a little tired in the last few. Overall, not bad at all and actually felt better coming out than I did going in. Difficulty: 2/5.
Tuesday: 4 Miles, Last Chance Meet.
Arrived at 5:00, ready to warm-up for a 5:30 meet as we were the first event. I was nervous as I felt a little full and we likely would not get in our full warm-up routine. The meet ended up not starting until 6:00. The strides were not quality as the track was so crowded that we constantly had to swerve out of the way or slow down. We ended up being rushed as we thought girls went first and suddenly had to prepare to race. I was also changed to lead-off leg at the last second, which I didn't really want to do.
4x800
On the line I could see that there were at least two good competitors, Ben Drezek and Ed Golas. Ben said he was going for about 2:05, so I suspected he'd be right behind me. The start was a mess and I got boxed in terribly. Ben got out well as he and a Portsmouth runner were up front with a 15 meter gap pretty quickly. I managed to get out of the middle of the chase pack and started going for the front. I had to use a lot of energy in the first lap, but was right up there with them. I pushed for the lead lap two and held it in three. I was feeling tired at the end and was repassed by ben with 150 to go. Based on the clock, it looked like a 2:05, which isn't bad but a little slower than I was looking for. A few of our other runners were a little off time-wise, and we ended up running 8:44, not quite matching our 8:40 from the other day. We ended up qualifying for states easily, which was the team goal here. My split was 2:04.1, not as bad as I thought.
1000
I had a long wait before the 1K and became more and more nervous throughout. I felt really terrible after the 4x800 as I was throwing up and coughing frequently. It got better as I went on and I was feeling much better in an hour. Both Mars Bishop and Nathan Coogan were running the 1000, so I knew going out too slow wouldn't be a problem. I didn't know whether or not I should try to hang with them or if that would be too fast and may cause me to blow up. In the end, I didn't want to risk running too slow and decided I'd go out with the lead pack. I was extremely nervous at the start. The first lap was a bit of a mess with many fighting for position but I managed to stay behind Nathan and went out in 30, about 4th place. I was right on the top guys at 400, along with Ben Drezek and Jack Perreault. Jack passed me and Ben as Ben started to slow up. The top guys started to pull away. Ben conveniently pulled to the side and I was able to pass with ease on the inside. As much as I wanted to go after the top guys, I was feeling comfortable right behind Perreault and stayed right there. I was right on him and thought I could pass him. I waited too long and made an attempt to go around in the last 50, but was unsuccessful. It seemed like Mars and Nathan were too far ahead and I didn't know if I'd be under 2:40, but soon saw 2:34 when I could glimpse the clock. I kept looking at it and it looked like I crossed in 2:37 or 2:38. 2:38.25. Definitely happy with the time, but was unsure if I ran the right race and if I should've tried to stay with Mars and Nathan longer. Ended up 7th on the performance list, which will get me into the fast heat at states.
Wednesday: 7 Miles, 7xPark. Felt terrible the following day as my minor cough turned into an annoying cold/cough and I got very little sleep. My legs were completely trash and even the warm-up was hard. My splits were pretty terrible as expected, but I was just glad to get it over with. Difficulty: 4/5.
Thursday: 6 Miles. Waited too long and had to run in the middle of the snowstorm. Blasting wind and stinging snow made for an unpleasant experience, especially when going against the wind. Could barely see anything. There were slight breaks in the harsh conditions, but overall a brutal run.
Friday: 8 Miles. Around the pond loop. Nothing like the brutal storm conditions, but not exactly a fun run. Roads were either icy all around or snow took up the entire shoulder of room between me and the car. Had to slow the pace down many times for lack of traction. Annoying wind the entire way back made it cold as well. In a way, nearly as brutal as Thursday's run.
Saturday: 5 Miles. Bummed out to have practice, but it ended up being fairly simple and easy. I was worried I'd have a distance run, which would not be fun running more icy roads, especially ones I don't care to run on. It ended being a hill workout w/some 200s and the warm-ups and cool-downs were either outside in the parking lot or in the babcock gym. Not hard, but somewhat boring and glad to get out of there. 5xPark + 4x150 on the road. Felt decent, but still sick which made my breathing a little off. Kept them pretty consistent, which is my goal now rather than running them really fast. 150s on road were really hard as the traction wasn't great and it didn't feel smooth running that fast. Difficulty: 2/5.
Sunday: 7 Miles. Really great roads in Charlestown with Sam. Mostly quiet roads that were very smooth and comfortable to run. Felt much better and not as congested as the previous. Early 7:30 start time was nice as well. Definitely want to return, hopefully incorporate the beach and trustom pond trails in as well. The only enjoyable run on this four-day weekend.
Weekly Total: 44 Miles
YTD Total: 272 Miles
Rest of the Season Outlook
Week of: February 19
This week is states (Feb 18), which I'm pretty nervous for. I'm more focused on the 3K, where hopefully I'll come close to my 8:44 effort at Yale and place in the top three. This is one of the rare instances where I will value place over time. I'll have plenty of recovery before the 1K, where I want to hit a new PR in the 2:36-2:37 range. Since I made the fast heat, the conditions should be right to hit a fast time. I don't know if anyone in the slow heat will even end up cracking 2:40. I'm hoping for a top 6 finish, which will be tough with such a stacked field. See final performance list here.
During the week, I'll probably have light but fast workouts and normal distance runs, perhaps slightly shorter than usual. I'm hoping either this week or next, with less people at practice, practices will only be held on workout days so I can explore new roads rather than running from the school on my distance runs.
Week of: February 26
I have a week without meets after that, which may include some hard training and its very unlikely I'll have practice every day. I'd probably prefer if New Englands was a week earlier, but the two weeks off will be really nice.
Week of: March 5
This will be New Englands week, held at the Reggie Lewis track. I enjoyed running there last year, but didn't run very well and my eating routine was way off since I ended up running about 3 hours later than expected. The best part was probably the track itself, and I'll be running the two mile. Hopefully, my time at states will be fast enough to get me into the fast heat at New Englands. My 3K at yale converts to about a 9:24 two mile, so the competition will probably be stacked (at least 3-5 people capable of running that range). I hoping the fast track and competition can get me under 9:20 or as close as possible. This will probably the hardest (fastest?) effort I have left in the season. It'd be great if I could get top 3, but I definitely want to be at least top 6.
As for practice, same routine with less/no practices on distance days, shorter distance runs and shorter workouts.
Week of: March 12
I was fortunate enough to qualify for New Balance Nationals, which I am very excited about. I'm looking forward to running on the famous Armory track. Right now I'm signed up for the championship 5K (8:48.9 3K time required, which I ran at Yale), which is held Friday, March 10th (3-day meet 3/10-3/12). I'm excited to run the 5000 on the track, as the competition will be great and it's likely I'll hit a huge PR. I could care less about place, but am hoping to run 15:20 or faster. I'm also very nervous for this, as the 3K/3200/2-Mile already feels long with 15/16 laps and the 5K is 25. Hopefully the other runners will pace well so it can be a comfortable race. Have no idea how practice will work or if there will even be practice that week. The Emerging Elite 2-Mile is that morning, so I'm not running that (qualifying time 8:52.0), but if I run fast enough at States/New Englands (8:40.0 3K/9:20.0 2M) I can get into the championship 2-mile which is on Sunday.
Plenty of races and hard efforts coming up.
Monday: 7 Miles. Track workout. Was feeling really sore and wasn't thrilled that we had a workout. I knew it wouldn't be anything brutal, but was still worried considering my legs felt like crap and I was feeling weak on the warm-up. 6x400 w/just 30s recovery @71s each. Not too fast, but certainly a hard breathing effort. Legs felt really smooth, but a little tired in the last few. Overall, not bad at all and actually felt better coming out than I did going in. Difficulty: 2/5.
Tuesday: 4 Miles, Last Chance Meet.
Arrived at 5:00, ready to warm-up for a 5:30 meet as we were the first event. I was nervous as I felt a little full and we likely would not get in our full warm-up routine. The meet ended up not starting until 6:00. The strides were not quality as the track was so crowded that we constantly had to swerve out of the way or slow down. We ended up being rushed as we thought girls went first and suddenly had to prepare to race. I was also changed to lead-off leg at the last second, which I didn't really want to do.
4x800
On the line I could see that there were at least two good competitors, Ben Drezek and Ed Golas. Ben said he was going for about 2:05, so I suspected he'd be right behind me. The start was a mess and I got boxed in terribly. Ben got out well as he and a Portsmouth runner were up front with a 15 meter gap pretty quickly. I managed to get out of the middle of the chase pack and started going for the front. I had to use a lot of energy in the first lap, but was right up there with them. I pushed for the lead lap two and held it in three. I was feeling tired at the end and was repassed by ben with 150 to go. Based on the clock, it looked like a 2:05, which isn't bad but a little slower than I was looking for. A few of our other runners were a little off time-wise, and we ended up running 8:44, not quite matching our 8:40 from the other day. We ended up qualifying for states easily, which was the team goal here. My split was 2:04.1, not as bad as I thought.
1000
I had a long wait before the 1K and became more and more nervous throughout. I felt really terrible after the 4x800 as I was throwing up and coughing frequently. It got better as I went on and I was feeling much better in an hour. Both Mars Bishop and Nathan Coogan were running the 1000, so I knew going out too slow wouldn't be a problem. I didn't know whether or not I should try to hang with them or if that would be too fast and may cause me to blow up. In the end, I didn't want to risk running too slow and decided I'd go out with the lead pack. I was extremely nervous at the start. The first lap was a bit of a mess with many fighting for position but I managed to stay behind Nathan and went out in 30, about 4th place. I was right on the top guys at 400, along with Ben Drezek and Jack Perreault. Jack passed me and Ben as Ben started to slow up. The top guys started to pull away. Ben conveniently pulled to the side and I was able to pass with ease on the inside. As much as I wanted to go after the top guys, I was feeling comfortable right behind Perreault and stayed right there. I was right on him and thought I could pass him. I waited too long and made an attempt to go around in the last 50, but was unsuccessful. It seemed like Mars and Nathan were too far ahead and I didn't know if I'd be under 2:40, but soon saw 2:34 when I could glimpse the clock. I kept looking at it and it looked like I crossed in 2:37 or 2:38. 2:38.25. Definitely happy with the time, but was unsure if I ran the right race and if I should've tried to stay with Mars and Nathan longer. Ended up 7th on the performance list, which will get me into the fast heat at states.
Wednesday: 7 Miles, 7xPark. Felt terrible the following day as my minor cough turned into an annoying cold/cough and I got very little sleep. My legs were completely trash and even the warm-up was hard. My splits were pretty terrible as expected, but I was just glad to get it over with. Difficulty: 4/5.
Thursday: 6 Miles. Waited too long and had to run in the middle of the snowstorm. Blasting wind and stinging snow made for an unpleasant experience, especially when going against the wind. Could barely see anything. There were slight breaks in the harsh conditions, but overall a brutal run.
Friday: 8 Miles. Around the pond loop. Nothing like the brutal storm conditions, but not exactly a fun run. Roads were either icy all around or snow took up the entire shoulder of room between me and the car. Had to slow the pace down many times for lack of traction. Annoying wind the entire way back made it cold as well. In a way, nearly as brutal as Thursday's run.
Saturday: 5 Miles. Bummed out to have practice, but it ended up being fairly simple and easy. I was worried I'd have a distance run, which would not be fun running more icy roads, especially ones I don't care to run on. It ended being a hill workout w/some 200s and the warm-ups and cool-downs were either outside in the parking lot or in the babcock gym. Not hard, but somewhat boring and glad to get out of there. 5xPark + 4x150 on the road. Felt decent, but still sick which made my breathing a little off. Kept them pretty consistent, which is my goal now rather than running them really fast. 150s on road were really hard as the traction wasn't great and it didn't feel smooth running that fast. Difficulty: 2/5.
Sunday: 7 Miles. Really great roads in Charlestown with Sam. Mostly quiet roads that were very smooth and comfortable to run. Felt much better and not as congested as the previous. Early 7:30 start time was nice as well. Definitely want to return, hopefully incorporate the beach and trustom pond trails in as well. The only enjoyable run on this four-day weekend.
Weekly Total: 44 Miles
YTD Total: 272 Miles
Rest of the Season Outlook
Week of: February 19
This week is states (Feb 18), which I'm pretty nervous for. I'm more focused on the 3K, where hopefully I'll come close to my 8:44 effort at Yale and place in the top three. This is one of the rare instances where I will value place over time. I'll have plenty of recovery before the 1K, where I want to hit a new PR in the 2:36-2:37 range. Since I made the fast heat, the conditions should be right to hit a fast time. I don't know if anyone in the slow heat will even end up cracking 2:40. I'm hoping for a top 6 finish, which will be tough with such a stacked field. See final performance list here.
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| Last time at PCTA this season. |
Week of: February 26
I have a week without meets after that, which may include some hard training and its very unlikely I'll have practice every day. I'd probably prefer if New Englands was a week earlier, but the two weeks off will be really nice.
Week of: March 5
This will be New Englands week, held at the Reggie Lewis track. I enjoyed running there last year, but didn't run very well and my eating routine was way off since I ended up running about 3 hours later than expected. The best part was probably the track itself, and I'll be running the two mile. Hopefully, my time at states will be fast enough to get me into the fast heat at New Englands. My 3K at yale converts to about a 9:24 two mile, so the competition will probably be stacked (at least 3-5 people capable of running that range). I hoping the fast track and competition can get me under 9:20 or as close as possible. This will probably the hardest (fastest?) effort I have left in the season. It'd be great if I could get top 3, but I definitely want to be at least top 6.
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| Very excited to return here. |
Week of: March 12
I was fortunate enough to qualify for New Balance Nationals, which I am very excited about. I'm looking forward to running on the famous Armory track. Right now I'm signed up for the championship 5K (8:48.9 3K time required, which I ran at Yale), which is held Friday, March 10th (3-day meet 3/10-3/12). I'm excited to run the 5000 on the track, as the competition will be great and it's likely I'll hit a huge PR. I could care less about place, but am hoping to run 15:20 or faster. I'm also very nervous for this, as the 3K/3200/2-Mile already feels long with 15/16 laps and the 5K is 25. Hopefully the other runners will pace well so it can be a comfortable race. Have no idea how practice will work or if there will even be practice that week. The Emerging Elite 2-Mile is that morning, so I'm not running that (qualifying time 8:52.0), but if I run fast enough at States/New Englands (8:40.0 3K/9:20.0 2M) I can get into the championship 2-mile which is on Sunday.
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| Armory Track in New York. |
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Class Championships- Weekly Log: January 30 to February 5
Running a little late with this post, so I'll keep it brief (at least the daily run portions). Another Saturday, another big meet. While containing less people and having a much shorter length, the championship meets are by no means easier than the invitationals, especially with the added pressure of fighting for placements, not just time. Division went pretty well last Saturday. I was very pleased with my placements, running exactly what I expected. Class is usually slightly better in competition and sometimes a more enjoyable meet. While I've won a division title twice now, I never have for class (came close a few times, but never quite got the win) and instead have been runner 6-times. While I could easily take the 3K, I'm focusing more on shorter events at this meet and likely will add at least one more runner-up spot to my collection. It's a long, hard day for me, running the 4x800, 1500 and 1000.
Goals were something like this:
4x800- 2:03 or faster (least pressured/concerned about)
1500
A- 4:05 to 4:06
B- 4:07
C- 4:08
1000
A- 2:38
B- 2:39
I was the most nervous about the 1500 because I wasn't sure if I'd just be sat on, which would make consistency really hard for me.
Monday: 9 Miles, looping around northern westerly. Was very surprised to go out in 6:12 for my first mile and expected that to drop, but kept running splits around there and felt very comfortable doing so. Encouraging. Got a little tight towards the end, but the pace never became tough (except for the hill climb at the end, which is always a little hard). A little chilly.
Tuesday: 6 Miles. Was originally supposed to have a workout, but practice was cancelled for a snowstorm. It seemed really cold outside and I didn't have a lot of interest in getting out. I waited a while and finally went. The first mile was cold and somewhat, but it was actually pretty cool after that. Beach running was very pleasant. Always better than the treadmill.
Wednesday: 7 Miles, 6xPark Ave. Was feeling tight and sore going in, so didn't want to put everything into this one. Went out a little easier and kept the splits more consistent than I ever have. Nowhere near my top times, but all the splits were very close and I felt more comfortable than usual.
Difficulty: 2/5.
Thursday: 6 Miles, track workout. Was surprised to have double workout, but I knew it wouldn't be too taxing. 8x200 at 33 w/60s recovery, before (60s recovery again) an all-out 300 in 41s seconds. Felt pretty good, a little tight. Difficulty: 2/5.
Friday: 7 Miles. Local Pawcatuck roads. Felt very sore and kept the pace very easy. One of the coldest runs in a while with blasting winds.
Saturday: 5 Miles, Class Championships.
4x800
I wasn't feeling too great before the 4x800. I was the third leg and soon enough it was my turn. It didn't seem like our leadoff ran too well and it seemed like the second leg ran very well, but it was hard to tell. We were in about 4th or 5th when I got the baton, but pretty much right behind a group of 2 or 3 teams. Barrington had a good lead on the rest. A Chariho runner just ahead of me went out hard and I stayed with him as he passed a few guys in the first hundred. He was really moving and trying to stay ahead of me, but I made a surge on the curve to get around. The first lap was really fast, probably around a 28. Our team was now in second, and I felt good to keep going hard another lap. After two laps, I had closed the gap between Barrington to about 20-30 meters. I wanted to get up to him, but was feeling tired at this point and couldn't get any closer. I knew I had gone out fast and didn't think I was on track for a really fast time. People were yelling at me to close the gap, but it stayed about the same for the final 400. I felt very tired and had trouble breathing in the 15 minutes after racing. Surprisingly, I ended up running 2:02.9.
1500
The 1500 was up next, my most important event of the day. I had only run it once in the season, so this would be my only opportunity to PR. At first I was nervous that I would be sat on, but it was great to hear that Mars would be running hard which would provide me with an opportunity to run a fast time and not worry about pacing, but just about staying with him. The gun went off. We went out fast and were 1-2 by 100 meters. Mars was smart about the pacing. When I was ready to settle a little, we kept going hard and it was only one lap into the race where I was starting to feel uncomfortable. Mars kept going, not letting up much in pace and it was really starting to take its toll on me as I was feeling very uncomfortable and desperately wanted to slow down. I managed to hang in there for a good amount of time, but eventually it became too much and I let him go (about 500 to go). He closed very well and pulled away from me. He ended up running 4:03.00 and I ran 4:07.12. Not an easy race, but well worth the end result.
1000
I wasn't sure what the 1000 would bring, but was pretty sure I could just try and stick with Nathan Coogan. Unfortunately, he ended up dropping out after running a RI #1 600 (1:22), and the two competitors I was left with were from Chariho. One was a sit and kick kind of runner and the other liked to run with someone faster and try to hold on as best as possible (also my strategy). While both were fast runners capable of running a fast time, neither would be willing to take the lead which meant I had to if the race was going to be even remotely fast. I was definitely concerned about not PRing with no one to push the middle laps. I was feeling too beat up for a fast solo effort. I became nervous, pretty sure that I'd lead the majority of the race, slow down too much in the middle, and be outkicked in the final two laps. That's pretty much exactly what happened. My first 400 was solid, but laps 3 and 4 were too slow and I was passed with 150 to go. I had no response and was beat by a whole two seconds, finishing in a mediocre 2:41.6. Definitely a little disappointing, but it makes sense with the triple and not having the right race conditions to go under 2:40.
Overall, 2 PRs is a great day. Hopefully I can get that 1000 down to a faster time before the state meet to qualify for the fast heat. I've actually been class runner-up eight times, but have never managed to win anything. Should come in either outdoor or in any season my senior year.
Sunday: 8 Miles, Sand Trail, Beach and Weekapaug Roads combo with two teammates. Wind was brutal at some points. Second time on the sand trail and enjoyed it much more this time.
Weekly Total: 48 Miles
YTD Total: 228 Miles
Goals were something like this:
4x800- 2:03 or faster (least pressured/concerned about)
1500
A- 4:05 to 4:06
B- 4:07
C- 4:08
1000
A- 2:38
B- 2:39
I was the most nervous about the 1500 because I wasn't sure if I'd just be sat on, which would make consistency really hard for me.
Monday: 9 Miles, looping around northern westerly. Was very surprised to go out in 6:12 for my first mile and expected that to drop, but kept running splits around there and felt very comfortable doing so. Encouraging. Got a little tight towards the end, but the pace never became tough (except for the hill climb at the end, which is always a little hard). A little chilly.
Tuesday: 6 Miles. Was originally supposed to have a workout, but practice was cancelled for a snowstorm. It seemed really cold outside and I didn't have a lot of interest in getting out. I waited a while and finally went. The first mile was cold and somewhat, but it was actually pretty cool after that. Beach running was very pleasant. Always better than the treadmill.
Wednesday: 7 Miles, 6xPark Ave. Was feeling tight and sore going in, so didn't want to put everything into this one. Went out a little easier and kept the splits more consistent than I ever have. Nowhere near my top times, but all the splits were very close and I felt more comfortable than usual.
Difficulty: 2/5.
Thursday: 6 Miles, track workout. Was surprised to have double workout, but I knew it wouldn't be too taxing. 8x200 at 33 w/60s recovery, before (60s recovery again) an all-out 300 in 41s seconds. Felt pretty good, a little tight. Difficulty: 2/5.
Friday: 7 Miles. Local Pawcatuck roads. Felt very sore and kept the pace very easy. One of the coldest runs in a while with blasting winds.
Saturday: 5 Miles, Class Championships.
4x800
I wasn't feeling too great before the 4x800. I was the third leg and soon enough it was my turn. It didn't seem like our leadoff ran too well and it seemed like the second leg ran very well, but it was hard to tell. We were in about 4th or 5th when I got the baton, but pretty much right behind a group of 2 or 3 teams. Barrington had a good lead on the rest. A Chariho runner just ahead of me went out hard and I stayed with him as he passed a few guys in the first hundred. He was really moving and trying to stay ahead of me, but I made a surge on the curve to get around. The first lap was really fast, probably around a 28. Our team was now in second, and I felt good to keep going hard another lap. After two laps, I had closed the gap between Barrington to about 20-30 meters. I wanted to get up to him, but was feeling tired at this point and couldn't get any closer. I knew I had gone out fast and didn't think I was on track for a really fast time. People were yelling at me to close the gap, but it stayed about the same for the final 400. I felt very tired and had trouble breathing in the 15 minutes after racing. Surprisingly, I ended up running 2:02.9.
1500
The 1500 was up next, my most important event of the day. I had only run it once in the season, so this would be my only opportunity to PR. At first I was nervous that I would be sat on, but it was great to hear that Mars would be running hard which would provide me with an opportunity to run a fast time and not worry about pacing, but just about staying with him. The gun went off. We went out fast and were 1-2 by 100 meters. Mars was smart about the pacing. When I was ready to settle a little, we kept going hard and it was only one lap into the race where I was starting to feel uncomfortable. Mars kept going, not letting up much in pace and it was really starting to take its toll on me as I was feeling very uncomfortable and desperately wanted to slow down. I managed to hang in there for a good amount of time, but eventually it became too much and I let him go (about 500 to go). He closed very well and pulled away from me. He ended up running 4:03.00 and I ran 4:07.12. Not an easy race, but well worth the end result.
1000
I wasn't sure what the 1000 would bring, but was pretty sure I could just try and stick with Nathan Coogan. Unfortunately, he ended up dropping out after running a RI #1 600 (1:22), and the two competitors I was left with were from Chariho. One was a sit and kick kind of runner and the other liked to run with someone faster and try to hold on as best as possible (also my strategy). While both were fast runners capable of running a fast time, neither would be willing to take the lead which meant I had to if the race was going to be even remotely fast. I was definitely concerned about not PRing with no one to push the middle laps. I was feeling too beat up for a fast solo effort. I became nervous, pretty sure that I'd lead the majority of the race, slow down too much in the middle, and be outkicked in the final two laps. That's pretty much exactly what happened. My first 400 was solid, but laps 3 and 4 were too slow and I was passed with 150 to go. I had no response and was beat by a whole two seconds, finishing in a mediocre 2:41.6. Definitely a little disappointing, but it makes sense with the triple and not having the right race conditions to go under 2:40.
Overall, 2 PRs is a great day. Hopefully I can get that 1000 down to a faster time before the state meet to qualify for the fast heat. I've actually been class runner-up eight times, but have never managed to win anything. Should come in either outdoor or in any season my senior year.
Sunday: 8 Miles, Sand Trail, Beach and Weekapaug Roads combo with two teammates. Wind was brutal at some points. Second time on the sand trail and enjoyed it much more this time.
Weekly Total: 48 Miles
YTD Total: 228 Miles
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