Notes
Another great race! Dr. Paul got a whole lotta thoughts for your reading pleasure
1. PACK RUNNING. What a cool feeling, had a pack of 6 guys (Rob, Dan, Tyler, Brian, Aldous, Paul) running in what would ultimately be the 5 spot for a solid 2 miles of the race. Eventually, it strung out ever so slightly at the end, but still less than 3 seconds separating 5-8 and the next two not far back. Guys switching off, guys pulling each other, guys being aggressive... great stuff. I've never been a part of a pack that strong while being relevant, haha.
2. But, in the scheme of the race, I'd say our pack was good not great. We ran very smart races, and it looks great on paper, but with a small team showing, the damage might be a little exaggerated. I'm not worried, though... we're two meets in and running under distance with a stronger second half. Just gotta keep moving that pack up. But of course, with the importance of the 5th man, it's fantastic to see so many guys there. (This isn't a slight to anyone's performance today. I'm just saying that everyone should want to keep moving that pack up.)
3. Honestly good performances ALL AROUND with very few exceptions. Big shoutout to Rob especially, and also to a couple freshmen (Garrett, Chris, etc.) who are really closing the gaps from Saratoga.
4. Ben Fazio is the real deal. Jacob Andrews is aggressive and hungry.
5. Ain't no rush like the rush of picking people off.
6. Personally very excited for the 8K, and I know I'm not alone. On a somewhat difficult course with a lot of mud and hills, I believe that most guys will be able to run the same pace or faster in Saratoga. Personally I'd be unsatisfied with the same pace. Faster or bust. The fitness is there.
7. If the mile splits were accurate, after a 5:25 first mile and a 5:45+ hilly second mile, the remaining 1.72 were at/under 5:15 pace for myself and roughly the same for my finishing group. Just some numbers to support the strong second half.
8. This has been a high volume week for me and for a lot of guys, with a 90 min run two days before and a solid 14 the day before. To be racing strongly while training through is very encouraging for things to come. Today I felt, good, not great yet. Great will come later.
There ya go. Maybe I'll add to the list later.
Race breakdown, nothing exceptional to report. Like I mentioned, after a conservative mile 1, our pack of 6 (maybe more early on?) had found each other and raced together for the next 2, roughly. It was half planned, but half just worked out that way. We swarmed around guys one by one until all I could see was red. This week I had a kick and felt very fresh after the race. Awesome race, 8 on the team, 12 overall (small meet).