Quick summary of IHSAA season before the national races.
Since the state meet my training has intensified as my fitness level has improved by increasing my mileage and speed work. My training was hampered prior to the state meet because of an injury I received in the middle of the season. Although I believe the state meet is important, I’ve directed the majority of my focus this season to post season races such as Nike Regional and Footlocker Regional. The injury was a blessing in disguise as it caused me to push my training back several weeks and caused me to peak during the post-season. I look forward to experiencing the Nike Cross Country National meet this week, and anticipate running yet another race this season.
Day 1:
It’s an early 5 am wake up for me today. As I fly out and arrive in Portland. I’m reminded of my freshmen year and qualifying for this meet with Westfield. I have so many fond memories of that year and that trip, and I hope to make equal memories as an individual on this year. The rest of my day was a whirl wind. The schedule had me constantly going from one place to the next. Needless to say I was never bored. Some of the activities included touring the Nike World Head Quarters, taking a run on Nike’s campus (including Nike’s track which has a forest in the middle!), and meeting elite athletes such as Kara and Adam Goucher, Paula Radcliff, Alan Webb, and Amy Yoder. I also met up with former Indiana runner, Christina Blair. I was so happy she made it out to this meet. I think we both appreciate having another girl we know out here with us.
Today I began mentally preparing for the race. Before I went to bed I visualized myself running strong across the course in the position I wanted to be in. With a clear mind and focus I executed the race plan perfectly. I’ve found this to be helpful in positive thoughts in the days leading up to races. If I see myself before the race doing well and racing strong, it’s easier for me to have courage during the race to do what needs to be done.
Questions:
How did you manage training on your own (or did you train on your own)?
My training is usually about half of the time I’m by myself and the other half I’m with a training partner. Usually on harder days (tempo runs or faster) I run by myself. Occasionally I will run with one of the guys from the boys’ team on my harder runs. However, when our team does track work or hill repeats I’m with the rest of the team. JV and Varsity work together during those workouts. On easier days or moderate runs I run with my teammate Willow Smith and sometimes Alejandro Arroyo.
Is there anything you do pre-race that is part of your 'regimen' that is unique to you?
I’m not really a superstitious person when it comes to racing; however, I like my routine to be the same before each race. I have the same warm up and plyos I do before each race; I also always eat a powerbar. I suppose one thing that is unique to me, is that I HAVE to have the same kind of powerade before each race, and I always race in the same socks.
How do you deal with nervousness before a big race?
This is one aspect that I think I have improved on a lot this year. I’ve really focused on relaxing myself hours before the race and even on the start line. I do this by listening to music, walking around to get the atmosphere of the race, and making sure I’m enjoying the whole experience. I stay serious about racing, but not to the point where I can’t enjoy the day. After the last run out I always say a prayer, which always helps me in calming my nerves.
What do you think would surprise most people about life at Culver (vs. regular high school)?
On an unrelated running note, there are so many aspects about Culver that make it such a unique place. Since it is a boarding school and also a military academy (for boys) there a many traditions involved with living on campus and student activities. I suppose the one thing that is most unlike a regular high school is every morning we are awoken by a cannon firing. Also, Culver is represented by several states and nations. It’s interesting to be in class with kids that are from the other side of the world.
Day 2:
Another great day on at Nike Nationals! Early this morning we toured the course. It’s not nearly as muddy as it was my freshmen year. While doing my pre-race run, I envision myself in the race itself. I like starting from my assigned box and simulating as much of the race as possible. Strategically, there are five sets of hay bales, I practiced going over them but there’s not much you can do other than that because there is no way of knowing where you are going to be at that particular time. As far as race strategy goes, I’d like to get out quick, BUT controlled. It will most likely be a fast start, but the most important key for me is to not get tricked into going out faster than I intend. I want to especially work the middle section of the race, throw in some surges when I feel my knee lift sagging off a bit. My main focus in this race is going my last kilo. I’ve improved on my finishes in my last two races, but I still feel like that particular area needs more attention. I want to have the strongest finish I’ve ever had here at Nike Nationals. As far as placing goals, I’m shooting for top 25. I think on a great day I’m capable of running in that position and earning All-American honors. However, I don’t want to be consumed with placing during my race, I’m going off of feeling and that internal drive that tells you whether you are truly running your hardest and giving your absolute best effort. Tonight I’ll talk more with my dad and Coach Chastain on race strategies, and what to expect during the race. They do an excellent job in preparing me for every race situation.
Day 3:
Race day! It was a pretty chilly morning in Portland today, but my race time it was fairly nice. Warming up for the race I felt very good. Mentally, I was very positive and looking forward to the race. I was relaxed during my warm up and at the start line. Nike did an awesome job of announcing each individual team and coordinating the pre-race introductions. As far as the race went, it was an extremely fast start, but that’s something to expect at this level. I raced well my first 3k, but my last 2k was just ok. My last 2k, mentally I was trying to hang on. Up to the last 600 meters I just tried to hold my position. At the 600 meter point I made a strong move, and tried to keep my thoughts positive. The course was very tiring with the mud, and it took a lot of energy out of you. It really wasn’t the race or placing I was hoping for or expected I could do. However, I had an amazing experience this weekend and enjoyed every moment of it. Tomorrow I’ll begin my two week break then start my winter training. I look forward to track season, and hopefully qualifying for such a memorable weekend again next year in cross country.