C Mantz Running

       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

      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.

     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.

      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.

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

       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!