AM: Got up a bit late this morning and went for my usual 10 mile run. I forgot to turn on my Garmin for a portion of the run, and it turned out to be exactly 3 miles of it. Luckily I have run this loop more times than I can count and don't need my Garmin to know when and where I hit 10.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/215381374 

I may or may not  go for a run later.... 

AM: This morning I went on 3.5 miles on my own.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/215908186

PM: Today we had a speed workout at the track. We were split into guys and girls, which was weird too. The guys went up to Sunnyside Park and did a warm up lap around and back to the track, followed by a mile of speed changes. Then we were told the workout. One timed mile, then 2X800, then 4X400. I was to hit between 5:10-5:15 for the mile, 2:25 for the 8's, and 70's for the 4's. I ended up hitting 5:11, 2:24, 2:23, 67, 68, 68, 67.  It was a hot day so I was drinking a lot of water but overall I handled it well. I hit all my times or faster and I didn't feel as bad as I usually do after fast speed. We had two laps recovery after the mile, then a lap recovery after the 800's, and standing for the 400's. Afterwards I got about 3 and a quarter miles cool down and got to 10 miles for the afternoon.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/215908183 

AM: First morning practice of the season! We ran over to Sugarhouse Park and met at the base of the state hill. The lead group was doing 6 hills. I ran them all within 3 seconds of each other so they were consistent and even effort. Afterwards we ran back and then had some breakfast courtesy of the Coblers. Thanks Bill!\

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/216287006

PM: Race tomorrow so the workout today was our usual day before race routine. Two miles warm up, two miles speed changes, then two miles cool down. Afterwards we took the first ice bath of the season! We managed to cram six people in that tub... Then later we had a team dinner at Olivia's!

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/216286999 

AM: Went on 3.5 miles on my own this morning. Had to push the pace a little because I woke up a little late...

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/216646691 

PM: Pre-region today. We got over to Cottonwood Complex and after I helped Bill set up the finish chute I started on my shakeout run. I stopped for water periodically, and I had been drinking water and Gatorade constantly the whole day to make sure I wasn't too dehydrated for the race. I could tell that it helped, but I was still dehydrated mid race and afterwards. It was just SO hot today. Racing in 95+ degree weather is not my fav. Either way my goal for today was just to be up with the lead pack and ultimately win. 

I got 4.5 miles warm up including strides at the line. Once on the line, the official made me take off my Garmin >:( so I had to race with no watch at all. Consequently, so splits. But I really wasn't concerned with times anyway. 

We started out surprisingly slow, I thought. I guess I am just used to bigger races with more guys, but it did seem that the group went out conservatively, something unusual for the guys in the region. I was in the front right off the line, and was leading pretty much the entire way. After the pace got settled, on our first time down Bessie, two Clearfield guys surged ahead of me and ran together right in front of me. I was honestly a bit relieved at that point because I didn't want to have to lead the entire race, although I know how those guys race and they would slow down soon. I was right. Right off Bessie going towards the triple trunk tree, they slowed down a little too much so I passed both of them, and I heard guys going with me. Anyway, long story short, there was no real movement after that. I gapped the guys by maybe 10-15 meters and then I settled a bit. It is hard to constantly push yourself by yourself, and especially in the heat. Going along the fence towards Bessie for the final time, I could hear Bill from around the corner yelling for me to pick it up along Bessie. I did  that and opened up the gap to about 30 meters. I finished with whatever kick I could muster up and I heard them call out 16:43. 

I am happy with the win, but I definitely did not push as hard as at the Highland Invite, and my time shows it. But it was a really hot day today and there was a lot less competition here. Plus, it is only pre-region. I finished with about 5-6 seconds on the next guy. Afterwards I did a 2 mile cool down along 1300 E with Chris, where the bus stopped and picked us up on it's way back to East. That leaves me at 13 for the day. Now to put in a couple of higher mileage days because to my surprise I am going to 90!

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/216646686

(just the warm up) 

AM; Five in the morning before school.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/217113157

PM: Bill is on vacation so today Emily told us our run. We did a new loop. We went down 900 S to Liberty, then ran around the outside perimeter of the park until the drinking fountain corner, where we turned down 700 E to 2100 S, then up to Sugarhouse park and around the outside perimeter of the park, then up 2100 S to 2100 E, along that to Foothill, then along the VA loop, one lap in the cemetery, then back to the track. Pretty slow pace but Abigail and Sarah where able to stay with Chris and I.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/217113145 

AM: I love being a senior! I had my schedule changed and now I don't have a first or second period every other day :D So I rolled out of bed at 8 am and went for a run:) I got in a longer run because of the time I have and I need the mileage. Ah, now I am refreshed and ready for the day!!

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/217113122 

PM:  Bill is still on vacation, so Emily was there to help with out workout. We did a lap up to and around Sunnyside for warm up, then gathered at the white tree. The workout today would be 6X800. We were doing them on our usual 800 meter route around the fields at the park. Our goal time was to be the times we were hitting during speed on Monday, so I set my goal time to be 2:25-2:30ish. On the first one I hit 2:24 and was not surprised. I usually run the first one just under pace, so the rest I assumed I would have in the exact goal pace. The next one, I settled into a pace I was sure would be 2:25 or perhaps a bit slower, and I hit 2:29. That was slower than I expected and wanted, but whatever. The next I focused a little more on the uphills on the 800, to make sure I was consistent. To my surprise I went 2:31. Well that was unacceptable. I HATE missing my times, especially when they aren't even fast ones like these. So I got mad and wanted to shred the next one but I knew I would overcompensate, so instead of focusing on the uphill, I focused on the downhill. I focused on quick turnover on the slight downhill of the soccer field and along the outer fence, and that did the trick. I really didn't push harder than the other three, but I came in at 2:19. Since I have been having trouble finding the right pace, I figured I would just run them all at 2:20 or faster. The next one was 2:20 and I pushed the last one and came in at 2:16. Then Chris and I went for 3.7 miles cool down to get 10 for the afternoon. 

 I think it's funny how no matter how well you think you know running or how accustomed you are to something, it can always change. Now I can say I learned something about myself and about speed workouts.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/217510339 

AM: I needed 8 miles to finish out the week so I got up and did just that. I had a solid average considering that I was not focused on pace at all. Afterwards I felt great, like I was ready to start the day!

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/217510315