(Photo by Maynard St. John)
So i've been keeping a low profile this year,training was going well and I was ready to make an impact this year.Then I was sidetracked by my grandfather passing away on New year's day. He was my biggest fan. He attended all races that were close to us.Since Tropical Park had renovated the track last year this was going to be a great year for us both.
Training became more difficult I had trouble finishing my long runs, to much time to think. My first meets came around and I wanted to PR in both events the 800 and 1600. I wanted to start the season off with a bang; under 5:00 in the 1600 and PR in the the 800. Results 5:09 and 2:16 failed both.
In the second meet, I had the same result which is not what I wanted. I kept hearing about all these freshman making names for themselves breaking 5:00.I kept winning, but not the way I know I could. Coach Ward tells me to be patient and it will come.
When I woke up for the St. Andrews meet ,I felt different. I knew today was the day. I went out the first 800 in 2:30 and negative split the last 800 in 2:29 for a time of,4:59. I'm back. Not trying to sound cocky that's just me being me.
What's next ,the the Louie Bing at my home course Tropical Park. I was looking forward to a showdown with Kristlin Gear in the 3200 . That doesn't materialize. She runs the 1600 and I defend last year's championship in the 3200.I miss FSU and watch Churchill and Gear go crazy fast. I feel bad that I missed it.
Next up, the Pepsi relays in Gainesville with the best competition by far this year. I check in and get my number 13. I have a bad feeling about this .The gun goes off and we take off. Oddly enough I'm in the middle of the pack . Wow, I'm being patient. I move up behind the leader with Yared (Tsion), Torino (Leigha), and Klingenberg (Ashley) in behind me. The pace seems a little slow, but I stay relax and in control. Torino takes the lead and begins to push the pace. We hit the 800 at 2:27 .
At the far turn on the third lap I get clipped and stumble but i'm able to regroup,disaster avoided. I'm in second with 425 to go and feeling great . I take off counting on my kick 10 , 15 ,20 meters ahead i'm cruising 200 to go and I hit the wall. Around the turn I go I look back something I know I shouldn't do and lose focus and my stride .Yared and klingenberg are flying after me followed by Leigha and Blair (Grace).
I feel like i'm running in mud and struggle to regain my form.I cross the finish line in 4:55 with the pack on my heels. I'm lucky to survive that one and won't make that mistake again. When all was said and done five of us went under 5:00. What a race.
I have a tune up race before districts and regionals which is going to be insane with Tsion (Yared), Amanda (Schwartz), Nicole (Matysik), and the rest of the Pine Crest team. Sorry 4A, this is the real region of death. To make it out i'll have to race smart and bring my "A" game.
