Warmed up with Josh, then some on my own. After I got my strides in and then got to the line. I feel like I've forgotten how to race. I just can't remember how a race feels, and it was strange being in a race this past week, but I am still very greatful for the chance to be back running and even making it to nationals is a blessing. I started on the outside, which I liked. I got out well, probably 25th around the 200 mark. I moved up a bit, but then on the slight uphill I got passed. I was about 2:22 at 800m, which was where I wanted to be. I started moving up about here and pretty soon I was in the top 20 and was getting within a small sprint to that top group. Then, we went around a tight turn about 1300m in, and I stepped on a cone and slipped. It was so packed, someone caught my foot and I fell on my hands and knees. I yelled shiz(pretty sure here everyone learned I was Mormon) and got up(later I learned a northeast guy jumped over me. That would have been sweet to see).
I came across the mile at 4:52, and it felt good. I stayed alright on the hill and ran hard on the downhill, passing a bunch of people. I just tried to slowly real in the top pack. I had originally planned on leading the race, but never got near the front. At halfway I passed Matt Maton, and saw the West was losing to the midwest. That can't happen I told myself, so I kept the drive going. I was within 5 seconds(I was at 9:52) of the lead pack at 2 miles, but was not mentally ready to dig deep. I pushed and passed Josh and a midwest kid, but then I slowed down on the turn I slipped to be very careful, and they had a 8 meter lead on me. I saw the Midwest kid get really aggressive with Josh, which was weird because there was tons of room. I passed Josh on the hill, and the other kid on the downhill. I was in tenth, and then I tried to pass Thomas Pollard on the inside, and bumped into him. I am good friends with Thomas and I feel really bad about it. He told me after it didn't affect him, but I still should've given him room. Then, with 200m left Trevor Reinhart threw in a kick and passed me. I should've gone with him, but I didn't think I could catch anyone, so I kinda hit a cruise speed and finished strong enough to not get passed. He ended up passing 2 other guys. I should've ran with him.
Considering everything, I'm happy with this result. I will work harder and hopefully be in better shape this track season. It'll be a tough process, but I would love to get under 4 in the mile or make that USA Junior team for the World Junior Championships for cross country. I cooled down with Josh and John, then Josh left, so John and I kept going. Turns out he got tripped up too, but it was at a worse time, poor guy, but he's strong and he'll come back from it. Then John, Grant, Trevor, Levi, and a few other guys ran a few miles on the beach.
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