Notes
Niiiice and easy with Robert. Comfortable weather. Thinking I spend the next two weeks training normally and finish up this season with a 5K or two, and then take a couple days off when I'm not allowed to play track with the team.
Hamstring good-ish. Bouncing back way faster than last time it seems, I just have to make sure I keep working on it CONSISTENTLY even when the symptoms are gone. But again, could just be the slow pace bias.
Now that the season is officially over, I can give a few more closing thoughts. Overall, it has really been an unreal season for me and I've enjoyed every minute of it, truthfully. Speaking personally, one of the best things that happened for me this season was learning to let go of self-limitations. At the beginning of summer, I thought I'd realistically be looking at mid- to low-27s while hoping for a top 10 spot. By the start of the season, I was thinking I could get under 27 and maybe nab a spot on the regionals team. By the end, I was running for a nationals bid and looking to go sub-26 in the process. I probably would have just laughed if I told myself that last year.... maybe even at the end of summer. It's okay to be realistic, but when you start to box yourself into these contrived self-perceptions, you limit yourself physically in training and mentally in races. This season has given me confidence to destroy these perceptions and attack goals of which I had not thought myself capable before.
Of course I wish that I had made these training, nutrition, attitude, etc. changes earlier than this summer, but I'm glad that I at least figured things out at some point. Thing is, you always think you're working hard and smart until you start working harder and smarter. It's entirely possible that a year from now, I'll look back even on this season and say, "why wasn't I doing more xxx and less yyy like I am now?" But ultimately, I've learned a lot about myself as a runner, and have implemented many changes to finally treat running more like a lifestyle and less like a sport. And of course I wish I had another year on the team, but I don't think anyone ever doesn't wish that. However, I'm thankful I was able to leave on such a high note and ultimately, for maybe the first time truly, I can look back on the season with pride and without regret.
So, let's keep it rolling! Optimistic for things to come. On to the next run, and the next, and the next. Got my eye on some PRs that need erasing...