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Sudeck Invite

September 3, 2011 (Morning)

Exercise Type: Run

Comments:
A warm and muggy day for our home invite, first of the season. I liked the visualization we did last night. I remember spacing out a little after the out and back in the outer loop, and was wondering if I would fall off there. It happened in another spot, but its good to note that that happened, and I need to stay focused the whole time.

Got taped by Jess, it was a pretty good tape job. I felt a lot more mobile than before. We went out on a warm up in the trails. I took it easy (Paul and I were the Warmup Zeroes). Felt a little nervous for my first XC race in a year. Did some drills and stretching, which I felt out of. We went over, already drenched in sweat, to the line. It seemed like the race started quickly. Just like that we were off.

Swong out to the outside of the pack in the beginning. I felt good surging up the hill. We went through the mud patch, I slowed down a little to be safe, then we went into the first loop. Brandon, Corey, John E and I made a nice pack. I was honestly feeling strong and confident in that section, through the first mile. We were trading places, pulling each other through. After the second loop, on the way to the outer loop, Brandon and Corey made a surge away. I was starting to feel it. I havnt done any speed, and it felt unfamiliar. For sure the part of my game I want to improve is that middle surge with the pack. I trailed, hurting, feeling a little negative, all the way out to the turn around in the outer loop. When I ran this race freshman year, that was where I made my huge move and passed Cromer and CWade. Kinda the opposite this year. Wyatt caught me at the outer part, and passed me on the down hill. This is the part where I picked it up. I thought an Allegheny guy was behind me (I dont think he was...) but I wanted to get back up with Wyatt. The whole race I was picturing myself surging up the hill after the road, and slamming it into the finish. I was preparing for that. I picked it up, passed Tim, and zoned in on Wyatt as we passed the ponds and crossed the street. I picked it up a lot and went hard on the hill. I could hear someone yell my name, and I pictured myself surging up faster than everyone else. Wyatt was still ahead of me at the corner. I kept plugging along. I noticed that like 5 guys were all stung out at equal intervals it seamed (David, then Brandon and Corey and Aaron). Finally got him when we leveled out, with about 60m to go. I pulled in front to block him out, but he swong outside. We crossed the lone at the exact same time. As we crossed, I decided not to move my foot infront, and went spread eagle down the chute. I slid about half way down. I dont remember much of that, apparently Ty caught me. I got lifted up and carried down the rest of the chute. Wyatt ended up getting me by .03 sec. Thats the determination we need. If I was a CMU guy, we would have won the meet. The other way applies though. If Wyatt was a NYU guy, I want that drive to get him. ANyways it was a pretty crazy finish. Tired as hell and really hot at the end.

Cooled down int he woods again. Legs were feeling ok. I am impressed with my ankles, but I am still being patient. O man its soo good to be back at XC. Now I remember why I love it so much (as much as track?) Its been a while and I am glad to be back.

Stretch, L7, ice, pig out, good times with team and families.

Remember that we all need to pay the price. I know I am one step closer to that. Props to Brandon for Believing. I hope we all believed too. I think this race gave me a good platform, a intro to what needs to be done. I am happy for it. I need to reasses my goals, and then look at how the workouts can teach me more mental strategies.

This goes out to the pack that was spread out (6-10). We NEED to work together and move up in the race, and pack it up. The only way we are getting 25:25 is if we move up together. "A Spartan's true strength is the warrior next to him. So give respect and honor to him, and it will be returned to you." - King Leonidas