You've got to want it to win it

This morning we drove to Sugarhouse for practice.  We were supposed to run the first mile together and then could go in groups.  I ended up running with Jocelyn and Sarah.  We did 4 laps around the perimeter and then a little extra to get to 8.  Then we did our cooldown strides and drills before going back to campus for weights.  It was kind of nice to have everything together, though driving time to and from the park was lame, and some of the transitions between exercises in weights took longer than they should have.  It was nice to have everyone together today, but it is also nice to have smaller groups like we have been. 

Today we had a workout at Sunnyside Park. We warmed up to the park and then did our usual strides and drills. The workout was 3 sets of 400 400 800 with 1 minute, 2 minute, and then 4 minute rest. The idea was to go goal race pace at the end of season. For my group that was 81-82 for the 4s and 2:45 on the 8s. The first set I struggled to find a good rhythm, so my times were 85, 84, 2:57. The next set felt better and I was able to hit 82, 81, 2:49. On the last set I felt tired towards the end but still managed to run 82, 82, 2:54. It was nice to be in a big group so that we could help each other out when we got tired. Hannah looked really strong throughout, as well as Shaylen for the sets she was with us on. I ended up doing a longer cooldown to get my miles in for the day but met everyone back at campus outside the Sorensen for GS.

The 11am group lost a few more members as Andrea and Kenzie switched to the 2pm group. But I had a nice run with Shaylen and Sadie. We did the first mile on the track and then did the Albertson's loop' since coach said we had to run somewhere flat. Finished with strides outside the Sorensen and then instead of a lift did a long foam roll and stretch.

This afternoon we drove to Sugarhouse Park for a longer pre-meet today since the only people who are really racing tomorrow are Nikki and the freshmen. As usual we did the first mile together before we were allowed to separate off into groups. Jocelyn broke off the group with me again, and it was really nice to chat. After 3 laps we ran to 1300e and back up to finish with 7 miles before doing strides. I did drills and then stretched before heading back to campus. I can't believe tomorrow is my last local cross country meet! After 9 years! Wow.

I had some nice sister time with Abigail today :) At the park I warmed up 2 miles with my team and then we did our strides and drills. We changed shoes and headed to the line for strides. The "workout" plan today was to run the first 2k as a group and hit between 3:40-3:45 on the ks. Then we could run the last 2k as a race and see where we could get. Going out I felt that the pace was kinda fast, even for our team and trying to hit the pace our coaches wanted. So I was towards the back, though there were a few other girls on our team that were towards the back with me. Coming off of the first field and down the hill, I heard coach Mack calling times and I was at about 3:44 for the k. So I was still in the time range the coaches wanted. The next part of the course was 2 lower loops, each about 1k. Going out on the first part there was a homeless guy walking on the course. That was a little weird. I passed a few teammates as we went around the curve and I encouraged them to pack up and come with me but they must have been tired because no one came with me. At the 2k my time was 7:36-37 so it was a little slower than the first. But from there it was ok for me to pick it up, and I started to pick people off and kept it up the rest of the time. Going up the hill again I passed 2 Boise girls and then at the top of the hill I passed Jocelyn and Jess. Up ahead of me were another Boise girl and Nikki in the lead. At this point I started to feel like I might puke, but I knew I was so close to being done and that I needed to keep pushing. With probably just over 400 left I caught the Boise girl and I could see that I was closing distance on Nikki. I kept pushing but the final straightaway was longer than I thought when I turned the final corner. Mentally I might have let up a bit as well knowing that Nikki was ahead of me because I know her reputation in track. I finished 15:15.4, second overall but first collegiate since Nikki is done. I cooled down to get to 5 miles total.

Long run in Park City this morning. We started at the Smiths parking lot because it is closer to the part of the trail where it becomes dirt. Since the dirt part is enclosed completely in the middle anyway I'm not sure if it made a difference but whatever. I ran out with Sarah and Hannah until they took off, and ran a mile with them after turning around but after that was on my own. 7:28 average pace.