Asics/UC Irvine XC Invitational

The start of the girls 5k race

Coach Jason giving the girls high fives after the race

This past weekend we had our 2nd race at UC Irvine. Being that it was our only 5k of the season, I felt tremendous pressure to run a fast time. I am not sure entirely why I was so worried at the thought of a 5k instead of a 6k, but mentally it was tough to fathom the idea that the race would be shorter and I wondered if I would able to build off of the successful race the week prior.

I did feel like I had an advantage going into the race because we had already run the course a couple times as a workout during cross country camp in Newport Beach a few weeks ago. I knew what the hills felt like, knew where I would have to be mentally tough in the race, and already had a plan of when I was going to start my final kick. The course started on a grass field and after 2 laps around the perimeter, the course narrowed immensely. I knew that I had to get out quickly and get a position if I wanted to run a fast time.

I finished the race in 23rd place at 19:12 and in all honesty, I was initially disappointed when I heard my time. I had expected more out of myself and although I had given the race everything I had, I was hoping to run at least sub 19. As my teammates finished, I tried to shove the negativity aside and focus on my team. After the post race talk with Coach, I knew that I had no reason to be upset. We had accomplished the goals we had set for the race and exceeded everyone's expectations.

I waited for a few days after the race to blog about it because I needed time to think it over. As I recapped my freshman cross country season in Florida, I realized that the time I ran this past weekend was better than any race I had last year. My race splits were consistent and I even finished my last mile in a strong 5:42! I am starting where I ended my season last year. This is only the start of a long season; I have plenty of time to improve and run faster times. I can only be grateful that I have been blessed with an amazingly supportive team and coaches that care about me. While I didn't run the time I was hoping for this weekend, I am happy with my performance overall. As a team, we established that we are here to compete and I cannot wait until our next race in a couple of weeks!

Fullerton Opener

"Big occasions and races which have been eagerly anticipated almost to the point of dread, are where great deeds can be accomplished."

-Jack Lovelock

Today was the big day; the start of cross country season and the chance for all of the hard work I put in over summer to pay off. The Fullerton Opener this morning was our first cross country meet of the season and I can honestly say that I walk away from my race happy and excited for the races to come.

I have been anxiously awaiting my first race with my new team all summer and as I woke up this morning, I was terrified. I was so nervous that I barely ate or drank anything. I was terrified of failure. I knew that I was ready but I started to doubt myself. On top of the pressure I was feeling as we headed to the meet, the boys van ran out of gas and they were forced to push the van to the nearest gas station. I was still having second thoughts during our warm up, but I knew that I needed to forget about all of the negativity and race for my teammates.

It is amazing how my friends and family are able to inspire me on a daily basis; whether it be kind words, a hug, or simply their presence; I am so thankful to have people that support me no matter what. After our warm-up jog, I ran into a couple old high school teammates and the nerves instantly went away. With my friends and family by my side, I knew that I was ready to race.

I didn't get out fast enough the first 100 meters and was boxed in for about 3/4 of a mile. Regardless, I came through the mile at around 6:10 and was feeling pretty strong. As soon as I had a little room, I maneuvered my way up to the top third of the race and gradually tried to pick it up. At about the 2 mile marker, I noticed a girl from UCLA in front of me and decided to make a move. As I passed her, I glanced over my shoulder and realized that it was Taryn Pastoor from Murrieta Valley High School. Taryn is a junior at UCLA and ever since my freshman year of high school at Great Oak, we have been competitive with each other. Ever since I took my sophomore year off from running, I haven't been able to compete at the same level. It was like I was flashing back to my freshman year in the 2 mile racing her at Rancho Verde. As silly as it seems that I was so ecstatic about passing Taryn Pastoor today; I felt the confidence today that I haven't felt since I was a freshman and that was exciting.

I ended up finishing the 6k at 23:53 in 35th place out of about 220 runners. It was an extremely slow course consisting of thick grass and thick sand for most of the race. I ended up beating Taryn Pastoor and wasn't too far off of Anne Randall from Long Beach State (Anne Randall ran for Saugus High School and went sub 5 in the mile). I felt the happiest I have after a race in a long time. I knew that I gave everything I had and left it all on the course. It was a great first race and I am looking forward to the UC Irvine Invitational next weekend. Until then, I am going to enjoy my weekend at home and continue to train hard!

Micaela, Sydney, and I at Olive Garden for the pre-race team dinner

The girls after the race!