Notes
In spite of a terrible preparation, this race went really well. I was reminded today that there are always things you can learn, or maybe re-learn in racing. Today I remembered how truly hard you have to get out in the 800 to have a chance at a good race. I think I've been too tentative on the first 200 the last couple of races.
We had a big crowd in my heat again, but this time I drew a much better lane assignment. Instead of the outside, I was in the middle. As always, a ton of high school kids there, so I decided I was going to get out really hard this week and try to get clear of the mess instead of being inside of it. Made a good push and settled in behind the leader, all of whom were going to be about 4-8 seconds faster than I was. Was able to slide almost immediately into the inside land and really maintain contact with the lead group. Came through the first lap in what I thought was about 30-31....crap.
The next two laps felt absolutely horrible. On lap two, I gave consideration to stepping of the track. I wasn't really in oxygen debt or anything, but I just felt awful. Reminded myself that I was going to stick with it no matter the outcome. Being around 64 at the quarter was about where I wanted to be, but I had not confidence in my ability to get from there to the finish.
Lap three was not any better. I was holding, and when I cam through, I knew that I'd need a low 30s final 200 to be where I wanted to be, so at least there was still a chance. On the backstretch of that lap, and into the homestrech, one kid passed me at the urging of his coach. Fine, no problem, because I was fading, but then he cut me off and slowed down.
Perhaps that was what I needed to get myself moving again. At the bell lap, that same coach was urging another of his runners around. Pissed me off enough that the first kid passed and slowed, that I was not going to let that happen. I let the stride open up and pushed as hard as I could for the full last 200. I'm sure it wasn't pretty, but it got the job done. Re-took the first kad and held off the second.
The edges were getting a little blurry the last 150 and there was a ton of lactic acid, but I held it together. Looking back, I think with a little better race prep, and if I'd not have let that kid pass me, this was probably a 2:08 day. I'm still excited with the improvement, especially knowing that I haven't run a complete race yet.