You've got to want it to win it

Today I went for an easy run with Andrea and Nikki R.  We just ran along Foothill.  They turned around at 20 minutes but I kept going until almost 3 and a half miles; I decided to turn at Thunderbird since the road was turning into the freeway shortly after.  When I got back to campus I did my strides and drills by HPER and the pool.

Today I did a pre-meet with Andrea.  We ran out on Foothill just past the library and back.  Then we did a few strides and drills between HPER and the pool.  Then I did a few laps around HPER until I was at 4.  Then Andrea and I took an ice bath for 15 minutes!  BrrrRRr!!!!  But I feel ready for tomorrow :)  I still haven't decided what I'm racing Saturday though...

Today after arriving in Pocatello, we had some down time before heading to the arena.  I was on the distance medley relay team with Nikki D., Andrea, and Steph.  We got to the arena about 2 hours before our event, and with about an hour before I did a warmup with Andrea.  We did a big loop around the block the arena was on and then Andrea came with me part way on a second loop before turning around, and I just finished the second loop.  Then I went in and joined the other girls in drills and strides, and then practiced handoffs.  Nikki was starting us off with a 1200, then Steph had the 400, followed by Andrea in the 800, and I was the anchor with the 1600.  Finally the relay started, and Nikki held on to the pack and battled with the other 3 teams, bringing us the baton in a close 3rd if I remember correctly.  Steph took off with it and secured 3rd for us, really opening up on the 4th place team.  ISU had really gapped everyone but 2nd, 3rd, and 4th weren't that far from each other.  When Andrea got the baton, she was able to bring us up to second and gain some distance on the 3rd team.  When I got the baton, ISU had been given about a 100 meter lead.  I started off way too fast, which is just how relays are, with a 33 for the first 200!  I could see that I was closing on the ISU girl though, but knew I needed to hold back and slowly creep up on her in order to overtake the lead.  Gradually I kept getting closer and I could definitely tell that I was gaining ground.  Finally with 200 to go I caught up to her and took off and broke away hard.  Our team won and when I finished I saw that I had gapped the ISU girl by quite a bit!  Kep said that my split was about a 5:04 with a 2:27 and a 2:37 for the 800 splits, so not too even but still not bad.  Our team won t-shirts for the event which was pretty cool :)  Afterwards I went outside for a cooldown of a lap around the block and then about half lap, a total of about 2 miles.  When I went back in I joined Nikki and Andrea watching Klaudia, our pole vaulter, finish up her event before we all went to dinner.

Today I decided that I was going to race the 3000, not the mile.  Kep said this was fine since I had run a fast mile last night.  AuraLea made it into the invitational so she was able to warm up with me :)  We stayed pretty flat, we went out on a flat street north of the arena and just followed it until AuraLea wanted to turn, then I just went back with her.  Then I did a lap around the building of the arena to get a few more minutes warmup in.  My lower back was hurting pretty bad during the warmup, I think because of the wooden track, so when I went inside I got some advil from Hanah.  Then I took my Gu and grabbed my shoes and water bottle before heading down to do strides and drills with AuraLea.  We still had about a half hour before our race so I just stretched for a bit between strides and then as the race got closer I threw in more strides.  I tried to keep them down to more of the pace I would be running in the actual race, especially I haven't really practiced the pace this week.  Also I cheered for Ben in his race which was right before mine because he had made it into the invitational as well.  I got to start up on the higher part of the track and cut in after the first 50 meters.  When the race started, I stuck with the girl who had the first seed because she only was listed at 3 seconds faster than my time last week.  It was a bit fast starting, coming through the first 200 in 36 and then 400 in 76, but I was determined to hang onto her as long as I could.  The second 400 was in 79, but I still was hanging onto the lead girl.  Then Laken from Weber (she beat me in the mile last week) caught up to us and then I lost contact with the first girl and was just trying to stick with Laken, though eventually she broke away.  with 1200 to go I told myself I was going to close the gap, and I could see that I was gaining on her.  Through the last 1000 I still worked to close on her but wasn't gaining very much.  I ended up finishing 3rd in 10:07 but it wasn't a bad race.  Afterwards I went for a cooldown with AuraLea.  We just stayed around the block so that I could be close if my back flared up again.  After a lap she went back in so she could say goodbye to her parents, and then I just did another partial loop like I had done yesterday.  When I got back inside I made 2 ice bags and had Hanah wrap them to my back and I kept them on for 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after arriving home from the race my stomach was hurting really bad and I ended up in the ER.  I went through 3 IV bags; I must have been really dehydrated and not really realized it.  The doctor thinks that maybe after my race, the blood flow did not return to some of my organs as it should have.  Not sure what is going on but I've really got to work on drinking more water throughout the day!

After resting and drinking water all day yesterday, I still wasn't feeling fully recovered today.  So after talking to Hanah and Kep, I went to the gym and did 30 minutes on the elliptical.  I felt alright during, but pretty fatigued afterwards, though I'm thinking that maybe because I had a short cooldown Saturday that may have been why.  Depending on how I feel later tonight will determine if I go lifting or running tomorrow.

Last night I was feeling pretty good so I went to weights this morning!  After class I went to the gym and ran 5 miles on the treadmill so I could see how that was and be able to stop at any time if I needed to.  I started it slow and gradually worked up the pace.  I felt fine, just a little pain at first and then at about 2 miles I considered stopping, but I ran through it and then felt great the rest of the run.

Today I got to do a workout!  We were fortunate enough to have good enough weather that didn't force us to go to the oval which was nice!  We did the usual warmup above the track and back and then our strides and drills.  Then I found out I was doing my workout alone since I am doing the 5k this weekend but the other girls are in different events.  I had a choice of 800s or 1000s.  I decided to start with an 800 to see how I felt and then maybe move up to 1000, but after hitting a 2:39 for the first one (I started way too fast... still used to last week's stuff) I decided to stick with 800s.  The second one I hit 2:44, then 2:47, and finally 2:45.  I took a lap recovery after each.  The last 100 of each was hard too because it was straight into the wind, but I just decided to keep running them that way anyway.  After those, I did four 400s each with a lap recovery.  My times were 1:21, 1:19, 1:22, 1:23.  Then I stayed at the track and did 4 laps cooldown.  I felt great during the workout, mostly I just struggled with pace and having to do it by myself.  But still it wasn't a bad day, and I'm hoping the 5k goes well Friday!

Today I went for a run with Nikki R. and Lauren.  Lauren was doing a workout by herself so Nikki and I warmed up with her up to Wasatch where she'd be doing threshold.  We ran there on Foothill and then through the golf course.  I was doing short today since I'm racing tomorrow, and right when we got to Wasatch out of the golf course we were at 2 miles so I turned around and headed back the same way.  Then I did 8 strides plus some to get to 5 miles, then my drills.  Definitely feeling recovered from last Saturday, hopefully my race tomorrow goes well!

I got to race my first 5k indoor today!  And its my first time in Seattle!  I warmed up around the block where the Dempsey track was.  I got about 2 and a half miles.  As I was just on the other side of the building from where I would need to enter, it started pouring and I got drenched just running over to the door!  Fortunately I had my rain gear though so it wasn't bad.  I went inside for a minute to see where the meet was at, and then I went back out for some strides and drills.  I felt great during the strides so I hoped that I'd be able to run the pace I needed to in the race and feel relaxed.  After going back inside, I put on my spikes and then went to the outer lanes for a few more strides and drills.  Also I got to cheer for AuraLea in her heat, which was right before mine.  When hers ended, I went to the start with the other girls in my heat.  I was number 15, and I was on the outside right by the wall, but the official said if I wanted I could go behind into lane 1, so that's what I did.  When the race started I think that was a good choice because it made it impossible for me to go out too fast.  The first few laps everyone was in a big pack so I just stayed with them.  I was pretty far back but I wasn't worried about moving up yet, also I would have had to go out pretty wide to be able to move up.  When other girls moved out I moved up into their spots, but sometimes other girls would cut me off and it was very chaotic.  Still I didn't worry, and gradually some girls would begin to fall back.  We came through the mile at some time between 5:22-5:26 and I was feeling great.  More people began to fall back then.  There were 2 girls in green and a girl in brown and yellow with a horse on her uniform that I kept my eye on.  When the girl with the horse would pass people, I was right behind her.  We came through the second mile around the 10:50s I think, and around her I was in 8th and the pack was broken and there was just a long string of girls in front of me.  I kept picking them off, one by one, and then I passed the girl with the horse on her jersey and got into 3rd!  The girls in first and second were pretty spread out from each other and me, but there were times I definitely could tell I was gaining on 2nd.  Each of the last few laps I reminded myself how much I had left so when I could raise the effort level and catch them.  On the last lap I began kicking it in and just after the first curve I caught the second girl, and then going around and out of the second curve I caught the first girl and then I just pushed as hard as I could to stay ahead of her and I did!!!  And I got a PR!!!!!!! :) :) :)  I and the coaches were really happy with my race :)  And my aunt had come with some of her friends so it was nice having them there too :)  Afterwards I put on my rain gear and then went outside for 3 miles cooldown.  I did 2 laps around the sports areas like I had before and then a little extra to get to a full 3.  I am in the 3k tomorrow but I still don't know if I am going to race it.  For now I am going to treat the day like I am, and we'll see how I feel tomorrow.

Today I decided not to race and instead enjoy some of the trails by UW campus.  I left the track and went across the bridge, and then down the stairs right by the water.  I ran along some boardwalk and marshy trails, and after about 2 miles came to the Washington Park Arboretum.  I ran around some trails there, did a lot of loops, and just explored it.  Eventually I took a path that led me to a paved road, and I followed it out to the street and then turned around and ran the pavement to the other side and then realized I was back to where I had entered but just not on the trail I had come by on.  I knew I'd still need a few miles if I headed back to campus then so I went back into the park and explored a few more of the trails.  When I felt I had seen the same area quite a few times I decided to head back.  As I was getting back to the stairs, there was a loud horn and then the bridge closed temporarily so that a boat could go underneath it.  It was kind of neat getting to see it, though at first I panicked for a moment thinking that I wouldn't be able to cross back to campus!  I finished 10 with a large loop around some of the athletic buildings.  I'm glad I took the time today to go on a nice, long, easy effort run :)

Today for the run we actually had a big group!  We decided to do the zoo loop :)  We started out on Foothill and then went up Sunnyside.  Up on Wasatch after about 25 minutes, everyone turned around except for AuraLea and me.  We kept going until we were at 4.5 miles which was just a little bit before Thunderbird.  We headed back on Wasatch and then cut down to Foothill at 1300s.  Then we ran back on Foothill and did our strides around Huntsman until we were at 9 miles for the day, then finished with drills.  

Today we had a workout at the oval.  Even though it wasn't that cold, I'm glad we went out because it was a bit windy today.  When we got there we started with the usual warmup out and back on the road and then our strides and drills on the track.  Then we changed shoes and headed over to the start line for 300s.  The workout was 4 sets of three 300s with 100 recovery, and 400 recovery between each set.  We were supposed to hit under a minute for each of them.  I was with AuraLea, Kate, and Lauren.  AuraLea and I took turns leading.  We hit 58, 61, 60, 61, 59, 58, 58, 58, 57, 59, 58, 58 (if I remember correctly... the times for the first half I know are right).  The pace felt good so the workout went by quick which was nice.  Afterwards I did 8 laps cooldown going the opposite direction to be nice to my hips.  

Today I went running with Hilary, AuraLea, Nikki R., and Andrea.  We wanted to get away from our usual run locations so we took our Trax passes so we could use them to come back.  We started down Guardsman and then went along 1500e.  Then we took Harvard down to 1300e, which we took to Browning.  It is really steep there just coming off of 13th, so we walked backwards down the worst of it.  Then on 1100e we ran to 1700s, which we took to 700e and then over to Liberty.  We started a backwards lap, then Nikki and Andrea split, but I kept going with AuraLea and Hil back towards the drinking fountain and then we ran through the middle of the park to exit, and we hit 7 miles just before we got to the Trax station at Trolley.  

Today we had a larger group for the run again!  We started out on Foothill, and were together up until 2300e where Lauren and I turned.  We ran out to 2100s and down, then at 2100e Lauren headed back to campus but I kept going down until 1300e.  Then I ran back to 500s and up campus back to HPER.  My goal was to do 9 miles today but I needed a quarter mile to get to 8 so I just stopped at 8.  I saw Cassie before I went inside so I stopped and talked to her for a bit before going in.

Today we had a speed workout at the track.  We started with the usual warmup up on the road above the track and then across North Campus Drive to Federal Heights Drive, and then back down and to the track.  We did our drills and strides, and then changed shoes.  The workout was three 1000s at threshold pace with 45 seconds recovery, then five 200s with 200 recovery, followed by a progressive 2000 where we were supposed to drop 4 seconds for each 400.  I was with AuraLea, and we took turns leading each of the sets.  On the 1000s we hit 3:56, 3:55, 3:55, then 38, 38, 39, 39, 39 for the 200s.  The 2000 wasn't bad, the splits at each lap were 1:33, 3:05, 4:32, 5:59, and 7:18 so for the most part we hit our splits, or else we compensated for not making them.  After that I took a lap recovery and then changed shoes and cooled down at the track doing backwards laps with Nikki R. and then Hilary.

This morning I took my iPod and went for a run.  I ran to Sugarhouse, did 3 laps on the outside and one on the inside, and ran back home.  There was some event going on because when I got to 1500e there were a lot of people running on the other side of the street, I was glad I had my iPod since it was kind of awkward running past everyone... And at the park too, there were a lot of people.  My average pace was 7:40.

I started the week off with a nice 10 miler out on the Jordan River Parkway Trail.  I picked up Nikki R. and Sarah S. and drove out to meet Tomy, Bill, and Chris.  We went out 5 and back, the wind was going north so we had to run into it the whole way back but at least we were warmed up by that point.  It was nice and muddy in several spots along the trail :)

Today for workout we all got ready to go to the oval, and then were waiting outside for a few minutes to find out which vans we would be taking, but then found out we were actually staying on campus at the track for workout.  So we had to go back in to change and drop off out stuff that wasn't shoes, and then we got going on our usual warmup.  After strides and drills I changed shoes and then we got excited for the workout that actually was different from the one that was originally posted on the calendar which had some fast paces up!  We started with two 200s with 200 jog, we hit 38 and 37, then one 1000 which we did in 3:32, followed by five 400s and three more 200s.  200 recovery after everything.  The times for the 400s were 1:16, 1:19, 1:20, 1:19, 1:21.  Then 39, 40, 39 for the 200s.  Then we did 6 laps in the opposite direction on the track for cooldown.

Today was t-shirt and shorts weather!  For the run we ran out on 1500e to 2100s and back, then went up to the track to do 7 strides.  Then AuraLea ran around Huntsman with me to get to a full 7.  Travelling to Seattle tomorrow!

This afternoon in Seattle, I went for a short run with Andrea, Amanda, Alyssa, and Lucy.  We went out on some trails by the Dempsey indoor, and then followed a path that took us to a street with some houses that we admired as we ran by.  Then we ran back to the stadium and did out strides and other fun stuff to prep for the meet.  I'm racing the 5k tomorrow night and most likely the 3k as well Saturday afternoon.  

This afternoon about an hour before my race, Andrea did my warmup with me for her premeet since she is racing tomorrow.  We went out on the trail we were on yesterday and then turned around at a mile and a half and went back to the arena.  Then I went and got my spikes and dropped off my sweats and went over to the track to put them on and do a few strides.  I was seed 7 from my time last week, so I had a decent spot on the starting line.  When the gun went off, I elbowed myself into position ahead of the 2 girls next to me and settled into the pack.  Andrea was getting the splits for each lap; Kep had told me that if I could hold 62-63s then I could get a PR.  The first lap was a 68, and at 400 we were at 84.  So many coaches were yelling "too slow" but the pack already knew that, and at the 800 we overcompensated and were at 2:41.  After that I think we were pretty consistent though.  By 1200 Kep told me I needed to stay with the pack I was with, so I did.  I recognized Julia from Footlocker who runs for Stanford now so I decided to stick with her since I had raced against her a few times last year.  The next few laps I was passing the girls in the pack back and forth.  When there was a mile left in the race I was finally able to catch up to and pass some of the girls that were strung out ahead who must have fallen off the lead pack which took off at the beginning.  With a few laps left I think Kep was telling me that I was in 8th and I was surprised I was that much up but it helped me push to keep catching people.  Looking at my splits afterwards I was surprised to see that this was my slowest 1000 split, but I guess I was just able to hold on better than the girls who I caught.  The last lap I kicked it hard and was running in fear because UW had a large cheering section and I had just passed one of their girls before the last lap.  No one came into contact and I ended up finishing 6th and getting a new PR :)  I was really happy after my race :)  Afterwards I changed shoes and grabbed my iPod and went outside for a 3 mile cooldown around campus.  Towards the end my legs were feeling great and it got me excited to race tomorrow :)  Later back at the hotel I took a 15 minute ice bath.

This afternoon I wasn't sure when to warmup for my race which was at 1:45 because the meet was about 15 minutes behind schedule.  I had been planning on going at 12:45 but I waited about 10 minutes and then went.  I did 3 miles around campus before heading back into the arena.  It looked like the meet was back on schedule at that point so I didn't really have time to do strides and drills before my race other than right before lining up... But I wasn't going to let that keep me from having a bad race, I was just going to run.  I was 9th seed between some Colorado girls, and when the race went out I elbowed my way in front of the one on the right but just had to tuck in behind the one on the left.  A little after 100 meters into the race a girl just in front of me to the left fell and the girl to my left swore when she realized the girl was falling and that she'd have to move around her somehow...  The first 400 was 78, right on the pace that Kep told me would get me a PR.  The second and third laps I was about to hit 78 and 78 again, though I was at the back of the pack and I was pretty sure I was dead last but then I could hear someone behind me!  Still I just waited patiently for the pack to break up as girls would fall off the pace.  I came through the mile at 5:18 and then I just kept picking off girls the rest of the race.  Finally with I think 2 laps to go I knew I was gaining, and Kep yelled to me that I was going faster than them which gave me extra motivation.  When I came to the point where I was sure it was about 400 to go I told myself I needed to kick all out then and that it would be ok, but I couldn't get myself to move yet.  Even coming up on a lap to go I still wasn't ready to make my body go.  On the far straightaway I caught up to and passed half of the pack which had broken up and strung out, and coming out of the final turn I swung wide to try and get around more, I think I caught one, and I finished 6th in the heat and had a new PR!  I wasn't too excited about my race afterwards, but I wasn't disappointed either.  I'm glad I got a new PR, but I know I could have kicked harder and should have but just couldn't make my body respond even though mentally I was ready.  Kep told me that my last 600 was a 1:50 so I know I was going quick anyway.  He said at workouts I'll be able to do a little bit quicker stuff since yesterday and today I proved I can handle what I've been doing.  For cooldown I went out a mile and a half on the trail I did Thursday for premeet.  My legs feel great even after both races, I made sure to stretch well after I finished my cooldown.  I just need to get rehydrated and get some food in me, and the next few weeks I'm looking forward to some great training time in preparation for outdoor.  Later tonight I plan to do another ice bath and as usual I'm taking Sunday off.  

Today I went for a run with the team.  We started out on Foothill since the people who are coming back from injury needed somewhere flat.  At 1300s I took my long sleeve off since it was too warm and tied it like a cape, that caught a lot of attention the rest of my run!  Lauren, Nikki, Hilary, Andrea and I went out to 2100s and down, they stayed with me until 1900e where they turned to go back but since I needed 10 I kept going.  I went to Sugarhouse and did a lap going counterclockwise, then I left the park at 1700e and went back up to 1900e which I took all the way back to Sunnyside.  Then I did a lap and a half at Sunnyside Park since I knew I'd be short some mileage if I went straight back to campus, and I hit 10 miles just coming into the parking lot by EHPER.  My calves are sore from racing but I only notice going down stairs or up hills.  My hamstrings are also a little sore, so I'll just take care of my legs these next few days and do what I need to let them recover.

Today I went running with Andrea while the other girls did a hill workout.  We ran to the hills with them though.  We took Trax down to Trolley, and then headed north into the snow and wind towards the Avenues!  After leaving the other girls at 2nd Ave. and J Street, Andrea weaved our way through the Avenues a little more just staying where it was flat.  While we were running here, a miracle happened and it stopped snowing!  Actually its just Utah weather but still it made the run a whole lot nicer!  Eventually we got to South Temple and then went south on 1000e.  We had a scenic route of some creepy looking houses... When we got to 400s we cut down to 900e and then went over to 900s and down to Liberty.  Andrea headed back to the Trax station when we got to 600e, but I stayed and did 2 laps around the wood chips before heading back to Trax.  The run today took me 74 minutes; yesterday I did 76 minutes and another mile haha but today Andrea and I were both still very sore so just took it at a very comfortable pace.

Today we went for a run out into the wind on Foothill.  Bekah and I did the Albertson's loop but the other girls kept going on Foothill.  When I got down to 2100e and headed back towards campus I had to shed a layer since now I had the wind to my back and it wasn't so cold anymore!  After I finished I went to the training room and stretched and rolled out for a while since I'm still a bit sore from last weekend.  Also I tried the foam roller between my shoulder blades because they kill after yesterday's lifting workout!  The rolling didn't last for more than 2 seconds because the pain was so bad!  Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day...