Notes
Eh pretty solid but damn if I'm not upset about being so close to 9...
This unfortunately turned into a big ol mental game for me, which I was definitely trying to avoid. On the one hand, I knew sub 9 was a very real possibility given this XC season, but on the other, I couldn't help thinking during the race that my mile PR is 4:39. Ultimately I convinced myself that 4:39 was Old Paul's PR and New Paul was going to go out there and hit 72s with a kick for an 8:58, #whynot. Started off pretty well, 4:47 though 1600 but with a fast first lap, that meant the pace was slowing. I can't remember splits but either 5 or 6 or both were slow. With 600 to go I thought I might have been able to kick for glory but I ran out of steam. Led the second group for a while before getting burned by Aldous from maybe 600 out and extra burned from Brian with under 200. Ah well! Wouldn't have shown up on results anywhere anyway. I went after it, lost focus in the middle amid some some doubt which shouldn't have been there, and lost too much ground to make up. Overall, though, can't complain too much! Nice sharpening run for next week, and ultimately a cool little confidence booster. But OH what I wouldn't give for another shot. (Less wind preferably but I'm not picky.)
FUN FACTS FOR YA: The last 3K I ran was 3 yrs ago in 10:06. Twice over separate summers I've run ~9:38 en route to 10:18s full 2 miles. As coach pointed out (and I didn't realize), I've never run an official race longer than a mile in college on the track. Strongest track performance to date? Purdy says so. Is the 3K too short for me these days? LOOKIN THAT WAY.
Damn how did I manage to write so much