Hey Florida runners! This week I raced a thet flrunners Invite at the Chain of Lakes Park. It has to be one of my favorite courses, because I usually PR there. It’s such a great atmosphere to be around so many runners from around the state, and also having Adam Goucher there this year as well. My race did not go as I had envisioned it the days leading up to it. I had run my PR last year here and I wanted to do the same this year. I had an off day and wasn’t able to run to the best of my ability, but that is ok. Every race I have run has taught me a lesson and this was no different. I learned a lot and will carry it with me to future races I have this season. This was the first race I have run, where my team mates were not by my side, and I missed that. I am nothing without my teammates right beside me, but it’s something that I had to adjust to.
Before the race started I did my usual warm up and stretching, headed over to the line, and found myself alone. As the race got closer to starting the Wiregrass Ranch guys who I had met at running camp this summer came over and talked with me for a little and I ended up lining up next to them for the race. It helped calm my nerves a little bit and just relax. When the gun went off I went out at a pace that normally would feel comfortable to me. I was 4:54 the first mile, which usually doesn’t feel too bad, but for some reason I felt exhausted after the first mile, and after that I lost focus and fell off the pace for the remainder of the race.
Although I had a bad race, I know good things will come from this, and it just gives me more motivation for next week when I compete at FSU. Aside from my race Joseph Janson on my team ran a huge PR or 16:29. Also, I was glad to see Ermias Bireda from Wiregrass racing, and recovering very fast.
Next week ill be at pre-state, and I hope to see many of you there! Good luck and happy training.