Notes
Detweiller at Dark Recap
Was feeling very anxious about the heat. Sweat the whole bus ride and got off the bus feeling jelly legged. At that point, I was just thinking, find a way to get anything in your legs. I ate a granola bar, which I think helped and then we warmed up. Slower warm-up than typical, but we pushed the last couple minutes. I was soaked through at that point, but legs felt better.
Went to the line and was nervous about my skin getting raisiny just standing around. Did fewer strides than normal and tried to stay calm. Misinterpreted the starter's directions and so was caught off guard by the gun shot but then we were off. Thought I started well - was in a decent spot, probably top 40. Honestly was surprised the leaders weren't out quicker. Hit 800 in 2:40 and was thinking I probably need to back off a little bit. After about a K, I started moving through the field a bit. Caught the #2 girl at a K and was just thinking about climbing the ladder the rest of the way. 5:43 at the mile, which was about right what I wanted. Passed a couple guys as we went into the back stretch. Right between 1.5 and 2 miles was probably my least strong mental portion of the race. Felt like I was just baking and two guys and a girl passed me. As I came down the 2 mile stretch (~11:55), I was just trying to maintain contact and focus on getting my mind back in it. I was thinking that if I could hold on for the next half mile, sub-18 was possible. Was somewhat successful in that and from there just put into play some things I've been working on my runs since running in the heat in Florida. "5 more minutes, 3 more minutes..." With a K to go, I figured I had been through the worst of it and worked my way back up to the girl that passed me. With 600 to go, I was thinking it looked like a long way, but before I knew it I had a quarter to go. At that point, I just knew it was time to switch through the gears. I passed the #1 girl at that point (Lianna Surts) and focused on lapping as many people as possible. Came just shy of getting one more guy at the line, but I made a good go of it.
Overall, this was decent. I fell off, but so did everyone. I think I did a good job staying tough and pulling myself through the difficult stretches without totally falling apart. I'm happy about feeling rational, trying to think through the steps after arriving at Detweiller that would help me prepare for the race in the moment after feeling absolutely terrible. I would have liked to break 18, but I gave it a good go. Going to get something on the track soon to see what kind of times we can actually run.