My goal was to just
practice race strategy so I can learn how to get myself into good position
which will help me later on at the big meets. I was hip number 14 and knew I
would either be on the second row or way on the outside by the wall. A few
women scratched from the race so I was on the front line by the wall.
My strategy was to get
good position from the gun. When it went off I took off, nothing crazy, but
faster than I usually go. Being on the outside was actually nice because I was
able to make a straight line to the first curve with all the girls on my inside
and not have to worry about getting cut off from the outside. 100 meters in and
I was in 4th, on the rail, in great position. It caught by surprise and
my first thought was, “Whoa, how did I end up here?” I usually end up in the
back having to fight my way up through a field after a sub-par start. But here
I found myself behind three very talented runners and they took it from the gun
and broke away from the field. I wasn’t concerned about them but was shooting
for a good time and more or less out there to see what kind of speed my legs
had.
I could feel a racer
right on my shoulder the whole race. I kept waiting for her to pass but she
didn’t so I lead on. What I didn’t realize was I was leading a pack of 7 fast
and eager competitors sitting on me and waiting to kick. With about 400m to go
the girl on my shoulder finally made her move. When she passed I told myself to
go with her. What caught me off guard were the 6 other girls who came with her.
For a moment I was boxed in on the corner and couldn’t break free. The bell lap
came and I tried to kick but it was not quite the kick I had in my 3k. I
finished in 9th place with a one second PR which I was happy about,
but definitely not satisfied. We runners never are.
Looking back at my
paces I may have went out slightly fast, but nothing crazy. I came through in
69, then 73, and two 72’s (roughly). My original goal was to be low 4:40’s but
after a week of battling illness I changed that to be 4:45-4:47. I ran 4:47 so
I met my goal.
Racing the mile takes
practice. I am used to longer races where there is more time to “race” and execute
a plan. The mile to me goes by too fast and if you lapse mentally or let up for
a split second you may find yourself getting passed in the last 400 meters. But
that is the reason I race distances that I am not as familiar with. The shorter
race will help my speed and race tactics. Next weekend I plan to race a 5k. A
completely different ball game with race strategy but I am looking forward to
it.
My goal is to go 3/3
for PR’s this indoor season. So far I have PR-ed in the 3000m and the mile. All
that’s left now is the 5k.
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Yes you did get great position, it was just too bad no one was willing to do a little work. That is how it goes though in a race. Low 4:40's is there and within reach!
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