C Mantz Running

Utah State Indoor

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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
1352.72
Total Distance
10.30

      8.3 miles then I went home because it was really cold. After an hour of warming up I went 2 more miles. 

Total Distance
10.00

   A little over ten miles, but I'm not sure how much, so I'll just call it 10. 2 miles warm up, then 2 miles in 10:00 on the treadmill, a break, then one more mile at 5:00, then 1 mile, then 1.5 miles at 5:00 pace, then a mile jogging, then .6 miles at 5:00 pace with a progression of the incline, then a mile cool down.  It's so hard mentally on the treadmill, but it's easier than the 10 degree weather outside. 

Total Distance
12.00

     It was rough today.  I tried to push it, but I struggled(I didn't time it, but it just felt slow).  I hope this high mileage thing works.  I need to work harder.

Comments
From Rob Murphy on Sat, Jan 03, 2015 at 20:55:15 from 24.10.247.181

You've earned a day off tomorrow.

From RustyTF2 on Sat, Jan 03, 2015 at 21:00:44 from 97.126.249.242

Don't be so hard on yourself! Some days feel slow and they are still fast… that's a good thing! Much better than feeling fast and actually being slow. Plus, the most important thing is that you stay healthy. A healthy Connor Mantz is a contender in ANY high school race out there.

From MarkS on Sun, Jan 04, 2015 at 00:21:33 from 60.40.23.217

Don't forget to have some easy days.

Remember it is on the easy days after the hard ones when your body builds back up and you get stronger.

Total Distance
10.00

      5 miles tempo, 5 miles cool down.  26:06 overall, I'll post splits later.  I gave it a good effort, and it hurt like heck. I went out too fast for the first 5k(sub-16) and then just tried to hold on.  I struggled the last two miles, but it was a good day anyway.  I saw Stockton, Ethan, and Jordan Hunt doing hill repeats on my cool down.

Comments
From RustyTF2 on Mon, Jan 05, 2015 at 19:18:53 from 97.126.249.242

No warmup at all before starting the tempo? We had similar workouts today! But yours was faster :)

From Conner Mantz on Mon, Jan 05, 2015 at 20:40:24 from 174.23.222.178

Yeah, it's a bit of a problem I have. I never have really warmed up for the tempos I do on my own, but I probably should.

Total Distance
12.00

     Ran with Ethan. I did a mile while he was getting ready, then we headed out. I was going to run with Stockton and Jordan Hunt too, but Stockton isn't recovered from getting his wisdom teeth out, so he took it easier and Jordan went with him. Ethan and I started out hard, but not crazy quick. About 6:30s, then we started up Smithfield Canyon and had some faster miles(for up the canyon, that's really quick), then we hit some 5:30s on the way down, before a cool down mile.  Our averaged pace was about 6:02 or something for the 11 miles, so I guess that's good for us both having hard workouts yesterday and not giving it everything today. 

Total Distance
10.00

     2 miles in the gym while Stockton and Ethan got ready, then 8 more miles with them and Jordan Hunt.  I didn't feel great, but it was an easy day, so that was good. 

Total Distance
9.50

     9.5 miles.  I tried to keep it at a good pace, and then tried to run hard on some grass to get ready for USA Juniors.  No where was great, but I did about 2 miles on the grass.

Total Distance
6.10

       6 miles with some short strides indoors.  The air wasn't great(and hasn't been great for a while. I've had a bad cough the last week, but it might be from the bad air quality), so I decided on running indoors.

Race: Utah State Indoor (1 Miles) 00:04:21, Place overall: 1, Place in age division: 1
Total Distance
12.40

       I ran a few warm ups, but did them all too early.  I need to work on that with track, I've always struggled with it.  Got to the line and took the outside. I really like the outside because I hate getting boxed in, and my top speed(especially at the start) is not the best. The race started and I planned on going out slower and sticking with someone. The pace wasn't bad at all.  64, 66ish, 66ish(I think) 34(maybe faster?), and then 29.  The race felt quick as could be at first, but then it felt a little comfortable(the 66 high laps).  It just felt like a time-trial, so I kept the pace good, or atleast what I thought was fast, and I looked back and saw I had some time on Garek, so I didn't think he would catch me. I was completely wrong.  With 150m to go he came close, with 100m to go he was right on my tail, and 60 to go he was side-by-side.  I then had all the thoughts of state and stuff go into my head and I sprinted as fast as I could right then. I barely got him.  He ran incredible. 

      After, the sickness I've had for a while came in, and I went by my stuff and coughed like a smoker who just ran a marathon for 20 minutes. I felt awful.  It didn't help that the track is a small indoor one that always makes my throat sore.  Originally I had only planned to run the 3200m, but after I talked to a doctor/teamates dad and he said it would just make my cough worse, so right before I lined up I said bag it and dropped. I'm a little disappointed in myself, with this, but oh well. 

Total Distance
10.00

     5 miles tempo, 5:13 average.  Good day, last 1.5 miles my calves were hurting and my shoes felt so heavy.  2 miles cool down. It rained lightly at first, then slowly got more wet, and then sleet-like moisture was everywhere and I was soaked, but the time and effort were good, so I'll take it. 2 miles cool down.

     3 easy miles later in the snow.  It snowed a bunch in those few hours. 

Total Distance
11.00

     Well, today was interesting.  I had originally planned on 10-13 miles at a slower/longer tempo pace.  After 3 miles. I realized I went out a little quick, but just tried to stay maintained and kept the pace feeling alright. After that, my next mile was too quick(5:01) and I started to have stomache issues, so I raced to my friends house(5:07 last mile) just to find he wasn't home.  My five mile average was 5:18. After I stood around and thought of where to find a bathroom.  I ran to the North Logan Library, then took my break before running back home.  Next 5 miles were 5:56 AP, then 1 mile slow because I wasn't feeling much better.

Total Distance
9.00

      4 miles in the gym, last 1.5 with Ethan, then 5 miles on the treadmill. I didn't bring sweats, and it was cold outside, so I just decided to stay inside.  Last 5 miles were a bit quick(28:30), but it's alright.  It still was comfortable enough. 

Total Distance
9.00

    Things weren't feeling good today, so I did 9 easy with Stockton and Ethan.  It's always fun to run with them and I'm excited to see what they do this season. 

Total Distance
12.00

      12 miles.  It was a busy day so I didn't run until it was pretty late.

Total Distance
12.50

     Kept trying to find a track or an open grass area not covered in snow, but couldn't find one, so I changed my workout.  I decided to do 4Xmile with 1 min. recovery down smithfield canyon.  I was tired from all the miles these past few weeks that I cut it down to 3.  The first one I went out too hard, but still ran fast-4:32.  The next one I wasn't as mentally there to push myself and I might've ran a little far(which made the next one a tiny bit shorter)-4:44 The next one hurt like heck, but it was quite quick(maybe a bit short)-4:18.  I'm happy with this workout, but I think I should've done one more. My calves are sore, so that's good.  I ran back up, saw my dad, ran with him for a bit, then ran back up again.

       3 miles later.

Total Distance
10.00

     Rough day.  I planned on tempo, but as soon as I started I had a lot of trouble breathing.  The cough I've had for about three weeks hasn't gotten better.  It might just be the bad air, but that's never bothered me before. After a third a mile I stopped and dry heaved for a bit before starting out again slow.  Had to stop a few times to cough.  Hopefully tomorrow is better. The weather was wonderful.

Total Distance
10.00

     1.5 mile warm up, then 4Xmile with 1 min. break at goal effort/pace for the 8K.  I planned to do 5, but then had to stop and use the bathroom after the fourth.  After that I did the fifth.  Average was around 4:54, so that was great, but my cough was awful.  It just keeps getting worse, and I have a really bad stuffy nose so I can't breathe well either.  I started dry heaving after the first repeat, and after that I knew it was going to be a rough day.  After the fourth I dry heaved for a long time. Atleast it's over now. 1 mile cool down.

     3 miles later.

Total Distance
8.00

     8 miles all on grass.  My cough/sickness/whatever it is is awful.  I go into these insane coughing fits when I even go 6:30 pace.  I can't breathe.  I had to stop a few times because I almost fell over and needed to hold something to keep me up. 

Total Distance
8.00

      8 miles easy.  Coughing was awful. I just don't get why.  We talked to a doctor and he did a stethoscope and said there wasn't anything wrong with my lungs(no fluid in them), so it must just be a bug.  It's been over 2 weeks and it is still getting worse.  I wanted to do a workout today, but I can't even start one.  I'll get one in tomorrow though. 

Comments
From RustyTF2 on Thu, Jan 22, 2015 at 20:20:51 from 97.126.249.242

Drink lots of water. Sleep LOTS. That's the only way to fight most of these things off. That and waiting it out. It sucks but that's all there is besides stopping running for a few days :( I guess you could try a humidifier in your room at night too… that MIGHT help but I don't know too much about those things.

From Conner Mantz on Sat, Jan 24, 2015 at 17:06:36 from 174.23.222.178

Thanks for the advice Taylor, I've been drinking a lot the past few days and working on my sleep too.

Total Distance
10.00

      Another rough day. I tried a workout for a bit, but I want to get better from being sick, so I kept it easy after one 800m.  I just don't get why it's getting worse.  Today was better than yesterday.  I ran with Ethan for six miles and I almost threw up about a mile into it.  It sounded and felt like it.  Not a good feeling.  Ethan is sick too, but he'll still probably run a PR tomorrow. 

Comments
From Blake Bennion on Fri, Jan 23, 2015 at 18:02:38 from 172.56.38.37

I hope you get better soon! Good job on working through all of this the past few weeks though.

From Conner Mantz on Sat, Jan 24, 2015 at 17:06:51 from 174.23.222.178

Thanks Blake!

Total Distance
10.00

     I'm getting better, but still had to stop after a minute of a workout because I couldn't stop coughing.

Total Distance
10.00

      The coughing has died down a little, but my nose is still really stuffy. I did some 800s with 2 min. rest and then a 200m for good measure.  I wish I would've done more 800s, but I was a bit of a mental case today, but they were farely quick, so that was okay.  200m was 27. 

Comments
From MarkS on Tue, Jan 27, 2015 at 02:17:30 from 218.224.111.199

For having a cold and head congestion, you seem to be running well. 200m in 27 sec sounds like good speed. What was the time on the 800s?

From Conner Mantz on Tue, Jan 27, 2015 at 17:26:13 from 174.23.222.178

They were 2:11, 2:10, and 2:11.

Total Distance
10.50

      I will go more later, just had some stomache problems and didn't feel good after the workout.  I did 4 miles tempo.  I planned on 5, but went out on my first 3 miles too hard, so my 4th burned and I stopped, but it was still a great day.  Splits: 4:41(way too quick) 5:29(slow, but that mile is uphill), 5:01, 4:45. During the cool down I had a bad stomache ache, hopefully it goes away quick. 

     3 miles when my stomache ache went away

 

Total Distance
7.00

     7 miles with Ethan and Jordan for a bit.  I have about a week and a half until USA's, so hopefully it goes good. I felt really fresh today, so tomorrow I'll hit it hard. 

Comments
From Matt Todd on Wed, Jan 28, 2015 at 19:21:55 from 75.162.163.54

Glad you're feeling better homie, I hope all goes well.

From Conner Mantz on Thu, Jan 29, 2015 at 21:01:29 from 174.23.222.178

Thanks Matt! It's great to see you on the blog.

From Connor Baller on Fri, Jan 30, 2015 at 10:54:05 from 205.118.122.153

I see you @sirmatthewtodd

From Connor Baller on Fri, Jan 30, 2015 at 10:55:08 from 205.118.122.153

#teampre

Total Distance
12.00

      Ran to Beauty, then did 5XBeauty/Beast loop(hill repeats.  One is about 300m and the other is about 200m.) Then ran 2 easy miles, then 1 more hill repeat at sunnyside, then 3 grass hill repeats before cooling down home.  It hurt, but I know it was good for me.

     For some reason my legs felt super fresh, so I had to run a little more later. 

Total Distance
8.00

    8 miles. I felt sluggish, but it was good. 

Total Distance
10.00

       A little over 70 minutes in Kearns while waiting for my flight to visit Princeton and for Claire's(my younger sister) race to start at the oval(sadly she didn't race until after I had left)

Total Distance
7.00

      7 miles with Noah, Wolfgang Beck, and Kenan around the Princeton campus and inside.  It was freezing and really wet.  The sidewalks had atleast a half an inch of water, but there were also a lot of big puddles.

Total Distance
10.00

     Ran with Ethan and he was feeling a little sick, but we still averaged around a 6:30, then after 8 miles I hit the track and ran a 400m and 2X200m. I felt a little sluggish, but that was expected from the lack of quality sleep and the flights yesterday.

Total Distance
8.50

      4 miles with Ethan, 2 on grass, then an 800m on the track at goal race pace(so for an 8k, that isn't too quick), then 4 more miles. 

Comments
From jtshad on Thu, Feb 05, 2015 at 13:35:13 from 141.221.191.225

Running in Boise this weekend? Good luck!

From Conner Mantz on Fri, Feb 06, 2015 at 14:07:55 from 23.31.91.134

No, I decided to do try the USA cross country championships instead this year, but my sister will be racing in Boise this weekend.

Total Distance
4.90

     4.7 miles easy and then some strides.  I didn't feel particularly good, but I have two days to get feeling better.

Total Distance
3.25

     I did 2 loops of the course with Johnny and then did some strides and a little part of a lap.  I felt really good and the course looked fast, so I'm pretty excited about tomorrow. 

Comments
From Rob Murphy on Fri, Feb 06, 2015 at 15:02:01 from 24.10.247.181

Hey good luck tomorrow Conner. That race will be a lot of fun.

From Justin on Sat, Feb 07, 2015 at 16:10:50 from 174.52.92.202

nice job on the race today and nice win

From Blake Bennion on Sat, Feb 07, 2015 at 16:15:35 from 172.56.33.221

Congratulations on winning the national championship today, way to go!

From Spencer Smith on Sat, Feb 07, 2015 at 18:09:22 from 174.52.167.138

dude! Awesome race! Go kill it at worlds!

Race: USA cross country junior champs (4.971 Miles) 00:25:12, Place overall: 1, Place in age division: 1
Total Distance
10.00

Today went perfect for me. I did a shakeout at 7(I couldn`t sleep well so I decided to do the shakeout early.). I warmed up with Johnny Dressel and Thomas Pollard for a bit. I got to the start and started in box 7 near the end. I got a perfect start for how I wanted to race, found Cerake and just decided (at this moment) to stick on him because he, from what I heard, was having some great results(which he was) recently. It felt slow, but I just stuck in the front of the pack. After 2k Paul Roberts kicked the pace up a bit, but it was still quite relaxed and a big pack. At 4k(the race was in 2k loops) Cerake put a move in, so I thought the whole pack would run with him, so I just pushed to stay with him, but he was flying so I wasn`t able to catch up for a while. After a few hundred meters he had to walk and massage out his quad. Right after I caught up to him and we ran together for the next mile. I was so scared that the 6th place guy would pass me, so I tried to keep the pace strong. With about a kilometer to go Cerake fell off. I still thought he would outkick me, so I just kept trying to put some room between me and 6th place. The rest of the race was hard, but it felt great to be racing. There was a bunch of Utah guys cheering me on for a lot of the race and after(if you`re reading this, thanks!) and I saw Ben with his shirt off cheering me on at 600m to go, which was pretty funny. All the cheering helped motivate me. After I felt great, did a cool down, watched the pro races, then went and did processing/paperwork for worlds. Thanks everyone for the support all season long!

Comments
From steve ash on Sat, Feb 07, 2015 at 19:14:28 from 174.27.252.143

Congratulations Conner on a well executed race and top placing.

From Rob Murphy on Sat, Feb 07, 2015 at 19:27:21 from 24.10.247.181

But the best is yet to come! So awesome for you Conner!

From Little Bad Legs on Sat, Feb 07, 2015 at 19:38:12 from 66.249.84.193

Dude! How awesome is this?! Happy for you Conner.

From Jake K on Sat, Feb 07, 2015 at 19:52:51 from 70.196.203.56

That was awesome to watch Conner. You were impressive today. I got a few good pictures of you - I'll send them to you in a couple days.

Congratulations - you dominated that last lap.

From Dave Taylor on Sat, Feb 07, 2015 at 20:03:01 from 50.186.108.171

Total domination WooHoo!

From Burt on Sat, Feb 07, 2015 at 22:32:49 from 184.101.110.192

Great job! Way to represent Utah! Wait a minute. I'm not from Utah.

From butlerbrunning on Sun, Feb 08, 2015 at 05:56:22 from 104.52.196.53

What a performance. Great race and congrats on your win..

From MarkS on Sun, Feb 08, 2015 at 08:47:21 from 153.219.3.44

Way to go Conner! Glad to see that you are recovered from your injury and back on top again.

Will you be running in China in March?

From CollinAnderson on Sun, Feb 08, 2015 at 09:45:49 from 172.56.38.250

Incredible race! Second place wasn't even close by the end!

From Cameron on Sun, Feb 08, 2015 at 10:52:43 from 98.202.73.226

Congrats dude! So lucky I was able to see it live!

From jtshad on Sun, Feb 08, 2015 at 14:42:25 from 69.20.183.178

Congrats on an awesome performance! Way to go!

From RustyTF2 on Sun, Feb 08, 2015 at 17:44:44 from 97.126.249.242

Watching that race may have been the highlight of my day. That was pretty exciting!

From Cameron Brown on Mon, Feb 09, 2015 at 10:41:49 from 204.113.54.0

You're such a stud Conner. Great job and good luck at Worlds.

From Conner Mantz on Mon, Feb 09, 2015 at 17:01:29 from 174.23.222.178

Thanks everyone!

From Jake K on Tue, Feb 10, 2015 at 09:31:15 from 159.212.71.77

Conner - Here's a couple pictures Andrea took of you. Add a little razzle dazzle to the race report...

http://goo.gl/bfzIdI

http://goo.gl/cd94Vu

http://goo.gl/gP9XOf

http://goo.gl/Uor6xH

From Conner Mantz on Wed, Feb 11, 2015 at 17:08:44 from 174.23.222.178

Thanks Jake! I was hoping to meet up with you after your race, but didn't see you after. Good job though. And thanks for the pictures.

From RileyCook on Thu, Feb 12, 2015 at 11:31:36 from 38.98.41.97

VERY IMPRESSIVE Conner! Congrats and good luck at Worlds.

From allie on Fri, Feb 13, 2015 at 17:13:09 from 73.207.133.226

congratulations on a great race!

From Jason D on Fri, Feb 13, 2015 at 18:42:53 from 68.80.27.222

Congratulations, Conner. I was screaming at my computer screen like a fool cheering for you. It was pretty amazing watching you break for it.

From Conner Mantz on Sat, Feb 14, 2015 at 17:06:51 from 174.19.42.60

Thanks Riley, Allie, and Jason!

Total Distance
12.00

     12 miles.  I just kept trying to get a good effort. I was fairly tired, so it probably wasn't that quick, but it was amazing weather so it was fun. 

Comments
From MarkS on Tue, Feb 10, 2015 at 15:03:57 from 122.30.161.208

Conner,

I just saw that they also had the junior xc race here in Japan last Sunday to select their team for worlds in China. Thought you might be interested in seeing how some of your competition is doing. Don't let their times scare you. This race was at sea level.

Can't wait to see you do well in China.

Junior menfs 8km

1. Ryoji Tatezawa 24:10

2. Fuminori Shimo 24:10

3. Haruki Minatoya 24:10

4. Tomoki Ota 24:13

5. Tomoya Morita 24:15

6. Shota Onizuka 24:18

From Conner Mantz on Wed, Feb 11, 2015 at 17:07:44 from 174.23.222.178

Thanks Mark! That's pretty interesting about the Japanese team. Hopefully I can compete well with them.

Total Distance
10.00

     8 miles with Ethan. Felt not the greatest, but the pace wasn't bad. 

     2 miles later.

Total Distance
8.00

     8 easyish miles. 

Total Distance
10.00

     5 miles tempo. It hurt, but went really well. About a 5:09 average. 2 miles cool down then 3 more miles later in the evening. 

Comments
From Rob Murphy on Thu, Feb 12, 2015 at 17:59:55 from 24.10.247.181

Nice! Being able to do that in a workout is pretty darn special Conner. You are in a realm few high school runners approach.

From Rory Linkletter on Fri, Feb 13, 2015 at 10:39:56 from 128.187.97.25

Mantz sounds like you're gonna be nice and fit for columbia and worlds! can't wait bud

From Conner Mantz on Fri, Feb 13, 2015 at 17:04:06 from 174.19.42.60

Thanks Murphy and Rory!

From Jake K on Fri, Feb 13, 2015 at 18:02:49 from 98.202.128.218

Nice workout coming off the race. Are you going to Pan-Ams? In typical USATF fashion, there is no roster posted.

From Conner Mantz on Sat, Feb 14, 2015 at 17:03:03 from 174.19.42.60

Thanks Jake! Yeah, I'm going to race next week, let's hope it goes good.

From Jake K on Sat, Feb 14, 2015 at 17:39:18 from 98.202.128.218

That's awesome. You know you are running well when you start breaking out the passport! :-)

Total Distance
11.00

      11 miles really easy.

Comments
From Jon Holverson on Fri, Feb 13, 2015 at 17:14:06 from 24.2.108.203

Good job! Quick question, how many miles a week did you do when you got in the 4:30 mile range?

From Conner Mantz on Sat, Feb 14, 2015 at 17:04:38 from 174.19.42.60

To break 4:40, I'd just work on consistency and tempo workouts. What mileage are you hitting a week right now?

From Jon Holverson on Sat, Feb 14, 2015 at 17:35:15 from 24.2.108.203

In January I bumped my mileage up like 15 miles a week. So now i'm at about 40-50 miles a week.

From Conner Mantz on Sat, Feb 14, 2015 at 19:44:10 from 174.19.42.60

That's good. keep it there for a while. What type of workouts are you doing/how often(like tempos or stuff)?

From Jon Holverson on Sun, Feb 15, 2015 at 11:01:47 from 24.2.108.203

I try to do hills/sprints once a week, 8-10 mile run twice a week, 4-6 mile tempo run twice a week, and an 5ish easy run once a week. Then I take Sundays off.

From Conner Mantz on Mon, Feb 16, 2015 at 14:01:12 from 174.19.42.60

It seems like you're really working hard. Just be patient and consistent in training. Also, if you aren't already, try and get 9 hours of sleep every night. Keep up the good work!

Total Distance
9.00

     9  miles.  I was planning on some hill repeats, but my legs weren't feeling the best so I just played it safe. 

Total Distance
10.00

     10 miles. I ran to Mack Park then did 4Xtriple crown(a loop including 3 different hills; Beast, Beauty, and Lions park). It didn't go good at all.  I just felt slow the whole time.  I did 4.4 afterward to bring it up to ten. Maybe I'll run more later because I'll be traveling all day on Wednesday and might not be able to run.

Total Distance
10.00

     10 miles.  I ran 2.5 miles waiting for Ethan, then did an 800m at what was supposed to be race pace for this weekend, but I started out way too quick and just cruised the last bit.  2:11, so way too quick, but it didn't feel way bad.  After my left quad area started hurting again and hurt for the rest of the run.  It doesn't feel good, so with the flight tomorrow, I'm just going to take it off. 

Total Distance
0.00

Long day of flying

Total Distance
3.00

     3 miles.  My legs hadn't started feeling much better, and the 2.5 hours of sleep due to layovers and missed flights didn't help.  I ran with Fred Huxham, John Dressel, and Conner Hendrickson.  We ran in a huge soccer stadium that had a track around it.

Total Distance
3.00

      3 miles around the course.  The course was all dirt, no real markings and it was really trashy.  Lots of wind as it was by a beach.  The course was in a dry river bed where they chopped down a lot of cat-tails and plants, and in a dirt area in between two roads.  Pretty Ghetto.  I qualified for this race on the nicest xc course I've ever ran on, and this is the most ghetto xc course I've ever ran on. 

Total Distance
3.00

    Pre-meet.  The right leg didn't hurt yesterday, but I played it safe, and today it hurt a bit.  3 loops on the course with strides.  I feel ready for tomorrow.  I had the trainer/massauge therapist help massauge it out before the run the last few days.

Race: Pan-American Cross Country Cup (4 Miles) 00:19:13, Place overall: 2, Place in age division: 2
Total Distance
8.00

    Maybe 8 miles, and I don't know how long the course was. They told us 7km, but on that course with those conditions, I would be surprised if it was even 4 miles.  But it was at sea-level, so maybe 4 miles, but I still doubt it.

    We warmed up together on the junior USA team.  It was a great experience, and those guys are some great athletes(Fred Huxham, John Dressel, Conner Hendrickson, and Eric Hamer) and individuals.  I was very nervous going into it, but we heard that many of these teams were going to go out hard, and in a humid 90-degree day with lot of wind coming, it was more important to run smart than fast the first 3 laps.  We did just that.  The gun went off whistle blew and with the wind at our back, everyone went out super quick, so we just relaxed near the back.  When we hit the first U-turn(there were 2 per lap and a lot of other quick turns) and the rest of the field slowed dramtically.  We relaxed and started passing people.  We crossed the street and went into the dried riverbank/weed area.  I went a little hard here because we were running so slow at this part, so I just passed a bunch of individuals.  I kept the pace comfortable.  The second lap started and a pack had started to form up front, so the USA team worked together and we stayed within kicking range of them.  Conner Hendrickson took the lead of our pack when we went into the wind the second time and we just kept going.  I got a water at the 2nd U-turn on the second lap. It was water in sealed small bags, so you had to pop them with your teeth or squeeze them hard with your hands. 

      About at half-way, John and I started to work up to the pack some more, but we didn't work hard enough and just passed the people dropping from the pack and the pack got slowly farther away.  More my mistake than John's, I slowed because I thought we were going to early, but we weren't.  John led into the wind, and we stayed together just passing people. John was in 3rd, and I passed 4th right before the river area, and then we ran up the sand hill and I got another water.  With a lap to go we were right next to each other and I tried to focus on catching the two guys that had survived leading the front.  One guy from Canada, another from Brazil.  Into the wind I saw the Brazil kid was fading a bit, so I picked it up and worked hard and caught him near the end of the riverbed area.  I ran up the hill quick, but the Canadian was too far away.  He's a great runner and had a lot on me, so I just tried to make a gap on the Brazilian.  I finished 2nd, which I'm happy about, but I feel a little disappointed.  I know I shouldn't, but I feel like I could've raced more aggressive and atleast tried to mix it up upfront.  Oh well, I still have worlds in a month.

     Cool down later. Our team won, everyone finished in the top-9, which was great. 

Comments
From Jake K on Tue, Feb 24, 2015 at 08:54:25 from 159.212.71.69

From the pictures I saw, it looked like interesting conditions - especially compared to the perfectly manicured grass on the Boulder course.

But in any case, I was excited to see you take home the silver medal! Very cool accomplishment... just to put on the Team USA uniform is a really big deal and something you'll have with you the rest of your life. Congrats Conner... I'm glad to see you have these opportunities. You've certainly earned them.

From Conner Mantz on Tue, Feb 24, 2015 at 18:13:19 from 174.19.42.60

Thanks Jake!

From Rob Murphy on Tue, Feb 24, 2015 at 19:53:50 from 24.10.247.181

Hey Conner, let me just say how happy I am for you and how much I've enjoyed following your ups and downs (mostly ups!) these past few years. I tell the runners that I coach that your story is the best example of how to approach this sport, or anything you are passionate about, the right way.

You are also a great writer. Definitely Furman (or Princeton or BYU I suppose) materiel!!!!

From Conner Mantz on Mon, Mar 02, 2015 at 16:47:35 from 174.19.42.60

Thanks Murphy!

Total Distance
12.50

    12.5 Easy miles. I just got new shoes, so they hurt to run in, but hopefully I'll have them broken in soon.

Total Distance
10.30

    It was freezing, so I ran home, got tights, gloves and a hat, then ran back.  After I started the workout, but my hamstrings and whole body just hadn't recovered from the trip.  I just felt out of it.  I did my first 1600m in 4:40ish, but then asked coach what to do and he said not to worry about it with the travel. I then did 5 more miles.

Total Distance
10.00

      Rough day, so I just kept it at an easy 10 miler. 

Total Distance
8.00

    1.5 miles warm up, then 5XMile with 1 min. in between each mile. It was windy and I wasn't feeling it at first, but as the workout went on I felt better.  4:56, 4:57, 4:54, 4:54, 4:48.  1.5 miles cool down. It was snowing, so that was cool. I used my old trainers because I haven't broken my new ones in yet.

Comments
From Connor Baller on Fri, Feb 27, 2015 at 19:08:48 from 74.81.232.157

That is the sickest workout I have ever seen. Nice job Conner

From Conner Mantz on Mon, Mar 02, 2015 at 16:48:42 from 174.19.42.60

Thanks Connor, And nice job making finals for Simplot, that's so cool!

Total Distance
12.00

    Long run up Smithfield Canyon.  The campgrounds had a bit of snow. It was great and peaceful. I was sore, but it's great to be running.

Total Distance
11.50

     1.25 warm up(atleast), then 8X1000m with about 1:00 rest at the same pace as Friday.  First two were a little quick, but I felt good. 2:57 and 2:59, then 3:00, 3:02, 3:03, 3:03, 3:04, and 2:59.  I then cooled down with the team(they did some 200s and 400s. Coach has me doing different stuff to get ready for worlds), then I did 4 at home after I recovered.  It started snowing during these and it was quiet and nice. 

Total Distance
12.00

      12 miles.  I wore a GPS watch to see how fast I go on these days.  It turned out to be 5:57 pace, which was quicker than I thought I was going today because I felt super sluggish and tired, but that's okay.  I did 11.5, then ran and jumped some hurdles to get ready for the obstacles in China.  I need to work on jumping. 

Comments
From Josh on Tue, Mar 03, 2015 at 18:09:37 from 76.23.23.51

Dang! Nice job dude! I wish I was as fast as you. (I am usally going at 6:40ish pace.)

From Conner Mantz on Fri, Mar 06, 2015 at 17:30:11 from 97.126.226.197

Thanks Josh, but it might've just been that I had a watch on and I got competitive with my time.

Total Distance
6.00

     6 miles.  We did some easy hill stuff where we counted our stride and tried to see if we could get it faster, then Ethan, Stockton, and I extended.  

Total Distance
10.00

    About 5.5 at Blue and White  My legs still felt very tired so I switched my schedule so I could do my workouts on Friday and Saturday, which will make it interesting, but hopefully it'll still workout.  I did 2.5 miles before the meet, warmed up a tiny bit with Ethan(we didn't know when the 2 mile was until 10 min. before), then got to the start line, stalled the start so some people could switch into their spikes, then we started.  I planned on pacing Ethan to run a sub-10 again, but I paced awful, so he hit 10:03. I sprinted my last 200m, so I hit 9:56.  Then ran a lap with Alex, then 4.5 miles when I got home. 

Total Distance
10.50

    I had a rough day on the track. I did a few russian intervals, but went too fast on them and I ran the rest too quick(22 sec, so I had to wait for 8 more), but I think it was still a good day.  I did an all out 300m after in 42, which I am happy with because I was alone and it was after the workout.  I then ran to Mack Park and found Ethan and Stockton, ran back to the school, ran 2 more miles with them, then 2 more when I got home.

Total Distance
10.00

    A little over 10 miles today.  5 miles tempo. I didn't feel great, and my left leg just felt strange, like it was .. shorter than normal or something. Anyway, after my first two miles, I was able to get into a good groove push myself a lot.  5:14 average.  Then I ran to Sky View, did a few laps, then we got the hay bales out to practice on.  2 miles with 50m strides every lap(when I jumped the hay bales). 

    Oh, one more thing. I got my mission call yesterday.  I have been called to the Ghana Accre West mission, and report to the Ghana Missionary Training Center on July 23. 

Comments
From Connor Baller on Sat, Mar 07, 2015 at 13:57:51 from 74.81.232.157

That is so sick! congrats! I'm so jealous

From MarkS on Sat, Mar 07, 2015 at 14:17:48 from 73.20.59.203

Congrats on the mission call.

From Rob Murphy on Sat, Mar 07, 2015 at 14:49:40 from 24.10.247.181

Congratulations Conner. Are you ever in touch with Kramer? I know he'd appreciate hearing about you.

kramer.morton@myldsmail.net

He always checks his email and responds on Monday.

From Ethan Cannon on Sat, Mar 07, 2015 at 15:57:02 from 128.187.97.25

My grandparents were temple presidents of the temple in Accra! That is so cool! Also, way to be a good example to younger LDS runners of putting aside your training for a mission. It's a good priority to have.

From Blake Bennion on Sat, Mar 07, 2015 at 17:06:25 from 66.29.190.63

Congratulations on getting your mission call, I bet Ghana will be incredible!

From Spencer Smith on Sat, Mar 07, 2015 at 18:40:34 from 174.52.167.138

like Ethan said, way to be a great example to LDS athletes, not just runners.

From Matt Todd on Sat, Mar 07, 2015 at 19:29:58 from 64.233.172.177

Heck yeah dude, that's awesome. I should get mine next week. Good luck!

From Kale Sharp on Sun, Mar 08, 2015 at 15:17:57 from 24.49.130.155

So cool! Congrats Conner!

From JimmySG on Mon, Mar 09, 2015 at 15:40:11 from 168.178.70.100

Congrats on the mission call!

From Shawn H on Mon, Mar 09, 2015 at 19:52:16 from 71.227.186.114

Congratulations on your mission call, Conner. I've been to Ghana. Very poor country, but I met some nice people there. It will be a big challenge, for sure, but nothing a great distance runner shouldn't be able to handle. Good luck in your running before you go, and on your mission. Keep the fire, Conner--it's easy to lose it on a mission when so many of your life priorities change, and when you come back if you're not careful. You have a very bright future in both running and life.

From Conner Mantz on Mon, Mar 09, 2015 at 21:34:55 from 97.126.226.197

Thank you everyone! It feels great to have fantastic support from the running community.

Total Distance
11.00

     Speed workout today. I struggled, but it was still a good day. The original workout was 8X400m at mile pace, but after the 6th, everyone else was starting their 200s, so I asked coach if I could just do 4X200 instead of the last two 400s.  He was nice and let me.  The 400s were 59, 59, 61, 60, 63(this one was just hard.  Felt like I hit a wall), 61, then the 200s(supposed to be at mile pace, but since I was running with people I got competitive) were 27, 28(relaxed start, then kick), 29?(forgot to start watch), and 28. Warm up before, Cool down after. then 4 miles later at night. 

Comments
From The Warbeast on Mon, Mar 09, 2015 at 21:37:16 from 64.255.92.41

The difference between you and I, conner, is that this would have been the greatest 400 workout of my whole life! And you say you struggled haha! Keep it up, man!

Total Distance
8.00

     8 miles.  Rough day.  I need to stop having those.  Did a few hay bale practices after.

Total Distance
4.50

   Leg hurts a bit. I did some 1000s at 4:40(too quick for the day. They were supposed to be slower) pace then my leg that had hurt yesterday started hurting so I cut it short and ended it there.

Total Distance
4.00

    Pre-meet. Leg hurt a little less than yesterday. We did a few 200s that were supposed to be at mile pace, but they were a bit quick. 

Total Distance
0.50

    Started a shake-out run, but my leg freaked out on me and it really hurt, so I was told to be better safe than sorry and take it off. 

     3100 yards of swimming later and some aqua jogging. I hate the pool.

Total Distance
0.00

Pool running for about 80 minutes.  It felt a bit better than yesterday, but I didn't even try running on it. My team did pretty well at Weber, and it was cool to cheer them on, but it was hard not to be running.

Comments
From Shawn H on Mon, Mar 16, 2015 at 08:52:12 from 71.227.186.114

I hope the leg gets better soon, Conner. I know exactly how it feels to stand on the sideline when you were favored to win a race. One thing I'm sure you've thought of, though, is that while you're on your mission your body will mature a lot. When you come back, you should be set to really run at a high level with, hopefully, fewer injuries.

It's a few months away, but your mission will be a challenge, not just because of the normal challenges all missionaries face. You'll have the added challenge of not being able to run much, if at all. Even if you weren't going to a place like Ghana, where it is simply too dangerous to run the streets, missionaries don't get to do much running. For a while, you'll feel like you're going crazy as you feel your body getting out of shape. The day before I entered the MTC, I ran a 4:10 mile. I was in the best shape of my life. Then suddenly running had to go way down on my priorities list. I was nowhere near as good as you, but it was still painful to leave my running addiction behind and focus on the mission. Even while I was at the MTC, I'd run around the perimeter on the sidewalk and wonder what I was doing there. You'll feel similar things. Just focus on what's important and put your whole self into it like you have with your running, and you'll be successful. It will be a very rewarding experience. And even though you won't be running, keep that fire burning inside. All of your fans want to see you doing great things in college when you get back. Keep your chin up and you mind positive, Conner. Enough unsolicited preaching from me. Good luck!

From RustyTF2 on Mon, Mar 16, 2015 at 19:18:20 from 97.126.242.233

The pool is no fun. But if you do it right it DOES keep you fit. I was in the pool for a 6 month stretch of high school. Hopefully your pool days are a week or less though :) Best of luck with your training and racing!

From Conner Mantz on Mon, Mar 16, 2015 at 21:08:29 from 97.126.226.197

Thanks for the advice Shawn, and thanks Taylor!

Total Distance
2.25

    About 2.25.  Ran to the golf course hill, then ran back because coach said it was better to play it safe than sorry and it hurt a bit. I then did 50 min. on the bike and I attempted to simulate some russian intervals.  Later that night I did an hour of pool running.  This was actually a pretty good day as training goes, but hopefully I'll be running tomorrow.

Total Distance
1.00

     1 mile running, then an hour of pool work(50 min of aqua jogging, 10 of swimming), then a bunch of core stuff.  Hopefully tomorrow it won't hurt my leg to run.

Comments
From James on Tue, Mar 17, 2015 at 21:56:43 from 69.58.89.84

Sorry you are still having issues!

Total Distance
1.50

    2 laps of shake out before a mile of jogging, then cutting it because it kept hurting.  I need to get better.  After I did a bunch of pool stuff and core.

Total Distance
10.00

      Today I said screw it and just ran 8 miles. It hurt, but I think it's going to get better.  It felt better as the run went on. 
      2 miles later.

Total Distance
8.00

    Kept it pretty easy on the leg in the warm up, then coach had the team do 6X1000m at Tempo effort/pace.  I went out way too quick, but haven't ran anything fast in a while, so I didn't have anything to go off of.  Goal was around 3:00, but anywhere lower than 3:03 was good.  Splits:2:51(a bit quick), 2:56, 2:57, 2:56, 3:02(before this one I thought of quitting because I was hurting, but it was just fatique and not my leg so I kept going), and 2:58.  Usually I would've done 2 more, but I'm racing in a week, so I kept it at 6 with the rest of the team.  Cool down, then a few more laps with Ethan and an extra mile when I got home.

Total Distance
8.00

     8 miles up the canyon. Pain in the right quad and left leg, but it'll be good by next week.

Total Distance
6.00

      We just got to China. They designated a "park" for us to run on. It was mainly a road around a lake, but it was still beautiful. It is a bit dreary here, thick clouds cover everything, so it's a bit strange compared to the weather I left in Utah.  The run was fairly easy.

Total Distance
8.00

     Ran with Eric Hamer, Paul Roberts, and John Dressel for my warm up, then did about 6:50 at tempo effort, then 4X200 at a quicker pace to get my legs moving. They were on a road marked every 100m for 400m. They went 29, then I missed the timer, 29, 26. Then I cooled down back to the hotel. 

Total Distance
5.00

     I ran with the same guys as yesterday, then did strides and ran back to the hotel.

Total Distance
3.00

     3 miles around the course with some strides.  The course is in 2 kilometer loops and windy with lots of short steep hills and one big not as steep hill.

Race: World Junior Cross Country Championships (4.971 Miles) 00:25:28, Place overall: 29, Place in age division: 29
Total Distance
11.50

     Not my greatest race.  I'll write more when I have time.  Time for track.  Caution-long report below.

     Did a shakeout in morning.  I didn't get much sleep, but it was more than the night before.  I just never adjusted to the time.  People would tell me to stay up late so I would sleep in, but I would stay up late and wake up at 2-4 AM.  That's not good.  Anyway, the course should've played into my strengths(hills and it was 8 kilometers instead of 5) but I wasn't as mentally ready today.  We got to the course and I warmed up with Eric Hamer. My goal was top-10(possible a bit un-realistic) and if that wasn't happening, sub 25 minutes or top-20.  We did our strides and the team was focused.  I was a bit over-confident and not ready to work hard.

      The gun went off and everyone else did too.  It was a quick start, but unlike any race I've ever run, it didn't slow down after 200m.  It actually sped up. I got spiked by a Qatar runner, and was stuck in the back.  I slowly moved up, but had to run on the outside of the all the turns on the windy course.  I got stuck behind a South African barefoot runner because I wanted to be super cautious around him with spikes.  I ran a sprint around him at the top of the hill and after the first loop I could start to see the other US guys; Eric, Cerake, and John.  I was struggling. I just told myself to hang on until the last loop, then explode and pass a lot of people.  I was about 6:07 at 2k and in about 54th place.  I moved up on this loop but slowed signficantly. I was about 12:30 at 4k and in 46th place.  I had thoughts of dropping out here, but couldn't because that would be betraying my teamates. 

      The next loop I really had more in me, but emotionally and mentally wasn't there.  I know I could've given it more, but I wasn't ready to hurt.  I was at 19:00 at the 6k mark.  Way too slow.  I'd have to kick hard to get my time goal.  My place was 35th. There was a big pack ahead of me with John Dressel falling off.  I caught up to him and then he saw me and threw in a surge and got back in the pack. I fell off the pack and just passed anyone else who fell off harder than I did.  With 600m left I tried to pick it up, but it was hard and mentally I had given up on the second loop, so I wasn't able to really dig deep.  I passed two guys with 250m left, but they were mentally ruined too. 

      After the race I just felt awful. I felt as if I let myself, my family, and teamates down.  I haven't given up like this in a race before.  I've had days where I'd had trouble pushing it and taken it a step easier, but not like this. I had a lot more left after.  My last 4 kilometers were pitiful and while I passed plenty of people, they weren't where they could've been. 

     Overall, this was a great experience and it motivates me to want to be better.  I need to work harder.  The Africans destroyed me, and this shows I have a long way to go to be where I want.  I'm going to work a lot harder this track season than I ever have.

Comments
From Dave Olson on Wed, Apr 01, 2015 at 17:26:22 from 63.248.174.168

29th in the World is pretty awesome. Cherish running for Team USA! I still have great memories of doing the same in high school and its been almost 14 years since I had my one chance.

From jtshad on Thu, Apr 02, 2015 at 09:01:29 from 141.221.191.225

Great experience for you, still a good performance!

From Glory in the long run on Tue, Apr 07, 2015 at 22:08:03 from 65.130.131.140

This race may well have been a better experience for you than if you would have been top ten. Very great that you're realistic about yourself mentally and physically. You could have been top ten but still not have done your best, but if you think you had then it wouldn't bode well for the future. I'm very encouraged by your honest assessment. I do think that sleep can't ever be underrated, so that should be factored in. Be well.

From Sasha Pachev on Tue, Nov 28, 2017 at 12:14:34 from 192.168.1.1

Conner - about 2 years late commenting on this, but I have some thoughts that I hope you and others may find helpful.

I have had many races where I wondered how I managed to be such a slacker and not quite have given my all. As I got older, I began to see a pattern. First, with age such races started happening more often and now it is practically impossible for me to leave as much muscular effort and be as spent as I was compared to 15-20 years ago. This has been happening in spite of coming to the races with more experience and more mental grit gained by the years of living and dealing with various life's challenges.

What I get from this is that it takes more than grit and determination to be able to push your muscles. The ability to push yourself to the limit to a great extent is physical in nature. For example, if your adrenal glands are underperforming that day, it would require a heroic mental effort to produce even a rather mediocre amount of adrenaline by your healthy self standards. So you will finish the race with the muscles not very tired and feeling "guilty fresh" otherwise. Yet it is important to remember - even though the limiting factor of performance was not where it normally is, it was still a hard limiting factor. You still gave your best effort even though it did not feel like it.

The fix to this is going to be quite contrary to the knee-jerk reaction "I just need to push harder in workouts and races". Rather, you nourish your body with good sleep, healthy diet, and balanced training which involves rather moderate effort. Different people respond to different things, but I believe one thing will be universal - the workouts need to be structured in a way where you are looking forward to them before, and are coming back with a positive afterwards. I personally have found that I race better when at least some of my workouts consist of pacing somebody who is 10-20 seconds per mile slower than me for 80% of the volume, and then hitting the remaining 20% at a more challenging pace. This way, at least 80% of my workout will always be good because I helped somebody, and usually the remaining 20% ends up being good also because I am not overworked. On race days, things go better as well.

Total Distance
10.00

      71 minutes of running in Bejing because our flight got delayed so we missed our flight back home. 

Total Distance
12.00

     Got home and ran.  I didn't feel that great, but I haven't had any good sleep in the last week and a half and I haven't eaten too healthy either due to limited options, so hopefully I'll get back into the swing of things pretty soon.

Total Distance
8.30

      Very rough day. I just haven't had any motivation recently, and when I tried to do a workout today it showed. 

Comments
From Shawn H on Wed, Apr 01, 2015 at 21:08:19 from 71.227.186.114

Don't beat yourself up, Conner. When I travel overseas, I'm no good for a few days. Let yourself recover and you'll get your springs back. By the way, nice race in China. You may not think so, but against the African talent you did quite well.

From Conner Mantz on Thu, Apr 02, 2015 at 14:25:06 from 97.126.226.197

Thanks Shawn. I know the travel takes stuff out, but I've never felt this sluggish and lazy before.

Total Distance
11.00

      I'm still trying to get back into the groove of things, but it's hard. I must've just gotten lazy on the trip because it's felt hard just to do anything.  Anyway, I tried to do 5 miles tempo.  It wasn't fast, but it hurt.  5:17 average.  Splits:4:49(downhill), 5:39(uphill), 5:17(uphill then downhill), 5:08(downhill), 5:30(uphill).  2 miles cool down. I think I'll run 4 more miles tonight.

     4 miles later tonight. 

Comments
From MarkS on Thu, Apr 02, 2015 at 16:22:15 from 24.11.38.227

I think you are just going through the jet lag thing. I go through it several times a year. I often lose my appetite and energy. You probably be feeling yourself again in a few days.

Have a GREAT Easter!

From Conner Mantz on Thu, Apr 02, 2015 at 19:42:40 from 97.126.226.197

Thanks Mark, and you too!

Total Distance
9.00

     9 miles.  I've really struggled getting back into everything. Luckily, this week has been our school's break because I've been sleeping anywhere from 10 to 13 hours a day and still feel tired. Hopefully this jet lag ends soon, because it's been hard to catch up on schoolwork when I've been sleeping that much.

Total Distance
12.00

       Met up with Ethan in between conference sessions. We ran to Beast, and the hill and Ethan kicked my butt.  Ethan did 10 repeats, and I did 8. I just didn't have any energy.  Ethan was killing it though, and he ran 8 miles, plus a 5 mile "hike trail run" and a 16 mile bike ride. What an animal.  We ran back to my house just in time for conference.  I might run more later.

      Ran to Beast, did 2 more repeats at a faster pace than earlier, then ran up the canyon for enough to bring it to 12 for the day. It's been a good week of mileage, sadly the workouts haven't gone great, but hopefully I'll be back by next week so I can race well.

Total Distance
10.75

     5 laps warm up, then 20X200m at mile pace with 200m jog. I struggled and it was windy.  I did the first three into the wind, but was the only one, and I wimped out into running them part way with the wind.  I need to start having good workouts again. Our last few were supposed to gradually get faster until we were all out sprinting, but this workout just felt like a sprint the whole time.  Splits:30.6, 30.7, 31.2, 30.8, 29.2, 29.7, 29.8, 30.2, 30.9, 30.1, 30.0, 30.7, 30.6, 30.1, 31.2, 29.1, 30.7, 30.6, 30.4, and 30.8.  Cooled down about a mile and a half after.  I just didn't feel any spring in my step, like I couldn't sprint.

       3 miles later. 

Comments
From Shawn H on Mon, Apr 06, 2015 at 19:43:48 from 71.227.186.114

I'm not your coach, Conner, and this is just my suggestion: Take two days completely off. After an overseas trip to China, a tough and perhaps discouraging cross country race that was longer than you're accustomed to racing, serious jet lag, and then a string of bad workouts, I would think that you're a little bit physically and mentally burned out. Only a suggestion from a guy who has been running--and traveling--for many years.

Total Distance
9.25

     Warm up, then 2 miles tempo(coach had me cut it short to 2 miles because I have a big race this weekend), then cool down.  At about 1.5 miles there was a big headwind, and I felt pretty good going into the wind.  It was the first time I've felt that good in a while, but then I stopped. We went and talked to Ethan after he finished yesterday's workout(he was sick so the speed was better for him today) and I ran with him then ran more when I got home.

Total Distance
6.00

    Kept it easy and fun.  Ran with the team for 2.25, then with Stockton for a bit, then no one else wanted to run more so I ran by myself. 

Total Distance
4.00

    Pre-meet in and around the dome in Alaska.

Race: Big C Relays (1.988 Miles) 00:08:55, Place overall: 3, Place in age division: 3
Total Distance
6.50

      Interesting race to say the least. I did a shakeout(about a mile), then warmed up about an hour later(1.3 miles) then a little more jogging before the start.  They decided to give Allie a 70 sec. head start, instead of the 60 I had originally heard. It was for the best looking back at it.  She started, then we had 70 sec. of waiting before starting. Levi had 2 teamates pace us through the 800m(for one) and the 1600m for the other.  We hit the first lap in 66(perfect!), but then the second pacer slowed down and let the other one get a little gap.  I hit 2:14, the first pacer was right where we wanted to be(2:12).  I just stuck with Levi Thomet and Levi Freed.  We hit two more slower laps and came across 1600m at 4:31.  The next two laps just happened, I took the lead and just was cruising.  I wasn't thinking about going fast, I don't know what I was thinking about, but I wasn't focused.  We hit the next two laps way off pace(about 1:08 and 1:09 we were at 6:47).  My fault, I should've sped it up, but it felt super easy.  I then realized we might not break nine, so I took off and tried to give it a big push.  We hit the next lap in 65, and then I decided to throw in a surge at 300m to go, because when I do with 400m, I tie up in the last 100m. Well, I still tied up with 100m to go and Levi flew by me.  We finally could see Allie here.

      A little dissappointed about the 5th and 6th laps because I feel like I could've ran a lot quicker if I was more focused. After the race I felt great, so I know I had more left in the tank.  I haven't done much speed work, so this makes me pretty excited about the track season. Cool down after around the dome and then a bit more later. 

Comments
From jtshad on Mon, Apr 13, 2015 at 13:00:27 from 141.221.191.225

Still a great time.

From Controversial Cam on Mon, Apr 13, 2015 at 13:18:11 from 204.113.56.25

Anytime you go sub 9 in high school, you should be pretty happy with that even if some things didn't go as planned. Great Job Conner.

From Conner Mantz on Mon, Apr 13, 2015 at 19:13:19 from 97.126.237.237

Thanks Jeff and Cameron!

Race: Big C Relays (1 Miles) 00:04:11, Place overall: 2, Place in age division: 2
Total Distance
14.00

     We ran the mile. I warmed up the same as yesterday, then we got ready. Levi Freed paced us through 800m and did a perfect job this time. I got up on his shoulder to try get him to go faster in the first 600m.  I felt good. At 600m, another guy jumped in to race us for the last 1000m. I kinda got boxed behind them and panicked. I wasn't sure what to do, but I just was running funny. We hit the third lap and it felt easy.  I think we were at 3:08 with a 400m and a bit(it was a full mile) to go.  I had a huge push with 300m to go and heard I gapped Levi by a pretty big amount.  With 200m left I slowed down way too much, and then Levi passed me and raced the other guy to the line. I finished, but didn't kick too much.  I'm a little dissappointed in myself for the last lap, I know I could've gone atleast 4:10, maybe 4:09, if my lat 200m was good.  Oh well, maybe next time. This was a shock to the body, so hopefully I'll be full tilt into track mentally.

      After, Levi and I ran some trails for 60 min(we only went 6.5 miles though. There was a lot of mud, but it was a sweet place to run), then I ran for somewhere between 4 and 5 miles(30 min.) Overall a good experiene, but I wish I would've raced better. 

Comments
From Jake K on Sun, Apr 12, 2015 at 13:01:26 from 98.202.128.218

You are really racking up the frequent flier miles lately!

This is a good start to the season. You are already just a tiny bit off your PRs, and that's coming completely off cross country training.

From Conner Mantz on Mon, Apr 13, 2015 at 19:14:16 from 97.126.237.237

Thanks Jake! It's hard to see it sometimes, but I agree, I need to realize it's just the start of track.

Total Distance
11.00

      Tough workout, but a good one.  3XRussian intervals(300m at mile pace with 100m jog in 30 sec.X4) And after 3X300m all out.  I took it out pretty conservative on the first set. 1st set:46, 47, 47, 47.  The second set was good, but it took some digging and hurt.  2nd set: 45, 46, 47, 48(ooh, way too slow) 3rd hurt, but was good to dig deep. 3rd set:  45, 47, 48(ran into a sprinter on accident), 47(got stuck behind some people and had to run pretty far out).  After I was pretty tired.  The little rest takes a lot out of you.  300s all out(more than 30 sec. rest): 41(Landon kept me running fast), 42ish(Landon again helped me push myself), and 44(I ran this one solo.  It hurt, but was good for me.) Cool down after.

     4.5 miles when I got home.

Comments
From Shawn H on Mon, Apr 13, 2015 at 18:13:12 from 71.227.186.114

Nice workout. Glad to see you got your springs back.

From Conner Mantz on Mon, Apr 13, 2015 at 19:14:33 from 97.126.237.237

Thanks Shawn, and me too.

Total Distance
11.00

     Calves were super sore, and I just didn't have any pop in my legs.  The workout was 8X1000m at 4:50-5:00 pace with 1 min. recovery.  After 2, my legs just weren't moving at all, and the 30 mph winds weren't helping. The wind was probably the craziest I've ran in before.  I asked coach if I could just take it easier today and then hit the workout tomorrow.  He let me, so I ran with Jordan and Landon for part of one, and then ran with Ethan for 4(or 5) more to help with the wind.  Ran some more later.

Total Distance
8.00

     Warmed up 1.5 miles, then 1 mile at 5:00, 30 sec. recovery, 5:00 for the next mile, 30 sec. recovery, .5 miles at 5:00 pace, then had to stop for the bathroom.  Then 2.5 miles in 12:30.  1.5 miles cool down. I wasn't feeling great at first, but after realizing that I only had to run for 12 minutes during the last 2.5 miles made it not bad at all.

     2 miles later. So much snow(for April). It is still snowing.

Total Distance
8.00

     8 miles. Pretty easy the whole way, but my legs were quite tired.  We ran to Stockton's house to see if his call had come. It had, so after that he was pretty pumped, so the pace was definately picked up after those first two miles.  Great weather, sunny and half the snow has melted.

Total Distance
3.00

     Around 3 miles. I should've done more, but got busy.  Got strides in. Leg's didn't feel great.

Race: Sky View Invitational (1.988 Miles) 00:09:24, Place overall: 1, Place in age division: 10
Total Distance
14.00

       The 3200m was first.  Prior the 3200m, I got to watch my little sister run a ten second PR and qualify for state! She's great and still improving. In the 3200m, I tried to pace Ethan for the first 5 or 6 laps and just hit 72s the whole way, but I didn't know how close he was. A Fremont kid was right on my tail for most of this, so I thought Ethan was right behind him. Nope, Ethan was 50 meters back(at the mile), running a bit conservative.  A few of my laps were a bit quick(like a second or half second) I ran my last lap in 1:06 and it felt pretty relaxed.(Ethan did PR by 5 seconds, so I didn't completely fail at pacing)  Cool down then warm up almost immediately for the mile. I felt super good in the 3200m, but the mile was a different story. I started out in a 1:04, and after that I just wasn't feeling it, so I just kinda finished without really laying it all out there.  4:20, so it wasn't easy, but it wasn't all out.  Cool down after, and then a bit more with Ethan.  Maybe some more tonight.

Total Distance
11.00

      8 miles.  The workout was pretty hard, but I messed myself up pretty bad by going out too hard during the first 1000m.  It was 2X1000m at two mile pace, then 2X800m at same pace, then a full recovery, then 4X300m with whatever you had left.  The first lap of the first 1000m was too quick, but I slowed and finished(still too fast) in 2:38.  1:30 rest, then the next one I was pretty beat for because I went too quick.  2:49 or 2:50.  Not awful, but still slow.  Then I struggled at the start of the next one and gave myself some more rest before starting it.  2:14.  Then I broke the next 800m in 400s.  1:08 and 1:06.  After, I was tired and let Stockton and Ethan start the 300s without me(300m jog recovery).  I hit 42 and 44 on the first two, then got a drink and ran with Stockton(he saved me, I was struggling really bad) on the next two(43 and 43).  Cool down after.  Maybe some more tonight.

It's a little rough not having Alex with us. He always pushed the team through the sprint workouts. He has had a stress fracture in his femur for almost a month.  He still was able to run fast(4:22 full mile and 1:58 800m) with it though, but he said he felt "off" before the race.  Luckily, he'll run at state still. 

Total Distance
9.00

      6.5 miles with Ethan.  First two were with all the guys running this weekend.  Then .5 on the track, then 2 more later.  All easy, and my legs felt pretty good.

Total Distance
8.00

       Warm up, 3.5 miles at tempo pace(4:55 average) and cool down. 

Total Distance
8.20

      8.2 miles.  One at 5:20 to pace Jordan Thomas for the 1600m and a 400m in 54. 

Total Distance
3.00

      Pre-meet.

Race: Orem Invitational (0.497 Miles) 00:01:58, Place overall: 3, Place in age division: 3
Total Distance
10.75

      Rough day. Wasn't focused, driven, or anything. I just kinda let things happen.  It was good though, because now it shows that I can't ease up and still win.  Lots of mental stuff to work on.

Comments
From MarkS on Mon, Apr 27, 2015 at 12:17:38 from 118.22.119.247

Good race Conner!

You and other Utah high school runners in recent years have really raised the level of high school track in Utah, and now every one is hungry to come after you. You can't relax anymore.

You have a great endurance base from all the XC work you have done this year, the speed will now come quickly.

Good luck in the rest of the season.

From Conner Mantz on Tue, Apr 28, 2015 at 20:48:25 from 174.23.88.254

Thanks Mark

Total Distance
11.00

     Great workout, I hit all my times right on and it felt pretty easy.  4 miles when I got home and I feel strong. I wonder what was up last weekend because I just felt so slow then.

14X200m at 1 or 2 seconds faster than mile pace with 200m jog(around a minute to 1:20). Slowest at 29.

Comments
From Connor Baller on Mon, Apr 27, 2015 at 21:05:37 from 74.81.232.157

Nice work, you are a baller as well

Total Distance
9.00

     Good workout again, but it was pretty easy.  I think I'm ready to run some PR's at BYU this weekend.  We'll see how it goes.4X1000m with 1 min. rest at tempo pace.  2:52, 2:57, 2:58, 2:59.  All faster than goal pace.

Total Distance
6.00

     1 mile, then we drove to upper cannal, ran for 4 miles, then strides and a bit more.

Total Distance
2.75

     About 2.75 easy with strides. 

Race: BYU Invitational (1.988 Miles) 00:08:58, Place overall: 1, Place in age division: 1
Total Distance
7.00

     7ish miles overall. We got there kinda late, so I was able to run a shakeout on the track.  Ethan and I warmed up a little over a mile, then we did our strides on the track.  Ethan almost got DQ'ed because when he went to highlight his name, they had already scratched him, but eventually was let back in.  I felt sluggish, but it was alright, I was pretty ready to run fast.  I planned on running 68s for the first 5 laps before bringing it down to 65s or faster. 

      The gun went off, and I moved a bit, but someone pushed me from behind into a good position. We came off the curve and I made a small surge from third to first so I didn't run on the outside of the curve.  We came across 400m pretty quick, about 63, and after that I was too concerned that I went out too fast so after that I just went into a sort-of cruise mode.  I hit 68s/69s for the rest of the laps. I was expecting myself to hit a wall, but even at 2400m I felt pretty strong. I had planned to make a move with three laps left, but I was underconfident in my abilities to finish strong if I made it then, so I waited until two laps left to start speeding things up a bit.  I didn't speed it up too much, but on my last lap I felt pretty good still.  My last 100m I was hurting and I gave in to the pain.  I knew I could've closed atleast 2 seconds faster, but oh well. I missed the 4A record by .03 seconds.  More motivation to run fast at state.  After I finished there was a huge group that ran phenomonal times, especially for altitude. Ethan PR'ed by almost 10 seconds and qualified for state, so that was great to see. 

      Cool down after with a big group of AF, Davis, and other guys.  Then some more later to just get moving.

Race: BYU Invitational (0.994 Miles) 00:04:12, Place overall: 1, Place in age division: 1
Total Distance
11.00

     Strangest race.  I ran to Einstein Bagels with Ethan for a shakeout/to get lunch.  I warmed up about 45 minutes before the race was supposed to start(I felt pretty awful).  Then again with Josh Collins and Krey Ramsey 45 minutes later because the meet was behind(I felt a lot better this time, but still not 100%).  I did a few strides before the start, but I didn't have much of a bounce.

      The race started, and I didn't want to lead it.  I was feeling a bit lazy, so I wasn't going to be the one to push the pace.  I slowly moved up in the pack though and there was a bit of jostling.  We hit the first lap fairly slow(1:03) for the time I was hoping for, but I just stayed relaxed behind Garek. I tried to pass him at about 500 meters, but he sped up, so I just let him lead.  We slowed down on the homestretch right before 800m, so I took the lead.  I felt nervous about others kicks, so I tried to keep it quick, but for some reason I couldn't speed up.  I didn't feel fatigued at all.  My breathing felt really relaxed, and I could hear the loud breathing of those around me. With about 400m left Josh passed me.  I wasn't giving up lane one easily on the curve, so we had a bit of jostling before he sped up and took it from me. I can't actually what happened for the next 100m, but I think I tried to pass him.  We got to the curve, and I remember my coach telling me that if I'm with anyone with a 100m to go, I can outsprint them, so I just hung on his tail until the straightaway.  Everyone was still in it, so I tried to go outside to pass Josh, but he was going oustide, so I swung back into lane one from the outside of lane 2 and I still felt really relaxed(this never happens when I sprint). I sprinted and was able to get the win.  It was a little slower than last year, but I'll take it.

       Cool down with Ethan, Connor Compton(Pr'ed with a 2:00 today) and Jordan Hunt after.  We ran with a few of the Davis guys for a bit too.  When I got home I ran two more miles to shake off the long bus ride.  Also, shout out to Connor Baller for qualifying for state and shout out to the rest of the Lehi team for running well also. 

Comments
From Connor Baller on Sun, May 03, 2015 at 16:45:58 from 74.81.232.157

Dang conner thanks for the shout out, you are so sick and raced awesome this weekend!

From MarkS on Sun, May 03, 2015 at 17:07:51 from 114.149.144.166

GREAT couple of races this week at BYU Conner.

That speed will just keep improving. Can' wait to see how well you do at state.

Stay Healthy!

Total Distance
10.00

      10 miles. Same workout as I did this time last year. 2X(200m at mile pace, 600m at tempo, 300m all out. )  200m was 29 on both, then the tempo was about 1:50, so a little slow, but not horrid, then 300s were 42 and 43.  I like this workout because it makes you feel fast and it doesn't hurt much.  The first 200m you're still fresh, and the next 600m feels like a jog before you do an all out sprint.  Overall was 3:03 and 3:05.  Kyle Peterson ran with us today too, so that was cool. 

5.5 miles when I got home to get up to 10.

Total Distance
4.00

      4 miles for pre-meet.  2.25ish with the guys, then .75 while waiting to practice handoffs for the medley, then about .25 practicing/getting strides in.  After I ran more when I got home. 

Race: Region V Championships (0.994 Miles) 00:04:20, Place overall: 1, Place in age division: 1
Total Distance
9.00

      I wanted to either not run the mile, or just take it easier to help Alex or somebody else help qualify for state, but the coaches wanted me to just run.  Stockton, Landon and I did a shakeout for a mile, then waited for a bit before warming up with Connor and Ethan.  Landon was in the 400, but he still warmed up with us.  After, we found out they were about 20 minutes ahead of schedule, so we got our spikes, went to the track and ran.  Ethan was in the second heat and ran a PR of 4:41, leading the whole way and it being windy and rainy.  I had the plan of going out with the pack for the first 1000m and then kicking it in. Garrett Barton didn't run due to an injury, so that got some of the guys on the line excited because it gave them the chance to qualify.  Sadly, the excitement didn't translate to running fast. We hit the first 200m slow(35?).  And Alex and I were in last.  Alex busted out quick, and I followed. It was windy, so I passed him and took the wind.  We hit 400m in 66.  After that I just tried to relax and hold the pace.  2:11 at 800m, then 3:15/16 at 1200m. About here I couldn't hear anyone breathing on my neck anymore.  The first 200m of my last lap I sped up, but then remembered it was region and I had the medley in an hour or so, so I just let up. 

       Alex ended fifth, Connor was 6th(PR), Stockton was 7th(PR), and Ethan was 11th(PR). After, Stockton, Cameron Anderson(PR also today), and I cooled down inside for about a mile(maybe a bit less). I got ready for the medley, but our 200 runners had a bad hand off, so we got DQ'ed.  I wasn't running if I didn't need to.  Ran 5 miles in the rain when I got home.

Race: Region V Championships (1.988 Miles) 00:09:22, Place overall: 1, Place in age division: 1
Total Distance
7.00

      Around 7 miles for the day.  Warmed about a mile.  Then we ran the 3200m. It felt really relaxed, and I stayed back for the first 550m, then just kinda ran. I just kept hitting about 72s for the first few laps, then slowly picked it up to 70s, then an all out last 100m for fun/practicing to kick.  After, Ethan, Stockton, Jordan, and a bunch of kids from other schools went on cool down for  over a mile. That was pretty fun.  Watched the rest of region.  It wasn't the best day for us as a team, but we still won by 80 points or so.  A few of us ate out after, then I ran 3 miles late when I got home.

Total Distance
10.27

       We did Golf Course unextended and had a light fartlek workout.  We would race to a random object ahead of us, and the winner got to choose the next object, and when we would race again.  It was fun. 

       6 miles later.

Total Distance
8.00

       8 easy miles.  I was tempted to keep going, but with state next week, I better play it safe.

Total Distance
9.30

      Warmed up, then we did an 800m at 3200m pace and 3X300m all out after.  Well, I was kinda stupid and felt pretty good, so I just relaxed and paid attention to feel instead of my watch for the 800m.  At 700m I saw I was going pretty quick(1:49), so I kicked my last 100m to a 2:02.  After I let Ethan and Connor go in the 300s because I wanted to stretch more.  First one was 40, the next one I started feeling beat, but just paced the first 200m and ran a 42.  Next one I started pretty slow, but closed fast to a 42.  Cool down after.

      5 miles when I got home.

Total Distance
5.50

     About 5.5 miles.  Warmed up, then did 3X1000m at tempo effort with a minute break. I can't believe we used to do 8 of these.  It was fairly windy.  Cool down after, then later at JV region I ran a warm up with some kids.

Total Distance
5.50

      Easy with 2(4X15 seconds at 4:00 pace, 15 seconds easy) With a 3 min. jog in between the intervals.  It felt pretty easy, but I could feel I was going fast.  I'm way excited for this weekend!

Comments
From Connor Baller on Wed, May 13, 2015 at 18:20:56 from 108.165.28.242

Good luck Conner!

From MarkS on Fri, May 15, 2015 at 02:34:17 from 59.135.95.246

Good luck at state Conner!

Also, congrats for signing with BYU!

From Patrick Cunningham on Fri, May 15, 2015 at 22:24:55 from 206.81.149.44

Good Luck at state! And same with MarkS, congrats on signing with BYU! You're going to do great there!

Total Distance
3.00

      3 miles pre-meet at UVU.

Race: Utah State 1600m (0.994 Miles) 00:04:13, Place overall: 2, Place in age division: 2
Total Distance
4.50

       Rough day. I just didn't have the mental preparation I needed to have just in case things went wrong. I kept invisioning things going right, but between schoolwork/teachers that weren't very good at cooperating/bad sleep/forgetting my race socks, and other stuff led to it not being an ideal 24 hours before the race.  I should've mentally prepared for it just in case things didn't go perfect(they never do, but I still thought they would for some reason).  Shake out by the hotel, then the coach drove me to the meet because people weren't ready to load the bus. We got there late, so I wasn't sure if I had enough time to warm up fully, so I cut my warm up short.  After I got my stuff and had my dad hold it.  This helped out a lot.  I decided to just not wear socks.

      The race started, and I was sure I knew Josh's plan, and he knew mine. I wanted to run fast, and he wanted to win. I took it out fast, but after 300m I hit a mental wall.  At 600m my right hamstring got super tight.  I knew I had to keep it fast to win or to make the dream mile.  At 800m I was 2:04ish I think. Slower than where I wanted to be(2:02).  After that I just kept getting distracted mentally and wasn't in it.  I kept thinking about how it was super rainy and the water between my foot and the buttom of my shoe. I just wasn't in it.  With 200m I could hear Josh, with 110m left he passed me and I just couldn't get moving. He finished quick and I just didn't have any motivation after that. 

       Cool down with Josh after. Even though we're tough competitors, we're still friends.  I'm super dissappointed I didn't run faster or give it my all.  Hopefully this isn't my last mile race before my mission.  Shake out again later in the evening.

Comments
From Russ on Mon, May 18, 2015 at 09:52:07 from 74.114.3.253

I've been watching your blog the past 5 years and congratulations on a great high school racing career. I didn't realize until today you already have your mission call, and what a fantastic area to serve. You'll do a great job in Ghana. If you put the same intensity into sharing the gospel as you did with your training and racing you'll have a truly life changing experience.

Race: Utah State 3200m and 800m (1.988 Miles) 00:09:03, Place overall: 1, Place in age division: 1
Total Distance
10.00

      Rough day again. The 3200m was the same as the 1600m, but Josh was tired from yesterday, so he didn't catch me.  I went out fast, but just wasn't into it. I started hitting 70 second laps after the 4th lap, and it wasn't a good day.

      In between events, it was great to be by the Lehi team. What a great crew of guys. ConnorBaller was hilarious with his high jump commentating.  The 800m was later, but I was in slow heat.  I was hoping someone would push the pace like last year, but it didn't happen.  I got a really bad start and was in last in the first 80m.  First lap was about 60-61. After that I knew I wasn't going to podium or score points, so I thought about dropping out.  Our team needed points, and in just one minute I let the race go slow.  With 300m left, a kid from Spanish Fork made a push, and I realized, I can run faster, so I pushed to the curve, relaxed and sat in 4th or 5th on the curve, and then kicked around everyone with 80m left.  I won the heat, but the time was slow and it took 10th overall.

      Sadly, my last races as a bobcat weren't PRs or close to what I wanted, but I after my mission, I will continue running. Hopefully I will be able to get more competitive in college.  Thanks everyone for the support, it's been great to be part of an amazing running community.

Comments
From Connor Baller on Sun, May 17, 2015 at 18:08:43 from 108.165.28.242

NO! Conner it can't be over already, i just got to know you! Its been sick watching you be such a beast these last 3 years i've been in high school. Good luck on yur mission and i'm looking forward to being your teammate at byu ;)

From Steve on Sun, May 17, 2015 at 18:49:34 from 66.87.114.134

It's been great watching you! You'll come back even faster after your mission.

From Jake K on Mon, May 18, 2015 at 06:19:50 from 98.202.128.218

You've had an amazing high school career Conner. It's been so cool to see you take it to this level... some ups and downs, but mainly ups! You are an inspiring runner and person, wishing you the best!

From scottkeate on Fri, May 22, 2015 at 18:30:16 from 98.202.127.52

Conner, I got to see you run the 3200. I paid $8:00 just to see you run :) I know you have had stronger performances, but it was the first time I've seen anybody in High School go sub 9:10--it was very fun to watch.

Looking forward to hearing your name in the running news in the future.

Total Distance
7.00

      7 miles. Connor Compton drove Ethan and I to the start of dry canyon, where we ran up the trail that leads to flat top, but it was super muddy and a stream was going right through the trail, so we ran back to the school.  After I ran home and a bit more to get 3 more miles in. 

Total Distance
7.00

      Around 5.5 miles.  Tried some 200s, but just felt stiff and couldn't get moving. 

Total Distance
6.25

      Felt easy for the day.   Warmed up, 1 mile tempo(okay, maybe it was a bit quicker) in 4:45, then relaxed and did 2X200m, one was supposed to be at goal race pace, but was quick, and the other was all out(29 and 26).  Cool down and strides, then ran with some 3rd, 4th and 5th graders at the northern utah mile race(the top milers from all the elementary schools in the Sky View area run a mile race).  Some of those kids were quick, like a 4th grader that went unter 6 minutes.  It was fun to watch.

Comments
From Connor Baller on Wed, May 20, 2015 at 18:40:18 from 108.165.28.242

Thats almost brady's pr lol

Total Distance
4.00

      4 miles with Stockton. We did Cedar Ridge run. 

      Hey everyone, there's a mile race being put on in Cache Valley over the Fourth of July that is trying to imitate the 5th Avenue Mile. There is going to be an open division, and an elite devision, and it would be sweet to see a big group come out to run.  It's right before the Cache Valley Cruise in, which attracts anywhere from 20,000-30,000 people, so the cheering is going to be unbelievable.  For more information, visit the facebook page for the 2015 Motor Mile (https://www.facebook.com/semmotormile?fref=ts) or find it on instagram under Motor_Mile.

Comments
From Connor Baller on Thu, May 21, 2015 at 22:37:40 from 108.165.28.242

I'll race you

From Blake Bennion on Thu, May 21, 2015 at 22:54:35 from 107.191.0.118

Definitely going to check it out, that sounds like fun!

Total Distance
2.50

        15 minutes easy.  Being at sea level makes it feel easy to run, so I think my last mile was at about 6:00 or faster(oh well, it won't make much difference going a little quick before a race).  I did some strides after. 

Race: Golden South Classic (1 Miles) 00:04:08, Place overall: 2, Place in age division: 2
Total Distance
9.00

     First, I just want to thank my parents for sending me to Orlando to compete at this meet to try and qualify for the dream mile. While I wasn't able to get my goal, I was close. Around 9 miles overall.  Warmed up early because I thought there was only one heat of everything and they were cruising through the schedule earlier in the day.  I felt great.  It was really hot, humid, and windy.  I planned on letting the race go out and sticking in the pack the first lap or so. I talked to a few guys before the race and there was a cool group running in the race.  Bryce from Oklahoma was seeded second and asked before if I was going to start fast and if I wanted him to keep some guys from cutting into us early on.  I didn't think it would be necessary, so I said I'd probably be good. 

       Well, the race started and it was violent. There was plenty of pushing, and about 150m in, nobody would let me get into the outer lanes, so I slowed and put in a surge to get back up to the front area. I was in about 2nd or 3rd.  From here, Bryce led most of the race.  We came through 409 meters at 1:04, so fairly slow, and then 2:07/08 through 809 meters, so we were just on pace to beat the slow heat.  I wasn't feeling the greatest, it felt like a fast race, but wasn't.  Somewhere around here Avery passed me.  I just kept trying to draft on these guys, but the wind was at a weird angle and I seemed to always have a headwind on the first 200m.  We cam around 1209 meters at 3:09/3:10, and those two started to gap me.  They had about 5 to 10 meters on me with 175 meters left in the race. I just tried to stay close enough and hope to kick well.  With 100m left I cut out to pass them, and they both cut into the outer lanes.  Crap, I should've stayed in lane one.  With 90 meters left I passed Bryce, and then 50-60ish I passed Avery, and thought I have it. This thought lasted 2-3 seconds, and I had stopped giving it 100%, and he just passed me.  I kept trying with 10 meters left, but just came up short as could be.  He beat me by .02 seconds right at the line.  4:08.55 to 4:08.57.  

      I cooled down with Frank and another guy from Georgia, then watched the 800s, got my spikes back on and ran the 3200m. I wasn't mentally ready at all, and was just tired from the mile. I just ran it to run it.  The meet record wasn't extremely quick(9:22), so I just went for that. My last two laps were pretty slow, but I just didn't have much motivation.  I think I ran a 9:17 or something close to it. I ran solo from 600m to the end, but started leading at 200m.

      I cooled down with Steven Cross after.  He was actually also at Footlocker this year, so it was cool to talk to him about that stuff after.

Comments
From MarkS on Sun, May 24, 2015 at 12:40:23 from 118.22.104.99

Good race Conner!

I always love reading your race reports. They make me feel like I am right in the race with you.

From Spencer Smith on Sun, May 24, 2015 at 19:47:59 from 174.52.167.138

I watched the race on milesplit, and I must say your last 200 was quite impressive.

Even though you didn't get your goal of qualifying for the dream mile, there is still a decent chance of getting an invite. With going last year, that significantly increases your chances of getting in.

Good luck with these next couple of races!

From Conner Mantz on Mon, May 25, 2015 at 10:10:02 from 67.2.165.3

Thanks Mark, it was an intense race, but sadly it didn't come out right for me. Thanks Spencer, I don't think it will get me in because there are only a few spots left and I had a few rough races this year. They use a lot of head-to-head competition in deciding who goes, so while I'll have a better PR than other guys invited, I still don't have a great chance because those rough races early in the year, but I still have a little bit of hope.

From Paul on Mon, May 25, 2015 at 10:40:30 from 174.29.44.87

Not bad in being that close to your PR in a sit-and-kick race. Best wishes for your summer races.

From Jake K on Tue, May 26, 2015 at 05:45:05 from 98.202.128.218

Wow, that's a close finish. I know it wasn't everything you wanted, but running 4:08 is still a really, really good mile.

Total Distance
12.00

      Ran up Smithfield Canyon to the campgrounds and back. I didn't feel that great, but it's alright.  It's been a little demotivating not making the dream mile this year and not getting any PR's, especially because I had plenty of chances where I should've ran some fast times, but it's alright.

Comments
From Shawn H on Mon, May 25, 2015 at 19:05:14 from 71.227.186.114

Conner, don't be discouraged. You've had an outstanding high school career. The times you've run in track and your performances in cross country have shown over and over that you're one of the best young runners in America. As a former fellow Utah high school/college runner, I'm really proud of you for your accomplishments. Some advice:

You're about to go on a Church mission. For two years you will dedicate yourself to your religious beliefs and a desire to change the lives of others for the better. Your priorities will change. Running is going to move down on that list. You might be able to jog a little IF you have companions who are willing to go with you, but Ghana is not a really safe place to run, and you'll stand out in any neighborhood. Your running addiction will cause you to go through serious withdrawal, and you'll feel tortured as you feel your body getting out of shape. But don't let that dishearten you. Other talented runners have served Church missions and come back to have outstanding careers. Ed Eyestone, Doug Padilla, and Henry Marsh weren't as as good in high school as you, and they all served missions and came back more physically and mentally mature, and went on to have great running careers. Just don't let the fire die, Conner. I wasn't as good as you. My bests right out of high school were 4:10 and 9:20 after my freshman cross country season, so I had talent and promise, but when I got back from my mission I had lost the drive and desire. I got married too quickly, and became a father too quickly, and I wasted my talent. I wasn't as talented as you, and I probably never would have been a great world class runner, but I still regret not seeing just how far I could have gone in running. Don't be like that. Serve an honorable mission. Change your priorities for two years, but then pursue your running goals! Balance is important in life, and maturity will change your outlook, but please don't waste your talent.

Best of luck to you, soon-to-be Elder Mantz. :-)

From Blake Bennion on Mon, May 25, 2015 at 21:45:43 from 107.191.0.118

Sorry to hear you didn't make the dream mile. Even though you had a rough year, you still did some amazing things, winning the Junior USA Cross Country Championships (by 25 seconds!!!) was inspiring to all of us other runners in Utah, and you represented the USA at Worlds! You're going to do even more amazing things in college, remember that you're one of the greatest aerobic machines on the planet, and you still will be in 2 years!

From RustyTF2 on Mon, May 25, 2015 at 21:52:38 from 184.155.151.33

Hey Conner, I never got to congratulate you on signing with BYU… so CONGRATS! I didn't want to bug you about it while you were making your decision, but I'm really glad you chose BYU. You are really really gonna love it there. I had such a great experience and I'm sure you will too. Is your track season over or are you running the Brooks or New Balance meets? I know missing out on PR's ain't fun, but you still had a heck of a season!

From Rob Murphy on Tue, May 26, 2015 at 11:13:38 from 163.248.33.220

Pretty fair high school career you had there Conner.

While you're on your mission, you'll probably want to re-think that college choice. Think PURPLE! It's never too late.

From Conner Mantz on Tue, May 26, 2015 at 18:37:34 from 67.2.165.3

Thanks Shawn, Blake, Taylor, and Rob. It just kinda bugs me that I have a better PR than more than half the guys in the race. Taylor, yes I'm doing Brooks(2-mile), but I was more of hoping for a fast mile, but it just isn't going to happen. I should be more grateful though.

Rob, haha, I think I'm set on BYU, although I still do have a lot of respect for the Furman coaches and team, it just wasn't the right place for me, but it is a great school.

From Rob Murphy on Tue, May 26, 2015 at 18:53:03 from 24.10.247.181

I'll take that as a maybe. :-)

Total Distance
8.00

     8 miles with Stockton. We both didn't feel very good, but when one was feeling bad, the other one dragged him along. On the first 4, I felt pretty decent and got him going, but on the last 4, he kept me going. 

Total Distance
5.50

      Felt tired for most of the day, then got vaccinations for my mission (3 shots, then an oral vaccine I still need to start taking.), and then I just felt very off. I started a workout, but after two 800s at 2 mile pace, I felt completely drained. I told myself I'd run later, but when I tried, it felt like an all out sprint to go 7 min. pace, so I just cut it and hoped tomorrows workout will be better.

Total Distance
11.25

       11.25ish.  I ran a mile, then met up with John Coyle who was in Logan visiting his in-laws.  We warmed up approx. 3 miles, then did 12 min. tempo wtih about 2 min. break before doing another 12 min. tempo. Last year we did a similar workout, and this time we were a lot quicker.  The first tempo I led, and then on the next one he kinda dropped me by about 10 meters by the end, and about 15 meters mid-way through.  If I wasn't running with him, I might've cut the workout because I felt like I did yesterday, but not as bad.  2nd half was uphill and quicker(covered about 200m more). About 3 miles cool down after. It was good to catch up with him, he ran a Weber and had a pretty good career there, and is just getting better.

Total Distance
8.00

       8 miles.  I wasn't feeling good at all. I've just been in a slump this week, but I'll hopefully get out of it soon. My parents think it's the vaccinations that are making me feel rough, but I also wasn't feeling good on Tuesday, so I'm not sure.

Total Distance
10.25

     Not the best week, but still a good one.  I wasn't able to run until late, so I missed running in the nice weather.  Oh well.  I ran to Sky View to run at the track. Well there was a football game going on, and weren't going to let me in to run, so I ran home and the drove to Utah State's track.   I warmed up about 1.25 miles, so I had already run almost 6 miles before starting the workout.  I tried to do 4X400m at sub-60 with a 400m jog in between and then 4X200m starting at 30 and getting progressively faster.  400s were 59.9, 58.9, 59.1, and 57/58ish(I forgot to stop my watch), and the 200s were 31, 29, 28, 26.  Cool down after.  I felt better than I did during any other run this week, so that was positive.

Comments
From Shawn H on Sun, May 31, 2015 at 10:51:21 from 71.227.186.114

Sounds like you're sharp and ready for Brooks, Conner. My wife and I plan to be there if my job doesn't send me anywhere. Good luck!

From Conner Mantz on Mon, Jun 01, 2015 at 15:18:58 from 97.126.250.189

Thanks Shawn, it will be good to see you there!

Total Distance
11.00

      Warmed up and planned on doing a faster 5k tempo today, but after my first 400m I wasn't feeling that great.  I hit it at about 1:11, so after the next half a lap I decided to just run a mile and then see how I feel.  Well, I slowly sped it up and hit 2:19 at 800m, then just slowly bumped up the pace a bit and finished the mile in 4:30. After the high school band took up the track, so I did 2X200s until the got onto the field. Both were in 28 and felt pretty relaxed.  Then I did and 800m and 400m.  The 800 was originally going to be another mile at hopefully the same pace, but it hurt and I knew I went out to fast so I stopped it at 800m in 2:04.  The 400m felt surprisingly relaxed and hit every 100m in about the same time and ended in 56.  Cool down after and then 5 miles when I got home. Kinda a strange/spontanious workout that I changed every repeat, but I felt worked.

Comments
From Rob Murphy on Mon, Jun 01, 2015 at 12:18:47 from 163.248.33.220

Nice adjustment.

From Conner Mantz on Mon, Jun 01, 2015 at 15:19:21 from 97.126.250.189

Thanks Murphy!

From Shawn H on Mon, Jun 01, 2015 at 19:34:26 from 71.227.186.114

Nice workout after a shaky start, Conner. Nice finish with that 56. If you could put together a really nice last 400 like that, you'd be incredibly tough to beat. As I told you, my wife and I plan to go to Brooks. If we get a chance, we might say hello. Again, good luck!

From Conner Mantz on Thu, Jun 04, 2015 at 07:12:46 from 97.126.250.189

Thanks Shawn, and that would be great to meet you and your family. My mom and brother might come up too.

From Shawn H on Thu, Jun 04, 2015 at 09:03:05 from 71.227.186.114

Last year I passed right by you as you were getting ready to warm up. You looked pretty focused, so I didn't say hello. We'll say hi if we get a good opportunity, but don't want to intrude on an athlete's pre-race preparations. I know how it is, and respect that. Good luck. Give it everything, as you always do, especially since you'll be going on your mission soon.

Total Distance
8.00

      I started a workout, but after a while I knew it wasn't going great, so I decided to take it easy for the rest of the day and try again on Thursday.  I think it's smart because yesterday and Saturday were hard, so I think I'll bounce back well.

Comments
From Connor Baller on Tue, Jun 02, 2015 at 21:19:11 from 108.165.28.242

Dude Conner I miss you. Hope everything is going well!

From Shawn H on Tue, Jun 02, 2015 at 21:40:15 from 71.227.186.114

Good decision, Conner. That's one of the reasons why I admire you as a runner. You usually know when to back off. Sometimes the hardest thing to do as a competitive runner is make yourself take it easy. It's always interesting reading your blog.

Total Distance
6.00

       5 easy miles with the Sky View team. It was nice to run with people again. Tyler Roberts(one of the greatest runners ever to come out of Sky View. We ran together my freshman year of cross country, and raced together in track too) just got back from his mission and I ran with him. It was nice to catch up.  1 mile easy after I got home.

      Later a few of my friends and I went on a 10.4 mile hike.  It took about 5 hours, maybe more. 

Total Distance
5.00

      5 miles about. I did a warm up and felt tired. My quads, hips, and back were super sore. I decided to change the workout again to play it safe.  I did a mile at tempo, then 2X200m at 27, and 2 strides.  The mile was rough and the 200s weren't as bad as I was expecting. Extended cool down after. 

Total Distance
7.00

       7 easy miles.  Still a bit sore, but feeling better.

Total Distance
6.00

        A good workout today.  I worked on pacing.  I did this workout last year, but this year I wanted to make sure I was fresh afterward.  100m at starting pace, 200m mile pace, 200m at 3200m pace, 200m at finishing pace.  On the first one everything was right on or close(the 200m at 3200m pace was a second slow) with the finish in 28. The next one I broke up into the 300m and 400m.  300m was 43 with a fast start and then a 200m where I worked on staying relaxed and mile effortish, then the 400m I went 31 for the first 200, and 27 for the all out 200m.  After I did 2X100m start and 200m at all the paces again to make sure I had it down.  Cool down after.  Not a very hard workout, but a good one to get ready to run fast.

Comments
From Rob Murphy on Sat, Jun 06, 2015 at 11:10:52 from 24.10.247.181

Exactly! Not every workout needs to be epic. Just accomplish what you're trying to accomplish.

From Conner Mantz on Mon, Jun 08, 2015 at 09:31:31 from 97.126.250.189

Thanks Murphy, it get's hard sometimes to not get too caught up in the workouts.

Total Distance
10.25

       Went to practice today. They were doing a mile time trial to see where everyone was at as we start practices. We warmed up, then I ran 1.5 miles at about tempo pace, then we cooled down. After I did 2X200m, one at mile pace, the other just hard.  28 for the hard one and 30 for the pacing.  Then cool down home and 2 more miles when I got home.

Comments
From Addison Hedges on Mon, Jun 08, 2015 at 21:39:19 from 65.130.79.138

Hey Conner, didn't you get invited to the Adidas dream mile? It said that you got invited on mile split.

From Conner Mantz on Tue, Jun 09, 2015 at 09:59:27 from 97.126.250.189

Yeah, I ended up getting invited, even though I didn't think I would.

Total Distance
5.10

      My dad was kind enough to drive me to the track. I did the same workout as I did last year.  200m at mile pace, 400m at 2 mile pace, and 200m all out after.  I was supposed to do 2, but like last year I decided one would be alright because I want to make sure I'm fresh this weekend.  The first 200m was in a high 29, then the 400m I tried to relax and ran a 65, then the next 200m was another 29.  I struggled that last 200m. I just couldn't stay motivated, but I'll be good by the time the race rolls around.  After I did 2X200m, one all out and another at mile pace.  27 and 30, so that was good for after the workout.  Cool down home after.

Total Distance
5.75

      4.75 miles with the team, then another mile and a bit when I got home.  I did some strides during the mile when I got home.

Total Distance
3.00

      Pre-meet on the treadmill with Coach Wright on the other treadmill.

Total Distance
3.50

       Ran on the track for a bit alone, then with Olan Hacker, then his coach and Coach Wright ran with us.  Then we did strides. I felt great, better than I have before a race since Boulder.

Race: Adidas Dream Mile (1 Miles) 00:04:09, Place overall: 8, Place in age division: 8
Total Distance
4.00

       Poor race for me.  Other than the 800m at state, possibly one of the easiest efforts for me physically, but I just wasn't mentally there.  If I would have been tired afterward and thrown up, or even out of breath and had to bend over and catch my breathe after it would have been different.  The pace went slower out front then I had anticipated(I heard 1:56/57 at 800m), so when I was at the back and quite a bit slower, I wasn't ready for it.  I reacted very slowly on my part and felt demotivated when trying to catch the front pack on the last lap.  I am thankful to be able to compete though, I feel I could've been in the top group fighting for the title.  I'm thankful to adidas for putting on the great event and for the invitation to compete at a high level. 

Atleast I'll be fresh for Brooks PR next week.

Comments
From Blake Bennion on Sun, Jun 14, 2015 at 22:43:51 from 107.191.0.118

Well the good news is that if you can do a sub 4:10 and its a physically easy race for you, you can probably run a killer 3200m next week! Hope you can get in the zone this week, I'll be rooting for you!

Total Distance
8.00

       2 miles early, then did a workout about 30 minutes after.  Warmed up, then 2X800m at goal 2 mile pace, and then 2X200m working on start(on the first one) and going all out(on the second).  800s were too fast.  I went 2:03 and then 2:07 with a 2 min. rest in between, and then the 200s were 28 on the first and 26 on the second with a 200m jog in between.  Cool down after

Comments
From RustyTF2 on Tue, Jun 16, 2015 at 13:30:41 from 67.41.224.121

You'll be feeling sharp for your race! 2 mile pace will feel easy. Can't wait to see a nice PR from ya!

Total Distance
6.70

      I wanted to run 8 miles, but cut it short because I'm racing Saturday, and it will be my last track race in 2 and a half years.  It felt nice to run outside and just enjoy the run.

Comments
From Shawn H on Tue, Jun 16, 2015 at 20:22:51 from 71.227.186.114

I know the feeling, Conner. For me it was one last time trial, all by myself. For you, it's a race against the other top two-milers in America. Make it count, and leave nothing on the track. No regrets. Good luck!

From Addison Hedges on Wed, Jun 17, 2015 at 19:08:23 from 65.130.68.124

Good luck Conner!! You have had such a sweet high school career, and have been a huge inspiration. I'm excited to see you get a PR before you go.

Total Distance
6.00

     Not sure about the mileage, but I did some short tempo at 4:50ish pace, and then 2X200m. It felt pretty easy. I used my IPod so I could time the tempo with music, but didn't want to run with it in the 200s, so I just ran hard.

Total Distance
3.50

      Pre-meet.  Ran with Elijah, Thomas Pollard, and Paul Ryan.  I stopped early and waited for them to turn around because I didn't want to go too far.  I did two strides in the dorms because I forgot to do them outside.

Total Distance
3.00

     Ran to the track, then did 4 strides with Josh Collins. 

Race: Brooks PR Invitational (2 Miles) 00:08:53, Place overall: 7, Place in age division: 7
Total Distance
7.50

       Did a small shakeout in the morning. I usually eat french toast or pancakes the morning of races unless I race pretty early, so I stuck with the french toast they had and some fruit.  Well, it was probably the nastiest french toast I've ever had, but it's what's worked best for me for race-day meal.  After a while of waiting, we went to the meet.  I raced at 1:45, so I didn't eat anything before.  I thought I'd be alright. I did a few laps on the track, then waited inside, then warmed up alone, got to the start with perfect timing so I could do my strides and felt ready to go.

     The gun went off, and Levi Thomet and Grant Fisher (they were next to me) started fast.  I wasn't ready for the gun, but then I just went with it and slowly moved to the top-3. I stayed in the the top 4 for the next lap and the pace was quite slow(for this field).  Mikey made a push around here, and then slowly people got in front of me and kinda cut me off, so I gave them a little room. Well, this kept happening and I wound up in last place(I think).  I just stayed here and let the race go on. It went by pretty quick.  My stomache had started to hurt during the 4th lap and I thought about quitting, but it's my last track race for 2.5 years, so I couldn't not finish.  My stomache just felt like something was churning, so it wasn't the best thing.  I slowly started passing people who were falling off pace.  During the last lap I was too far back to get my goal of a medal/sub-8:50.  I passed quite a few guys that last lap and I felt great during it.  If I could take something from this race it would be to stay at the front of the race, even if I'm not feeling great because I will feel better during the race. 

      Cool down after and cheered on some guys. Congrats to fellow blogger Paul Ryan for winning the mile with an outragous kick.  Crazy to think this was my last official high school race, but I'm considering time-trialling a downhill mile sometime to try and break-4 minutes. While it will be cheating for it being downhill, it would still be fun to do. 

     Also, thanks everyone for the support in my running over the blog, it's been a lot of fun and a great learning experience. I'm excited to keep it going!

Comments
From Eugene on Mon, Jun 22, 2015 at 13:48:36 from 72.13.213.40

An 8:53 is still a crazy impressive time man. Convert some Africans on your mission, then come back and kill it @ BYU and win NCAA.

From Holt on Mon, Jun 22, 2015 at 16:41:24 from 67.2.233.231

Great job... But an ever bigger compliment is te influence you have had on all the runners around you - I know many (including myself and my team) who have just greatly enjoyed watching your progress and cheering you on. You are a great guy and it shows all the time. Enjoy this next experience and we'll all be excitedly waiting your return.

From Shawn H on Tue, Jun 23, 2015 at 21:51:15 from 71.227.186.114

Hey, Conner. My wife and I went to the meet. We watched the girls and boys two-mile. Everything you describe was exactly what I saw while watching your race. Great field, and it was great to see 11 finish under 9:00. After your race I wanted to say hello and wish you good luck on your mission, but you and some of the other guys kept jogging around on the infield and my wife wanted to go shopping, so I didn't get a chance. Anyway, you almost hit your PR, so not a bad effort. Have a great mission, Conner. It's been a pleasure reading your running blog and seeing some of your races. I hope you somehow get to run at least a little bit, but you're soon going to be very focused on other things. If you want to keep in touch with some of us, you could post your mission email or address on here. I don't know how much they let you communicate that way, but for what it's worth. Take care!

From Connor Baller on Tue, Jun 23, 2015 at 22:01:22 from 108.165.28.242

What @holt said. You have inspired all of us lehi guys. Congrats on everything and good luck with your mission and collegiate running.

From Conner Mantz on Sat, Jun 27, 2015 at 21:26:15 from 97.126.250.189

Thanks Nathan, Coach Holt, Shawn, and Connor. Nathan, I'll try to help the Ghana people anyway I can. Sorry about not meeting up Shawn, after I threw up, I just stopped thinking and went into a cruise mode where I have to do a cool down run. I just kept running with everyone and Grant and I got into a conversation about his college decision, what races he's doing next, the mission, and other stuff, hopefully we can meet sometime in the future. Thanks Baller and Coach Holt, I hope I've been a good inspiration. Coach Holt, my dad had me look at your runners training prior to my freshman year, and I believe it helped me, so thank-you for that.

From Shawn H on Sun, Jun 28, 2015 at 11:52:49 from 71.227.186.114

I'm sure you'll have a great mission, Conner, and you'll learn to love those people in Ghana. It's going to be very hard for you to not run, but just keep focused on your other goals, knowing that when you come back you can pick up on your running two years older and more mature. Take care. If you have a chance, keep in touch on your blog or let us know how to contact you from time to time. Later, Elder Mantz. :-)

Total Distance
11.75

      Went to practice with the team, ran tempo with Ethan. He did well and ran 15:45ish comfortably for 3 miles.  Cool down and warm up made it about 6.75.  Then I ran 5 more miles when I was home because I can. I don't have to taper or do anything like that for races for the next two years, while I still do want to run hard when I'm allowed to even if it's not racing. 

      I'm really excited to try and break-4 on this downhill course I have set out. I just need to measure a full mile on it. It'll be unofficial and will just have someone with a stopwatch time it, but it's going to be fun.

Comments
From Jake K on Mon, Jun 22, 2015 at 16:18:52 from 199.190.170.24

A long time ago on a message board called Letsrun (avoid it!) David Torrence started a thread about trying to break 4 minutes on a downhill course. He did it... and then went on to run tons of sub 4s on the track and become one of the top middle distance guys in the US. I say go for it - a fun way to cap off this stage of your running career.

Impressive run at Brooks, too.

From Conner Mantz on Sat, Jun 27, 2015 at 21:27:06 from 97.126.250.189

Thanks Jake, I'll go for it and let you know how it goes when I try it.

Total Distance
12.00

      12 miles up the canyon.  I didn't feel the greatest, but it was still a good pace.

Total Distance
6.00

      6 miles. I felt tired.

Total Distance
5.00

      5 miles. I measured out a mile course that has a good amount of steady downhill the whole way.

Total Distance
5.00

      5 miles.  I had family things come up, so I wasn't able to try the sub-4 downhill mile.  I felt super sick, probably the worst I've ever felt during a run, atleast stomache-wise. Good thing I felt like that this week instead of last week or I'd be in some trouble.

Total Distance
8.00

     8 miles in about 50 minutes.  My last .67 miles were sub-5 pace, but I was on limited time.  My mission farewell is tomorrow, if anyone wants to come.  It's at 1 PM at the Smithfield Stake Center(600 East, 120 South). 

Total Distance
9.25

Hey everybody, you may have family plans over this weekend, but if not(or if you happen to be in Logan over the 4th) it would be great to see a lot of you at the Motor Mile this weekend. It's a fun 1 mile race down a very crowded street in Logan. 

Ran with Claire at night in Lake Powell.

Comments
From Joey Buck on Sun, Jun 28, 2015 at 22:04:00 from 160.7.239.227

Hey are you still planning on trying to run a 4 minute mile before you leave?

From Cameron Anderson on Thu, Jul 02, 2015 at 19:23:51 from 24.10.137.52

We'll see how I feel after the freedom run ;)

From Cameron Anderson on Thu, Jul 02, 2015 at 19:24:56 from 24.10.137.52

BTW are you running the motor mile?

From Conner Mantz on Fri, Jul 03, 2015 at 10:21:23 from 70.208.19.78

Joey, yes I'll try on a downhill course soon. Cameron, the motor mile is cancelled, so give it your all in the 15k!

Total Distance
4.00

       4 miles with Claire, during the first 3 I paced her for tempo.

Total Distance
6.00

       6 miles in sand and dirt at Lake Powell.

Total Distance
6.35

        6.35 miles with Claire.  We averaged 12 min. miles in the sand and dirt.  It sucks running in the dirt/sand.

Total Distance
4.50

      4 miles around the area and then a little under a mile to a cliff with my siblings.

Total Distance
9.25

       9.25 miles overall. I went to "practice"(It's moritorium this week so we can't practice with the coaches, so we just met up anyway), and one of the future juniors took charge and had us do some tempo 1000m repeats with 1 min. rest, and we ran it in the fields/canal by Sky View.  The canal was very overgrown and you were likely to get hit in the face by some weeds, so it wasn't very enjoyable.  I paced Ethan for all of his 8 and then Connor Compton for his last 2.  After I went to Ethan's where we ran two more miles. 

Total Distance
8.00

      Went hammocking/hiking last night with some friends, so after Ethan and I just decided to get a run in.  We did 8Xhill repeats at a hill by the Utah State Campus that kicked my butt.  I just ran with him for them to help him out(I'm not really training for any races with the mission).  We then cooled down to his car.

      2 miles later. My butt is extremely sore.

Total Distance
10.00

      Ran up the canyon.  Did some "tempo" for about a mile and a half just for fun, but it wasn't too quick.  Overall it was a fairly good effort.  2 weeks until I leave to Ghana.

Comments
From Shawn H on Wed, Jul 08, 2015 at 20:04:40 from 71.227.186.114

I admire your convictions, Conner. A lot of young men with your talent and love of running wouldn't go on a mission. Running is your first love, and you're leaving it for awhile. I think the fact that you plan to go to BYU under Coach Eyestone, who also served a mission and then came back and had a great career, will be a source of strength for you. I know from experience that it's going to be harder for you to go on this mission than for most of the other Elders, but you can do it and do well. The first six months or so will pass slowly. However, if you make yourself focus and immerse yourself in why you're in Ghana, you'll learn to love those people, and once that happens, time will fly. If you do it right, when your two years is finished, believe it or not, there will be a big part of you that doesn't want to go home. Good luck.

From Conner Mantz on Fri, Jul 10, 2015 at 10:43:44 from 75.169.191.104

Thanks Shawn, I really look forward to it, but I know it's going to have a lot of trials.

Total Distance
5.00

       5 miles easy. I went on a fairly hard hike last night, and I felt pretty tired from the hill workout two days ago, so I felt pretty dead. I may run more later today.

Total Distance
5.00

      5 easy miles. I didn't feel the greatest, but it's alright, I don't have and races coming up anytime soon.

 

Total Distance
12.00

      Warmed up for a mile, then did the "downhill death mile" attempting to run a sub-4.  Because you lose 500 feet in elevation, it's more of a sprint.  We used a couple Garmins to measure the distance, so it really wasn't too accurate.  I ran under four, but it may not have been the most accurate. Ethan paced me on his bike and his bike's MPH was over 15 the whole time, so hopefully it was.  Anyway, it was just for fun and wasn't too accurate. Ethan filmed it, but before he stopped it, the camera fell and the SD card fell out and so it didn't record it all the way. We might redo it so we can get a video and next time we'll try to make it as accurate as can be.  After I paced Ethan for 4 miles of tempo, then we cooled down and ate crepes after.

Here is the garmin thing that shows all the information.

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/832313685

Comments
From Addison Hedges on Sat, Jul 11, 2015 at 11:56:32 from 65.130.75.148

Conner That's so cool!!! Your high school career has been amazing, and it's great to top it off with something like that. Even though it was downhill, it's still impressive. I can't wait to watch you at byu.

Also, if you are ok with it could your family send me your mission emails at hedgesad@wsdstudent.net?

From Connor Baller on Sat, Jul 11, 2015 at 13:30:57 from 108.165.28.242

That's so sick dude, you didn't even feel that good the day before. Nice job

Total Distance
8.00

      Ran at practice with the team. I paced Ethan for his first two miles of tempo, then I saw C.Comp was struggling, so I paced him for the next two miles. After we cooled down. 

Total Distance
5.00

     5 miles. I had stomache ache, which made the run quite unenjoyable.

Total Distance
6.00

       6 miles. I felt pretty good. I may run more today or I may try to do another downhill mile tomorrow.

Total Distance
8.00

      8. Did a downhill mile with a warm up and then ran some more later.

Total Distance
10.00

       10 miles. I felt okay.

Total Distance
6.00

       4 miles attempting to run the Wellsvilles with Ethan, but it was way overgrown and made it just flat out miserable.  Then we heard something that sounded like a really loud growl close to us. Ethan thought it was a mountain lion, so he started running down pretty quick.  I went with him because I was tired of all the trees and brush surrounding the trail that made it impossible to run through. 2 miles later that night.

Total Distance
7.00

       7 miles I think.  We warmed up for a bit over a mile, then the team was doing 5 miles tempo, so I ran with Ethan.  He killed it today! I'm super excited to see what he does this season. We did about a mile cool down after.

       Also, out of the two downhill miles, we actually got a video of the second one. Ethan wanted to make it for his Youtube channel, so it's on there.  The link is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWu5fswN3Fo .  It was a fun run and the pace is a bit inaccurate, and the distance is about .05 or something off.  Anyway, I still don't consider myself a sub-4 guy until I do it on a track.  It was just something fun I wanted to do with some friends.

Comments
From Spencer Nelson on Mon, Jul 20, 2015 at 19:36:14 from 76.27.111.81

Wow! That is amazing to do, even down a hill! Goodluck on your mission conner! Excited to see you run in college after your mission!

From Hell Raiser on Mon, Jul 20, 2015 at 21:39:27 from 174.23.132.184

Hey good luck in Africa Conner. Thanks for being a role model to look up to.

From Shawn H on Wed, Jul 22, 2015 at 12:26:38 from 41.214.8.132

I loved your YouTube video, Conner. I'm in Africa myself right now--Dakar, Senegal. It's west and north off Ghana. Good luck on your mission. I will try to write to you once in awhile. Take care.

Total Distance
10.00

     This is my last post for the next two years.  I'm leaving to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the country of Ghana. After I return, I plan on attending and running for BYU.  I'm thankful for the opportunities that running has brought me. I've met so many wonderful people and been able to make many friends on my way. If any of you want to receive my weekly e-mails, either put your e-mail in the description or send me an e-mail on my mission e-mail at conner.mantz@myldsmail.net.

     While running has brought me much happiness and excitement, it is very small compared to the joy that the Gospel of Christ has brings to my life.  I've read The Book of Mormon, The Holy Bible, and The Doctorine and Covanents and I know those to be true books. I know that God loves and cares about each and every person.  He wants you to be happy.  Jesus Christ suffered for our sins, and through him we can be saved.  I have been blessed to have such a wonderful family, and they have helped me want to continue in running and to serve a mission. They did not push me into either of those decisions.  I decided to serve a mission, just like I decided to run cross country and track, no one else made the decision for me or pushed me into it, but I have been blessed to have my family's support in both those decisions. 

        Also, about the downhill mile, while I'm rambling, it was more of a fun thing that was just to see what would happen, it isn't very official.  Wish all of you luck on your running, health, and happiness.

-Conner

Comments
From Brayden Youngberg on Tue, Jul 21, 2015 at 18:38:09 from 76.27.4.46

Me and the rest of my team look up to you and can't wait to watch you run for BYU. You are a legend and inspiration to us all! Good luck on you mission and hope you touch the hearts of the people in Ghana! My email is braydenjyoungberg@gmail.com Thanks!!

From Rob Murphy on Tue, Jul 21, 2015 at 18:44:52 from 24.10.247.181

I'll look forward to your return Conner. Take care of yourself.

From Holt on Tue, Jul 21, 2015 at 19:05:03 from 67.2.238.21

Great post Conner. You are an inspiration to so many. Take care and best of luck!

From Addison Hedges on Tue, Jul 21, 2015 at 22:13:01 from 65.130.71.87

Conner, like Brayden said, you have been an inspiration and role model to me and our whole team. I loved watching you race. Meeting you at state and the sue Woodbury relays were some of the best days of my life haha. When you get back at go to to BYU, take my dad's religion class. He is professor Andrew Hedges. Thanks for being such a great role model to me.

Hedgesad@wsdstudent.net

From Jason D on Wed, Jul 22, 2015 at 00:02:08 from 68.80.27.222

The downhill mile was still very impressive as are your other accomplishments. I have no doubt there's much more to come. Take care.

From Eugene on Wed, Jul 22, 2015 at 18:24:45 from 173.240.45.184

Christ is true.

Nathan.Grindle@yahoo.com

From Glory in the long run on Sun, Oct 04, 2015 at 23:59:28 from 75.162.179.202

Christ indeed is true.

That's why I believe Him when He says, He who believes in Me has eternal life."

For myself I believe in Jesus. I have eternal life right now.

Total Distance
1352.72
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