Notes
Finally got the nationals time. The race went out smoothly with Collet pacing us through the first K in 3:02 then Patzka and I were running side by side for a while in the lead. My barriers were not feeling smooth at all and I felt as though all my accelerations were mistimed but I was clearing them for the most part. With just over three laps to go though I banged my knee of my trail leg into a barrier and my gosh that hurt. I am surprised that I stayed up in the race. I quickly went from 1st/2nd to 6th but I was able to hang on to the pack. That voice in my head was trying to tell me that I might not be able to do this but I just kept telling myself this is my ticket to nationals. I was able to pass the wheaton, U-chicago and Rhode's guys in the last two laps and I was starting to gain on Patzka but I could not catch him or the Central kid.
I am happy that mentally I stayed tough and was able to seal the deal but I am a little frustrated because I think had I not hit my knee I would have won that race and gone under 9:10. If I can stay smooth at nationals I am gonna do very well.
Mason had a great race, even though I know he is disappointed. To finish as a true freshman with a 9:23 in the steeplechase is so good. Next year he is gonna comeback even stronger and do even better. I expect he will be at nationals with me next year.