Hey Flrunners! Season is well under way and there have been some big meets and fast times. I always enjoy following everyone across the state in all events!
Last weekend the team and I competed at the USF track meet. I have always enjoyed this meet due to the competition and great facilities that aren’t too too far from home. The challenge of this meet is to stay out of the sun and keep hydrated, as it is a really long meet! I competed in the 4x800 relay in the morning and was the anchor for a change. I usually run third leg to make up any lost ground or hold the lead, but we decided to change it up a bit. We ended up fourth with 10:01, so close to breaking that ten minute barrier. I am very confident that we will break it in the upcoming meets. We have a young, yet strong relay that is improving each and every day.
I then left the USF campus to get some lunch and rest as I was preparing for three more races that afternoon. My coach decided that I should try to quadruple at this meet, something that is new this season. I was very anxious and nervous about this, so getting some down time before was needed. A few distance girls and guys went to Panera and we spent many hours there eating and having fun. Add in a smoothie from Planet Smoothie and you are ready to go for the remainder of the meet!
My next focus was the 1600. I knew there was going to be competition, so I had the plan of not going out too hard and sit back a little bit. After a 75 first lap, I knew I had to maintain that pace or pick it up a little. I ended up even splitting the next two laps and negative split the last lap to land on 5 flat. Soooo close haha. I had the intentions of getting as close to five or just under, so I was excited about that, but definitely not satisfied. It gives me confidence for the upcoming meets though!
I then raced the 800 and unfortunately did not get such a great start. I was almost last for the first lap, forcing me to move up and try to get as close to Rachel as possible. She took it out really strong and ran a terrific race! I was able to close the gap, and just missed first by a few tenths of a second. I look at every race as a success if I can take something away from it, so I was happy.
Finally, I got to race the 4x400 relay. This is always a fun race for me because it allows me to test my speed and work with a different relay team. We ran a season best of 4:11, and I see great potential in the team!
This week, I got the opportunity to do something a little different. I was able to work with the Red Sox staff at two of their baseball games! I helped with the manual scoreboard, which kept me active and a part of the game. I also helped distribute the prizes at each inning to random winners. It was a very cool experience that I hope to do again next Spring Training season when I am in town.
This weekend I am going to FSU. This has been a much-anticipated meet for me, as it is one of my favorites. Best of luck to all that are competing this weekend.
