Kind of a sucky race. Honestly I really wasn't quite physically ready, this has just been a weird season of training. I thought a lot about the meet in the few days leading up to it, and I really thought I was mentally prepared. But I just didn't run smart and I think I gave up mentally about halfway in.
We went out too fast for starters. 6:03, although I was sub-6 at conference last year and that worked out really well (19:31). But last year wasn't such a hilly course, and I don't think I anticipated how tired I would get later on in the race from the hills. Came through the 2 mile almost a minute slower, at 13 flat. Just kepts getting worse. I was cramping and just really fatigued. I knew I wasn't running well but had little motivation to change that. I don't know. :( finished in 20:52, 55th. I was 56th last year so I guess considering it was a really slow course for everyone, I didn't technically get worse competitively.
I think the low mileage this season was really difficult for me. I thrive with higher mileage and if nothing else, I have a hard time mentally feeling strong while only doing 45-50 miles a week. I don't feel like I have an edge. Because I already know I'm not fast, but I usually have confidence in the fact that I may have more endurance than a lot of people because my mileage is probably higher than theirs (if it is like 60-65). I think I at least need mileage mentally, but I also think it would of course help me physically. I talked to Bomar about it today and I think he'll make some changes for me in my training schedule for indoor. I'm excited about a good winter of training!
On the upside, we beat some teams this year! 8th out of 10 is better than last, like last year. I'll take it. We have a lot of work to do but I'm excited about where we are going as a team.
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