C Mantz Running

      A mile warm up to Mack Park, then Stockton, Alex, Ethan, Trevor and I did beauty repeats(5).  After we ran back to Sky View, then did 4 more miles.  Alex had to leave after 3 because he's had foot problems in the past few weeks.  I did one more beauty repeat during the last 4 miles.  I felt good on the sprints and was able to keep up with Alex well enough.

      4 miles with strides. Average pace was probably too quick.  I went with Ethan, Stockton and Jordan Hunt.

     5 miles.  I ran with Ethan and Stockton. Coach had me do a tempo mile today, so I paced them for a sub-5 mile, which was a little quick, but not by too much.  We went out a little quick(33), but then got into pace before running quicker final lap. They both PR'ed with 4:49 and 4:50. Ethan Pr'ed by 7 seconds, and Stockton by 3 from last year.  Stockton has had it rough, so I was super happy for him.  He PR'ed here last year, then got anemia, then was in Vietnam in the summer and had little training, but he will be super good this year, same with Ethan too.

    About 3 miles with Alex and Trevor and 6 strides.  We ran on a trail by the trail and saw some navy seales(I think. Either that or some other army unit. The fence wouldn't let anyone close.) on the beach training. It was pretty cool. 

     2 miles and strides. I ran with Josh for the first two miles of the course, then he kept going, so I  just relaxed and got strides in.  It was way muddy and wet.  I was sliding everywhere in the strides. 

      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.