There were over 50 girls in the 5k at Conference!
So I guess I am going to take back that last post about my horribly atrocious and disappointing track season. While I didn't break 18 in the 5k, I did run a personal best in the 5k by quite a significant amount. And realistically, I don't think I can allow myself to be too upset about running 18:34. Here is how it all went down in a nutshell:
I was extremely nervous going into conference championships. I was trying so hard the week leading up to the race to relax and to think about anything else but the race, however, it was a futile attempt at best. I knew that it would be my last or second to last attempt to run a good time in the 5k and I wanted it more than anything. I felt like everything was ready to fall into place; my times in workouts showed I was ready to go sub 18:30 and I was just waiting for the right moment to finally accomplish what I knew to be possible. I was excited, but stressing about little things like the insane number of girls in the 5k. Coach didn't hesitate to tell me to stop thinking about the race. Let me tell you, it is harder than it would appear to be. However, I gave it a shot.
The week flew by and before I knew it, I was getting ready to warm up for the 5k. At this point in time, I had no game plan or idea about how the race was going down. Coach decided that it would be for the best if he didn't discuss it with me until a few minutes before the race. While it sort of sucked not being able to think it all through ahead of time, I definitely thank him for not freaking me out any more than I had already freaked myself out. The plan remained consistent throughout the season; run even 87's no matter what. I was determined to run my race and to run a good time. The start of the race was chaotic with over 50 girls scrambling to get a good position. Luckily, I was able to cut in with ease and find my rhythm.
I finished the race in 9th place in 18:45, a 15 second pr from what I had run at any of the quad meets. Ironically, I also finished in 9th place in cross country. I was happy because I had proved to myself that I was capable. I walked away from that race feeling happy for the first time during track season. While I didn't finish any track races this season completely devastated, I settled at feeling "content" with my performances. I was happy with my conference finish, however, I was also hungry. After my 15 second pr at championships, I felt like I needed another race. I just knew I was ready to run 18:30.
My season ended at the Oxy Invitational the following week. After my performance at championships, I couldn't wait to break my new pr. Mentally, I was finally ready to end my season with a good race. I didn't experience the nerves I did going into the conference meet. I had the confidence that I could run a good 5k which made all the difference. I am so thankful that I had my teammate Micaela to train with me and come watch the race! I don't think I could have done it if I didn't have her there with me warming up and helping me get ready. I finished the race in 18:34, over a 10 second pr from the week before. It was an awesome confidence booster going into cross country season and a great way to end my sophomore track season!
As happy as I was to end my season on such a high note, I can say that I am more than ready to be done with track for a while. No more 12.5 laps running around a track, no more trying to get out of lifting weights with the strength coach, and no more waiting for a bazillion hours to run the second to last event of the meet...well, that is until next January rolls around. :)
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