C Mantz Running

USU invitational indoor track meet 1600, 3200

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Location:

Provo,UT,USA

Member Since:

May 18, 2010

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

NCAA Champ

Running Accomplishments:

Pre-high school: I ran a lot of local 5ks and a few half marathons.  I didn't do a ton of training, but I just had fun, and I got more serious about it as high school got closer.

High school: I enjoyed running a lot, especially cross country.  I originally did track to keep my in shape for cross country.  I ran at Footlocker Nationals, the Adidas Dream mile, Brooks PR Invitational, world xc junior championships, and a few local 5ks. 

PRs: 800: 1:56.80-State Track 2014

1600: 4:10-State Track 2014/Mile: Sea Level-Adidas Grand Prix-4:07

3200:Alititude(~4500ft): 8:57.99-State Track 2014-2 Mile:8:53 at Brooks PR Invitational

5K: New Balance Indoor Nationals(2014) - 14:24

10K:USA Junior Track Championships (2014)-31:01

15K: Blacksmith Fork Freedom Run (aided) 48:10(2013).

Half Marathon: 
Utah Valley Half - 1:11:24(aided)(2012)

Post-mission:

1,500m-3:45

3k-7:50 

5k-13:29

10k-28:18

NCAA finishes:

Cross Country: 10th(2018);

Indoor: 3k-7th(2019) 5k-10th(2019);

Outdoor: 10k-22nd(2018), 4th(2019), 5k-7th(2019)

Long-Term Running Goals:

Make sure I have fun, not get burned out, and get faster.

School records in the 5km and 10km.  

Personal:

Served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from July 2015-July 2017.  I gained 30 lbs. during the service and came back out of shape; however I knew that if the Lord wanted me to once again run competitively, he would bless me to return to fitness. 

I graduated from Sky View High School in Smithfield, Utah. I currently run for Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.  

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Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
Total Distance
1677.95
Total Distance
7.00

       I was planning on only going on one run today, but went on two because I didn't quite feel good the first run.  I went to the track and did a small sprint workout in the morning.  I didn't feel good at all, so I decided I should run another time.  I then went running at 7 and felt great, but didn't go as fast as I usually do for the run I did.  I did 4 miles averaging a 5:40 pace, which I'm not complaining about, but I've ran that route faster and I was hoping to run it in a 5:35 pace. 

Total Distance
5.50

      I did a small warm up, stretched and went for a 5 mile run.  Felt good before the run, but didn't feel as good during or atleast for the first mile.  After that I felt pretty good.  Did it at the pace I was hoping to get.  Did a cool down with Flech after. 

Total Distance
3.50

      Did some L runs with a few guys from the XC team, and found out how much slower my sprint is than a lot of theirs, but maybe it was just not one of the best days for me.  Did 2 miles after with Kyler. 

Total Distance
8.00

      Did a slower 8 mile run to get some more miles in.  Averaged around a 6:05 pace, but I'm not 100% sure.  Felt amazing, great weather, no wind, 50 degrees at the start, 35 at the end.  At mile 5.5 it all of a sudden went dark in the canyon.  Pretty cool.

Total Distance
8.00

      Did 8 miles after school with Kyler and Tyson.  We went pretty slow.  Felt good.

Total Distance
2.00

      I went to a distance track camp at USU.  Learned some training methods for your legs that your supposed to do with your running.  Did some workouts with hurdles and other stuff.  Did a slow 2 mile run after. 

Total Distance
7.00

   I did 2.5 miles at a pretty good pace, took some layers off, did a mile, put the hat back on.  Did the next half mile pretty fast.  Did a cool down mile, then put the other layers on and did a mile at a low 5 minute, then did a hill workout for a third a mile, then cool down for the rest.  I felt great for the first bit, then started feeling terrible.

Total Distance
5.00

      Did 4 miles at pretty good pace, probably a 6:10 pace, took a layer off, did another mile at 5:45 pace.  Felt pretty good. 

Total Distance
5.00

      Did  a 4.5 mile slow run with some cross country guys.  The did some striders for a half mile.  Felt good to go slower than the last few days. 

Total Distance
4.50

      Ran down to Mack Park did 2 sets of beauty/beast sprints.  Took a layer off, and went faster and pushed it harder for 2 more times.  Then ran to the church to play some church ball for about 8 minutes.

Total Distance
2.00

     Did 2 miles slow, then did some striders.  I might've pushed it a bit too fast for a pre-meet day, but felt pretty good. 

Race: USU invitational indoor track meet 1600, 3200 (3 Miles) 00:14:54, Place overall: 4, Place in age division: 2
Total Distance
3.50

      Okay,  I didn't know how to make this into two races, so I added the times and put the overall place as the mile, and the division place as the 2 mile.  2 mile time was 10:05(?) and my mile time was 4: 44. And, well, track is starting.  I went to the building at USU and ran the mile after waiting for a long time.  The track was 200 meters, so it would have been 8 times around for the 1600.  They were looking for ways to split up the people into heats, and they said who runs 4:40s, and my friend pushed me up there with 3 other guys.  then they said who runs 4:55s and more people came up.  They then started, and I was planning on staying behind Jerrel or Adam for the race, just so I could get an official track mile time.  No one was putting a pace out there, so I started going in a pretty good one, and led the first mile.  Jerrel then took over, because he also realized the pace was pretty slow.  Half way through my half mile time was 2:20, right where I was hoping, while I felt like I could push it more, I thought I would burn up if I did, so I kept that pace.  In that same lap some guys, including Jerrel, starting throwing out some hard paces.  I didn't really try that hard to stay with them, which I wish I would've.  I didn't let anyone pass me after that though.  I took 4th, Jerrel took 3rd by a fifth a second, and I don't know the guys who beat us.  At the end I felt amazing, and during it I felt great, so I think I could have pushed it a lot more out there.  The 3200 on the other hand was a bit different.  No one was setting a pace again, even Jerrel, so I took it out on the first mile.  I didn't hear my splits for it though.  Jerrel passed me a little after the first mile, and I didn't want to lose my lead so I passed him back.  I then knew that Jerrel was going to pass me soon, because his kick at the end is better than mine, so I kept my pace so I could get a good time.  At the last lap, I knew first place was close, so I tried to kick it, unfortuanatly Jerrell's kick was better than mine and he passed me 150 meters or so away and I just stayed on his heeles the rest of the way.  It was fun and pretty nice though.  My time was 10:05 I think, but maybe a bit more.  Well, now I know what to shoot for in track. 

Comments
From Steve on Sun, Jan 15, 2012 at 10:36:29 from 66.87.67.103

Awesome racing! Brings back memories reading that.

From Jake K on Sun, Jan 15, 2012 at 13:08:15 from 67.177.21.60

Great start to the indoor season Conner!

From Conner Mantz on Tue, Jan 17, 2012 at 17:50:26 from 24.10.143.25

Thanks, track seemed like it was going to be terrible at first, but during it I actually felt great.

Total Distance
5.00

    Did a 5 mile tempo run.  I ran around a 5:55 mile pace.  I was hoping to run it faster, but with the snow at mile 3 that was harder to push off of, I think I did alright.  Felt pretty good for most of it, except at the end of mile 4 I had a stomach ache.

Total Distance
5.00

    Ran another 5 mile tempo run at around a 5:50 pace.  I didn't feel that good at first, but as soon as the first half mile was over I felt amazing.  I don't know what came into me, but I felt great. 

Total Distance
4.50

     Went for an easy run.  Was going to run with some XC guys, but they were doing a track workout that took me a while to decide I didn't want to do it.  Went pretty slow due to wind and snow and the cold. 

Total Distance
3.00

    I went short and slow.  Not my plan at first, but due to the weather and how I wasn't feeling that good before, during, or after, I didn't go fast either.  I did it though, so it's all good.

Total Distance
6.00

     Did a 5-mile tempo run with a mile cool down after.  I timed myself this time with a stopwatch on my ipod, and my splits were 5:02, 5:51, 5:47, 5:18, 5:40 for the 5 miles and a recovery mile at the end.  I felt pretty good for it.  Yesterday I was supposed to either go long or go hard, and I didn't, so since of the weather today was great, I instead went hard today. 

Comments
From ACorn on Fri, Jan 20, 2012 at 18:42:21 from 24.2.76.146

Nice run Conner! Blazing fast first and fourth miles.

Total Distance
5.00

     Went 5 tempo miles in some terrible weather.  slower than last weeks runs, mostly due to the snow and wind, but still averaged a sub-6 so still pretty fast.  Felt great, probably because I didn't run for 2 straight days. 

Total Distance
5.00

     Went running on the same course I went yesterday, sadly not up the canyon, but a nice less hilly run.  Pushed it more than yesterday, and felt it.  Ran at an average of 5:40 I think, maybe 5:45, I timed it but I don't know where I put the ipod that timed it.  Felt good, but not during the times I was trying to push it, but I didn't feel bad during those times either. 

Total Distance
3.00

     I was going to just go with 3 easy miles, but I felt great and went medium at a 6 minute mile pace.  I just found that there is a track meet I can go to tomorrow and now I feel extremely stupid because Now I'm gonna be sore for tomorrow after those two last days and today.  ah well.  Can't change the past now, can I?

Race: Distance meet 3200, 1600 (2 Miles) 00:09:47, Place overall: 3, Place in age division: 3
Total Distance
4.00

      I went with Jerrel to the meet.  Ths track was 440 meters or something like that, and indoors with a ice skating rink in the middle.  First we ran the mile.  Jerrel and I were in the second heat.  I ran a 4:38 in it.  Jerrel was 2 or 3 seconds faster, and won the heat.  In the two mile I tried to run a strategy Kyle Peterson told me he used.  Run the first mile in a sub-5 and the next a bit slower, usually a 5, but try to get a bit under.  I stayed with a Davis guy for the first two laps, then he kept a fast pace and stayed way ahead.  At my 5th lap another davis guy passed me, but we kept fighting to beat the other.  At the last lap he passed me, and then on the last turn Jerrel got me and I passeed the Davis guy after that and tried to get Jerrel, but didn't.  I got a 9:47 at that race. 

Comments
From Jake K on Mon, Jan 30, 2012 at 17:37:07 from 155.100.226.54

Great double Conner! - You are off to an awesome start to track season.

Total Distance
3.00

     3 easy miles.  recorporating of the previous day

Total Distance
8.00

     8 tempo miles.  Was just going to go for easy, but after my first two miles I had a goal, which was pretty hard, that pushed my pace for the rest of the way.  I averaged a 5:53 mile in the run. 

Total Distance
5.00

     Ran the canyon.  Felt better than usual before a run.  It was a pretty warm day, 40 degrees, so not to bad, and I didn't have to run in tights or two shirts.  I went out the first mile feeling good.  I didn't feel like timing it at first, but I did it anyway and am happy I did.  I ran pretty hard, for a training run, and felt great.  My time for the five miles was 27:30.  I am kinda surprised because, while I pushed it everywhere, I still didn't feel like I was going this fast.  My last mile with the uphill was still a sub-6, which I rarely do.

Total Distance
3.00

    Not fast, not slow.  Averaged a 6-minute mile.  Not too hard, especially for 3 miles.

Total Distance
4.50

     Ran with some guys from XC.  Pretty slow, and nice. 

Total Distance
7.00

     Was trying to go for a long run.  Felt kinda sick today, so wasn't at the pace I wanted, but I got it done. 

Total Distance
5.00

      Wasn't feeling to good again, so I didn't run yesterday.  Today was better than yeterday, so I went on a run.  Not too slow, but not fast yet.  Hopefully Monday will be better.

Total Distance
6.00

      Now that I'm not sick anymore, or atleast enough to do a lot, I went for a good fast run.  My first mile my sock was having problems and wasn't staying on my foot.  It was going into the buttom of my shoe to my toe.  After the first mile I was sick of it, so after my first mile, where I lost some elevation, I had to go back, change the socks, and go and run some more.  My first two miles were in 5:05 and 5:43(due to the downhill and uphill).  Later I did 3 more miles where I lost some elevation, but still averaged a 5:30.  Then I did a 6:10 or something close to that cool down last mile.  And then a little more actually cooling down cool down.

Total Distance
5.00

    When I came home from school, I was really hungry and my mom had just baked a bunch of bread.  I ate a half a loaf, and that didn't agree with my run.  I felt sick, and had to stop twice.  Did the first two miles at a pretty good pace, 5:45

Total Distance
3.00

    Ate pretty terrible before this run, and felt terrible the last mile.

Total Distance
5.00

     Around the block.  5- miles

Total Distance
8.00

     Did two 4mile sets.  first was in 23:29, and second was in 23:17.  I wish I could've gone faster, but I still felt like crap from being sick.  If this doesn't get better soon, my running times are gonna go way down in races.

Total Distance
5.25

       Weather was amazing, I ate lunch today.  Didn't feel that sick, only had to blow my nose a few times today.  I had to get 5 miles fast for the first time in a while.  Ran hard, and pushed myself, especially on the last mile.  Did a 5:28 average, my goal was to get 5:30 or under, so I'm happy.  I think I'm ready for the Simplot. 

Total Distance
5.00

      Good pace- 5 miles in the canyon

Total Distance
2.00

     Tapering for Simplot games. 

Race: Simplot games 3200 (2 Miles) 00:09:40, Place overall: 6, Place in age division: 4
Total Distance
3.00

     Did a warm up on the track, then did another with Jerrel after the track closed.  Get ready for the race, and went to the starting line.  I was in the first heat with Dallin Farnsworth, Jerrel Mock, and Ben Sarrel.  I wasn't even planning on getting in the front ever during it, but nobody started a fast pace after the first lap or two, so I went out in front and led the race for a few laps.  Dallin and Ben I think just wanted to qualify, and then kick it at the race Saturday.  Later they both passed me and Finished 8 seconds ahead of me.  At the end I didn't see anyone behind my on the big screen, so I stopped at the finish, and was passed by someone who beat me by .14 seconds.  How sad, but that was just the preliminaries.  I qualified, and so did Jerrel, while he was sick, he didn't think he was going to, but he still did. 

Comments
From Jake K on Sat, Feb 18, 2012 at 13:47:55 from 67.177.21.60

Great time Conner - 9:40 is smoking indoors!

From Conner Mantz on Tue, Feb 21, 2012 at 18:05:39 from 24.10.161.27

Thanks, but I'm afraid I might've peaked a bit early, and might either need a break or need to take it easy for week to make sure I peak at state, but I'm not sure.

Total Distance
2.00

     Keeping it easy before tomorrow the championship simplot games. 

Race: Simplot 3200 championships (2 Miles) 00:09:45, Place overall: 7, Place in age division: 7
Total Distance
3.00

      Did a warm up by myself, stretched and got ready.  I was sooo nervous, and I think that messed me up.  I was hoping to get a PR, but didn't make it.  We started out and I tried keeping up with the pack, but lost it after the first mile(4:45) and slowed down because I didn't have anyone to pace with.  I think I could've pushed it a lot at the second mile, but I just didn't becuase I couldn't catch up to anyone to help me keep a good pace, and I couldn't keep a good pace without someone else.  At the second to last lap Dallin Farnsworth was going to lap me, or getting close, so I went in the second lane to not get in his way, he was shooting for the Meet Record, and he didn't pass me.  I later got paced by someone and outsprinted them at the last 60 meters, which I'm surprised about, by .05 seconds.

Comments
From Walter on Sun, Feb 19, 2012 at 15:37:28 from 24.2.69.110

Nice job Conner! My fastest ever was a 9:48 at Cottonwood High School. Keep up the good work!

From Conner Mantz on Tue, Feb 21, 2012 at 18:04:11 from 24.10.161.27

Thanks

Total Distance
6.00

    Went on a 5-mile tempo run.  Felt alright, but tried to go fast.  Ran a cool down mile with my brother and dog after. 

Total Distance
6.00

Pretty much the exact thing as yesterday, except I felt better. Same pace, around 5:50 or a bit lower. Cool down with dog after.

Total Distance
5.00

      Was going to go easy with some XC guys, but never caught up to them due to the fact that I have to go to North Cache and my bus gets to SV late.  Tried to catch up to them, but was always going at a fast pace and never did.  They had 15 minutes on me I heard later, which is a lot different then I thought they had.

Total Distance
8.00

      Was going to go easy and long, but just felt too darn good to go easy.  Had a pretty good pace the first 6 miles, but after that I didn't feel as good, and so I slowed down the last two miles. 

Total Distance
3.00

      Made sure I went slow and easy. 

Total Distance
8.00

      Went on a fast tempo run.   Went for fast distance.  I didn't time it, but I felt amazing, so I think I went fast.

Total Distance
6.00

      5 mile tempo run-- 27:48.  Cool down mile after with dog and sister.  Felt pretty good, pushed it hard.

Total Distance
6.00

      Exact thing as yesterday, just a bit slower.

Total Distance
3.00

        45 degrees, but with a 25 mph wind and snow it isn't as warm.  Needed to relax my calves.  Went a little above a 6 minute mile.

Total Distance
8.50

      8 tempo miles with half mile cool down with brother and dog. 

Total Distance
8.00

     Did a 6 mile tempo run with a 5:40 pace average.  Then did a 2 mile cool down. 

Total Distance
5.50

      Track tryouts today, which is the biggest waste of time.... ever!  We did a "warm up" (400m) and stretched and did some weird drills.  Then after the 2 and a half hour tryout ended I went on a pretty nice, slower than wanted, but nice weather-filled run (5.25.).  It was beautiful and almost perfect temperature.  Felt great, until the last bit.

Total Distance
2.25

      There was great weather today.  Until an hour before school ended.  Then the wind started and the temperature dropped about 20 degrees.  Went to the track try outs, where they let us run, but it was in the worst wind I've been in for a while.  I froze, but tried to go a bit fast.  Tomorrow I will push it sooo much though, with all these off days, I know I gotta do it.

Total Distance
5.50

     Track stuff, but the coach asked if I would rather go for a run, instead of learning how to jump, so I said OF COURSE.  Went for 5.5 miles close to a 5:45 pace.  Planned on a cool down, but had to leave after run. 

Total Distance
5.00

       4 miles or so tempo run.  When Alex came back we did some 200m sprints on the track with the rest of the track team.  Felt great, probably could've gone farther, but might do a 5k Saturday for a hard workout, but I'm not sure.   

Total Distance
3.00

     Easy, but alright pace.  Around 6 minute.  Felt great, probably because of spring fever, but oh well, I still felt great.

Race: SV cause week 5k (3 Miles) 00:15:44, Place overall: 1, Place in age division: 1
Total Distance
8.00

      Woke up and remembered I was going to do a race today.  Had some bacon, toast, and left a bit later.  It was perfect weather.  Sunny, a bit cold, and almost no snow on the ground.  I wasn't going to go all out, and instead just get a hard workout in, but then I saw Jerrel, and I just had to beat him, or atleast try.  The rest or most of the XC team were just going to run a 30 minute or so and do some very funny stuff.  I wanted to go with them, but didn't.  The race was to benefit a family that couldn't pay for a heart transplant.  We went to the finish line, and the XC team was dressed pretty funny, and they all lined up at the front without any room for anyone to pass them.  As soon as they said go the team went off and then stopped after 25m or so.  Jerrel and I battled it out from there.  He didn't know the course too well, and it wasn't marked perfect either, so I kinda had an advantage.  We went back and forth, but at the end I felt amazing (probably because I haved a lot of easy days, and Logan's team hasn't) and led the last half mile or so.  I just kept getting more ahead after that and beat him by a few seconds.  I thought it was a bit of a fast race for pre-season, but oh well, it'll probably help me.  Felt great after during the day.  Went on a 4 mile bike ride with my younger siblings that morning, and then went on a jog with my little brother, then a run again by myself and then a mile with my dog.  I just couldn't get enough running, probably because of the weather, but I still felt great after the running with my dog, but my cousins came over so I didn't go on another run. 

Comments
From Jake K on Sat, Mar 10, 2012 at 18:42:02 from 72.201.142.201

Awesome race Conner!

From Scott Ensign on Sat, Mar 10, 2012 at 18:48:34 from 67.40.114.236

nice job Connor. are you doing shamrock next week? I am still trying to decide. I am pretty out of shape right now. well, maybe I will see you there.

Total Distance
5.00

       Went for 5 mile run in 28:43.  Felt pretty good.  Went snowboarding for the rest of the day.   

Total Distance
6.20

      Did some sprints in track practice, then a mile cool down.  Felt way too good to end it there, so went on a four(and a bit) more mile run, but went pretty slow said my watch, but I felt like I was flying.  That kinda put a dent in my run, but oh well. 

Total Distance
1.50

     Track, tomorrow is the blue and white meet so we are supposed to take it easy.  I wish I would've put more miles in now, but can't change the past, just try harder in the blue and white.  

Total Distance
4.00

      Blue and White meet.  Kind of a pre-season thing, to see for varsity.  Mile-4:41.  Ran with Tyler for most of the way, but then he outsprinted me at the final 300.  The wind was pretty bad, and so he drafted off me for most of it, which I'm alright with, but in a meet, I'll do that instead on others.  Two mile no one was around my pace.  Nick hadn't had a lot of time to train, so he only ran an 11-minute, and he was closest to me.  It was pretty fun, lots of cheering.  First meet I'm going to be at is the Cache-Box at USU, and I'm super excited. 

Total Distance
3.00

       8X200 meter repeats.  Cool down after.  averagede a 30.5 for the repeats.  Bad wind for the way we were going.  Cool down after.

Race: Shamrock Shuffle (3.2 Miles) 00:17:20, Place overall: 1, Place in age division: 1
Total Distance
6.20

       Went to the Shamrock Shuffle.  There was an absolutely terrible wind for the first one and a half miles.  I've usually always loved the first uphill in this race, but this year was terrible.  The uphill plus the wind made it almost impossible to run a 6-minute pace.  My first mile clocked at about 6:20 or something like that.  My next miles were faster, but the wind wasn't pushing me until halfway through. I finished with not a very good time for me, but Mitch Allen didn't finish too well either, so I didn't feel that bad about it.  His GPS also said it was 3.2 miles.  Later that day I just needed to run more, so I went on a 3 mile run 8 hours later and found that the wind had not changed a bit. 

Comments
From allie on Sun, Mar 18, 2012 at 10:53:42 from 97.126.223.167

nice race, conner. bummer about the crazy wind.

From Jake K on Sun, Mar 18, 2012 at 11:53:47 from 67.177.21.60

Another great effort Conner. It was crazy windy yesterday, not a great day for racing! Some longer (5K) efforts like this will make blazing through the 1600m feel so much shorter!

From Steve on Sun, Mar 18, 2012 at 23:43:37 from 66.87.67.253

Nice race, I thought about getting out to that one. Good time for winds like that!

Total Distance
6.00

       Track-  Ran some sprints today in track.  2-200s, around a 30 both, a 400, 63 sec.s, an 700, not timed, a 250, not timed.  I had small cool downs/breaks in between.  After it all I did a 6 minute mile pace, what I thought was one, for 4 and a half miles, possibly a bit shorter or longer, I'm not sure,  but I tried to push it, and felt like I was, but I didn't know my pace that well.

Total Distance
5.50

     For track we did a lot of cardio workouts or something like that, then they let the distance team do distance.   We ran the golf course, which is a 4.5 distance route.  I took it hard, and then did a mile cool down.  

Total Distance
5.25

       Went for a 5 mile tempo run early.  Then did a cool down.  Not as fast as I wanted, but yesterday I took it hard, so I think I'm alright.

Total Distance
6.00

      .6 warm up.  At a hotel in Florida before the cruise.  5 miles for tempo run at 5:50 pace.  .4 cool down.  Felt great at low elevation.

Total Distance
6.00

      Ran on the cruise ship.  Saw the sun rise.  Slower than wanted.  Around a 6:10 or 6:20 pace.

Total Distance
7.00

     They had a 5k on the castaway key island.  I got lost so my time for it was 17:40.  I was angered, so I ran it again in a 17:29, which cooled my again a bit.  Then did another mile for cool down.

Total Distance
4.00

     5k again, except I knew the course.  Ran it in 16:16.  I was pretty happy about it. 

Race: Cache-Box Invite (1 Miles) 00:04:36, Place overall: 3, Place in age division: 3
Total Distance
1.50

     Warm up with the distance team ( the whole 4 of us).   We later started, and I didn't have a goal in mind yet.  The first 200 had a fast pace then everyone slowed down, so I decided to lead it for the next 400 after that.  Later I got passed by Mitch, Adam, and Tyler.  I stayed with them to the 3rd lap where some guy I don't know cut me off and threw my tempo off.  I recovered and passed him.  Tyler, Adam and Mitch were up there, but I tried to catch up.  I passed Mitch in the final 100 meters.  Tyler got a 4:30, Adam got a 4:33, and Mitch was right up with me.  I now know that I only need 10 seconds faster for state qualifying.  I'm going to try for it, but I don't know if I'll get it. 

Race: Cache-Box invite 3200 (2 Miles) 00:09:46, Place overall: 1, Place in age division: 1
Total Distance
3.50

      Didn't see anyone who was going to push the pace a lot for me, so I had to pace myself.  Did a good/cold warm up with Nick.  Was ready, and later just went.  Nobody was by me for most of the race.  I had some funny splits, not that consistent today looks like, but oh well.  My goal was to qualify for state, and I did.  I had a fast 800 (2:16) and then a fast mile(4:46) which later made the rest of the race easier.  I wish I would've pushed it for the last mile more.  Felt not that good during it, and after it, but atleast I qualified for state.

Comments
From Jake K on Fri, Mar 30, 2012 at 08:37:58 from 155.100.226.54

good work the last couple days! you'll get that state qualifier in the 1600, no doubt!

From Conner Mantz on Sat, Mar 31, 2012 at 11:17:14 from 71.219.110.201

Thanks for the support, it helps a bunch.

Total Distance
5.50

     Had bearly any miles in this week, so tried to get some in.  I felt absolutley terrible.  I ate a banana and a piece of bread, without thinking, before I went, and those are the worst things for me before a run.  I stopped at mile 4 because I just felt terrible.  My last mile usually is my slowest, because it's the last and it's uphill.  I felt terrible during it, but I timed it anyway and got a 5:45 on it.  Kind of surprised about it.  Did a half mile cool down after.

Total Distance
5.50

     Same as yesterday.  5 mile tempo, half mile cool down.  Averaged a 5:47 or 5:48 pace.  Felt a bit better than I did yesterday.

Total Distance
11.00

      AM- 5 mile tempo run.  Thought I would get a 5:45 pace, but ended up with a slower 5:57 pace.  Not a very good run for me, but oh well.  Did a .75 mile cool down with my little brother and my dog and my friends dog.

      PM- I finally got the distance team's training schedule, so now I can train in the same way as my fellow distance team-mates, while I'm with the freshman.  Did a mile warm up, then an 800, a 600, a 400, and a 800.  I also did a 200 between them all.  Then I did a mile workout up a hill.  Not too fast, but alright pace.  Then a 1.2 mile cool down. 

Total Distance
4.00

      Easy run.  Felt amazing, probably because I went easy and ate good food yesterday.  Tomorrow's run might not be as good because I ate unhealthy food today, but I'll see.  After the run I felt like I could keep running.  Pushed it at some parts, but I wasn't supposed to. 

Total Distance
5.50

       Did a 1.5 mile warm up, and then did 7 hill(beast) repeats, and then the golf course hill.  I felt good.  Didn't go too fast I think because I didn't have anyone pushing me like in XC.  mile cool down.

Total Distance
8.00

      My schedule said to do a 6 to 8 mile easy workout, but I felt too good to do that.  I decided to do a tempo run of 8 miles.  Later I only did a 7 mile tempo, and a mile cool down.  My time for the seven miles was  39 minutes and 42 seconds.  I pushed it and it felt good. 

Total Distance
5.50

     Went to Nevada with a friend, and I was supposed to run on a treadmill.  I didn't like the treadmill at all.  I ran 5 at a tempo pace in 29:47, with a small incline.  I felt good, with the exception of being on a treadmill.  Did a half mile cool down after. 

Total Distance
6.70

     Ran a mile warm up, a 2 mile track workout, then a 2.2 mile cool down/run home.  Felt really good.  Later did a mile and a half run, easy, to get to that 40 mile a week mark.  I just love how much I can run during spring break.

Total Distance
5.00

       Track workout.  4X800's goal mile pace.  What I wanted to get was 2:13's.  My first was a 2:13 right on, my second and third were 2:16's.  I had way too long of a break between my third and my fourth, that I didn't feel stretched enough when I started it.  I got a 2:18 on that one.  Later did a mile to try out my spikes I just got.  If anyone knows how to break in spikes, please comment and tell me.  Did another half-mile waiting for my mom to pick me up.  Then my dog ran off, and I had to run a mile and a half to find him.  Later I found him, but I also got some miles in. 

Comments
From Rob Murphy on Mon, Apr 09, 2012 at 19:24:06 from 24.10.249.165

It's totally legit to count mileage chasing your dog.

Nice job on the 800s.

From Conner Mantz on Fri, Apr 13, 2012 at 17:32:19 from 75.169.95.124

Thanks.

Total Distance
8.00

     Long hot run.  Didn't go at a fast pace, but I wish I would've.  7.5 miles for the run, then a bunch of striders.  

Total Distance
2.00

     Easy pre-meet.

Total Distance
2.00

     Small warm up.  Then the mile in the meet against Logan.  Jerrel wasn't pushing it.  We ran the first 3 laps alright, then he pushed it the second lap.  He ran a 4:36, I ran 4:42.  Later I did the 400, and got a 56 or 57 said Tyson.  Then I did the 800 in the medley relay, with Tyler R, Tyler W, and Chandler T.  I was the 800m, and Tyler R was taking it easy in the 400, but he still got a great time.  I wasn't too far behind when I started, but I lost a lot of ground during it too.  Tyson's team took first, while my team took second.  That's pretty good I thought.  

Total Distance
2.50

     Did an easy day with strides before the big Grizzly invitational. Hoping to get a sub 9:40 in the two, and a PR in the mile.  I'll try to qualify for state in the mile, but I don't know how close I really am to it.  

Race: Grizzley Invite 3200 (2 Miles) 00:09:29, Place overall: 2, Place in age division: 2
Total Distance
5.00

       I got up, my dad did the paper route, and I went to get ready for the race.  I ate a small piece of toast, and about a half cup of orange juice, and then we left.  We got there about 8:15, which is only 45 minutes before they started the 3200.  They had some girls heats, then some guys heats, and then my heat started at 9:40.  I just got some new spikes, which probably helped me a ton, that made me feel amazing.  I ran with Jerrell for it, and we stayed pretty consistent the whole time.  The first mile was a 4:45, and the 2400m mark was right on to have a 9:30. I passed Jerrel with 800m to go, then he passed me with 400m to go and I never caught him.  I kept trying to because I really wanted the school record, which is 9:29 flat I think, so I pushed it all the way.  Jerrell ran a 9:26 or 27, but still killed it.  Later I ran the mile, and I just wasn't mentally ready.  It had a brutal start, with two people getting tripped, and one of those(Chuk) got mutalated.  i started in the outside lane to stay away from it all.  I ran way too fast in the first 600m, but I got passed and I tried to relax and that spelled doom. I got a PR thanks to the spikes, but didn't have my best race.  Ran something like a 4:34,  but I really think I could've done better.  I placed 8th, Elijah Armstrong took first, Jerrell took 3rd, and Tyler took 4th.  Tyler missed qualifying times by about a second.  

Comments
From Scott Ensign on Sun, Apr 15, 2012 at 11:04:46 from 70.58.98.19

nice job Connor, you'll get that school record soon! nice pic of you guys in the paper today too. you guys are really helping to push each other.

From Jake K on Sun, Apr 15, 2012 at 11:12:53 from 50.138.183.237

Fantastic races Conner!

From Dave S on Sun, Apr 15, 2012 at 19:19:57 from 69.170.115.216

Great job! That record will be yours. I saw the newspaper article too!

Total Distance
8.00

     Track workout first, then we went to our own event workouts.  30 sec. faster than race pace, 30 sec easy jog for 30 minutes.  Went with Alex on his long run for my run.  Did a long cool down after. 

Total Distance
4.50

     Did some more speed work.  Sprints on the "terrible triangle."  The workout wasn't too hard at first, so me and Wes added another sprint in it.  I felt pretty good, but I don't think I went that fast compared to how I usually do.  Then we did a half mile cool down. 

Total Distance
2.00

     Pre-meet again.  we ran to Mack Park did 10 dot dot, then went back.  pretty fun.

Total Distance
3.00

       There was a duel meet today.  I did the mile first.  I tried to average a good pace, and then finish well at the end.  After the first lap at 1:09, I decided to get a 1:10 average.  My splits were 1:09, 1:11, 1:11, 1:07.  Had fun with it and I felt amazing.  I didn't use my spikes, so hopefully I'll feel better on Saturday adn will finally qualify.  I then ran the 400, did good for me.  I had a bunch of fun with that, while Chicky (Cardon Porter) ran it for the first actual time in high school, and he got a 52.  I think I was a few seconds behind him, so I probably got a 57 or something like that.  I then did the medly with some freshman.  I ran the 800, and got a PR.  The people who timed it said it was around a 2:03 or 2:02.  We almost won it against the Jr/Sr team.  AJ ran their 800, and didn't look like he was pushing it too bad.  I almost caught him at the end.     

Total Distance
1.50

     Went easy for this pre-meet.  I'm hoping to get qualified in the mile.  I know it's a stretch, 6 seconds, but I think I can do it. 

Race: Sky View Invitational (2 Miles) 00:09:29, Place overall: 1, Place in age division: 1
Total Distance
4.50

      I wasn't going to push the 2 mile today, but then I just felt too good, and with this wonderful weather, it was such a great oppurtunity to pass up.  I wanted to get the school record, which I missed by .39 seconds last week.  I ran the first lap feeling amazing.  1:05.  I thought it was a bit fast at first, but I kept going.  2:16.  I still felt great.  3:28.  Keep it coming.  4:39.  This is where I started dying.  5:52, not near what I wanted.  7:05 , I'm slowing down, I need to push this last 800. 8:18.  Crap I'm in trouble.  I ended with a 9:28.6 I heard at first, but then the official time was 9:29.0.  Less than a second better than last week, but I got the school record.  I think I may have gone out too fast, but boy did I feel good.  I later did the mile also, which I wasn't ready for.  I had maybe an hour at most of rest between.  I had a headache before it, but it was gone after the mile.  I ran the mile in 4:33, so same as last week.  I didn't get a good start, and I never caught up to Tyler or Adam.  They were just too far ahead.  Tyler got a 4:27.73, and Adam got a 4:30.  I kinda felt bad for Tyler, because he wanted to qualify, it was his birthday also, but he missed it by .03 seconds.  If only he would've stuck his tongue out or something at the end. 

Comments
From Jake K on Sat, Apr 21, 2012 at 21:17:36 from 67.182.215.126

School record! Congrats!

From Steve on Sat, Apr 21, 2012 at 22:10:41 from 66.87.66.1

Awesome! That is hauling!

From Paul on Sun, Apr 22, 2012 at 14:38:55 from 71.208.141.66

Congrats on the school record.

Total Distance
6.00

     In track we did a "cardio workout" at first, that was hard, but it mostly wasted my time I think.  I'm not going to need that arm strength for the 3200, unless I get in a fight, which doesn't happen that often.  We then did a few runs where we would try to lengthen our stride.  After that the distance team got to leave.  I went and did the workout that the distance coach gave me.  Mile warm up.  felt good, but it was 80 or 90 degrees, so I got a drink again.  Then I ran a 5 min. 5k pace, with 2.5 minutes of rest between the 3 of those.  Mile cool down.  Then when I was waiting for my mom to pick me up I did an extra mile. 

Total Distance
8.50

      The workout was 6-8 tempo with 2X400's after.  I was going to do the 8 miles tempo, and just stay with that.  I didn't feel too good, so at mile 6 I stopped.  I ran the first 6 miles in 34 minutes.  Pretty good pace, but I didn't feel that good at the end.  Since it was still 2 miles back to my house, I had to finish the run.  I decided to do a 2 min. break, then go and run a mile, another break, another mile.  My last two miles were 5:28, and 6:00.  I then did  a cool down with the dog. 

Total Distance
3.00

      Easy pre-meet.  

Total Distance
3.00

      Dual meet with Roy.  Trying to get ready for Saturday.  I got a 4:45 on the mile, and I ran the Medly.  Got a mile and a half in before that. 

Total Distance
1.50

      Getting ready for the Davis Invitational.  This is where I want to qualify in the mile, because it's first for me.  I run at 10AM or sometime near that, so I'll be ready.  Then I run the 3200 at 5 or 6 PM, so I'll have a good break.  I'm hoping to get a PR in both, but if I only get it in the mile and I qualify, then I'll be happy. 

Race: Davis Invitational 3200 and 1600 (2 Miles) 00:09:27, Place overall: 2, Place in age division: 2
Total Distance
5.00

        The Davis Invitational is the biggest I've been to so far.  I was signed up for the 3200 and the 1600.  The 1600 was at the first, at 10 or 11 AM, and the 3200 was at 5 or 6.   I went on the long bus ride and I felt great.  I warmed up with Tyson, who had an amazing race in his heat, and got my spikes on and went.  The biggest complaint about the meet was definitely the track.  It was crappy.  There were some parts that were more like road than track.  Anyway, I did my same old start.  I slowed the first 100, then for the next 100 pushed it to first.  I thought a lot of people were going to be pushing me, but no one was pushing me til the end of the third lap.  Two guys passed me, and I thought they were going to have a Tyler Robert's finish in the last lap, but since they didn't, I passed them on the next 100.  I then went and sprinted til the finish.  I got first in that race, but since it was the open, it didn't have a big reward like the invited section.  I qualified for state though, getting a 4:27.4.  I felt great.  I ate a bunch, but I should've eaten it a bit later.  I had 8 hours til the 2 mile.  I just watched races until my event.  I stayed hydrated, and marked my territory on that one Davis urinal about a thousand times.  I then got ready for the two mile after a long time.  Also during it I saw Brad Nye break the Utah record in the mile.  Then when I went to warm up for the 3200, I didn't think I had enough time, so I tried to warm up fast, which didn't help.  After it, I just went to the start.  I was inbetween 4 Davis guys at the start.  I was also seeded 3rd.  I just felt great for the first lap, so I pushed the first mile by myself as usual.  Brayden Cromar passed me at the 5th lap.  I felt like crap.  I was having thoughts of dropping out.  I stayed behind him the rest of the way.  At the last lap I tried to pass him, but he started sprinting, and I knew it wasn't a smart idea to pass him on the curve.  A friend from Herriman got mixed up in the laps and sprinted too, but to the finish, thinking he'd either won it or was top 3.  That messed him up, but he still recovered and took 6th.  I then kept behind Cromar and didn't let anyone catch me after that and I just took 2nd by a second or so.  I did a cool down after. and we left.  My time was 9:27.4.  Just like my mile, but 5 minutes slower. 

Comments
From Walter on Sun, Apr 29, 2012 at 07:22:54 from 24.2.69.110

Sweet Job! I never in my dreams ever hit the 2 mile in that time. So Awesome! Keep it up!

From Jake K on Mon, Apr 30, 2012 at 10:13:36 from 155.100.226.54

Another great double. Congrats on hitting the state qualifier in the 1600!

From Dave S on Mon, Apr 30, 2012 at 10:39:58 from 69.170.115.216

Great job on both races! Looks like you lowered the school record again!

From Conner Mantz on Mon, Apr 30, 2012 at 17:56:16 from 71.219.44.138

Thanks for the support.

Total Distance
5.25

      Wished I could've gotten some more of workout it in.  I felt terrible, and I didn't go fast either.  I did a half mile warm up, then 8X200 sprints with a 5 min. rest in between.  After the workout I found out it was only supposed to be a minute rest between.  Then a mile and a half with Wes and Joe.  Then a 400, and then a mile.  My times for the 200s were around 28, mostly.  some were 29.  Not that fast for me, especially for a 200.  My 400 time is at a faster pace.  My 400 I ran today was a 60.  I'll push it more tomorrow though. 

Total Distance
11.00

      I felt great, so I kept running.  I was only supposed to do 6-8 miles, but I just felt good.  I just felt great.  i went to the canyon from SV and went for a while kinda until the road stopped and I was at the campgrounds. I think it was 11 miles.  maybe only 10.

 

Total Distance
4.00

     Medium workout.  Did some 200m race pace and 200m cadences per mile.  I felt alright.  Pretty sore from yesterday.  Hopefully it'll be gone tomorrow.  I'm going to the BYU invite on Friday, and I'm kinda scared of some of the competition I'm going against.  It'll be fun though.  I'm hoping for another PR week, but i don't know how I'll do with the workout yesterday.

Total Distance
1.50

     Taper run for BYU tomorrow and Saturday.

Race: BYU Invitational 3200 (2 Miles) 00:09:23, Place overall: 4, Place in age division: 4
Total Distance
4.00

       Nice perfect weather, I felt great, pretty much the perfect time and everything for a run.  I saw I was seeded 3rd, but I knew that wouldn't happen, becuase Jake Heslington and Ben Sarrell are faster than me, and they had high number seeds.  I warmed up with Tyler and Tyson, and then stretched and then I went.  There were 30 people in my heat, and that was a bit scary, but it worked.  I planned to race the first mile hard, in the 4:40s or such, and then just hang on that last mile.  It worked out well.  At the start, since I had such a "nice" seed, I got boxed in for the first 150m.  At that moment, I went and slowed down to a near stop, went around the pack, and got my fast first lap in.  1:05 or something like that.  Then I just kept up my pace for another boring/painful 3 laps. My mile time was a 4:37.  At about the 5th lap I got passed by Cromar, and I just stuck with him.  Then a bunch of people started getting me and At the 800 to go, I passed them all, trying for an 800 finish.  At the 600 mark I got passed by a lot of people.  Then I passed some, including Cromar, at the 200 mark, and passed Alex Hedquist at the 50m to go.  I took 4th to Ben Sarrell, Jake Heslington, and of course Jerrell Mock.  I was really happy that I got the time (I was going for a 9:25) and also happy about the place.  It was worth the waking up at 4:30 in the morning.  

Race: BYU Invitational 1600 (1 Miles) 00:04:22, Place overall: 5, Place in age division: 5
Total Distance
3.00

     The night before, I felt terrible.  Sick with a sore throat, and a stuffy nose.  I think I drank two liters in the middle of the night.  I didn't think I could even do well at all today.  Sure, when people encouraged me it helped, but I still felt like crap.  I was seeded 12th in my race of 15, and I had only ran a time under 4:33 once.  I saw some of the people in my heat were going to be fun to run with, like a bunch of the Davis guys, Jake, Tyler, Tyson Boyer,  Mack Morrison, Ben Sarrell, and a bunch more.  I wasn't going into this race with a strategy planned out before, but I did the same as my 3200.  I got a long drink and soaked my head in water before right before the start.  Then we went off, and of course no one pushed the 2nd 100 again, so of course I just went out and led it.  I stayed in the lead for the first two laps, with a first 800 of 2:11, and then got passed a few times, and passed some people.  I had a good 200m sprint at the end by passing a person or two.  I PRed again, with a time of 4:22, so I know my 800 split wasn't too fast.  Tyler got qualified officially in the mile, but he ran the mile after his 800 time of 1:56.04., Also we got to run with a bunch of really fast guys, so it was a pretty good race. 

Comments
From Scott Ensign on Sat, May 05, 2012 at 22:09:19 from 207.224.194.188

awesome PR, congrats. you are heading for a sub 4 minute mile soon!!

From Jake K on Sat, May 05, 2012 at 22:19:52 from 67.182.215.126

Conner - WOW - I'm not shocked b/c you have been consistently been running so well all year, but 4:22 is still a smoking fast time! Congrats man!

From Burt on Sat, May 05, 2012 at 23:32:58 from 72.223.82.180

That's awesome! And you ran even splits!

From Paul on Sun, May 06, 2012 at 14:54:41 from 71.208.124.216

Spectacular!

From Conner Mantz on Mon, May 07, 2012 at 18:14:40 from 209.181.85.125

Thanks for the support everyone!

Total Distance
5.50

       I think I ran around 5.5 miles, but I'm not 100% sure.  Region is Wednesday and Thursday, so my coach didn't have us push it too hard.  I ran a 10, 20, 30, 30, 20, 10 X2 for my workout with a longer cool down.  10 sec hard, 10 sec easy, 20 sec hard, 20 sec easy, etc. 

Total Distance
1.50

        Just easing it up for Tomorrow/regions.

Race: Region 5 1600m (1 Miles) 00:04:24, Place overall: 2, Place in age division: 2
Total Distance
4.00

         I wasn't as nervous or ready for this race compared to BYU.  I felt alright, but not hte greatest.  I was a bit sick the night of BYU, and I was today too, so I thought I would definitley do great again.  I thought Jerrell was my main competition, but Tyler Roberts actually went and won it.  I ran a way too fast first lap (1:03), but still ran an alright second lap of (1:08).  I led til about the 700m to go, and Jerrel passed me, and Tyler did too.  At 450m I passed them hoping for a good 400m finish.  We clocked it at 1:09 for the third, which kinda isn't my race.  Tyler passed me with 300 to go and then I stayed on him for the rest of the way.  He got a 4:23, so way good.  Adam was a second behind me, with Jerrell really close too, and after that I don't know who was next.  I was seeded and hoped for first, but maybe in the 3200.  At least I finally beat Jerrell in a race.

Race: Region 5 3200m (2 Miles) 00:09:39, Place overall: 2, Place in age division: 2
Total Distance
5.00

       Didn't feel the best, and it was pretty windy, so before it I wasn't planning on pushing it.  Then during it I didn't push the first lap at all, so that was slow too.  Then Jerrell also wasn't pushing it all out, so that's pretty much to reason of the slower time.  I felt pretty bad during it too.  Not as bad as yesterday, but not like a regular race.  I led for most of the laps, so he went and drafted off me.  We had a few of really slow laps in it.  It just wasn't my race.  Oh well.  After I went and ran the 800, to score for the team.  I didn't do too bad, but I had a wonderful seed, which I wasn't able to get.  The start was terrible for me.  I didn't even start close to the front.  I was dead last by more than 5 meters for the first 200.  I tried passing some people, because I needed a good place, but I mainly passed some people(Bonnelville) in the last 100m.  I ran a 2:05, and I got to see Tyler run another low 1:57, and with the wind, that is amazing.  I later went on a cool down, and I felt great.  Kind of a bad time to feel it, but it's good.

Total Distance
3.00

        For some weird reason  my calf wasn't feeling the best after the 3200 yesterday, and today it felt a bit worse.  I decided to take it easy, and just go 3 miles.  I didn't go slow, but I didn't go fast.

Total Distance
6.00

      I wanted to do the Health Days fun run, but my parents said with my calf and that I shouldn't do anything too intense before state.  I saw a lot of friends running it when I was volunteering as a person who points the right way.  after that I ran home, then to SV for the parade.  I walked in most of the parade, but that doesn't count as running, does it?  After that we drove to Sky View.  Then I ran home in an extended way and that finished the miles.  I felt good, but my calf hurt a bit.  It isn't bad, but it's in a weird way, only when I walk or run do I feel the small pull.

Total Distance
7.50

       Felt pretty good today.  Did a mile and a half warm up, then did a track workout.  1 min tempo, 30 sec mile pace, 30 sec sprinting, with a decent recovery in between.  X 3.  Then did another 4 miles or so.  The only bad part was how hot it was. 

Total Distance
4.00

      4 miles with 6 strides in it.  Ran with Wes, but felt pretty good.  pushed it a bunch. 

Total Distance
3.00

         Getting ready for state.  did some 10, 20, 20, 10 X2.

Total Distance
2.00

      Got ready for state the next day.

Race: Utah State 4a 1600 (1 Miles) 00:04:22, Place overall: 7, Place in age division: 7
Total Distance
2.50

      I wasn't going into this race way way too cocky.  I thought it was going to be an easy race, due to my seeding, and I paid a price.  I started out too slow for the first 100, and tried to recover in the next 100.  I tried a 1:04 on the first lap, or something like that, and that was alright, I still felt good.  The next lap I should've definately pushed it more.  I got a 1:08 or 1:07.  Not where I should've been, but still alright.  Next lap I got another 1:08.  During this lap I saw Tyler, Jerrell, Jake, and Adam just go ahead of me.  This was a big mistake. I know I could've stayed close to them, but I just let them leave, and thought I would catch them at the end.  I never got close.  The last lap was a 1:03, which was where I wanted it, but I had so much energy during that lap, and I knew I could've pushed it some more.  I was passed by two guys, then I passed them, then for some stupid reasoning in my head, during the last 100 I thought 6th wasn't so bad, so I didn't sprint or use any of my energy that I still had there.  Then 2 guys passed me, and I passed another guy, but I didn't get a PR or a good place, so it was a pretty crappy race for having such a good oppurtunity/day.  I knew I could've done better than that.  All I tried to say was I'll make it up in the two mile.

Comments
From James on Sun, May 20, 2012 at 22:26:10 from 97.117.90.111

Still a good race and your 3200m was solid too. Keep it up, you are only a freshamn and already running super fast times. Eventually you will be able to hold on and then you will be scary!

Race: State Track Meet 4A 3200 (2 Miles) 00:09:18, Place overall: 3, Place in age division: 3
Total Distance
5.00

     I knew this race was going to be XC all over again.  I did a mile easy run to get focused, then waited for about an hour or two to start.  I did about another half mile, and then stretched.  I talked to Louis before, and he helped me out a bit by saying this race I'll be in the top 3, and miss winning by a second or two at the most.  For some reason that helped me out of ton.  When we started the race, I made sure I got a good 100m start, and then took over at the 200m mark til the 2200m mark.  I ran a good pace for most of it, but there were some parts I should've pushed it more, but the other guys didn't catch me for a while, so I ran a few 1:12s and 1:13s.  That helped me out on my kick though, which was a 1:02.  Sadly, they have better kicks, but I stayed with them for the whole race.  Jake took the race, beating Jerrel by about a half second, and beating me about a 1.2 seconds.  I got my goal time though, so I was way happy.  Then I went on a good cool down after. 

Comments
From Scott Ensign on Sun, May 20, 2012 at 18:18:24 from 207.224.194.188

great job Conner. great pic and article in the paper too. now that the season is over you can go back to beating us ordinary folks. BF freedom run this year??

From Jake K on Sun, May 20, 2012 at 18:56:04 from 67.182.215.126

Great job Conner. You had such an awesome season, and to cap it off by running 9:18 at the state meet is fantastic. What a year for you!

From Conner Mantz on Sun, May 20, 2012 at 21:07:25 from 65.130.177.198

Thanks, I haven't made any plans for the freedom run yet, but I probably will.

From Paul on Sun, May 20, 2012 at 21:21:26 from 71.208.124.216

Great job Conner, great season. That's an incredible time. Keep up the hard work.

From Sasha Pachev on Mon, May 21, 2012 at 12:14:40 from 67.222.225.187

Congratulations on a PR! 9:18 in 3200 is very very solid, near state record. I recall that Josh Rohatinsky ran 9:11 as a Senior in high school, and he went on to run 10,000 under 28:00. So I would make a rough estimate that you do have a sub-27:00 10,000 in you as an adult if you do everything right between now and then. The key is consistency and balance, or in other words, run frequently enough and long enough, but do not get carried away and damage your health.

And, with sub-27:00 10,000 it is possible to run sub-2:04 marathon. Do not get a big head, humility is important, but realize at the same time that your legs have super-Ryan Hall potential which was given to you for a reason and keep running with faith.

From Conner Mantz on Mon, May 21, 2012 at 15:27:46 from 65.130.177.198

Thanks Paul and Sasha, I don't know about running a sub-27:00, even in college, but I'll try to and I'll keep working hard.

From Dave S on Tue, May 22, 2012 at 08:26:20 from 63.248.248.57

Great job Conner! Nice article and picture in the paper!

Total Distance
5.00

     First run in this incredibly hot weather.   84 degrees F.   I was going to do a 5 mile tempo run, but due to the weather, and how I didn't feel too great after the first 2 miles, I cut it a bit short and had a mile cool down instead.  4 miles at 22.10.  I had mile splits in it, and those explain what I did wrong the first mile in the heat.  4:57, 5:50, 5:45, 5:38.  My cool down had a break in it, in which I drank lots of water at the golf course.  Then I cooled even more down home.  I now know that I need to get back into distance training or atleast half marathon training again if I want to do another half marathon in less than a month.   

Total Distance
6.50

     Today I felt pretty good, just really hungry.  That was before my run.  Then I ate a bunch, and realized that I only had about an hour to run.  So I got my clothes, and ran a mile to see how I was going to feel for the rest of the run.  I felt terrible, but I only had a bit of time to run.  I then started a 5-mile slower tempo, due to how I felt, and I just went.  I didn't do to bad, but I felt so terrible.  This was one of those runs where running isn't fun anymore.  I averaged a pace of 5:49, which I'm alright with, but if I was feeling good, I would've wanted a faster pace.  I then started feeling good after a small break, and took my dog on a half mile cool down. 

Comments
From Jake K on Tue, May 22, 2012 at 18:21:18 from 67.182.215.126

Conner if you are running 5:49 pace when you feel terrible and just finished eating, its no wonder you dropped a 9:18 2 mile a few days ago! :-)

From Conner Mantz on Wed, May 23, 2012 at 20:53:28 from 65.130.177.198

I don't know why, I just had to go and get it done fast that day. Just something made me have to get that pain over with.

Total Distance
3.10

      Did a 5k like run.  Today was supposed to be my easy day, and my goal was an 18 minutes for it.  I ran the first mile at 5:30, which is slower than my regular first miles, my next 1.1 miles were at about a 6:45, so a bit slower than I wanted.  So I decided to bust it the next mile, and somehow got a 5:15.  I think where I thought my miles were are off, but I ended up with a 17:30.  Good time, but way too fast for a training run that was supposed to start out easy. 

Total Distance
9.00

AM- went with the XC team, or atleast the next soph and fresh, in the morning.  Did 4 miles easy.

PM-  5 miles hard.  I pushed it like race pace, or atleast tried to.  27:21.  I felt amazing, and it was beautiful weather.  Nothing really went wrong during the run. 

Total Distance
0.00

      Nothing today.  Just getting ready for my long hard run tomorrow.

Total Distance
11.20

       I ran a bunch more miles than I usually do this week, but it's alright.  I went on a 10 mile hard tempo run today from my house to smithfield canyon and back down to Mack Park.  This run is to see where I'm probably going to be running for the Utah Valley Half.  I felt amazing, except for mile 5, where my feet started hurting for some weird reason.  I ran with a Garmin to make sure the splits were on.  My splits were:  5:08(downhill), 5:32,(uphill a bit),  5:54(uphill), 6:18(uphill), 6:24(uphill), 6:04(uphill, then turned around and it was downhill) 5:23(downhill), 5:32(downhill, but it went slower then the previous mile because I went to get my shirt and it was stuck on a barbed wire fence), 5:25(downhill), 5:10(downhill, and a sprint on the last quarter mile.).  Overall I averaged a 5:41 pace, which is a lot faster than last years tempo run, so I'm excited for the Utah Valley half.    1.2 mile cool down after it.  The 1.2 mile cool down was the uphill that I just didn't want to do, so I went higher up the canyon, so I could do it as a cool down. 

Comments
From Jake K on Sat, May 26, 2012 at 12:41:04 from 67.182.215.126

you're going to crush it at the UV 1/2! I think you'll definitely be knocking that sub 1:11 goal down

Total Distance
6.00

      Went on a 5-mile tempo run. It was good weather.  Felt alright, but not the best.  My time for it was 28:19.  My splits were 5:09, 5:47, 5:48, 5:38, 5:54.   Then did a mile cool down.

 

Total Distance
8.00

     AM- cross country big hill run.  called the "Big Ugly".  I pushed it up the hill, and tried not to fall during the way down.  for the 4.6 or 4.7 course I got 31 minutes, which isn't bad for the course, but i was hoping for a better time. 

     PM- Tried to run hard.  Ran alright, but not as fast as I wanted.  3.4 miles.

Total Distance
2.00

     My right calf wasn't feeling the best today, probably from the Big Ugly yesterday, but I was going to go easy anyway.  Tomorrow, Saturday, and Monday are the last hard days before the half. 

Total Distance
5.00

     I went and ran 5 miles, as you can see, and I tried to push it, but I just didn't feel it today.  I ran an alright pace, but i was hoping for faster.  Then I ran to my brother's graduation party, which was just down the road.

Total Distance
12.30

       Ran an 11 mile tempo run with 1.3 or 1.4 mile cool down.  I averaged a 6 minute mile pace up the canyon, but later after going back down brought that down to a 5:44 pace.  Not as fast as last week, but I didn't feel near as good as I did last week.  Now it's time to taper for the half.

Total Distance
5.00

      Ran really late...or at least late for me.   Didn't run as fast as I had planned.  It was a bit hot outside.  I didn't eat too well the last two days and now I paid the price.  I felt terrible during the last 4 miles.  I had stomach problems and was dehydrated.  At least now it's time to taper for the half.

Total Distance
4.00

       Yesterday I wanted to run, but I needed to start my taper, and today I was going to go slow, but I felt way too good because I didn't run yesterday.  So I decided to run 3 miles at faster than half-marathon pace and a mile at easy tempo pace.  My first mile was downhill, second was a bit uphill, and third was a bit downhill.  My splits were 5:06, 5:40, 5:08.  I averaged a 5:18 pace, which I'm really happy about, except for the part that it was almost all downhill. 

Comments
From allie on Wed, Jun 06, 2012 at 10:42:05 from 97.126.209.117

nice pre-race workout. good luck this weekend.

Race: Utah Valley Half Marathon (13.1 Miles) 01:11:24, Place overall: 5, Place in age division: 5
Total Distance
14.10

      Great day to run.  Or atleast that is how it seemed when I went outside where I was staying that morning.  It felt really warm for a morning.  About 60 degrees.  Then we got to the starting line and I changed my mind.  Then was a pretty bad head wind.  Did some stretches, warm ups, waited for the race to start with Claire.  I went to the start line, and saw that there were 2 guys in BYU jerseys.  I recognized one from the St. Georgre Marathon, he ran for BYU in the 90's I found later found out, and the other was also a graduated BYU runner.  So when the race starts, me and 5 other guys are in a lead pack.  I wouldn't regularly be running with these guys, but with the big headwind, I needed people that would push me and that I could draft off of.  For the first two miles I felt alright, and stayed with the lead 2 guys, the younger BYU guy and some other guy, with a tall guy behind me.  After the water station at mile 2, they left me.  Then the taller guy passed me at that same mile.  He was about 10 yards or so ahead of me for the next 2 or 3 miles.

      Those next few miles were terrible.  Running by myself was harder than ever.  At maybe mile 5 or something, the older BYU guy and another guy who looked really familiar (I later found out it was Braden Perry) passed me and I drafted off them for the rest of that mile, During which we caught to the tall guy.  We had averaged a 5:20 mile for these miles until about mile 9.  I  lost these guys at mile 9, where Braden hit the porta potties, and I felt like dying.  I never saw Braden again until the finish, but he said he hit them a few times after that.  By then we were out of where the wind was.  They were only about .05 miles away at mile 10, but kept gaining time on me.  During this time, I was on a pace to be in the 1:10s, and I wanted it sooo bad, but I didn't have all the energy in the tank to pull the right pace.  I tried sprinting, but couldn't at the end.  I finished, and stopped where the first chip time things were.  This was a big mistake, because I stopped my watch at a 1:11:00, and just tried to keep myself up, while the real finish was about 10 feet beyond where I stopped for those terrible time consuming moments.  I walked for it and thought I had a 1:10:59, due to chip timing, but later I found out I had a 1:11:24.  Bummer I guess, but that just means I know I can get a PR next time.  Later I saw a bunch more people I knew especially people from Fast Running Blog.  Later got a check for $75, but couldn't accept it for some high school rules about running or something like that.  Fun race though.  I saw the marathoners finish, and that was a harder race than usual.  Most times were 15-17 minutes slower due to the wind.  It was surprising to see the winning kenyans with times in the 2:30s

Comments
From jtshad on Sun, Jun 10, 2012 at 05:53:43 from 69.20.183.178

A great time considering the wind conditions. That is still smokin'!

From Conner Mantz on Sun, Jun 10, 2012 at 08:53:05 from 65.130.140.188

Thanks.

From Tara on Sun, Jun 10, 2012 at 09:56:34 from 199.190.170.24

Geeze, you did well in those conditions. I saw you and you looked like you were booking it! Rules smooles. Blah!

From Rob Murphy on Sun, Jun 10, 2012 at 09:57:02 from 24.10.249.165

Hey Conner, great race! That $75.00 has a lot more to do with NCAA eligibility down the road than any high school rules.

One of my super Alta runners, Whitney Paskins, is now on the blog. She'll be a soph next year like yourself and was the 5A state 3200 champ. maybe you could comment on her blog sometime? I know there aren't too many high school runners.

whitneypaskins.fastrunningblog.com

From Superfly on Sun, Jun 10, 2012 at 10:02:48 from 74.211.21.81

Great race. Keep working hard and your going to have a lot of other great races down the road.

From Scott Ensign on Sun, Jun 10, 2012 at 21:12:35 from 70.58.47.132

nice transition to the half marathon with an amazing time. looking forward to watching you destroy the field at the freedom run!!

From Jake K on Mon, Jun 11, 2012 at 09:26:57 from 155.100.226.54

Great run Conner - 2 minutes faster than last year is a great improvement, especially considering the wind. You continue to impress!

From Steve on Mon, Jun 11, 2012 at 12:35:14 from 107.16.131.155

That wind...Let's shoot for a 1:10 together at TOU half.

From RileyCook on Mon, Jun 11, 2012 at 15:42:33 from 132.3.57.68

Conner, great race. You are running times and paces well beyond your years. You are going to be a strong and fast runner! I'm excited to track your progress.

From Sasha Pachev on Mon, Jun 11, 2012 at 18:18:15 from 67.222.225.187

Conner:

This was probably worth 1:08:30 - 1:09:00 without the wind.

You can solve the crash problem by upping the mileage. At your age you need to be cautious so as not to stunt the growth, but I think 50 miles a week should be quite safe. Easy pace, anything 8:30 per mile or faster is fast enough. Sub-7:00 is probably too fast. With the increased aerobic base you will be able to hold a greater portion of your speed. Next year you might be able to crack 1:05 if the conditions are good. This estimate is based on expected improvement in speed from the maturation + improved aerobic fitness from increased mileage. Higher mileage does quite a bit of a wonder in allowing you to race any distance up to the marathon at a very high percentage of your 2 mile speed.

Total Distance
5.00

     Easy 5 miles with the XC team.  I would put in some more miles, but I still feel a bit sore from Saturday and want to make sure I don't get injured by doing anything too intense yet.  Maybe Wednesday I'll do a hard workout. 

Total Distance
5.00

      went the first mile hard, hit a good split for the regular tempo run, but then my leg started hurting and I didn't want to get injured, so I took the next 4 miles easy.  Going easy made me go slower which made me a bit late for drivers ed. 

Total Distance
6.20

         Went to XC ready for a hard workout.  It was an easy day.  Went to Drivers ed after, and then didn't have a ride back, I was in my running clothes, and so I ran home.  I had a friend take my stuff(he was riding his bike), and I tried to push it. 

Total Distance
3.00

      Pushed it for most of the run.  I just felt great, but then my calf felt that little pull again, and so I slowed way down. 

Total Distance
4.00

           I went and did Ragnar with some friends and my dad.  This is my first leg.  I had #10.  As soon as Alex gave me the wrist slap band. I started sprinting.  Just Addrenaline or something came over me.  I had a 1:10 quarter mile, which didn't hold for too long.  There weren't a lot of people to pass.  I passed 9 people in this run, and held a way too hard pace for my calf.  I averaged a 5:19 for the 3.85 miles or however far it was.  My first mile was a 4:55 and I wasn't that consistent after that.  There was a "mile to go" sign that was way off though.  I passed it was about a mile and a quarter. 

Total Distance
13.00

       AM-7.75 Woke up really grumpy due to the lack of sleep.  I wasn't going to go that fast in this run. It was really cold for my shorts.  I just didn't want to and didn't feel like it.  Until Alex gave me the slap band.  Then I shot off feeling amazing.  I saw someone who I knew, or atleast they knew me, who said, "Go Conner, Go Sky View."  My first mile was a 5:33, so yes it was slower then yesterday, but it felt good.  Since it was dark I could see people's lights on their hats and wanted to "kill" them.  I passed 71 on this run, a few of them were people walking.  I averaged a 5:54 pace, which I was pretty happy about.  I was really consistent, except for the first mile, all my other miles were around 5:57, 6:03, 5:48, 6:08 and another few.  I did a small cool down after.   Not as much stretching, and I later paid the price in the car.

     PM-5.25 Ragnar hill.  Sounded pretty fun.  When Alex was running the first part of it all, we stopped and gave him water, and drove back up a bunch of times.  When we got close to the trade off though, there was a bunch of traffic, so I had to run atleast a quarter mile, if not more, with Alex until the exchange.  He gave it to me, and I could feel the hill.  I started at a 6:50 pace, but that didn't last long.  My first mile was a 8:44, double my mile PR.  After that it started to get easier, and the more I ran, the faster mile pace got.  My next three miles were in the high 7's, and I ended around an 8 min. mile pace.  At the end, when I went to exchange it, there was more traffic.  I started sprinting, and then had to wait for the next runner to get up there.  Later Alex, Trent, and me ran the last mile of the hill, and I ran a bit more to a restroom.  I felt great after.  Probably the best I've felt after a run in the last few days. 

Total Distance
4.50

     XC- went with Tyson Compton, kinda slower than usual.  Recovering from Ragnar.  Dang it, my calf still hurt. 

Total Distance
3.10

      I'm trying to take it easy as possible for my calf, and it sucks!  I want to run hard.

Total Distance
5.00

       Early morning run.  I tried to take it hard.  I didn't know what pace. I didn't want to push myself too hard if my calf hurt. 

Total Distance
5.00

      Was at my high adventure in Moab.  Went for a 32 minute run, pushing it, going everywhere, I'm guessing it was 5 miles. 

     Later we went on a 4.5 mile hike and a 4 mile "bike ride" which was more like pushing your bike through the sand of the trail for half and riding for the other half. 

Total Distance
6.50

       Went for another bike ride, but didn't want to bike (sadly because I thought it was too hard), so about a quarter mile out, I dropped my bike and ran the trail with everyone else.  It was more of a interval workout, sprinting on the uphill, and resting after.  (2.5 miles)

      Another trail I ran on, the leader told me to just go and run and follow the line of the trail.  I still stopped a few times due to fact that I got lost and I didn't know where to go.  (4 miles)

     Later we went on a hike for about 3 miles or so. 

Total Distance
7.00

     AM- Was going to have an easy day, so went two easy miles with Dante, one of my friends at the high adventure.

     PM(9:30)- Didn't feel like going to bed and I really wanted to break in my new running shoes, so I went for 5 miles at tempo pace.  My stomache felt terrible for the first 4 miles, and the last mile my calf hurt for the start of it.  Not my favorite run, but it still felt good to go running, even if my stomache hurt.

Total Distance
9.00

      XC-7, tempoish.  We ran at an alright pace, I have no idea what it was, but it wasn't fast, or slow.  We went up on Sunnyside, and we just kept speeding up.  Nick said at the top we should slow down.  When we got to the top and turned around that didn't happen.  I just kept running with Dylan, Nick, and Steve for the whole time, with Tyson and AJ for most of it.  At about 5 miles into it, Dylan, Nick, and I started speeding up a bunch.  Dylan and I ended up racing for this part of the run, where Nick said we were going to slow down at Mack Park for sure this time.  I ended up sprinting against Dylan, and bearly beating him.  I haven't sprinted like that since state in the 3200.  After that we did an easy pace back to SV, for our 7 mile run.  Tyson said he ran it in 42 minutes, and he was behind us, so I don't know what we ran it in, but we had a good.  Then I ran another 2 miles home. 

Total Distance
8.00

      Easier than usuall for 8 miles.  Went with my mom to her college class, and then ran from USU to first dam to where the First Dam Run started, and went back.  I went fast for some of it, where I wanted to, but slow when my legs hurt from running hard yesterday.  Easy Run tomorrow for sure.

Total Distance
4.50

        XC workout.  We did a mile warm up on the track, then we did 200m sprints with a 200m cool down between.  My splits were 27, 28, 28.5, 29, so I slowed down, but not a ton.  I always had a slower start than everyone else.  Tyler came and showed us all up.  He would start behind everyone, and then come around us in the first 100 or less, and then have a fast 2nd 100.  Then we went on a cool down run, and since I pushed it hard yesterday and the day before I took it easier. 

Total Distance
6.00

     Didn't know what type of workout I was going to do, but was thinking of a 5 mile tempo run.  I go outside and start stretching and then I feel my thighs sore from yesterday. (I was at get air jumping for two hours.  More of a workout then I thought.)  I then decided just to do it.  For the first half mile I felt good, but then the next half I got a side ache, and my thighs were hurting.  This is the easiest, fastest part of my run usually.  Next mile I didn't feel too good either, but then I saw Tyler and Nick, and remembered how I was going to go running with them, but I wanted to do some speedwork, so that made me a bit mad that I couldn't do either.  Then at mile2 my side ache was gone, and so I timed the next three miles.  My first mile was a 5:45, a bit slower than usual for the first.  The next was downhill, and so I ran a 5:30, and then the next was going to be slower, just to get me at 6 min pace.  I felt good and pushed this mile, running it in 5:35.  This is probably the fastest I've ran this mile, because of its hill and all.  I then did a mile cool down with my dog. 

Total Distance
2.00

      XC- Scavenger hunt.  My group won this time!  and then we did stair jumps.  It was easy beside the stair jumps.  Tomorrow I might do a half marathon that I just found out about.  I'll take it as a workout, unless the addrenaline overwhelms me and I work myself to run as fast as I can.  I didn't have a taper, so this'll be interesting.  I'll probably use my flats to, to see if I should use them for the 15k on Wednesday. 

Race: Dynamite Half Marathon (13.05 Miles) 01:14:44, Place overall: 1, Place in age division: 1
Total Distance
14.00

     I wasn't planning on pushing this race.  Just doing it for a workout.  I started at a good pace.  First 6.55 miles were around a 5:33.  My dad was riding on a bike with me, which helped out for a bunch.  Then about mile 8 had a hill where I started to slow.  It was a 6:20 mile, which slowed me bunch.   After that I didn't go back up to my pce again.  I tried to speed up, but couldn't.   At two miles to go I found that if I hit to 5:56 miles I would end with a 5:45 pace.  I pushed it, and I felt better for those next two miles than I usually do for half marathons.  I ran a 5:50 for the first mile, then a 5:43.  Had a good sprint at the end.  It was a fun race. 

Comments
From Dave S on Sat, Jun 30, 2012 at 21:36:05 from 63.248.248.225

Great job today Conner! That was a great time for that course and running alone the whole way.

From Conner Mantz on Sat, Jun 30, 2012 at 23:01:13 from 65.130.164.46

Thanks, and to you too. I wasn't really running alone though, since my dad was on the bike. Somehow with someone there it seemed a lot easier.

From Steve on Sun, Jul 01, 2012 at 00:16:11 from 66.87.70.26

You just need me around so you can kick my butt and enjoy doing it!

From Burt on Sun, Jul 01, 2012 at 11:45:52 from 72.223.80.161

Dynamite!

From Scott Ensign on Mon, Jul 02, 2012 at 12:57:08 from 129.123.3.84

nice job Conner, hope to see you on the fourth

From Conner Mantz on Mon, Jul 02, 2012 at 20:19:55 from 65.130.164.46

Thanks for commenting, and also Steve, I don't know about kicking your butt since you just ran a 1:11 getting lost in a half.

And Scott, see ya at the Freedom Run.

Total Distance
7.00

    Easy with many people from the XC team.  Mostly Alex, because he was finally starting to get back into running, and Calvin, because he has an injury that kept him at a slower pace for him.

Race: Blacksmith Fork 15k (9.3 Miles) 00:48:45, Place overall: 1, Place in age division: 1
Total Distance
10.50

      After a long night of watching Kansas and fireworks, I didn't know how ready I'd be for this race.  I woke up at 5, so I didn't get much sleep and went to the race with my dad and sister.  We picked up my sister's and my race packet and got ready. I stretched out, and did a warm up by myself, til I saw Scott, and then did some with him and my sister came along too.  When we got to the starting line I looked around to see Jerrell. I knew he was running it, but I didn't see him anywhere. 

    The gun went off.  I went at an alright pace for the first bit, til I finally got into my regular race pace.  I heard steps behind me the first mile, and saw Jerrell and another more experienced looking runner (whose name escapes me right now when I am writing this) running right behind me.  Great, two guys that are going to give me a race for my money.  First mile split.  5:02.  Where I regularly run it, so not too bad.  The next mile Jerrell and the other guy passed me until the mile marker, there was a downhill there, and I passed them right before it. 5:11.  A bit slower then my half split, but still there.  Same thing happened the third mile.  They were ahead til about the mile 3 marker.  This mile was a bit surprising, and I hit it at 5:11 also.  By this time Jerrell started slowing down.  (I later found out it was because at the start he couldn't find his inhaler, and ended up running without using it before, which came back to bite him.  That was also the reason he came to the start late)  Mile 4, the other guy and me just went back and forth.  I passed him on the downhill, and on the flat or uphill he would pass me. My calf was hurting and I didn't think I could hold on too long 5:16. 

      About this time I yelled halfway.   Mile 5, A bit faster of a mile, but same thing as the last one.   5:08.  Mile 6, I was thinking if I could only get a PR for my 10k time, and just finish in 2nd I'll be pretty happy.  I told him I couldn't keep this pace up for very long.  As soon as he started putting an area between me and him, I saw Shawn O'very on his bike telling me to keep going, and then a half mile later saw coach Write on his bike yelling the same thing.  5:13.  Mile 7/hill in mile 6.  When we got to the hill, I felt great and he slowed a bit, so I passed him and pushed it with all I could because I knew he wasn't going to let me just have the win.  I gained a bit of ways on him here.  5:17.  Mile 8  Slowest mile, probably because I was worn from the hill.  I looked back a bunch to make sure he wasn't gaining too much on me.  5:30.  Mile 9/everything else.  I had the time on my ipod as a 6:43, but I think I ran a 6:55 or somewhere around there.  I sprinted a bunch for it.  I kept looking back, until I hit mile nine, where I didn't think he was going to pass me, and I went hard for this part.  My watch said 48:36, which I must have accidentally hit stop somewhere or started it late,  becaus the clock had me 9 seconds slower.  I'm still great with the time though. 

     As soon as I crossed the finish, or atleast a minute after I could feel my calves hurting. Again. I stretched them out, and they felt better.  I might not run the smithfield half due to how they feel. This might be my last run before XC starts.  maybe.  Later saw so many people I knew.  Ran a cool down with Jerrell, who still took 3rd and beat the time he ran last year by 2 and a half minutes.  Two minutes faster than I did last year.  My calves still hurt, but they felt better when I was running that cool down then any other time after the race.  Hopefully they'll be okay.  Tomorrow I may take the day off, and see what they feel like for the next few days.  If anyone has any recommendations on the calf, please tell. 

Comments
From Jake K on Thu, Jul 05, 2012 at 09:13:49 from 155.100.226.54

Very nice Conner - especially after the half a few days ago.

Do some light massage on the calves and put them in cold ice water. That might help a bit.

From RileyCook on Thu, Jul 05, 2012 at 09:33:52 from 132.3.57.68

Great race Conner, way to fight for the win.

From Scott Ensign on Thu, Jul 05, 2012 at 10:59:57 from 129.123.3.84

great race Conner, and an incredible time. good to see you and your dad and sister. take care of those calves, skipping hte half might niot be a bad idea. I will save the HJ news article for you if you want. nice write up and pic!!

From Conner Mantz on Fri, Jul 06, 2012 at 09:36:52 from 65.130.146.164

Thanks everyone for the support, and Jake, thanks for the advise on the calves.

From Steve on Sat, Jul 07, 2012 at 20:26:06 from 66.87.70.140

Awesome! Took first in a local legend race!

From Red Chaos on Sat, Jul 07, 2012 at 20:44:18 from 174.27.155.216

Hey Conner, some of the guys on my son's XC team work with the folks at Structura in Ogden for issues like this. If Ogden is too far to meet with them, they may be able to recommend someone in Cache Valley.

http://www.structurabodytherapies.com/

From Conner Mantz on Thu, Jul 12, 2012 at 19:55:37 from 65.130.146.164

Thanks Steve, and, Red Chaos, I'm feeling better, but I will look into it if it hurts again. Thanks.

Total Distance
5.00

      Calves hurt to walk on yesterday, so I didn't run then.  Today they felt alright, a bit sore to walk on, but I wondered how they felt to run on.  I went to XC and ran slow.   I went with Jayden, Alex, and Glen.  We went at an alright speed for the first 2 miles or so, then we really slowed down.  Glen even started speed walking, which would get me mad becuase he was keeping up or going faster than us.  My calves felt alright to run on, but I'm not going to try any speedwork for a while. 

Total Distance
6.50

     AM-Easy slow run.  I felt good during it.  My calf doesn't hurt, but i can feel something there.  I felt like I needed to go faster.  

     PM- Did the same as the ealier run.  I went slow, but felt good.  Around the second mile I did a stride.  My calf didn't hurt.  I could feel a bit of soreness, but it felt alright. 

Total Distance
6.00

     Cross country camp for four days.

AM- Hard hill workout to start off camp

PM-Ran with the Carbon XC team.  Easy workout

Total Distance
11.00

     AM- Seven miles at alright pace. slower, but not easy.

  In between we went to the pool, and hiked, and did lots of stuff. 

       PM- four miles at night.  Coaches told a scary story before and that freaked me out a tiny bit.  Easy

Total Distance
8.00

     AM- Hot outside run.  Easier.  Felt pretty good.

    PM- Easy easy.  my quads hurt from Monday during all these runs, but my calf seemed alright.

Total Distance
6.00

       AM- XC race.  My legs were a little sore so I didn't push it and just did an easy run.  Warmed up with Tyson Compton, and thought my competition would be Dylan, but then two kids from Carbon showed up.  Garrett and Austin.  Garrett was running with me for the first two miles.  I put a gap in there, and then we hit some rollers, and he caught up.  So I sped up and just had an alright finish.  17:32.  Not great, but not bad.  Everyone was around a minute and a half from their PR.

     PM- Trail run.... kinda. We were going to go to some hot springs with the team, and just a nice hike.  We didn't run up, but we ran down it.  When we got close to the top, I heard the coaches talking about how people would be naked in the springs when they had been up before.  I wasn't in the front and thank goodness.  About a quarter mile or so from the springs, they saw a naked lady butt when she was running out of the springs.  The coaches went to tell the people at the springs to put some clothes on and that some kids were coming up.  Apparently the people wouldn't so we ended up having to turn back.  We ran back, and I felt like crap.  Never eat chips and stuff before a run.  

We just got home tonight.

Comments
From Jake K on Thu, Jul 12, 2012 at 20:08:47 from 67.177.11.154

Nice job on the XC race. Glad the calf is feeling better.

Gotta watch out for those crazy nudists!

Race: Not Yo' Momma's half (13.04 Miles) 01:15:44, Place overall: 2, Place in age division: 2
Total Distance
14.00

     I wasn't 100% planning to do this race until yesterday, but I've had it on my mind for the whole summer.  I did a small warm up, stretched, and looked for competition, but I didn't see anyone I knew that would be pushing me.  Maybe Jerrell, but he said he wasn't going to kill it, so I thought, my goal should just be to beat my time from the half I did 2 weeks ago. 

     As soon as we started I took off feeling pretty confident on the win, but not feeling that good with the running.  My legs didn't have a spring much like they usually do.  At the first mile(5:57, way slower than what I wanted) I looked back and saw someone running with Jerrell.  I didn't recognize him, so I didn't know what to think.  The second and third miles I sped up, and same with the 4th mile.  The 5th was alright, but the 6th and 7th were 6:30s.  At mile 4, this guy caught me.  I later found out he is John Coyle, who runs Steeplechase for Weber.  I let him lead for most of it.  I probably led about a mile of the 3 or 4 miles we were together.  Mile 8 was just under six, so it was alright, but not where I wanted.  Mile 9 was just as fast as mile 3, a 5:20, and that is where he gaped me.  Miles 10, 11, there were people telling me to catch him.  I didn't but he was with-in sight the whole time. 

     He finished maybe 20 seconds or so before me, so he never lost me.  I was a bit mad at my time.  Oh well, maybe another day.  I averaged a 5:49, and I usually average around a 5:40- 5:44 in that canyon on my training runs recently.  I did a cool down with Jerrell who finished 4th, and talked with a lot of people after.  Nice fun run.

Comments
From Jake K on Sat, Jul 14, 2012 at 19:58:09 from 67.177.11.154

That's a hard course - good running. These kind of efforts are going to make you super strong for cross country.

From Conner Mantz on Sun, Jul 15, 2012 at 08:00:30 from 65.130.146.164

Thanks Jake. I think this might be my last long distance race before cross country.

Total Distance
5.00

     XC- A medium run with the XC team.  We didn't go too hard.  I could feel the half in my legs kinda, but nothing hurt as much as Utah Valley or Blacksmith Fork runs.  We sped up at one part, which felt great to do.  I'm probably going to take some time off soon though.

Total Distance
6.00

     I haven't had a good hard tempo run for a while.  Maybe since a week before the Utah Valley even.  5 mile tempo, at faster than what I ran for the half on Saturday.  I whose my Garmin and my miles were: 5:04(downhill) 5:36 (slight uphill) 5:38 (up then down) 5:22(slight downhill.  Faster than usual for that mile)  6:20 (uphill).  I then went for a cool down.  During the last mile and the cool down my achelias hurt a bit, so I definately will be taking a few days easy starting Thursday or Friday. 

Total Distance
9.00

    XC-4 workout on the track.  Working on sprints, for 70m with 130 in between.  Trying to evaluate our form with sprints.  Did that for around 10 times with a cool down, then we did some 300m sprints.  I didn't run either of these that fast, or atleast I didn't feel like I could.  With the 300, my first 100 was slow, and then I would pass anyone running between the 100-200 mark, and would then end up dying the last 100.  

     PM-5.  I didn't know if I was going to be able to run tomorrow, so I did a run.  I did a mile and my right achilles started hurting.  GREAT, just what I needed.  I looked up and tried to find why and ways to stay away from hurting it more.  I found that in the last few months since the middle of the track season I've been running on my mid-foot to my toe, instead of running heel first.  That's just one theory though.  Others I have is I've been putting more mileage and more racing in this summer.  I'll probably take a few days off running and try some cross training, like swimming or something else. 

Total Distance
0.00

     No running

Total Distance
4.00

     We left Lake Powell today.  I went on an easy 30 minute run.  I'm guessing it was around 4 miles.  I tried to push it, but just didn't feel it again.  Yesterday I went on a hard hike and a fast downhill run after with my brother.  

Total Distance
8.00

     8 or 9.  Slow at some parts because my Achellies or ankle or whatever down there was hurting.  At the end I felt good and had 2 fast miles at the end. 

Total Distance
5.00

       We just got home from Lake Powell.  I did a mile swim each day except sunday for some Cross-training. 

      I did a 5 mile run at 1 O'clock today and burned up during the last mile, but I never stopped.  I timed my 4th mile to see what pace I was going at.  That's where I started speeding up.  During that mile I hit a 5:33, which I wasn't feeling like.  My next mile was pretty dog slow though. 

Total Distance
6.50

     XC- sprinted to the warm up because I came late.  We ran some hill repeats with some running in between.  It was around a mile for every lap.  I sprinted the first big hill, which is known as beast(300-400m), with Calvin.  Then jogged with him and Steve to mack park area, and then I ran the other hill(100m maybe a bit more) at a sprint.  We did this three times with a cool down in between.  On the last sprint Calvin beat me after I cut him off, but other then that I ran the hill sprints alone.  Coach Eck had breakfast for us after.  After that I ran home. 

Total Distance
6.00

    With the sprints yesterday I didn't know what to run.  I felt really good when I was doing my stretches, so I decided 5 mile tempo.  goal time: 29 minutes.  All I had to do was 5 min. mile for the first downhill mile, and 6 min. for the rest.  It didn't happen at all where I expected it to.  I felt really good my first mile, but it was slower than I usually run that mile.  5:17.  This made me push all the other miles a lot more to get the time I wanted.  5:42(uphill), 5:35(uphill, then downhill), 5:21(downhill), 5:47 (pretty big uphill, so I was really surprised and happy with this mile.).  Did a mile cool down after.  I felt pretty good about this week with running.

Total Distance
7.00

        XC- Sunnyside extended.  We went on a tempo run for two miles of the 7.   Tyler came and made us really push it a bit more.  I didn't feel as good as I usually do on Monday mornings.   Also we found out when our first XC meet is, so that is pretty exciting. 

Total Distance
6.00

      Hard 4-mile tempo.  Before it I wasn't feeling like running that much, but during I felt good.  I average a 5:24 pace, except it was an average of downhill.  I was going to go 5, but I pushed my 3rd and 4th mile too much too go hard on the hill.   2 easy miles after.

Total Distance
5.00

       XC- I was hoping for an easy day, but it was quite the opposite.  We did a .75 mile warm up, and then sat and listened to the workout/lecture for a 10 minutes, which wasn't the best idea.  We then got up and did 70m sprints.  I ran these with Steve Scott the whole time and I never beat him.  We did 6 of them witha 130m cool down and then an extra lap. Then we did 4X400m timed, with 400 cool down.  I wasn't feelng too bad during these, except for the last one.   I ran these at 61, 63(got boxed in during this one) 57(Tyson almost passed me in this one.)  61(I just felt like crap during this one)  We then did an extra lap for cool down after out first cool down lap.  We did some stretches and core workouts.  When I got home I did an extra lap after drinking about a gallon of water and eating some food.  This mile gave me a sideache, but I needed the extra mile.

Total Distance
6.00

      6 easy. Just for some miles.  I could still feel the workouts from the past few days.

Total Distance
5.25

      I was going to do some sprints today, but didn't have a lot of time.  I missed practice, so I had to come up with my own workout.  So I did the usual 5 mile tempo run.  I ran it in 28:05, so not my fastest, but still surprising with how much I've been running this week.  My second mile was my slowest, which is surprising becuase my 5th has an uphill that goes up about 100 feet, maybe more for the first quarter of it.  I felt pretty good, but not the best. 

Total Distance
8.00

       8 miles easy.  I felt pretty good during them.   Went a bit faster then I probably should have for the easy miles.  After I waited and later watched the 10,000m.  Great day.

Total Distance
8.00

       XC- Most of the people I run with on the XC team are taking a week off so they feel great during the season, so I was running alone for most of this run.  During the first mile I pushed it to catch up to Dylan.  I stayed with him during the next 3.  He was going slower because of his knee, but he would increase his pace a bit whenever his knee felt better.  When we hit the turn around point I told them I was going to push til the end and ended up running the rest a bit slower than I wanted and also by myself.  alright tempo run.

Total Distance
6.00

      I went on a five mile tempo run up the canyon with a mile cool down afterward.  I got a PR on my last mile.  I averaged a 5:25 pace, which either I haven't done or haven't done in a long time.  I felt pretty good during it. 

Total Distance
4.50

      Coach said to take a short mental break before the season so I wasn't going to run, but I just didn't have anything to do this morning when everyone else was asleep.  I went for a mile, then went 3.5 miles with my sister.

Comments
From Jake K on Thu, Aug 09, 2012 at 09:02:09 from 155.100.226.54

haha that sounds like me - it would be mentally tougher to NOT run most days :-)

Total Distance
5.00

     XC- I went to XC feeling pretty ready for a hard hill workout or something like that.  Instead it was an easy tempo 5 mile run.  Most of the guys are still taking the week off.  I ran with Dylan and pushed him for 2 or 3 miles.  He said his knee is alright today, hopefully it stays that way. 

Total Distance
9.00

       I went for a 8 mile tempo run.  My goal was to get under a 47, because I didn't feel 100% and I still felt like a tempo run.  My goals to pace myself were to run my first mile in the low 5's.  I ran it around a 5:01.  My next goal was to run just under a 6 min. mile so my last mile could be a 7 min. and I would end up at 47.  Well I ran up the canyon a but slower then I wanted, but I pushed the downhill and ended up running a 40 min. 7 mile.  I pushed the last mile and had a 6 min. mile so beat my goal by a minute.  1 mile cool down

Total Distance
9.00

       AM-XC-5.5 with core workout after.  I felt like running hard. We did golf course extended backwards.  Tyler was there, but he cut off near the end to put in some more miles.  We ran as a group for the first mile or two, then Dylan decided to go a bit faster and I just kept up with him.  He said his knee hasn't felt this good since his freshman year.  After the trail we regrouped and  then we hit a hill and Dylan went off again.  I caught him, but as soon as I did my shoe became untied.  He later came back with everyone.  I ran the last downhill with Steve. 

     PM-I hadn't showered and I didn't have much to do, so I decided today would be a great day to break in my flats.  I don't know exactly how much I ran, it was just on the grass at Sky View but it was for a long time and I think it was around 4 miles.  I put the spikes in and just ran on the grass.  It felt pretty good.

Total Distance
3.10

     Just easy run.  Getting ready for the Blue and White meet tomorrow. 

Race: Blue and White XC meet (3.08 Miles) 00:16:04, Place overall: 1, Place in age division: 1
Total Distance
5.00

         XC-We had our blue and white meet today(meet for Sky View).  I wasn't going to consider this as a race, but how I ran it felt like one.  I did a mile warm up and then some accelerations with Tyler, who came to do some running with us.  Coach said go and we started after.  I went out kinda hard, but not like an all out sprint.  I was thinking about slowing down and running with the group, but I just kept running.  About 500m into it I looked back and saw that Tyler wasn't running this to pace Nick, but as a race.  He ran with me for the rest of the first mile, but never really passed me.  Our first mile split was 5:24 or somewhere around there.  Slower then I would've liked for how I was feeling, but that's alright.   I kept running with Tyler and I tried to gap him during the second and third mile.  We ran our second mile pretty close and that was at 10:38 or around there.  I knew there wasn't much time left and that Tyler has an amazing kick so I gapped him this mile as much as I could.  He ended up being around 10 sec, maybe less behind me.  Later I did a mile cool down with Tyler and Tyson.  We had some good performaces this meet.  Looks like we'll have a good season. 

Comments
From Jake K on Thu, Aug 16, 2012 at 09:04:03 from 155.100.226.54

Good start to the year. Sounds like you guys will have a pretty strong team.

From Luis Vidal on Sun, Aug 19, 2012 at 20:15:34 from 174.27.183.93

Great to hear you guys are still a strong team! I'm looking forward to enjoying many XC races with you guys.

Total Distance
6.00

       5 mile tempo run with a mile cool down.  I felt great, surprisingly after what I ran yesterday.  My splits: 5:11(downhill, and slower then usual) 5:49(uphill, but slower then usual) 5:36(around regular pace. Maybe a bit faster.  Uphill then a downhill.)  5:24(good pace for this mile.  downhill) 5:40(Fast for this mile. uphill.) 

Total Distance
5.00

Did a mile warm up for the first part, then we did beast/hill at mack park repeats. We do hill repeats on two different hills in the run. We did 4 sets of it. On Beast I was ahead of everyone but Tyler, except for the first time when I was ahead of Tyler. On the other hill I never got a good start, but ran alright, but not as fast as I should've gone. I really felt yesterday's run in there. We then did a mile cool down back to the school.

Total Distance
12.00

         Easy with my dad up at City of Rocks.  Averaged a 6:50 or so mile pace on the way down.  We dropped around a LOT of elevation.  He called my brother to make sure everything was alright and I didn't want to stop so I went for another mile and a half or so.  Then he went up and I caught him half way up.  Really slow on the way up. 

Total Distance
9.00

       AM-  XC- 6 We did a speed workout today.  Mile repeats, not my favorite thing to do.  We did a mile and a bit warm up.  On our first I really pushed it, going for a sub-5, which I thought I did, but I'm not sure because I still haven't got a watch since I left mine at the BYU invite in track.  Second one I was around a 5:10sh.  Under 5:20.  3rd one Steve pushed me for the first half, but I didn't feel like I pushed it much after that, but Tyson timed me for this one and said I got a 5:04.  Last one I wasn't even going to do, but coach said I should atleast do a half, but then the gusy convinced me to do a full.  Did about a quarter mile cool down for this one.  I had a 5:20 pace for the last one, or atleast that is where Nick Batty said he had me(I might've been a bit slower).  Good workout, I didn't feel 100%, but it was a good workout.  About a half mile cool down or so afterward. 

     PM- 3 I felt like running and I knew we weren't doing a hard workout tomorrow and I wouldn't have time to run after practice so I ran tonight at 9.  3 miles easy.

Total Distance
3.00

     AM-XC- Easy day.  2 miles easy and then a game that involved sprinting, and then we did a mile back to the school.  I went easy with friend who might start XC. 

Total Distance
5.00

      I didn't have a lot of time to run today, so I woke up at 5:20 AM and did my paper route early, then I went on a run.  Tempo by myself.  Coach said a 2-3 mile tempo and 5 miles overall, but I wasn't too happy with my first 2 miles, so I kept going until I knew it wouldn't affect my race too much and I was satisfied.  I ran 4 miles in 21:56, which isn't my best, but it is a good workout before Friday.  A mile cool down. 

Total Distance
3.50

    XC-About a mile and a bit warm up, then we did 3 accalerations, which surprised me, I never ran any speed work in track the day before a meet.  Sadly that is because during track I would be running and training myself for most of it until the end when I finally got the workouts, but even then I was running alone most of the time.  Sugarhouse Park, here I come, not as strong as I was at state, but hopefully stronger then this time last year. 

Comments
From Chuk on Fri, Aug 24, 2012 at 09:45:39 from 24.2.70.165

Good luck today see you at the meet!

Race: Highland Invite (3 Miles) 00:15:06, Place overall: 5, Place in age division: 5
Total Distance
5.00

      Well, this race turned out way differently then I was expecting.  We got there, did some accelerations, and got to the race a bit late, where I had my first stride as a sprint to the start.  They went over rules, and I was just thinking I am not mentally here, but I need to be.  When the gun went off I actually had to fight and get around some kids.  These guys were using their elbows and everything.  I got to the front with Garrett Marsing and just ran that first bit.  I forgot about the course, and soon found out why I need to review.  About a ways out from the start I heard people say wrong way.  When I heard this I started turning right onto another part of the race, and about 15 sec or so later I found out I was definately going the wrong way.  So I sprinted straight into where I ran off course(so they wouldn't get DQ'ed for cutting a flag) and I sprinted my way to the front for that first mile.  There was a group of 4 guys(Ben, Jordon, Andrew, and another guy(later found out to be michael Finch)) and I went with them for a ways, but couldn't hold on to that pace for to much longer and stayed about 5 sec. behind them for most of the race.  At the end I almost caught Andrew Brewer in a sprint, but he held me off.  I finished at a time I really wanted, but I wanted to break a 15 if I was that close.  Later we did a mile barefoot cool down.  I didn't get DQed.  Our team ran fast, but everyone else did also and we took 6th. 

Comments
From Michael Finch on Fri, Aug 24, 2012 at 21:53:35 from 69.169.134.162

i cant believe you came back so good after being thrown off so bad. its a dang good beginning. good job!

From Jake K on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 14:43:38 from 67.177.11.154

Good kickoff to the year. Just stay on the course from now on and you'll be tough to beat! :-)

Total Distance
8.00

     I went an watched the half marathon this morning.  I got to see a lot of people and chat with Jake, Steve and a few others from the blog.  I saw my dad, sister and friend Wes get PR's so that was cool to watch.  Later at about 1 I went for an 8 mile run.  I didn't go too fast, which was how I was going to run it, but I felt like crap because I ate some ice cream earlier today and that's all I had eaten. 

Comments
From Jake K on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 14:44:16 from 67.177.11.154

Nice chatting w/ you today for a while. Can't wait to see what you do this fall.

Oh, and eventually you'll learn to feel GREAT when eating only ice cream! That's my secret!

From PRE on Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 19:34:28 from 99.50.213.11

Hey Conner,

Was reading about how Jake had done on his blog and he mentioned you. So I came here. Enjoyed reading your posts. I'll stop by again.

From Jake K on Mon, Aug 27, 2012 at 08:53:58 from 155.100.226.191

Oh I wanted to mention one more thing I thought was funny...

After we talked, I was walking back to the car w/ my parents (they live in Arizona) and telling them about who you were, your track times, etc. My Dad thought your running was incredible impressive. My Mom's response was "...and he's a REALLY GOOD LOOKING young man!" :-)

Total Distance
11.50

     AM- 5 mile tempo.  I was hoping for a faster time, but didn't have any warm up and my first mile was about 20 sec slower then it is usually, and that's a big difference when the mile is always your fastest.  28:30sh, I can't remember exactly and I don't want to get my ipod to check.

    PM- I could definatly feel this morning, Saturday's and Friday's run here today.  We did a 1200m warm up, and then did some repeats of that course.  400m start of the race and then 400m race pace and 400m cool down.  I went out pretty well the first two or three, but after that it was just a goal to finish it.  After the 5th one I was complaining about water and so we went and got some water and I didn't really feel too much better.  We did one more full one, and then a 500m sprint the last time.  Then we did a 1200m cool down.  This is one of those workouts I'm happy I had a team pushing me, because if they weren't behind me I would've slowed the last 3 down a lot.  Also they pushed me to doing as many as I did.  Good workout day. 

Comments
From Jake K on Mon, Aug 27, 2012 at 19:29:19 from 67.177.11.154

Nice job on the AM/PM double workout

Total Distance
3.50

      I wasn't able to go to XC today and I had to go to a dentist appointment.  I ran to it(.5 miles, weird running with two backpacks) and then after gave them to my brother and then ran home, which is around 3 miles, maybe less. 

Race: box elder duel meet (3.1 Miles) 00:16:38, Place overall: 1, Place in age division: 1
Total Distance
8.00

       I felt pretty good during the meet, I knew my main competition was going to be Adam Hendrikson, who would have been my biggest rival in 4A if he didn't have an injury during track season.  I was still a bit sore from Monday, but I felt great after.  We did around a mile warm up trying to figure out the course, and then a mile cool down after the race. 

    They started the race with a guy saying "bang."  I had a good start.  I almost missed a turn, but my coach was right there telling me where to go.  I probably lost 2 seconds, but it didn't change my race at all.  We then were going into the wind on a dirt course, so I just hid behind Adam here and let him do a bunch of the work.  After we ended on the trail, I passed him and went from the road to another dirt and rock trail.  On the trail it was a very rocky course.  We went around campgrounds, on bridges, on a fourwheeler trail, and a lot of other terrains in this meet.  I kept Adam about the same distance behind me most of the way, until the end I grabbed a bit more ground on him.  I felt really good afterward.  Our team did well also, and it was pretty competitive between a few guys on it.  Overall it was a fun meet.  I did about a mile cool down with some of the team, and then with Tyson.  After we left and I got home I put in 3 more miles.  Now to focus on Murry.

Comments
From PRE on Wed, Aug 29, 2012 at 21:18:10 from 99.50.213.11

Conner,

Hi.

Excellent job. Congratulations on FIRST PLACE! You almost missed a turn! When I was last reading one of your blog entries, you mentioned actually missing a turn and getting back on course. I am a bit luckier than you I suppose in that I always have someone in front of me leading the way.

Enjoyed reading your report.

From Jake K on Thu, Aug 30, 2012 at 08:33:28 from 155.100.226.191

Nice job w/ the win and staying on the course this time! :-) It actually sounds pretty complicated... that's why I prefer road races w/ as few turns as possible... haha a lot less to think about

From Conner Mantz on Thu, Aug 30, 2012 at 18:49:53 from 65.130.176.26

Thanks guys. PRE, I was pretty sure I knew the course both times, but then I found out I didn't, haha. Jake, I agree, road races are usually marked better and are easier to follow.

From Michael Finch on Thu, Aug 30, 2012 at 19:00:16 from 75.169.205.109

nice job conner. do you know if murry is a full 3.1?

From Conner Mantz on Thu, Aug 30, 2012 at 19:16:17 from 65.130.176.26

I'm pretty sure it is. It's probably the most serious taken high school race in Utah, even more then state, so I'd think it would be. Also I heard they changed the finish for it, so I don't know if it'll still be the same.

From Michael Finch on Thu, Aug 30, 2012 at 19:32:16 from 75.169.205.109

Really?! i haven't done this race since my sophmore year so i wouldn't know anyway. does AF, Davis, Ogden, or Park city go?

From Luis Vidal on Fri, Aug 31, 2012 at 10:27:51 from 205.121.197.74

Good race Conner! I really enjoyed the Box Elder course as well last year even though I took a wrong the turn in the woody campground area.

Total Distance
12.25

      Early morning XC today.  We ran a tempo pace for the first few miles up Smithfield Canyon, and then eased it the whole way down.   Right before the school Kyler started speeding up so I did too, and same with Tyson.  Friendly little race at the end.  Felt amazing for the whole day. 

     PM- I've decided to start doing some more miles now, so I can build up for footlocker in Dec.  So today I found out that the Highland course was short, so it motivated me to go for a run.  5 miles, 31 minutes (+ or - a minute).  My legs hurt from the last few days.  Well, tomorrow will probably be some repeats, so I bet I'm going to hurt then, but it'll get me faster. 

Comments
From Michael Finch on Thu, Aug 30, 2012 at 18:57:23 from 75.169.205.109

ya no kidding, 2.9! but thats only about 15 seconds which i think we can shave off by the end of the season :)..hopefully

Total Distance
6.50

      XC- 300-400m hill repeats. I need to measure Beast(that's the name of the hill) to be sure.  We did 10 sprints up it, and 1 time of going up it easy to recover.  I wasn't feeling at all like the best today, but today I still ended up running in front of everyone for 7 of them.  After I had a bad headache after the repeats.  We had a little over a mile warm up and a mile cool down.  I bearly finished the last one.  I wasn't going to do it, but Nick Batty said to stay with him and to push halfway through, and while it still hurt like heck going at his pace, I'm happy I did.  I'm happy I got such a great team to push me in every workout.

Comments
From PRE on Fri, Aug 31, 2012 at 18:52:32 from 99.50.213.11

"The Beast" Nice name. Great job today. And kudos to Nick Batty for being an awesome teammate! You hung in there when it was tough to do so! That is one reason I love Out and Backs (have to finish the workout once halfway into it).

Total Distance
3.00

       I went saw the USU invite cross country meet today.  I saw Tyler really have a good race, and a bunch of people I knew who just graduated this year.  Fun to watch them.  Then I saw the high school races.  Jerrel had a good race, winning by a ways, he'll definatley be one of my main contenders at Murrey, region, state, cache-box, and pretty much any other meet.

      I later went for a run.  I took it easy.   I really could feel yesterday's workout.

Comments
From PRE on Sat, Sep 01, 2012 at 15:11:13 from 99.50.213.11

Conner,

How's it going?

Jerrel mentioned above - is that the same guy you want to beat in the two mile race ("when he isn't sick")?

Was checking out your PRs in the left hand column. Nice!

It looks like you accomplished your goal of 9:29 or better in the 2 mile!

Oh by the way, is Rob Mantz related? I saw he ran a PR Top of Utah Half Marathon.

From Conner Mantz on Sun, Sep 02, 2012 at 09:37:55 from 65.130.176.26

Yeah, Jerrell is the guy I mentioned I want to beat in the two mile. And yes, Rob Mantz is my dad.

From PRE on Sun, Sep 02, 2012 at 13:27:09 from 99.50.213.11

Thought Rob Mantz might be your dad but did not want to ask because if he were your brother...well that might not have gone over too well.

And your dad runs awesome times! His PR 10K is about 7.5 minutes off from yours...that's FAST! (You just happen to be REALLY FAST!)

Total Distance
6.50

     XC- I was going to do a 10k race today, but I just wasn't feeling it yesterday, so I decided not to.  I went to XC for our workout.  Steve, Nick, AJ, and Calvin were there, so I knew I was going to push it.  6X800s faster then XC race pace with a 400m(2-3 minute) jog in between.  On all of these but the 3rd one I got boxed in at the first and had to swing wide to get in my pace. 

  1. 2:21.  I felt great.
  2. 2:21.  Pretty much the same as the last one.   I felt great.
  3. 2:16.  It felt harder, but I went faster.
  4. 2:21.  Fast first lap.  Second lap was slow.
  5. 2:18.  Felt alright.
  6. 2:19.  Felt terrible, but Steve was pushing me until the last 200m. 

    Overall, good workout.  Did a mile or so cool down.

Total Distance
5.00

     Easy day.  We had a small sprint in these laps around the school grounds, but other then that, easy pace.  Tyson beat me in most of them.  My lower calves or achelies(I'm not sure really what it was) weren't feeling the best.  Kinda weird.

Total Distance
5.00

     Tempo, but a bit slower then regular tempo, for 4 miles, then one 1 mile cool down.  Murrey, in two days. 

Total Distance
2.50

   Easy Pre-meet.  Tomorrow is murray!

Race: Murray Invitational (3.1 Miles) 00:15:38, Place overall: 3, Place in age division: 3
Total Distance
5.00

     We got there, I wasn't feeling the best, but after the warm up and accelerations I felt ready.  I was hoping to get a good start out in this race, but that didn't happen.  I got caught in the middle in the first 200m, so after that I went to the side and tried to get to the front.  Around the first half mile, maybe less, we had our pack.  I was near the back.  We went up a small hill, and when we went down it, Paxton ran pretty fast and got a small lead.  Then went up to him, and I thought that I should put a surge in to, so I did.  I ended up leading the race from there to about mile 2.  After the steep hill, I looked back and saw Jayden Asay, and Jerrell were still there.   I was trying to push the pace to drop them, so I could secure my second place spot.  About at an 800 to go, Ben took off.  I knew he would do that and had planned it out the whole race, but it still hurt me mentally.  I didn't catch him, but I kept running, trying to finish well.  At 400m to go I looked back and saw I had a ways on him, maybe a few seconds.  I pushed it, until 200m to go, and I slowed down by doing a few too many mistakes, like looking at Jerrell behind me, not sprinting and stuff.  With less than 150m to go, Jerrell passes me, and I just go with him, trying to not let him beat me by more then 5 sec.(which wasn't going to happen, but I tried to stay as close to him as I could).  He beat me by .8 seconds.  Next race I'll get him.  I ran a cool down with Tyson after.  Our team placed 5th, no one really sounded like they had their best race.

Comments
From Rob Murphy on Sat, Sep 08, 2012 at 13:53:02 from 24.10.249.165

You are one tough cookie Conner. Congratulations.

From Chuk on Sat, Sep 08, 2012 at 16:24:36 from 24.2.70.165

Great Job dude you'll get Jerrell at state this year. I'm glad you didn't lose to Jadyn, I hate that kid.

From Conner Mantz on Sun, Sep 09, 2012 at 08:50:30 from 65.130.138.202

Thanks Rob, and Chuk, I sure hope I can get him at state.

From Jake K on Sun, Sep 09, 2012 at 14:44:28 from 67.177.11.154

Good race Conner. Still a lot of racing to be done this fall. You'll get those guys when it really counts.

From Conner Mantz on Mon, Sep 10, 2012 at 17:34:35 from 216.160.233.93

Jake, yeah. We have a big meet this friday, so I think I'll be able to get them there.

Total Distance
8.00

     8 with my dad.

Total Distance
9.00

      XC-Grass repeats.  600m is what coach had it at.  Lots of dips in the grass that would make you lose your momentum.  I was running them around a sub-1:50, but this is just a guess because Nick Batty was always around a 1:58-2:01.  Coach had me at a 1:47 for one.  I took the 7th one easier then I should've, but still had a good 8th one.  It was a good workout though.  Mile warm up, Mile cool down, 2 minutes easy jog in between each one, maybe less.

     After XC-3. Since I didn't have the paper route today I had a bunch of energy after practice, even though I was hurting during the repeats (maybe I was just being a bit dramatic and mentally weak during it).  I went and I felt alright.  Not the best, but alright.  I also went becuase I don't think the coach is going to recommend to push the meet on Wednesday, because we have a meet Friday, The BYU Invite(hooray, we qualified at Murray, and coach said we're going)

Total Distance
3.00

      Premeet day for most of our team.  Varsity is going to BYU, so we aren't really pushing tomorrow.

Total Distance
6.00

    Logan came for a duel meet. I did about a mile warm up.  3 miles, tempo.  2 miles cool down.  Getting ready for BYU.  Jerrell is also going, so he didn't push it either.

Total Distance
5.00

     5.  harder than usual for premeet, or atleast for me, but it was in the morning, so I'll be alright.  

Race: BYU Invitational cross country meet (3.1 Miles) 00:15:03, Place overall: 1, Place in age division: 1
Total Distance
5.00

       Our varsity team qualified for this meet at murray, so our coach let us go down to it.  Jerrell went down individually with us. When we first got there the collegiate men's race was starting, and it was cool to see some of those runners. After,  we looked at the course, but it took Tyson and me a while to understand it, so while everyone else was just doing their shakeout run, we waited a bit and didn't get much of one in.  The course was a 2 loop course (which had each loop in a weird double loop) and then a shorter loop.  It was really confusing on the map, but it was really well marked out, and you would either follow the guy ahead of you, or the golf cart.   We then did an acceleration, which I didn't feel the best it, and then we did our stretches, some strides, and were ready for the race.

      At the starting line we fit 3 guys side by side in each square and with a bit of room.  We started and I had a great start, but I didn't really push it for the start.  After the first 300m I went around a few guys and got right behind Jerrell, who was leading the race.  Once we hit the hill for the first time, Jerrell slowed a bit.  I was told by my coaches and a friend who ran in the college race to not push that first hill.  So I didn't push it, and it I later found out not many people did.  We got to the top of the hill and turned around and Paxton told me I had about 30 yards on the AF guys, which made me want to speed up and get my distance from them.  Jerrell was still behind me here, but Jordon Cross was also right there.  Down that hill I relaxed a bit, but still kept a good pace.  At the end of the hill.  Nothing changed for a while, until we hit mile 1.  At mile 1 there is a small hill to the top, and then a downhill again.  On the down hill I kept a good pace.  After a while though, Brayden McLelland shot passed us.  I didn't know what to do really, so I just followed him, and so did Jordon Cross.  Jerrell just kept an even distance, but never losing us, a bit like what he did at Murray.  When we were going up the hill the second time I could here Brayden breathing extremely hard and Jordon made a move, but that didn't last long, so I made a move and moved to the front.  Brayden fell off us after that.  Cross and I ran the last bit together.  At mile 2 Paxton yelled that our 2nd mile was 5:06.  This made me speed up, because I wanted sub-5 miles.  After this Jordon and I just dueled it out.  At the end I started sprinting because Jerrell could have that kick he had at Murray and I didn't want a repeat of that race.  As soon as we passed the finish line for the second time I started sprinting.  Coach said it was about a 400-600m from the finish.  I sprinted and lost Cross without knowing it, and kept looking back that last 100m to make sure he wouldn't pass me.  I landed on the finish with a 15:03.

       Good race for me, mentally and physically.  I heard the course was around a 3.03, so I'm not sure how far it really is, but as long as I went a sub-5 pace, you won't hear one complaint from me.  Our team took 6th, which was really good, but there weren't many teams there either.  Still a good team race. 

Comments
From Jake K on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 12:50:34 from 174.253.187.212

Awesome race! Congrats... Happy for you man... That's a great pace for xc racing... Wow

From Michael Finch on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 12:55:56 from 75.169.198.37

wow! can i just have your autograph now? that is a legit race.

From Tomy on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 16:27:16 from 98.202.82.127

Insane race man, nice job!

From steve ash on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 18:22:42 from 174.52.177.84

Amazing.. That time especially on grass is something else.

From Scott Ensign on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 18:59:46 from 67.40.116.44

nice job Conner, big win at a big meet. I bet BYU has you on their recruiting radar already! well done

From Conner Mantz on Mon, Sep 17, 2012 at 17:27:56 from 70.58.106.200

Thanks for the support and comments. Michael, you would've been up with us if you were there. It was a fast and a very nice course.

From Kramerunner on Mon, Sep 17, 2012 at 17:28:11 from 66.29.190.35

Dude!! you're a beast man keep it up!!!

From Dave S on Mon, Sep 17, 2012 at 17:40:59 from 63.248.248.225

Wow! Nice win and a fast time!

Total Distance
8.00

     8 easy up the canyon this morning. 

Total Distance
6.50

      XC- We did a mile warm up, then some 6X800m race finish pace with a 400m cool down in between.  We were to run the first 200m race pace, and then just increase at 200m, then increase more at 400m, and then more of a sprint finish/give it everything left for the last 200m(which was up a steep hill).  Good workout.  Probably our only one this week with the races on Wednesday and Friday. 

Total Distance
2.50

    Easy run with 4 strides.  Meet tomorrow. 

Race: Roy, MC tri-meet (3.1 Miles) 00:16:14, Place overall: 1, Place in age division: 1
Total Distance
5.00

         Warmed up a bit late.  I wanted to go under 16 for this meet, which isn't all out, but I was really going to push it.  The first 300m a MC kid was sprinting all out and I couldn't have let him be ahead of me. He then dropped off and died.  I wanted a fast race, but I didn't feel good the first mile.  I got a big gap on everyone.  MC had their varsity getting ready for Bob Firman on Friday.   My first mile was a 4:53, but I think the mile marker was off, because that meant the next miles must've been a lot slower then, and the 2nd-5th guys said they came at a 5:10, which they didn't expect to run.  I felt better during the 2nd and third miles, which was probably because I was having a big head and not pushing myself, which was STUPID of me.  I finished about about 40 seconds on Steve who was second.  We had the top 8 spots, so we swept the competition by a ways.  After Steve it went, Dylan, Nick, Tyson, Kyler, AJ(who took a wrong turn), and then Calvin.  Later we did a cool down. 

Total Distance
2.00

    Easy.  Early morning.  Then dodgeball!

Race: Top of Utah Relay(4k) (2.48 Miles) 00:12:24, Place overall: 1, Place in age division: 1
Total Distance
4.50

     We didn't get a very good warm up, but it was alright.  Nick and Kyler weren't running varsity, because they wanted to recover mentally and get ready for CacheBox on Wednesday, so we had Calvin and Ethan running instead.  I didn't see anyone who would really push me, so I thought that I was going to be running alone.  Coach told us to run this race faster than a regular race, becuase it was shorter.  Push it more.  This race is a bit different then others.  They have the guys run the 4k, and then when a guy cross the finish line, he tags a girl, and she does the course, and that's how they give places.

     We started and I didn't get a great start, being behind Steve for the first 200 or so.  I then took the lead, and looked at two cones in a 2-D way and thought I was supposed to go through them, but the Bear River coach told me I needed to go around them, so I later fixed that.  We then went on some rollers, and when I say rollers, I mean you take two steps up hill, two downhill, two uphill, etc.  This really destroyed my pace, but I recovered after.  For most of the race until the last 800 was mostly the same.  I just tried to speed up and push it the whole race, trying not to slow down.  My goal was a 4:55 pace.  At 800 to go, I kept up my pace, and then with 600, the other set of rollers started.  I then sprinted the last 150 all out, and heard Rory say, "...12:10, 12:11..." and then knew I wasn't going to make the pace I wanted, but I kept it up.  Steve was 3rd and Dylan was 5th. 

     Our varsity team took 1st, and our JV girls took 1st also, I don't know about JV boys took though.  Overall I feel alright about the race.  I didn't have anyone really pushing me for anything after the first half mile, but it also was a shorter course, but I still have cache box on Wednesday, so I can get a better time there.   

Comments
From Michael Finch on Sun, Sep 23, 2012 at 14:41:02 from 75.169.214.132

those kind of courses are always fun :) way to get another win. i'm excited to see your race at state

Total Distance
11.00

    AM-5 Went on an easy run, pushed some parts when I felt good. About 32 minutes, maybe a bit less. 

     PM- I felt really good today, and I didn't do much athletic stuff besides my run(lazy day), so I decided to push the run tonight.  I was going to go for a 30 min. tempo, but after the first mile(4:56, but it is a Very downhill mile.) I felt like I did at BYU last week and when it hurt, I wanted to push it just a bit more.  I ran a 27:10, which might be a PR for a 5-mile, but I'm not sure if it was a full 5 miles.  Maybe a bit short, so I'll say 5:30 pace for it.  It might not have been the best thing to do after a meet yesterday, but I felt like I needed to run one of the tempo runs, and I hadn't put many miles in this week.  I'll get a good rest Sunday and work hard Monday, then get ready for Wednesday.

Total Distance
7.50

     XC-7.5.  We did a mile warm up, then a 5 mile tempo, with a 30 sec. sprint after every mile, then back to tempo.  My sprints were better then usual today.  I ran with Nick and Steve til the turn around point.  After about a mile from there, Kyler decided to increase the pace, so I ran with him for a mile, then ran by myself.  I'm really pleased with my sprints though, a lot faster then regular.  Now time to ease up for Wednesday.

Total Distance
3.00

     Small warm up, then some strides with short steps.  I felt good.  Getting ready for Cache-Box tomorrow. 

Race: Cache-Box (3.1 Miles) 00:15:18, Place overall: 2, Place in age division: 2
Total Distance
5.00

      I am not happy with this race, but it'll give me a reason to run faster at region.  I had a a small stomache ache before, and then had one during some of the race. We started out and I just got behind Adam and Jerrell.  After a half mile, I was running behind Jerrell, and Adam was right behind us. I felt alright the first mile, but it felt fast.  I don't have the time exactly, but I think they said around a 4:49.  After that, it went downhill for me.  I kept running with him 'til a little before mile 2.  I just wasn't feeling it.  I couldn't run faster.  This stresses me out more than anything thinking of it.  We hit gravel right before mile two, and I just couldn't get going.  I had a bit of a stomache ache, but I should've just tried to catch him then.  Once we were 3/4 miles out he really left me in the dust.  I couldn't catch him at all.  At a turn, I just lightly jogged the turn, and it took me a while to start up again (this happened throughout the race.  Jerrell had a lot of good turns, and I would always try to catch him on the straightways.).  I just tried not to have him be 20 sec. ahead of me.  I tried to push it at the end, but I felt terrible.  I had a bad stomache ache afterward.  I will not have chinese food 'til state is over.  I finished around 15:18.  Jerrell ran a 14:59.  Atleast there is still region and state. 

Comments
From Scott Ensign on Fri, Sep 28, 2012 at 11:57:59 from 129.123.3.84

even if you call this a "not so good day" it is still an amazing time. Jerrell had a great day breaking 15. you will break 15 on that course for sure. lay off that chinese food!!! and no sushi either!!

From Conner Mantz on Fri, Sep 28, 2012 at 16:14:59 from 70.58.106.200

Thanks Scott, and I will lay off it from now 'til state is over with.

Total Distance
7.00

I wasn't feeling the best today, or atleast mentally. I was a bit mad about yesterday's run, but I've made a goal to break 15 at the region meet(same course). I decided to try to run by myself and recover mentally and just run. It felt good, but later I ran with coach and a few guys and I think it felt better running with them instead. Coach told me I had a good race. Jerrell had a great race, and that was just that.

Total Distance
5.00

    I don't actually know the distance of the run today, but it's atleast 5.  We did terrible triangles.  Three sprints with a relay team.  I didn't feel that great during the run.  I don't think I was running as fast as I could've if I would've felt relatively okay.  Long cool down. 

Total Distance
8.00

     Medium pace.  I pushed it at some parts.  It felt alright, not the best, but better then yesterday, mainly because it was slower.

Total Distance
4.50

    We ran a hard workout, but didn't do a ton of it. We had 20 sec. sprint then 20 sec. rest, and then we went 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, in the same way.  It hurt, and I didn't feel like I would be able to do the 70 well, but we ran into a closed road, and had to go downhill from there, and that helped my for the rest of them.  Steve really pushed me during some of these, especially the last 30 and 20.  I bearly beat him in those ones.  After we did our cool down, coach went up to us and said we were supposed to do another 70, but he said it was alright if we put in a good workout.  Well, we'll have more energy for the meet on Wednesday. 

Total Distance
2.25

      We ran to Mack Park, then did some relay races, and then we ran back.  Just getting ready for the meet tomorrow, but I don't think I'll be pulling a low 15, maybe not even a 15.  I'm planning on using my 1160's instead of flats for this course, and I want accurately to see how much I've improved since last year.  It'll be the first race that we're doing(besides blue and white) the same course and I'm wearing the same shoes. 

Race: Bonneville dual meet (3 Miles) 00:15:22, Place overall: 1, Place in age division: 1
Total Distance
6.00

      We walked the course for about a mile, and then did about a mile and a half warm up.   We were all psyched for this race because it was the race to see if we would beat Bonneville, mainly to see if we'd have them at region.  Well, they decided to rest their varsity up for region, so it wasn't much of a big race.  Coach said we still should push it. 

      We went out and I got a good start, and passed Steve about the 200 mark.  At 400 I was at a 1:06-07. A bit faster than I wanted, but I felt amazing.  800-2:20.  2 mile pace.  Not too bad and I still felt good.  No one was pushing me, so I was just by myself from there.  At mile 1 I was at 4:56.  My usuall race pace.  After this I slowed, mostly becuase it went on to the hard part of the course with some sand and big rocks.  I came at the half-way point at 7:40.  I did math in my head way wrong and thought that I was at a 16min+ pace so I spead up for about a quarter mile, but then realized what I did with the math and went back into my race pace.  After this I just kept running.  Mile 2-10:10, so it was slower, but not by too much.  Slower than I wanted it.  I then just kept running it, and I started hurting(which usually happens during the whole race) at the end of the race.  I came across at 15:22.  Not too bad of a race, especially with trainers instead of flats or spikes.  Most of the team did well too.  We had the first 7 spots, so that was good.  Region here we come. 

Comments
From Michael Finch on Wed, Oct 03, 2012 at 19:10:28 from 75.169.213.86

nice job! so how much did you improve from last year?

From Jake K on Wed, Oct 03, 2012 at 19:34:22 from 67.177.11.154

Nice race! Now it's the championship season!

From Conner Mantz on Thu, Oct 04, 2012 at 16:07:57 from 65.130.242.209

Thanks, and Mike, I improved 50 sec. from last year.

From Sasha Pachev on Thu, Oct 04, 2012 at 17:14:58 from 69.28.149.29

Conner:

Congratulations on the win!

I looked at your mileage chart and have some thoughts about it. 150 or so miles a month is good enough to be competitive in the mile, and beat other guys with comparable talent that run 150 miles a month or less in 2 miles. But to move to the next level the mileage needs to go up. Nothing super crazy, but there is no reason you could not do at least 200-240 miles a month (about 50-60 a week) consistently. This should give you a sub-9:00 3200 fairly soon, but more important make you an animal in the races 10 K or longer. With your speed it is realistic to expect sub-30:00 10,000 on the track at sea level in the next year or so, but you need the aerobic base.

What often happens in high school running is that you cut the mileage before a race to race well, then you run less the next day. With the full racing schedule this sharply cuts into aerobic development. Then you have speed workouts that make you too tired or simply leave no time for aerobic miles.

Some ideas to remedy this is add a regular second run, or run a little bit extra on the day you work out with the team.

From Conner Mantz on Thu, Oct 04, 2012 at 19:55:03 from 65.130.242.209

Sasha, I am planning on bumping up my mileage in the future, but Thanks for the advice.

Total Distance
6.00

     We went on a long(well kinda) easy run.  It was really cold(26 degrees), so we cut it short and I said we should run a mile or two inside.  Nobody liked it a ton, but Nick got everyone to put in the extra mile. 

Total Distance
6.00

      XC- Mile warm up, then we jogged part of a "double-double" course our coach had for us.  It was a very complex workout to explain.  We were to sprint up a hill(beauty) and then jog down it, then do it again.  After we would cool down to another area and sprint another hill, and then jog down a small steep hill, then sprint up another hill, then cool down to the first hill. We did this about 3 times.  I felt terrible during it, and rarely was in the front of the group except at the end of each individual sprint.  At the last one I got cut off by the Compton brothers and ran into a tree, it was funny. 
    After, I had to walk home becuase my mom couldn't pick me up.  I walked with Trevor for about 3/4 mile, and then ran the rest, which was weird to run because I had my backpack and bag of clothes.  Probably a 8 min. pace for it, but a bit extra miles. 

Total Distance
3.10

      Just an easy run with my dad.  I tried to speed up at some of the turns, but then would slow down later.  Region on Wednesday.

Total Distance
5.00

     We did a mile, then started our workout. (30 sec hard, then 30 sec easy X5) X3 with a 5minute break in between.  This was a pretty easy medium, nothing really hurt.  I actually felt amazing, but mostly because I haven't ran hard for a while and I didn't run much Saturday, at all Sunday, and no paperroute this morning.  A little less than a mile cool down.  I'm starting to feel a bit lazy now. 

Total Distance
2.00

     Tree of life.... extended?  Anyway, 2 easy miles, I ran with Cody at first, then Glen (who was running in the canal becuase it was all dried up)  After we did 4 strides on the football field.

Race: Region 5 XC meet (3.1 Miles) 00:15:05, Place overall: 2, Place in age division: 2
Total Distance
6.00

    This is the same course as Cache-Box was. We did a two mile warm up with accelerations before the meet.  I knew my competition was Jerrell again.  Before I didn't care about place as much as I wanted to break 15. 

     We started, and I didn't get an amazing start, but it was alright.  I got behind Jerrell and Adam, and I just drafted off of Jerrell when we hit the wind.  I had the strategy to spead up a bit on the corners, which really helped me at the start.  Anyway, the wind was going a bit to the north/east.  During the first loop, we dropped Adam, and just ran.  We went back and forth.  During the second loop, The guy yelled out our "mile" splits as "4:22, 4:23, 4:24...." so I was supposedly one second off my mile PR, haha.  At the end of the second loop I slowed down a bit(there was a wind in our faces), to let him lead, but he didn't, so that is probably where I lost some of my time.  During the third loop, it was still between us two.  I pulled away at the mile 2 mark, but slowed down after a bit, which was a mistake on my part.  Then we hit the grass and we ran side by side, and just pushed it.  We turned on the very small V turn for the second time.  We were just starting on our last loop, and I was just bearly behind him.  Once we hit the gravel with 800 left to go, he sped up.  On some of the really gravely parts, he was speeding up.  At the end of the gravel, with .1 to go, he just outkicked me.  He gained a 6-7 second lead here, which was weird, because I was pushing it too. 

      I didn't see my time 'til after, but I found out it was 15:05, which isn't too bad, but I was really hoping to break 15.  I'll get it at state.  Our team took 2nd on guys side and 3rd on girls.  Our guys lost to Bonneville by 47 to 36, which was a bit discouraging, but we still have state.  Jerrell ran a 14:58, so he had a good race.  Now time to focus on state. 

Comments
From Michael Finch on Wed, Oct 10, 2012 at 18:43:53 from 75.169.213.209

oh my gosh! 4:22 first mile?! I can't wait to see you at state. i'm glad Jerrell is always racing you so that you have someone that can actually push you.

From Rob Murphy on Wed, Oct 10, 2012 at 18:47:57 from 24.10.249.165

Congratulations!

If that course you ran truly is a 5K I'd say both you guys have a shot at Luke Puskedra's Sugarhouse course record next week. Pretty impressive as you are only a Soph and Luke was a Senior when he set the record in 2007.

From Conner Mantz on Wed, Oct 10, 2012 at 19:04:25 from 65.130.242.209

Mike, I don't think that was really a full mile. We did go really hard that first mile but, it was probably around a 4:40s not 4:20s like the guy said.

Rob, my dad and I ran it once, and he ran it by himself another time(with his GPS). The time we ran it together, we cut off a bit of it, but it was still 3.06, the other time my dad had it at 3.1. It is a really flat course though, and that could be the reason for the fast times.

From Scott Ensign on Wed, Oct 10, 2012 at 21:24:18 from 67.40.114.105

nice job you are going to break 15 at state for sure.

From Kramerunner on Thu, Oct 11, 2012 at 00:01:54 from 66.29.190.35

Dude!!! Crazy fast time dude you will break 15 for sure go get em!!

From Dave S on Thu, Oct 11, 2012 at 10:15:26 from 63.248.248.225

Wow! Nice job. Nice story and pic in the Herald Journal.

From Jake K on Thu, Oct 11, 2012 at 13:40:20 from 155.100.226.191

Nice Conner - you're ready for state and getting into the 14s!

Total Distance
6.00

     AM- A little less then 3 with the team.  Easy.  After we did a bunch of stretching and stuff in the wrestling room.

      PM- I went for a little more than 3 to balance it out as a 6 mile day.  Easy.  I noticed that my stride was longer then usual for that pace.  It was as long as it is for a 6 min. mile pace, but I was going slower then a 7 min. mile pace, maybe even in the 8's.  Weird. 

Total Distance
4.00

      Fartleck workout?  not really.  We just ran around town, and someone would throw a raquet ball and we would race to it, and the first one to it got to throw it next time.   At first, Coach Storrs threw it on Main Street, and Dylan actually went for it, until Storrs yelled at him to stop. 

Total Distance
2.00

    I went to the annual Red Ribbon Run today and watched it.  It was fun to see a lot of the people from XC running in it (and also my little sister who PR'ed). 

     After I watched the race I ran 2 easy miles.  The only thing with these miles was that I wasn't pushing it at all, just running slow, but my stride was longer than it is for easy, but then I found out I averaged a 6:20 pace. 

Total Distance
3.50

      Last night I got the most sleep I have had in the last 3 or 4 nights.  I've had a bad toothache,  (a tooth died a few years ago), and on Friday I got a root canal, and I have been taking antibiotics that have few side affects, so hopefully none of those happen at state.

      XC-We did 10,20,30,20,10 then 10,20,10 then 10,10 seconds of sprinting with the same amount of time in between.  At first we did our warm up, then we saw a speed limit sign that had radar and showed the speed you wer going, so OF COURSE we stopped and saw how fast we could run and who was the fastest.  It was pretty fun, I got up to 18 both times.  A few people got up to 19 and Steve and AJ both got up to 20.  Then we started our other sprints.  During it I felt amazing, but after I had a terrible stomache ache and later had to use the bathroom a few times.  Right now I don't feel the best either, so I'm hoping this goes away before state.

Comments
From runningafterbabies on Tue, Oct 16, 2012 at 14:03:42 from 208.54.4.226

It's probably just the abx messing with your GI system. Probiotics might help.

From runningafterbabies on Tue, Oct 16, 2012 at 14:04:55 from 208.54.4.226

Abx means antibiotics. Good luck at state!

Total Distance
2.00

     XC- we ran about a mile and a half with a few strides.  State's tomorrow and I plan on beating Jerrell and Jake this time.  It may not happen, but if I don't beat them, then we will all break 15. 

Race: State Cross Country Championships 4A (3 Miles) 00:15:17, Place overall: 3, Place in age division: 3
Total Distance
6.00

     Not my best race.  Not at all.  I was taking an anitbiotic for a while because on Friday I got a root canal on one of my teeth.  On the Monday before the race I was feeling sick, mostly due to the medication I was on.  This isn't the reason I didn't do my best in the race, but it may have affected it. 

    On the bus ride to the meet, Dylan Compton was throwing up, and Tyson was throwing up at the race.  Great, two of our top five runners are sick the day of state. Before the race I talked and saw a lot of people, and a bunch of bloggers.  I put in a few miles during our warm-up and accelerations.  This morning I felt amazing, but when the race came, I didn't feel so great. 

      RACE:  The race started, and I got a pretty good start, but I felt bad during it.  We had right next to the outside, so it was a great position.  I got right up with the people I needed to be running with, Jake, Jerrell, Jayden, Chuk, Rory, and a few other people were probably in this group.  I just hung on the Jake and Jerrell, but I was feeling absolutely terrible.  I'm usually not doing to bad at the start of the race, but I felt terrible.  We went up the hill, and right here I was fourth.  Jake and Jerrell then both took seperate wrong turns, one after another.  I was far enough behind them that I learned from their mistakes, but I didn't speed up and profit like I should have.  After the first mile (no idea what the splits were)  I decided to lead because the pace had slowed down and I wanted a fast time.  After a little while, I let Rory and Jake/Jerrell(they were side by side the whole race, or almost the whole race) lead.  The race just kept going from here.  Chuk later decided to lead it, and I just had to keep following them and not give up.  I wasn't feeling good at all.  After we went around the pond the second time, I made my move to catch Jerrell/Jake.  I passed Chuk, buy wasn't able to even get close to Jake or Jerrell because they started their kick also.  This mentally was hard and I just gave up on catching them from there.  I shouldn't make these stupid mistakes!  I looked back and saw Rory was almost on me, so I pushed it in, but didn't have a sprint at the end.  During the finish i thought I saw the clock say:15:40, 41, 42, but it was actually 15:10, 11, 12... so that was a bit demoralizing. 

     I'm alright with this race, I may not have ran my best race, but I didn't put in a DNF.  Our team didn't do so hot either.  Since Dylan and Tyson were sick, their races weren't their favorite.  I talked to a lot of people afterward, and found out a lot of people didn't have their races today.  At restaurant and I was feeling terrible during it and the ride home.  My stomache was feeling bad. (Good thing it happened after the race and not during, right?)   Atleast I still have footlocker regionals to look forward to.

Comments
From Rob Murphy on Wed, Oct 17, 2012 at 22:23:55 from 24.10.249.165

Way to hang in there Conner and still get a really impressive time. You've got two more years to accomplish some big things.

From Chuk on Thu, Oct 18, 2012 at 00:13:00 from 24.2.70.165

Good job today dude. I hopefully won't race you until indoor because we want to go to NXN

From Paul on Thu, Oct 18, 2012 at 07:54:25 from 65.114.209.66

Great job...3rd at state as a "bad" race is nothing to sneeze at (I myself never qualified for a state meet). Don't worry, you have lots of races ahead of you.

From Jake K on Thu, Oct 18, 2012 at 09:03:21 from 155.100.226.191

Don't get down on this one Conner. Going into a race a bit sick/medicated can mean a few seconds per mile, and that's the difference between winning and third in a competitive race like this. Still a really solid time (nice improvement from last fall). I think you've had a heck of a year already, and when you are feeling back to 100%, you'll tear it up @ Foot Locker.

From Tomy on Thu, Oct 18, 2012 at 09:35:19 from 98.202.82.127

Those antibiotics could have definitely taken a toll on you, but you still did awesome! Plus, you still have another two years to race State. You will tear it up at Footlocker!

From Conner Mantz on Thu, Oct 18, 2012 at 13:09:53 from 65.130.242.209

Thanks everyone!

From Steve on Thu, Oct 18, 2012 at 20:01:30 from 67.52.33.66

I agree with these guys. You showed some guts!

From Kam on Fri, Oct 19, 2012 at 13:54:31 from 68.66.163.179

Gutty performance. You should be proud.

From Michael Finch on Sat, Oct 20, 2012 at 18:26:38 from 75.169.212.61

good job conner!

From Dave S on Sun, Oct 21, 2012 at 07:59:28 from 63.248.248.225

Nice job!

From Kramerunner on Sun, Oct 21, 2012 at 16:39:50 from 66.29.190.35

Connor Dude that is a wicked fast time for being under the weather. You are gonna do big things man just you wait!

Total Distance
9.00

      Went 8 with stomache problems.  I took my last antibiotic pill last night and it really came and hit me during my run.  I ran my first three miles in 17 min, then my 4th in 6:30.  My stomache started hurting during the second or third mile.  I ran my next four, which all but one were downhill, 22:40.  My last mile, which has a big 1/3 mile hill in it, was almost faster than my second to last, which is all downhill, because I was racing to my house/the bathroom there.  After I did one cool down mile.  I need to start training hard for foot locker.  I have one and a half months. 

Total Distance
6.00

       I didn't run last night, so I planned on running hard this morning.  Then I didn't want to, but then I timed it and decided to push it after the first mile.  (My previous plan was to push the first mile then go slow tempo pace from there.)   I wanted to run the same pace as yesterday, but I was a bit angry about Wednesday, so I was running on anger.  Weird thought.  I was four seconds away from my PR for that run.  5 miles(probably a bit less.  I haven't ran it with a garmin for a while so I don't know the exact turn around point for exactly 5 miles.) in 27:11.  I felt the best I've felt all week during it.  Mile cool down.

Total Distance
12.00

      An easy long run today.  My pace was probably really inconsistent.  During mile 9 or 10 until the end it was harder to move my legs and keep running.  I'm guessing it's either because I haven't ran 10 or more miles in a while, or because I probably wore my legs out from the last three days and now I don't have that taper to rely on any more, or both.  I felt great afterward though.

Total Distance
6.00

     I was going to do my usuall 5 mile tempo canyon run, but during my 4th mile my calves started hurting, so I decided to cut the tempo part short.  I ran the 4 miles tempo, but slowed down after my 4th mile and just jogged.  I had to go carefully up the golf course hill, because it still hurt a bit when I went slow.  Tomorrow is going to be easy probably.  I'm not sure if it should be long easy or short easy. 

Total Distance
8.00

      Well, it snowed today.  I thought I didn't need gloves or tights, so my run was pretty cold.  I didn't feel the best during it either.  I took it easy, but I had a desire to push it the whole time, but my calves wouldn't let me.  Well, atleast I know foot locker won't be this cold!

Comments
From Jake K on Tue, Oct 23, 2012 at 19:22:42 from 67.177.11.154

Already wintery up your way!

Total Distance
6.00

     5 mile tempo run with a mile cool down.  My calves felt a bit bad again, about as bad as Saturday, so I probably won't have another hard day until Saturday this week.  Splits: 5:04 (the big downhill), 5:48(uphill) 5:40(uphill, then downhill) 5:30(downhill), 5:40(the big uphill)  I felt good except for my calves and my freezing hands. 

Total Distance
8.00

     Went on a long medium workout run. 8 miles with Bryan.  I decided to do the region course for one last time this year.  There is a race Bryan is doing with the army up there.  I just want to give this course one more shot.

Total Distance
2.00

    2 late easy miles.  Getting ready to try out that course again. 

Race: Wounded Soldier 5k (3.1 Miles) 00:15:46, Place overall: 1, Place in age division: 1
Total Distance
12.00

       Again, I'm not sure exactly how far the distance was, but I heard it was a 5k, but people had 3 miles on their garmins, so it could have been anywhere in that area. We showed up at the race about 40 minutes before the start.  I warmed up a mile, then took off my PJs and did another mile.  I talked with Scott Ensign and Joe Fure before the race started.  I saw someone who I recognized that I knew was fast(Daniel Howell), but later found out that he wasn't racing the race, more of running it. The Big Cannon went off and we started.  Joe was with me for the start and some guy who didn't look like a runner was ahead of us for the first 200m.  After that I dropped them and ran alone.  I felt good, pushing it and all.  I was around 4:57 for the first mile, which is about 34 sec. slower than region, but the mile marker at region was around 15-20 seconds off.  After that I thought I could break 15, but while my confidence went up, I slowed down.  My dad had me about 10:20 for the second mile.  At the second hairpin turn, Some people were going opposite of me and I slowed down and had to squeeze between them and the canal.  After that I sped back up and heard I was at 13:30 with 800 to go.  When that happened I sped up a ton and I knew I had to have been running slower, because I really had a big speed up then.  I came across the line and felt like I had some left.  40 sec. slower than region.   I did a cool down with Scott and Joe afterward, then another by myself. 

   PM- 5 mile in 30 min.  slower tempo.  1 mile cool down.

Comments
From Scott Ensign on Sat, Oct 27, 2012 at 15:59:03 from 67.40.104.47

nice race, great to see you and your dad today. I was hoping to box you in at the start and beat you but my strategy failed. next time!

From caseykimzey on Sat, Oct 27, 2012 at 19:06:14 from 174.23.117.63

No way! Daniel's my cousin! But good job on your race! I can't believe how fast you are a sophmore! Crazy.

From Michael Finch on Sun, Oct 28, 2012 at 08:49:20 from 75.169.213.13

when i was on my USU visit they showed me that course. Its pretty sweet, and looks like a fast course. i'm jealous thats your guys region.

From Luis Vidal on Sun, Oct 28, 2012 at 16:36:20 from 174.27.169.54

Man! I wish I could've gone to that race. It sounded like lots of fun. Which race you gonna run at the 1st Dam run Conner?

From Conner Mantz on Mon, Oct 29, 2012 at 15:16:29 from 65.130.242.209

Scott it was great seeing you there, Casey, that's way cool he's your cousin. Mike, how did that USU visit go? Luis, I'm not sure which race, but I'll probably do the 5k because I need to stay used to the 5k's for foot locker, are you doing the 10k?

From Michael Finch on Mon, Oct 29, 2012 at 17:32:09 from 75.169.213.13

it was fun. i'm definally considering going there. i met a kid that used to go to sky view and had some school records before you came. i cant remember his name though. But he was a nice kid.

From Conner Mantz on Mon, Oct 29, 2012 at 20:26:05 from 65.130.242.209

Oh, that's Tyler Roberts. He has the 800m (1:56.04) record and 1600m(4:18.97) record, he got both of those this spring. What other schools are you considering?

From Michael Finch on Mon, Oct 29, 2012 at 20:36:44 from 75.169.213.13

ya thats him. um.. I have a SUU recruiting this friday and UVU a little later. not much others. what about you? have you thought about it at all?

From Luis Vidal on Mon, Oct 29, 2012 at 23:08:44 from 174.27.169.54

Yeah I'll probably do the 10K, the longer the race, the more fun! I wanna try and get Jesse's time before he get's back in about a month.

From Conner Mantz on Tue, Oct 30, 2012 at 15:14:42 from 65.130.242.209

Mike, that's sweet! I'm not really thinking about colleges yet. Maybe next year I'll get more into it. Luis, go do it! What was his time that you're going for?

From Luis Vidal on Wed, Oct 31, 2012 at 22:39:26 from 174.27.169.54

It was a 35:11 but I would be happy with anything 35 haha.

Total Distance
11.25

    AM-5 miles.  I was going to time it, but forgot to press the button.  I ran my last three miles in 20 min. because I needed to get home and get ready for school. I didn't know my splits. Possibly a tempo run tonight.  

    PM-6.25 miles.  I was going to go on a 5 mile tempo run, but I felt did some math in my head that made me think I would get a 21 flat for 4 miles and then I would be done.  Halfway through the 4th mile I realised my math mistake, but decided to make that last mile a race pace mile.  I kept pushing it, and sprinted at a bunch of it.  I ended up getting 21:24 for the 4 miles, and a 5:04 for the last/race pace mile, which was downhill, and the overall run was downhill, so I guess this is equalivalent to 4 miles in 21:50 if it was flat, possibly a bit slower.  After my next mile hurt, even though it was easy.  Then I saw my sister and ran a mile with her, pushing her.  she ran a 6:55 for the mile I helped push her, but for some reason she kept slowing down.  She told me her school mile was tomorrow, so I made her push it when she was supposed to be going easy.  Maybe I'll make it up by pacing her for a 5k or something...

Total Distance
8.00

     2 miles tempo at 10:45.  2 miles race effort/pace at 10:10.  Second mile was downhill.  4 miles EASY after.  My legs feel this bump in mileage and I don't know if they like it right now.  Hopefully at foot locker it will pay off. 

Total Distance
12.00

    Long slow run.  I didn't feel too good during it.  I had stomache issues during it and that wasn't the best, especially when I went an extra mile to find that the bathroom was locked. 

Total Distance
6.00

      5 mile tempo after the dentist, so my mouth felt funny.  1 mile cool down.  I was only going to go at 6 minute pace, but I felt alright going faster.  Splits: 5:15(big downhill) , 5:49(small uphill), 5:37(uphill then downhill.  Gain and lose the same amount), 5:35 (small downhill), 5:51(big uphill). 

Total Distance
2.00

     I'm doing the first dam run tomorrow so I didn't go hard.

Comments
From PRE on Fri, Nov 02, 2012 at 23:22:19 from 99.50.213.11

Hey, good running this week. The first dam run - is that a race?? How did your sister do with her mile run for school?

From Conner Mantz on Sat, Nov 03, 2012 at 13:36:35 from 65.130.243.184

Yeah, it's just a local 5k. My sister didn't PR in her mile, but she was close to her PR.

Race: First Dam Run 5k (3.1 Miles) 00:16:00, Place overall: 2, Place in age division: 2
Total Distance
8.75

    We got there, and I did a mile and a half warm up.  I was feeling good before it.  I did some stretches.  Jerrell was there, but I was determined to beat him, or atleast break 15:25.  We started, and I got a faster start than Jerrell for the first 100 meters or so.  That was the only time I was ahead.  It was a repeat of last year though, except last year I was closer to him.  We were running, and I just didn't feel like a race.  I think this is because of my higher mileage this week.  Jerrell had about 10 sec. on me in the first mile.  I was determined to keep up though.  I ran the rest of the race by myself.  I kept trying to push it, but it, exactly like last year, wasn't my day.  I just kept going and around mile 2 he had 30 sec. on me, and my left foot was burning.  I wore my old flats because of the cold and I thought that they would keep my feet at the right temperature if I wore them. , but these flats love to be too hot.  I finished exactly 45 seconds after Jerrell.  I just felt terrible after the race.  He ran a 15:15.  Last year he ran a 16:0? and I ran a 16:3? so I think I beat his time last year.  Sadly I didn't have a great race.  After I did a cool down with Jerrell.  I found out he is going to Nike Southwest in two weeks.  I'm excited to see how he does.  I'm betting he'll make it to Nike Cross Nationals, so this was probably the last 5k I'll have against him. 

    Once I got home I decided to put in 3 more miles, but then I wanted to put a bit more in just to get to that nice number of 48.   One, maybe two, more weeks until I will go back to my low mileage and my speedwork. 

Comments
From PRE on Sat, Nov 03, 2012 at 19:24:09 from 99.50.213.11

Nice report. Sorry to hear that you did not take 1st place. This Jerrell guy - he's a great runner. But you are an awesome runner as well. He's a bit ahead of you maybe. The issue here: you're BOTH training and getting faster. You had a bit of an off day and maybe he had a bit of an on day. I remember you mentioning in your short term goals wanting to beat Jerrell at the 2 mile ("when he isn't sick"). Not sure if that means you beat him when he was sick. Hope it does! So some competition from him for a while maybe. I'll tell you something. I have a person I am aiming to beat and I have closed the gap to a significant degree. We have run many races together (over 3 years). Our last race I think I lost by 8 seconds. Hope you get to race Jerrell again some time. If not, I am sure there will be other competitors to work on - which is a large part of the appeal for me! Hey be well. Say Hi to your dad for me.

*****I just checked out the results. Jerrell is like 2 years older than you from what I read (I think). You for sure did an Awesome job during this race! Like you say, you beat his time from last year.

From Luis Vidal on Sat, Nov 03, 2012 at 21:50:08 from 174.27.169.54

Good run Conner. Hope to see ya at the Turkey Trot!

From Vickie Krull on Sun, Nov 04, 2012 at 07:11:11 from 65.130.218.2

Good race yesterday. It was fun running with your sister.

From Walter on Sun, Nov 04, 2012 at 17:46:31 from 67.177.0.19

Great time! I had to read your blog when I saw you took 2nd with a 16 even! Keep up the great work!

Total Distance
12.00

     5 easy this morning. Probably a tempo run on the same course later today.

     PM- I went on my usual 5 mile tempo run, with 2 mile cool down. During the run I felt pretty good.   I got my goal by 20 seconds, mainly because I didn't think I was going to get it and so I pushed myself a lot that last mile.  Actual mile split (goal splits):  1. 5:05(5:05) 2. 5:40(5:40) 3. 5:29(5:30) 4. 5:23 (5:20) 5. 5:33 (5:55).  I beat my goal by twenty seconds.  I either forgot how much these runs hurt, or this one hurt more than usual. 

Total Distance
9.00

      4 mile hard tempo, 5 miles easy.  4 miles times: 4:48 downhill, 5:35 uphill, 5:23 uphill then downhill, 5:07 downhill.  My overall time was 2 seconds slower than last week.  I was surprised about my first mile, but I could feel it after during the third and fourth miles.  During the easy 5 miles I could definately feel it.  I got my training schedule from Coach Write for foot locker.  I'm going to try to run this by Bryan and try to find one that is in between both schedules. 

Total Distance
12.00

    Went on what was supposed to be an easy long run.  I didn't feel like I was pushing it until the last few miles.  Average for the last 10 miles was 6:30.  In between my first and second mile I saw Nick and Calvin and talked to them for a while.  Then I went and timed the next 10 miles, but just to see what they would be.  I think that made me go faster and push myself those last few miles that I didn't feel the best during. 

Total Distance
7.00

Went on a run up to sunny side with a few repeats on Beauty and Beast. I went when it was dark, so I didn't know how fast I was going.

Total Distance
2.00

    I got home at 8, and it was still snowing.  It snowed all day, and so I decided to go 2 easy easy miles. 

Total Distance
9.00

     It was really cold today, so my sister and I decided to not go to the race we were planning on.  I decided to go on an 8 mile run instead with one mile cool down.  I froze for the first few miles, then I got really warm becuase the sun came out.  When I did my cool down, I took a layer off, and then froze all over again.  Splits: 5:09, 5:57, 5:57, 6:39, 5:40, 5:23, 5:39, 5:51. 

Comments
From PRE on Sun, Nov 11, 2012 at 17:04:44 from 99.50.213.11

Conner, Hi.

Nice splits. I think I was figuring out your VDOT to be around 70. I'm going to have to check this out again and work out your race and training paces. Right now, for all I know those splits could be like super Easy pace splits...but they are so freaking impressive! Hope you and your family are well.

From Conner Mantz on Mon, Nov 12, 2012 at 07:09:14 from 65.130.243.184

Thanks

Total Distance
9.00

   AM- Cold easy run.  19 degrees when I got back.  5 miles

   PM-  I went and met up with Bryan.  Coach Wright had me down for 800m repeats, with 2 min. rest in between.  4-6 times.  Bryan said it would be best, because of the cold, to do them in a ladder form.  Goal was to do them in this order: 2:28, 2:24, 2:20, 2:16, 2:10, 2:20, 2:24, 2:28.  I did the first at 2:18 with a first lap of a 1:05.  I slowed the second one on purpose.  I felt great after this one.  The second one I did 2:20, I felt alright during this one.  Then during the third one I died.  I got a 2:20, but only bearly.  I wasn't feeling good at all.  My whole body just al out hurt, and I can't really explain it that well.  I did another at 2:21.  Bryan did that last lap with me.  Then he said I should atleast do a 400 to get the race pace feel to running again.  I did this one at 1:06, faster than what I was supposed to hit.  Then I did a 200m at 32, just to finish it up.  After that I just couldn't even do a cool down.  I didn't feel like I could breathe at all.  I hadn't eaten much all day, and I didn't get much yesterday either, so Bryan said that was probably it, and same with my mom.  I just hurt.

Comments
From PRE on Tue, Nov 13, 2012 at 00:57:47 from 99.50.213.11

Hi Conner,

Pretty sure you know a lot more about running than me. But not sure I understand the concept of doing a ladder for half mile repeats. Personally I would stick with trying to run consistent splits for the workout at the prescribed pace to not compromise the later repeats.

From Conner Mantz on Tue, Nov 13, 2012 at 16:48:18 from 65.130.243.184

Well the goal of the ladders was to find my paces that I would be running. At 2:24, I was supposed to find the race pace/effort I want to be having during Foot Locker.

From PRE on Tue, Nov 13, 2012 at 17:02:23 from 174.252.56.71

Oh. When I saw the 2:10 split for the fifth repeat, I thought that was like mile race pace late in the already tough workout. It looked like the workout planned was for eight half mile repeats but maybe I did not read that correctly. When is the Foot Locker event? Hope you do well there. I'll Google it? What distance will you be running?

From PRE on Tue, Nov 13, 2012 at 18:17:33 from 99.50.213.11

Is this the Foot Locker event Conner – A 5000 meter race scheduled for 12/1/12?

http://www.active.com/running/walnut-ca/foot-locker-cross-country-championships---west-regional-2012

Date

Start: Saturday, December 1, 2012 @ 7:15 AM

Address

Mt. San Antonio College, Walnut, CA

1100 North Grand Avenue Walnut, CA

Fees

$15 until November 17, 2012; $40 through Nov.25, No entries (mail or online) after Nov. 26

Registration Closing Date

Sunday, November 25, 2012 @ 11:59 PM PST

States Competing in the West Regional

Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and U.S. citizens in Overseas Military Installations. Runners/participants do not need to be a United States citizen to compete.

Race Course Information

The course is 5000 meters and consists of rolling hills with two steep climbs. 80% dirt trails, 10% cement trails. Course finish line will be in the stadium. School uniforms are not allowed. Athletes may participate in only one race

From Conner Mantz on Tue, Nov 13, 2012 at 20:36:50 from 65.130.243.184

Yeah, that's foot locker. I'm hoping this year to be top ten in the seeded race which makes it to nationals. Last year I was 25th.

Total Distance
6.25

    I went on a 6 mile easy run today.  I'm probably going to have a hard one the next two days.  I put a hill sprint in there, and then went a small bit, then turned around and sprinted down the hill.  I felt good through the workout.  Probably because of my crappy run yesterday. 

Total Distance
9.00

    I got home later than usual from school, and I  just didn't feel like going.  I knew I shouldn't feel this way because I ran easy yesterday, but I did.  Once I started though I felt great.  8 miles tempo and 1 mile cool down.  splits:  5:11, 5:48, 5:37, 6:13, 5:32, 5:07, 5:28, 5:48.  I feel great about this run.  I could feel the build up of miles I did the last few weeks, and it helped me a bunch.  I need to keep this base til footlocker.

Comments
From PRE on Thu, Nov 15, 2012 at 16:53:10 from 99.50.213.11

Hey Conner,

Hope you do well with Foot Locker and get in the top ten! Didn't feel like going and it turned into a great run - awesome. Hope all well with you and your family.

Total Distance
5.50

     Bryan had a great hill/race pace workout today.  The repeat was less than a mile we thought at first, but I did google earth and it says it was 1.06-1.1 depending on how much of the corners you cut off.  I don't know how accurate on google earth is.  This run was supposed to imitate how the second mile of foot locker is. I did a mile warm up, then I did 3 of these repeats.  My first one I pushed and felt great during.  The next he told me what he did that helped him at foot locker, and how to make hills easier.  I did these the second and third times.  I felt great through all of these.  Better than usual for a hill workout, probably because I didn't have anyone pushing me so I could have been going slower.  He said I ran them about at 5:30 each.  After I feel like I could have pushed it more on the few flat parts.  Mile and a half cool down.  3 more hard workouts until foot locker. 

Comments
From PRE on Thu, Nov 15, 2012 at 20:30:14 from 99.50.213.11

Hi Conner,

I checked out the Foot Locker results from 2011. You did great. Now I have a better understanding of what you were talking about when you said placing in the top ten and going to the Nationals. You were referring to the Foot Locker Cross Country Nationals. Regarding last year - you did much better than Jerrell Mock who placed 58th! But maybe you already knew that.

Total Distance
6.00

     6 easy.  I could feel the last two days.  I mostly hurt in my right achellies and left lower calf.  I stopped twice on a hill on the last mile because of the achellies, but I don't think it's going to be a problem with the rest of my running.  I'm now excited to see tomorrow's results for Nike SW. 

Race: Smithfield Turkey Trot 5k (3.1 Miles) 00:16:35, Place overall: 1, Place in age division: 1
Total Distance
9.25

     I'm not exactly sure about my time, but I know it was 16:30s.  Anyway, I got a mile and a half shake out.  I talked to a lot of people and found out that the 10k race was packed with lots of fast runners.  We started, and I was trying to get my iPod ready to time the race, but accidently pushed the time 20 seconds early, and spent about the first quarter mile messing with it just to get it back to music.  I then looked up and saw Riley was sprinting the first part with me.  He fell off after a few seconds, and then I ran the rest of it alone.  I felt terrible the first mile, which is uphill.  I just didn't feel like my legs were ready.  I probably didn't warm up enough.  After the first mile my legs started moving and it felt good.  I just pushed it in the rest of the race feeling great.  A bit slower than I wanted, about 15 seconds, but I'm alright with my race.  Afterward I went on a 4.75 run with some pushes during it.  I don't know the average, but I'd guess it'd be 6 min. pace.  Steve Anderson and Luis Vidal from the blog were both there, but were running the 10k.  

Comments
From PRE on Sat, Nov 17, 2012 at 14:01:22 from 99.50.213.11

Conner,

Hi. Congratulations on First place overall and first place in division! Great job. Nice mileage today with the pre and post race miles.

From Jake K on Sat, Nov 17, 2012 at 18:09:43 from 67.177.11.154

Good run Conner. When is Footlocker?

From Conner Mantz on Sun, Nov 18, 2012 at 08:24:30 from 65.130.243.184

Thanks, and Footlocker is in 2 weeks.

From Steve on Sun, Nov 18, 2012 at 09:00:23 from 66.87.65.57

Great time for that course! I should have ran the 5k with you and had some fun. I think you beat the 2nd place buy by over two minutes.

From Michael Finch on Sun, Nov 18, 2012 at 20:11:16 from 75.169.211.157

nice job conner. you've had such a great season! You'll do great at Footlocker

From Conner Mantz on Mon, Nov 19, 2012 at 16:50:16 from 65.130.243.184

Steve, that wouldn't been great. My 10k PR is still that one I ran with you in Wellsville. Mike, I'm excited for footlocker, it'll be great to race with you again.

Total Distance
10.00

AM- 3 easy. I bundled up for the cold and then found I bundled up too much and was sweating.

PM- I ran somewhere around 7 miles. I went to the track, did a mile warm up and felt crappy. I took a small break, did my stretches, then another half mile warm up, and I felt even worse. I think it was I probably ate too much during 4th and 5th hour. I then went to the school, got a drink, and came back changed into my flats then did another lap. Then Brian showed up, and he said I should do 400m race pace repeats X12 with 50s or so of break in between. I went and did my first one at 68/69ish. I was supposed to be hitting these at 72-73 to find the race pace I'd be using at Footlocker, and find out how I would use my breathing. I didn't feel good during the first few, but I started feeling better and better as they went on. I kept running 69/70s, but I should've been running 72/73s. It was pretty windy on the home stretch, so we moved where I started for the last 3 of them. I still ran 70s, until the last one, where I finished with a 72. After that I did some other race pace drills, then some drills on starts. I later did a mile and a quarter cool down. Good running today.

Total Distance
6.00

   6 miles at about 6:10  mile pace.  Tomorrow I'm probably going to do some trails to get ready for Footlocker's trail stuff. 

Total Distance
6.00

      6 miles ish.  I'm not exactly sure on the miles, but it was 5-6 I think, so I went with the latter.  About a mile and a bit of warm up, then  I did some 800 repeats on a trail by Green Canyon with Bryan.  The goal was 800m at 5:30 pace or below then 400m at below 6 min. pace X3, then I got a 400m easy, then another one, and then 400m all out push for the last one.  A little over a mile for the cool down.  Finally done with the hard workouts for Footlocker training. 

Total Distance
6.80

     I went on a run up at Heber area at my cousins cabin.  It was suppossed to be very easy, but the hills were crazy.  I'm not sure how much elevation change there was, but there was a lot. 

Total Distance
5.30

       I went for most of the same course as I did yesterday, except I didn't go all the way and I went on an easier flat part for about a half mile or so instead of just starting on the hill.  I wore my dad's garmin on it, and found out I gained tons and tons of elevation.  At .6 miles I was at my lowest elevation of 6578ft and at 2.6 I was at 7459 ft above sea level.  I turned around at the same point.  I'm surprised I gained 881 feet in just 2 miles, and then lost it all again in the next 2 miles. 

Total Distance
6.50

Mile warm up, then the workout with Brian. I wasn't feeling the best during it. It was an easier one that was made to get me mentally prepared for the pace of the race. I did 300m at 5:40 pace, 300m at goal race pace(4:40-5:00) then 200m at 5:40 and 200m at goal race pace. I did two of these in a row X3 witha 200m walk in between the sets. 2 mile cool down.

Now it's just time to ease up my body. I got more miles then I wanted this week, but I can't change the past. I got to look forward to Footlocker, and get that top 10 spot.

Total Distance
6.00

     Ran with Bryan today.  Easy workout, but still a workout.  We did about 2 miles warm up, then about 2 miles at 80% effort in the canyon and with a hill, and then ended with a quick hill that I did at race plan pace for the hills at Footlocker.

Total Distance
3.10

      My new shoes that I'm wearing at Footlocker came.  I'm just hoping I can get used to them before the race.  2 days and I'll be in California.  I'm getting excited. 

Total Distance
3.50

     3.5ish.  I felt great.  Mile warm up and mile cool down.  Felt like I was going fast, but I forgot my watch and the paper explaining what times I was supposed to hit.  1000m repeats.  300m at 5:20 pace or faster, 300m at 4:40-5:00 pace 300m, 200m at 5:20 pace, 4:40-5:00 pace for the last 200m.  I did two of these.  Tyson and Wes were both up there too.  Tyson did some mile repeats at 5:30 while Wes did some 400m and 800m repeats.  This will be my last report before Footlocker.  It's exciting. 

I've had a sore throat since Friday, and today it was the worst it's been. I was able to ignore it during my run though. Hopefully it won't affect me during Footlocker, or atleast in any bad ways.

Comments
From PRE on Thu, Nov 29, 2012 at 19:36:25 from 99.50.213.11

Conner,

Hi.

So looks like Foot Locker is right around the corner. Good Luck with that race. Looking forward to seeing that race report. Hope you get the placement you are looking for!

Total Distance
3.00

     Easy with Sylvan and JD in St. George.  It was fun to be off the bus for about 45 minutes.

Total Distance
2.00

       It rained a lot today.   A LOT!  I ran the last two miles of the course with the coaches, Luis, and Thomas.  It was very very muddy.  About an inch or two of mud.  If they don't fix it tomorrow, I'm in trouble.  I didn't bring my regular spikes.  They were laying down sawdust to fix it.  Anyway, I got my packet and was seeded 8th, while Jerrell was seeded 11th.  It's fun to not be competing all out against him this race.  

Comments
From Jake K on Sat, Dec 01, 2012 at 12:06:07 from 67.177.11.154

Just watched the webcast and can't wait for your report to post something - GREAT RACE CONNER!!! Congrats!

From PRE on Sat, Dec 01, 2012 at 18:03:14 from 99.50.213.11

CONNER,

Hi. Excellent job. You did awesome! Maybe you are busy right now - understandable. But don't forget to post something! I could not get the webcast going...but I checked out the results. I'd be really interested to know how the course was - the mud situation resolved? and of course your strategy, etc. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

Race: Footlocker West Championships (3.1 Miles) 00:15:41, Place overall: 4, Place in age division: 4
Total Distance
6.00

      Warning: This race report is really long. 

    I got there and was just thinking of one choice the whole time.  Which shoes to use, my nike matumbos or my new nike zoom streaks.  After about 2 hours and lots of talking with Brian, many athletes, and officials I decided on the matumbos.  Anyway, I went on a small shakeout  run with Jerrell, and then I saw Elijah Armstrong and Zach Perrin.  Two fast people I didn't expect to be at this race.  After the warm up I did some warming up with Adam Hendrickson.  Then I changed my shoes, and went to the start line and stretched.  They announced my name, and the other top 20 seeds, except Jerrell for some stupid reason. I went and decided to start a ways from Jerrell because last year I think I cut him off at the first, and I didn't want to do that again.  Kramer Morton and Ben Saarell started next to me.  It was pretty tight and I wasn't able to get that great of a stance at the line.

    Mile 1 4:50s-The gun went off, and so did Kramer, Ben, and all the other 150 guys who can sprint a 100m faster then me.  I kept getting cut off, and saw tons of people falling, but I was a ways back there.  I relaxed, did what Brian told me to do.  Just let others go all out this first mile, and then pass then on the hills.  After 400m the group around me started slowing even more, and I had to just get around them if I wanted to keep my pace.  Before the first mile marker, I was just passing people without throwing any surges in.  I felt great.  Better than usual in this point of a race.

   Mile 2 10:10s- We then started going up the switchbacks.  I knew this is what I had been specifically training for.  I pushed it up it, but stayed relaxed enough to not be too tired at the top.  Once I hit the top I passed tons and tons of people.  I saw Rory from Herriman and told him good job.  After the downhill, we hit the road, and the mutambos held up really well.  I was still getting closer to the leaders.  Then we hit the next big hill.  I had decided just to pace off the person in front of me on the hill.  This person didn't go too fast.  So I passed him, and ended up passing Jerrell and Chuk also.  I remember telling them to follow or something, but I don't know if they heard me.  At the top of the hill, I saw I was within striking distance of the leaders.  I just kept my pace and came down the hill and I kept passing people.

   Finish: 15:41- At the second mile marker I finally passed two people and got in the top ten.  I wasn't in the lead pack yet, but I was gaining on them.  At the turn for the last uphill I passed Elijah.  I pushed it up the hill, but (I think) I was still in 8th, and I knew 2 people could outkick me anytime, and my hopes would be gone.  I kept pushing up the hill, and at the top I think I passed Zack, and then on the downhill, he passed me, but I quickly passed him back.  I kept trying to get on that lead pack.  At the buttom of the hill I was in 6th or 7th.  I kept thinking someone was coming to outkick me, so I kept pushing it.  As soon as we hit the track Saarell was gone, but I just stayed on the tail of the two guys in front of me.  I thought I might get beat here, so I sprinted with everything I had left and passed Andrew Gardner and a sophmore(whose name I forgot) from Washington.  I think that was my best finish of a race ever. 

    Kramer and Ben were the other guys from Utah who made it.  They both had amazing races.  Jerrell took twelth and Chuk was also top 20.  Mike Finch was top 30, bearly missing out on a medal. After about an hour or two of talking and writing about the race, I finally was able to go on my cool down.  I went with Jerrell at first, and the Ben came, and Kramer and Chuk too.  We also found out Utah took the team score.  I think this was my best race of the season.

Comments
From Rob Murphy on Mon, Dec 03, 2012 at 05:40:35 from 24.10.249.165

Congratulations Conner. I watched the whole thing. You ran a smart race.

Have a good training week and STAY HEALTHY!

Do all the runners still stay at the Hotel Del Coronado? That place is incredible.

From jtshad on Mon, Dec 03, 2012 at 08:03:03 from 141.221.191.225

Congrats on a strong race!

From Jake K on Mon, Dec 03, 2012 at 08:28:56 from 155.100.226.191

Great job Conner. I was watching online and was thrilled so see how strong you finished on the track! Very happy for you!

From PRE on Mon, Dec 03, 2012 at 12:22:08 from 174.252.36.131

Hey Jake can you send me the link to that race?

Not the results...the video. Thanks

From Jake K on Mon, Dec 03, 2012 at 12:27:09 from 155.100.226.191

This should work -

http://youtu.be/1yNcfEVQGzI

From PRE on Mon, Dec 03, 2012 at 17:14:56 from 99.50.213.11

Jake says he was thrilled to see how strong you finished on the track. I finally got to see the videos (two videos). Thanks for confirming what I thought to be the case. At the end of the race, you passed Andrew Gardner and John Dresel (the somphomore from Washington)resulting in your 4th place position!!! You totally overtook them and made sure you kept yourself ahead. The thing is, I suspected they were thinking 4th place was going to be between them - you did to them what you suspected someone was going to try to do to you! Incredible surge at the end by you!

This was an amazing race to watch. The runners, the terrain. Thanks very much for that race report. It was not long at all. I enjoyed reading about your tactics, what you were thinking and how you responded to various issues while racing!

And I think you can take First Place next year!!!

From Scott Ensign on Mon, Dec 03, 2012 at 19:38:12 from 67.40.114.70

nice job Conner, way to go!!

From Andrea on Mon, Dec 03, 2012 at 20:01:24 from 67.177.11.154

Congratulations on making it!

From Holt on Mon, Dec 03, 2012 at 20:45:45 from 67.2.236.70

Great racing Connor. You are really learning a lot very quickly! Good luck down there... All of Utah will be pulling for you guys!

From Dave S on Tue, Dec 04, 2012 at 09:41:39 from 63.248.248.225

Congratulations Connor! Sounds like you ran a smart race. Good luck Saturday!

From MarkP on Tue, Dec 04, 2012 at 10:12:30 from 75.162.241.77

Your race report made me want to watch the race video! Great job!

From Paul on Wed, Dec 05, 2012 at 13:54:02 from 207.224.39.118

Awesome job Conner!

From Steve on Wed, Dec 05, 2012 at 22:58:32 from 66.87.65.0

One more for the valley! Awesome run!

Total Distance
6.50

    About a two mile warm up to the track from my house.  Then a mile at 5:31 (goal pace was 5:30).  Then an easy mile, then another mile at 4:58(goal pace was 5:00).  Then I found a shorter way home from the school, that was possibly a mile and a half.  I still feel sore from the race on Saturday, but I felt better today than yesterday.  I think it a bit strange that for a long time I had the goal of making it to nationals, but now that I have, I don't have much of a plan. 

Comments
From Holt on Mon, Dec 03, 2012 at 20:52:00 from 67.2.236.70

Here's a plan for you: go tear it up!

From Jake K on Tue, Dec 04, 2012 at 08:36:46 from 155.100.226.191

Yeah - there aren't really any major expectations on you... go out and give it everything you have! Shock some people!

From PRE on Tue, Dec 04, 2012 at 15:33:20 from 99.50.213.11

I am getting a better understanding of Foot Locker, Cross Country Championship and "THE NATIONALS."

I checked the results from last year. Last year Utah had no runner go to the Nationals - this year there are three!

And I see there are 40 runners who will be going for the title...Less congested!

Conner (or anyone), is the course any different??? Anyone know if it is a more challenging course? a less challenging course? About the same?

Will that also be footage for that race?

Not much of a plan...well yeah the goal was making it to the Nationals...now all that is left is to give it your best. You are running with the top of the field!!! Then...well you'll come up with a plan - it's inevitable.

Hope you, Dad, your sister and other family members are doing well.

From Holt on Wed, Dec 05, 2012 at 11:20:03 from 204.113.55.41

It is a fairly open course - the same course that has been used for most of the FootLocker nationals at Balboa Park in San Diego. So chances are that it will have good conditions. No killer hills (less hilly than Mt. SAC), but a couple decent ones - so hopefully Connor can really tear those up.

It will be streamed live on the Internet.

From PRE on Wed, Dec 05, 2012 at 17:11:17 from 99.50.213.11

Holt,

Thanks. The Foot Locker West Championships for 2012 have practically the same finishing times as 2011 across the placements. 4th Place finisher 15:41. 50th place finisher 16:39. 30th place 16:21/16:25. But I noticed the Nationals had faster times. Now I understand why. The course is less difficult.

Total Distance
3.10

    Easy run today.  My legs are still sore, mainly because my cool down was too late and just not how it should've been, but they're getting better.  They'll probably feel normal by tomorrow. 

Total Distance
4.00

    Last workout.  I really wasn't feeling it today. About a mile and a half warm up. Then I did these .3 mile loops with Brian.  1 at 5:20 pace, although it was supposed to be at 5:40, then two at 5:20 pace, and then two at race pace, they were supposed to be three, but I wasn't feeling right.  After I did one at finish pace.  Two more as a cool down.  I'm leaving tomorrow for Footlocker, so I won't be able to put in the few days before until after the race. 

Comments
From PRE on Wed, Dec 05, 2012 at 19:29:28 from 99.50.213.11

Conner,

Hi. We are hoping you do well. A lot of people are following your progress. We are with you!

From Jake K on Wed, Dec 05, 2012 at 19:41:18 from 67.177.11.154

Good luck this weekend Conner!

From Holt on Thu, Dec 06, 2012 at 13:31:37 from 204.113.55.41

Conner - ranked 21st in the nation in this week's Milesplit Rankings! Top Soph in the nation - Go prove them right!

http://usa.milesplit.com/articles/96995-usa-xc-rankings-2012-boys-individuals-as-of-12-5

From Superfly on Thu, Dec 06, 2012 at 14:07:09 from 74.211.21.81

Good luck man!

Total Distance
3.00

    Running in San Diego with the fast foot locker kids. 

Total Distance
2.00

     Ran the course today.  Goal Time: 15:30s, or 15:20s if I feel good.

Comments
From Rob Murphy on Fri, Dec 07, 2012 at 17:19:51 from 74.62.17.82

Good luck to you tomorrow Conner. Talk to Kramer about blogging on here more regularly OK?

From PRE on Sat, Dec 08, 2012 at 14:15:43 from 99.50.213.11

Conner,

Congratulations. I saw the video and the results. I will post after you post. Hope you and your family are doing well.

Race: Footlocker Cross Country Championships (3.1 Miles) 00:15:34, Place overall: 12, Place in age division: 12
Total Distance
6.00

    I got up at about 6:30 and got a medium sized breakfast and the left.  I sat by myself on the bus at first, but then a bunch of people started getting on, and I was lucky enough to have Meb sit right next to me.  I talked to him until we got to the course, and it was way cool.  It was one of the best parts of the trip.    We got to the meet, and I sat in the tent area with the West guys.  We talked and just tried to not be nervous.  Once the girls race started I went on a warm up with Kramer, and later we ran with Ben, Zach, and Troy.  We got to see most of the girls' race, and it was a fun one to watch.  After that I did some stretches and some strides and we had the announcements.  It was cool to be announced before a race.  I lined up at the line between Andrew Gardner (who has taken 4th and 6th at this race these last two years) and Ben Saarel. 

    The gun went off, and I knew that I wasn't going to have any trouble with being boxed in because there was plenty of room and only 40 people.  In the first 800m I was in the back with Poli and Kramer.  I wasn't feeling like I was racing here.  I just kept thinking I was at nationals, and had made my goal.  This was just going to be a fun race.  At 800m I was 2:22 and in 3rd to last after passing a few guys.  The group was packed, and the pace was perfect.  I was planning on getting ahead of a few guys before the first mile mark, but it was almost impossible to pass anyone.  Everyone had the same strength as me, it seemed.  I passed a few guys, but I was still at the back.  First mile: 4:52.

    Right after the first mile mark we hit the hill, and that's where I passed a few people.  I got up a ways and could now see the leaders separating us.  Then we hit the downhill.  I was not ready for a downhill this steep.  I would've rather ran up it than down it.  I got passed by one person, but no one else really gained anything here on me.  The race didn't really change much until the next mile mark.  Mile 2: 10:00 (slower than I wanted, I wanted to hit all sub-5 miles)

     At the 2 mile mark I caught up to the back of the long line that could be considered the chase pack.  Ben Saarel was leading it.  I made my move at this mile mark though.  I passed many of the west guys and caught up to where I needed to be.  I kept my pace, mostly passing people, but I kept going back and forth with Zach Perrin, which was good for both of us.  After the second hill I was feeling it and I slowed down a bit too much; one of my mistakes.  I then hit the downhill and kept a good pace and heard a race director point to me and say 14.  I didn't know where I passed the next three guys, but at the end Zach Perrin flew caught a few seconds on me in just that last 200m.  I almost passed Andrew Gardner near the end, but he barely crossed the line before me.  I later heard I was 13th, or 14th, but at the results I found I was 12th.  Other guys from Utah: Kramer took 16th(barely missing all-American) and Ben took 4th.  The west team took 2nd out of 4, but only lost by 4 to the south.  Next year we'll beat them!

      My time was slower than I wanted, but my place was great.  The course isn't hard, and its down in elevation so I was hoping to run faster, I still had a good race. I just feel like I had something left at the end and I wasn't that sore afterward. I finished strong this season and definitely can't complain.  My goal was to make it to Nationals, and I made it so I can't complain.  Also, I'd like to thank everyone for the support and help along the way.  Afterward I did a cool down with Kramer and Summer.  This race was a great opportunity and I'm really excited for next year. 

It was also a lot of fun enjoying the activities Foot Locker had for us, staying at the Hotel Del Coronado, etc.


Me with Meb Keflezighi

Ryan Hall


Hotel Del Coronado

Before the Race

Warming up With Kramer

 

Race

 

After the Race:  Utah Runners


Comments
From Jake K on Sun, Dec 09, 2012 at 16:07:23 from 67.177.11.154

You deserve to sleep an entire day! Great job - so stoked for you! Looking forward to reading more.

From James on Sun, Dec 09, 2012 at 16:19:30 from 97.117.88.36

Way to represent Utah at Nationals!

From Andrea on Sun, Dec 09, 2012 at 18:44:21 from 67.177.11.154

Congrats on All American! Great race.

From allie on Sun, Dec 09, 2012 at 19:03:10 from 97.126.210.4

congratulations, conner.

From Holt on Sun, Dec 09, 2012 at 20:32:35 from 67.2.248.178

Great job Conner. An amazing season with more to come.

From PRE on Sun, Dec 09, 2012 at 20:47:14 from 99.50.213.11

Conner,

Hi. Again, Congratulations! Thanks for the report. You did great this year. I saw the videos for both races (and other cross country races), the results, and your interview (along with some of the other people interviewed). I thought it was kind of interesting that you came in 4th last week by sprinting by a couple guys at the end including John Dressel who came in 6th...and at the Nationals, you took 12th with Dressel taking 14th! You made dramatic gains this past 12 months. I have been following your blog but I think following these two races these past two weeks and researching them...really hit home for me how much work and dedication making these dramatic gains entails!!! Wishing you continued success! Oh and Jake's comment makes me laugh a bit - you can tell he is a serious athlete like yourself - he says after all your hard work you deserve to sleep "an entire day." Not a week - a day!

From Paul on Sun, Dec 09, 2012 at 21:14:07 from 67.41.204.67

Awesome job Conner, congrats! Way to represent Smithfield!

From Jake K on Mon, Dec 10, 2012 at 08:20:21 from 155.100.226.191

Great recap and pics Conner. You had an awesome year... really inspiring. It was a big goal to make nationals as a soph, and you not only did that, but ALL-AMERICAN as well! Amazing.

From scottkeate on Mon, Dec 10, 2012 at 09:59:50 from 192.150.9.200

Awesome race, Conner! Congrats on the the All-American finish. Great race report! Sounds like you had a pretty cool bus partner :-)

From Teena Marie on Mon, Dec 10, 2012 at 11:30:47 from 71.219.134.209

WOW!!! What a moment!!! Very impressive race. Congrats on All-American. :)

(EXTREMELY cool pics!)

From crhudman on Mon, Dec 10, 2012 at 12:13:49 from 174.27.55.168

Great Job.

From Rob Murphy on Mon, Dec 10, 2012 at 12:29:09 from 163.248.33.220

No surfing pictures?

From Dave S on Mon, Dec 10, 2012 at 20:08:52 from 63.248.248.225

Wow 12th place is awesome!! Sitting with Meb on the bus had to be pretty great too!!

From Nephi Eschler on Mon, Dec 10, 2012 at 20:21:24 from 209.33.192.201

You are legitimately the best somphmore in the Nation! You're the only sophmore to be ranked in the top 25 that's CRAZY! I wouldn't be surprised if you became the next national cross country champion within the next few years. Great job!

From Fritz on Mon, Dec 10, 2012 at 20:26:47 from 67.177.4.64

Great job Conner! You are already in an elite class and the best is yet to come. Those pictures are priceless.

From Smooth on Mon, Dec 10, 2012 at 20:58:44 from 71.35.231.124

CONGRATULATIONS Conner!!!! WOW!!! Achieving All American as a sophomore is SUPER impressive!!!! :) What a remarkable achievement! Wonderful time spent with Meb. Love the pictures! :) :) :) Thanks for sharing! :)

From Luis Vidal on Tue, Dec 11, 2012 at 23:54:41 from 174.27.167.253

Wow, awesome job Conner!! I'm so jealous you go to meet Ryan Hall!

From Superfly on Wed, Dec 12, 2012 at 12:36:10 from 74.211.21.81

Super job!

Total Distance
8.50

     I did an 8 miler up the canyon.  At the turn around I saw Kyler coming down and ran the next 2.8 or so with him.  It was nice to be running with someone from the team again.  After I came home my dog went to the kitchen, like he always does, and begged when I passed his leash, so I took him for a half mile run. 

   I forgot how cold it was in Utah.  When you get back from California and there is now a few inches of snow, it takes time to readjust. 

Total Distance
6.00

    A 30 min. tempo run.  I averaged just under 6 I think.  After I ran to the track, did 2 laps, and ran back to the school for a mile cool down. 

Total Distance
3.10

    Thought I'd go slow and easy today, but I felt good so I went faster than I shoud've.  Oh well, I'll be having my week break in ten days. 

Total Distance
6.00

    5 miles were supposed to be at tempo, but my knee started hurting, so I stopped my timer and slowed down a bit.  My knee felt great after the first mile though.  1 mile cool down after that. 

Total Distance
4.00

    I felt great today.  I went four today and kinda had a medium day.  Easy push. 

Total Distance
8.00

    I wasn't feeling the best today during my run.  It could've been a lot of things.  The snow/cold, my poor diet of candy and ice cream, or just because I didn't go pretty easy yesterday. 

Comments
From Jake K on Sat, Dec 15, 2012 at 13:26:43 from 67.177.11.154

haha don't say anything bad about candy and ice cream!

what's your plan going forward Conner? Are you going to race much this winter?

From Conner Mantz on Sun, Dec 16, 2012 at 11:54:57 from 65.130.177.241

I think I'll just do some indoor meets, maybe a local 5k. I don't really have a fixed plan.

From PRE on Sun, Dec 16, 2012 at 14:40:09 from 99.50.213.11

Conner,

Hi. Poor diet of candy and ice cream. I have to reconsider what I eat. Not big into ice cream but seems to work for you and Jake.

Are you going to do FootLocker next year?

Total Distance
8.00

    I ran a very snowy and slippery run outside.  I tried to go fast, but it just wouldn't happen.  My last two miles were around 6:30 and 7:00, and they were faster than my other miles.  It snowed the whole time, but was actually warmer than I was expecting.  It was 34 degrees when I left and 32 when I came back, so it wasn't cold, just very snowy. 

Comments
From PRE on Tue, Dec 18, 2012 at 20:06:54 from 99.50.213.11

So a nice Easy run - hey that works once in a while! Better to run Easy than to slip and twist an ankle. Still putting together 6:30s and 7:00s with slippery conditions...walk in the park for you, but I would have been done after several falls before the first mile at those speeds!

Total Distance
10.00

     5-After school I met up with Tyler, Nick and Kyler for a run.  The roads were pretty clear today, but it was still cold.  I was able to catch up with Tyler and hear about all his college races and stuff. 

    5- I got home and just felt like I still had a lot in the tank to run with.  The roads were clear today, and they might not be tomorrow, so I decided to throw in some tempo.  4 miles tempo, but not as fast as I would've liked.  Not all the roads were clear, but most of them were. Time: 22:22. 1 mile cool down. 

Total Distance
4.00

    Easy cold run. For some reason I just didn't feel that good today during the run. 

Total Distance
5.20

    I was going to go for a 5 mile tempo with a mile cool down, but I procrastinated until 30 min. until I was supposed to leave to my sister's piano.  5 mile tempo-27:50.  I thought I had to leave right then so my cool down was small.  After I found out I had plenty of time. 

Total Distance
6.00

    Not a very good run today.  The pace was easy, but my stomache wasn't feeling to good during the run. 

Total Distance
9.30

    4 miles (3 miles uphill, 1 downhil) in 23:15.   a third a mile easy.  4 miles (3 downhill, 1 uphill)- sub-22.  My timer didn't start, and I didn't notice until the first mile mark.  I really pushed it that first mile though, and it was really downhill so I'm saying at the slowest I did a 5:40.  the 3 other miles together were 16:18.  1 mile cool down.   It feels good to get a hard work out over with.  I know I was supposed to have a break this week, but my wisdom teeth appointment got moved for a week or two later.  That's when I'll take my break though. 

Comments
From Rob Murphy on Sat, Dec 22, 2012 at 14:18:25 from 24.10.249.165

I was going to suggest you take a little break. Even if you feel good physically, it's important to have some downtime for a mental re-charge.

From Conner Mantz on Sat, Dec 22, 2012 at 14:25:20 from 65.130.177.241

I agree, I just don't want to take a break, then take another one in a week or two.

From Michael Finch on Sat, Dec 22, 2012 at 14:46:57 from 75.169.209.66

ya.. thats what i did. I took my 2 weeks off, but now i'm off for 4 days again since I just got my wisdom teeth out. didn't plan that very well :)

From Rob Murphy on Sat, Dec 22, 2012 at 15:43:38 from 24.10.249.165

Good thinking - plan it around when you would have to take some time off anyway.

From Rob Murphy on Sat, Dec 22, 2012 at 15:44:52 from 24.10.249.165

Michael - your running career is probably over now. You need to try out for the school play in the spring or something. :)

From Michael Finch on Sat, Dec 22, 2012 at 17:30:32 from 75.169.209.66

You're right. will you ask Kramer if he'll give me some singing lessons? I heard he was pretty good.

From Holt on Sat, Dec 22, 2012 at 17:58:24 from 67.2.245.25

Mike doesn't have the look for the stage. He needs more of a radio type of gig!

Total Distance
8.00

    Alright run.  I didn't go fast, but it was really snowy and I think that could be what made it feel like I was working hard. 

Total Distance
5.00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

   Alright run.  Slow.  The roads were really snowy, except for about 400m twice in my run between miles 2-3 and 3-4 had some places that didn't have snow but were still a bit slick.  It was strange that it was really sunny and blue sky, but there was about a foot of snow out there. 

Total Distance
8.00

    I felt like I had tons of energy to go fast.  Too bad it was all snowy.  It snowed all morning, and I thought it would lighten up, so I went at 12 and it was still really snowy.  It's all good, except for the roads.  You can't really run without slipping and sliding across the road.

Total Distance
8.00

    On four of my miles they were pretty clear and I tried to go atleast a 6-min. pace for the first five, but I don't know if I really did.  Then 3 miles that were absolutely terrible.  I went easy, there just wasn't any road, it was all snowy and slushy.

Total Distance
0.00

    I got my wisdom teeth out today.  No running for a while. 

Total Distance
0.00

2 miles of walking.  I don't really like this wisdom teeth thing.  2 weeks until the first indoor meet though, and I won't be able to start my hard training for another week. 

Total Distance
0.00

   2 mile walk again today.  I really needed it.  My legs need to run.  Tomorrow I'll finally be able to run again.

   Looking back on 2012, I've had a great year.  I averaged approximately 32 miles a week.  Now to think of new goals for next year.

Comments
From Jake K on Mon, Dec 31, 2012 at 10:55:52 from 98.165.228.80

yeah you should give this running sport a shot... i reckon you'll be pretty good at it :-)

From PRE on Thu, Jan 03, 2013 at 18:09:28 from 99.50.213.11

Conner,

Hi. I want to hear about those goals! Is FootLocker likely in the works? I for sure want to know about that. It was like two weeks where I was closely following your progress and researching that event. No pressure here, but I see you taking 1st place at the race that precedes the Nationals - the one that qualifies you for the Nationals!

Total Distance
1677.95
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