Bison Classic

It's been a while since my last 3000m, but as always the life of a student-athlete is busy. Now it's finally reading week, not that I'm doing a whole lot of reading, but I'll get to that later. Anyways, I was super pumped for the Bison Classic. I knew there would be some great competition from other universities and I knew it would be my chance for a new personal best. I'd ran 11:23 back in November and then three more races slightly slower as I got tired of running these things pretty much alone. So as I was saying, I just wanted to run under 11:23, but really I had 11:15 in my head. I have for a long time, it's been another one of those barriers. I spent the whole week leading up to the Bison Classic being excited for the race and mentally getting myself ready. After one particular practice I could tell I was running great, so as I walked off the track I told my tri coach Gary I was PB'ing that weekend. I was pretty confident saying this because I knew it was time. Sometimes attitude is everything.

I still felt pretty good warming up and it's the best feeling to actually be excited and happy on the start line. I also knew I had the support of my family, friends, and coaches. Since this was the second heat of women I felt comfortable enough starting out with the main group. Although I knew it wasn't a pace I could hold for the entire race, it for sure helped to be pushed. After a while I noticed the girl ahead of me was falling off the pace a bit, and I passed her so I wouldn't lose the group too. She found another bit of speed and passed back. Soon though I realized she wouldn't stay with them so I passed again and hung on to the others for as long as I could. I did begin to lose them as everyone spread out a bit. I was kind of on my own, but that was fine. I knew I just had to mentally hang on a bit longer and keep pushing the pace on my own. I was kind of listening to my splits, and kind of knew I was where I wanted to be. I didn't waste too much thought on calculating times in my head at this point, it just gave me enough confidence to know I was close to doing what I wanted. In the end I got my new PB, 11:12.

I'm happy with that of course. I ran well, stayed focused, and accomplished my goals. But now I can't wait to finally break the 11min barrier! Even 10:59 sounds so much better. I realize that's still a pretty big chunk of time to cut off, but I think I can do it soon. I'm not saying I should have gone faster at Bison Classic. I think I left it all out there and did the best I could have for that day. But I think I can do it at another good opportunity. I had super nice offer to be paced for sub-11 by a teammate. I feel like now I have the confidence and maybe by starting out at a proper pace and knowing I have to just hang out to someone that will be consistent can get me there.

A couple years ago, going under 12min seemed like such a huge deal, (yes I know, that is not very fast, and I know 11:12 still may not seem fast) I had a breakthrough race at provincials in grade 11 and went 11:30. Then I basically got stuck in the 11:30 to 11:45 ish zone for a long time. I know, here I go reminiscing again and using way too many words to tell a simple story. But it's my story of how I got where I am now, and it's far from being over. Many improvements still to come. If that doesn't matter to you, your loss if you feel like you wasted time reading this. I'm looking forward to the improvements ahead as well as the work that comes with it.

Another highlight of this race was getting to see my lovely Saskatchewan friends. It's always nice to catch up outside of race season, and makes it feel like its not too far away anymore! Also got to chat about training camp in person a bit, which was good. I have booked my flights and am planning to head down to Arizona for a few weeks in May with the Saskatchewan group, really looking forward to it!

Oh and I said something about reading week earlier... I'll keep it brief. It's reading week right now. Writing this in the car driving home. Finally. Was in Fargo. Randomly got really sick. Stayed in hotel by myself for many hours. Snow storm. Highways closed. Stuck for another night. Went to doctor. Not strep throat so no antibiotics. Random virus I have to wait out and just take Advil and Tylenol for. Everything hurts. Not much energy. Want to be home. Finally heading home. Long day. Not so happy. Yay reading week?

Don't worry, I'll still find lots of positive energy soon enough!