Notes
Luther Alumni Mile. I didn't want to lead but I also wanted to get out harder than last weekend. I got off the line well and got right behind Birch. We were rolling along but I felt good enough to stick to it. We went through in 31 and then 64 for the quarter. This was definitely faster than I had expected and I started to question it but decided just to stay on Birch as long as possible. We went through the half at 2:11 and I was starting to lose it a little. I really had to fight the next lap but after that I started to get excited about a good race and was feeling alright again. Right before 3 to go Erik Duethman came by me and I really didn't have a response. Shortly after the ISU run club guy went by me to and I didn't put up much of a fight before letting him settle in ahead of me for a lap and half. Right before the bell I was able to get my legs moving again and passed the ISU run club guy on the corner (maybe not the best place to pass). I was able to finish really strong for third but the race between Birch and Duethman was too far ahead. I watched Birch throw in a final gear to win it and closed hard to try to get a solid time.
I ended up running 4:27 which I'm really happy with considering it is 7 seconds faster than last weekend. Still not better than the 4:26 I ran last year but that took me all season last year and this race definitely gave me some confidence that I can run fast again. I had a much better final quarter and final 200 than last weekend as well which is really a good feeling. I closed in 31.5 and that included passing on the outside of a turn. If I could do the race over I think I would have tried to stay with the move from Duethman and not let the ISU run club guy get in front of me. We both slowed down a bit too much at that point and I didn't have enough confidence (maybe fitness) to pass him back until the last lap.
Overall this was a solid confidence boost. Really not a blazing time but I thought I raced well for everything other than the 3rd quarter which is back to a pretty typical weak spot in mile racing. I think I can still cut some more time off with another race later this season. Also great race by Birch to lead the entire way and still have the kick to get the win.
Note: All splits listed in the first paragraph are at the actual 200s and not the finish line.