Saturday I competed in an Open Indoor Track Meet at Smith College and it felt AWESOME.
Now, I didn't plan on it feeling awesome, rather I was pleasantly surprised.
Throughout the cross-country season I was just, kind-of running. So I was running 2-3 times per week plus Meet Day my workout-day, because I was sprinting around cheering!
I just have been super cautious with my knee and haven't wanted to overboard it.
Towards the end of cross I started thinking about something I can look forward to doing. Just something that I know would be fun! The Smith Winter Classic is always the first meet of the season for Keene State Track& Field and it is very low-key. It's a good meet for the athletes to get out their jitters and get on the track.
I entered myself in the Mile at 5:40 -
Now, back in college this was nothing.
However, as MANY people reminded me that was awhile ago... I was confident in my ability to race but, people kept on coming up to me, questioninggggggg meeeeeee.....
What's up with all the doubt people?! WHERE IS THE LOVE? The BELIEF?
So, I adjusted my goals. I decided that anything under 6:00 min. I would be happy with.
Race Day- Prepping for race day is such a ritual. That, every runner understands.
I had my outfit, my peanut butter & banana toast, and my hair was agreeing with me.
I was good to go.
Except that part where I FORGOT MY RACING FLATS!
Shout Out: Kaley and Molly for picking those puppies up for me.
>>>>>FAST FORWARD>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I warmed up, doing my old routine (with a few less strides, strides make me tired now) and I was just trying to stay relaxed. Honestly though, I couldn't believe I was about to get back out there! BACK ON THE TRACK! What was it going to feel like? I imagined afterwards very painful.
Saying I was REALLY EXCITED is an understatement. It was just an cool experience.
I had athletes coming up to me like, "I can't wait to see you race!"
"I'm excited to watch you go!" and the, "I can't wait to yell at you!" -That one was my favorite.
I certainly didn't want to disappoint... myself included.
Getting on the line was the most nerve racking thing.
THIS IS HAPPENING - THIS IS HAPPENING
THIS IS REALLY HAPPENING -repeating in my head.
I flinched as the gun sounded and we were off. Immediately my race instincts set in, RELAX and FIND YOUR STRIDE. So, I did.
Went through the 800 faster than my goal time of 2:50. I was feeling good! "Alright, let's turn it on", I thought to myself as I picked up the pace. Every lap I looked ahead to the next. So four laps to go was really three laps to go, and 3 laps to go was really two laps to go, and so on.
In my second to last lap I heard the bell from ring out for the competitors ahead of me.
My rule of thumb is: It doesn't matter where you are when the bell rings, you gotta go!
Going into my last lap was unbelievable. I did it. I knew regardless of the time that was on the clock that I was going to be happy. I raced a 5:32.73 in the 1 mile! Furthermore, I was able to bypass the trash can and walk off the track!
In the upcoming month I plan to increase my strength and my speed. So look out! I was actually a little hesitant kicking it in- last thing I needed to do was hurt myself. 5:32 is a great starting point for me and I'm excited to see what else I can do if I TRAIN!
Now, I didn't plan on it feeling awesome, rather I was pleasantly surprised.
Throughout the cross-country season I was just, kind-of running. So I was running 2-3 times per week plus Meet Day my workout-day, because I was sprinting around cheering!
I just have been super cautious with my knee and haven't wanted to overboard it.
Towards the end of cross I started thinking about something I can look forward to doing. Just something that I know would be fun! The Smith Winter Classic is always the first meet of the season for Keene State Track& Field and it is very low-key. It's a good meet for the athletes to get out their jitters and get on the track.
I entered myself in the Mile at 5:40 -
Now, back in college this was nothing.
However, as MANY people reminded me that was awhile ago... I was confident in my ability to race but, people kept on coming up to me, questioninggggggg meeeeeee.....
What's up with all the doubt people?! WHERE IS THE LOVE? The BELIEF?
So, I adjusted my goals. I decided that anything under 6:00 min. I would be happy with.
Race Day- Prepping for race day is such a ritual. That, every runner understands.
I had my outfit, my peanut butter & banana toast, and my hair was agreeing with me.
I was good to go.
Except that part where I FORGOT MY RACING FLATS!
Shout Out: Kaley and Molly for picking those puppies up for me.
>>>>>FAST FORWARD>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I warmed up, doing my old routine (with a few less strides, strides make me tired now) and I was just trying to stay relaxed. Honestly though, I couldn't believe I was about to get back out there! BACK ON THE TRACK! What was it going to feel like? I imagined afterwards very painful.
Saying I was REALLY EXCITED is an understatement. It was just an cool experience.
I had athletes coming up to me like, "I can't wait to see you race!"
"I'm excited to watch you go!" and the, "I can't wait to yell at you!" -That one was my favorite.
I certainly didn't want to disappoint... myself included.
Getting on the line was the most nerve racking thing.
THIS IS HAPPENING - THIS IS HAPPENING
THIS IS REALLY HAPPENING -repeating in my head.
I flinched as the gun sounded and we were off. Immediately my race instincts set in, RELAX and FIND YOUR STRIDE. So, I did.
Went through the 800 faster than my goal time of 2:50. I was feeling good! "Alright, let's turn it on", I thought to myself as I picked up the pace. Every lap I looked ahead to the next. So four laps to go was really three laps to go, and 3 laps to go was really two laps to go, and so on.
In my second to last lap I heard the bell from ring out for the competitors ahead of me.
My rule of thumb is: It doesn't matter where you are when the bell rings, you gotta go!
Going into my last lap was unbelievable. I did it. I knew regardless of the time that was on the clock that I was going to be happy. I raced a 5:32.73 in the 1 mile! Furthermore, I was able to bypass the trash can and walk off the track!
In the upcoming month I plan to increase my strength and my speed. So look out! I was actually a little hesitant kicking it in- last thing I needed to do was hurt myself. 5:32 is a great starting point for me and I'm excited to see what else I can do if I TRAIN!
So I will be looking to get stronger and doing what I can to stay healthy. I'm thinking about racing at Dartmouth Relays which is Sunday, January 11th.
I have a month to up my game. Goal time: Sub 5:20
If anyone wants to do Drummer Repeats with me, give me a shout.
.....Until next time.
I have a month to up my game. Goal time: Sub 5:20
If anyone wants to do Drummer Repeats with me, give me a shout.
.....Until next time.