This past weekend I raced at the Flrunners Invitational. I always look forward to this race because it is super fun. I was really hoping to win and break 18. I knew the course would be pretty fast if it wasn't wet. When I got there Saturday things looked pretty promising. The course was pretty dry. I knew that Hannah Brookover and Shelby Smith would be there. It's always great to race them because they are also in 1A.
The race started out fast as usual. I couldn't get in a good position and felt really tired from the start. My legs seemed really heavy and I knew by the first mile that I was off pace. I came across at 5:50. I wasn't sure who the first two runners were, but figured that they would fall off the pace. They didn't. I wasn't even sure what place I was in, but I wasn't happy with it. I ended up finishing sixth with an 18:30.
I learned that rest and proper training are very important. More running is not necessarily better. I also think that when you are projected to win you kind of just expect to win and not consider the other runners. I also saw that Natalie Varela had an awesome race this weekend. It's such a great feeling to know that she looks up to me (watch interview with Natalie Varela). I wish her luck in the future and hope she continues to run hard. I really looked up to Sarah Candiano who just graduated this past year and is going to FSU. She was always so nice and an incredible runner.
I am super excited to be going to North Carolina this weekend for the Great American Cross Country Festival. I just recently decided to go there over Pre- State. I feel comfortable with missing Pre- State because I have ran that course many times. I am also planing on going to the Nike race instead of Footlocker. The Nike race is at the same course as the Great American Cross Country Festival. I think getting to run the course ahead of time will be great experience.
Good luck to everyone this weekend at Pre-State and Great American.
