Rio Grande Finale

AM: 75 mins. (10+ miles)
PM: Travel

Tanya, Jenna and I didn't get much sleep last night, and it wasn't because we were out late celebrating (although I'll plead the 5th on whether or not Simon and Nelson could say the same). Instead, a combination of springing the clocks forward plus a late morning flight meant we had to be up and out the door for our run before 7am. I'm not going to lie; there was some grumbling when our alarms went off just after 6, and the thought of sleeping in briefly flashed across my mind. Instead, we got dressed and met Jenna in the lobby to drive to our now-familiar destination: the Rio Grande River trail.

The sky was barely lightening as we started the run. For the first few miles no one spoke, and the only sounds were the shuffling of our feet and the exhalation of our breath. It wasn't until our five-mile turnaround that we all felt awake enough to maintain some semblance of a conversation. My legs felt tired, though not sore--that's what happens when you run a slow race, I suppose. Even my calves weren't nearly as tight as I'd expected, despite running 5k in spikes (which, for those of you who are counting, is about 4.9k farther than I've run in spikes in the past year). By the end of the run today I finally felt decent, though not great. I've got to admit, part of me is sad to leave New Mexico behind. It's a great training venue and the dry air does wonders for my hair. But overall I'm excited to be returning home this evening.

Thanks to everyone for their support and encouragement over the past week! I'll see you back in Charlotte.

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D2 Indoor Nationals 5k Race Recap

Since I have free time and free internet while on a layover in Phoenix, I figured it would be ideal to recap last night's race while it's still fresh on my mind. Before I do, let me say a few quick words about Nelson's stellar performance in the 800. Tanya and I were able to watch his race from the corner of the convention center just before leaving on our warmup, and it's no exaggeration to call it inspiring. For a guy who didn't qualify for Nationals until the last chance meet, then almost didn't make the finals, to run in second position wire to wire in the finals is pretty incredible. Everyone who knows Nelson knows that he is an amazing person, and now they will realize he's an amazing runner as well. Kudos.

But now let's talk about me. That's what this blog is about anyway. (Edit: I ran out of time on my layover. I am now writing this on Monday evening after a marathon day of travel Sunday.) Tanya and I warmed up on the sidewalks of downtown ABQ, saying little but sharing similar emotions. Her goal was to beat pre-race favorite Neely Spence and claim the individual title; mine was to finish in the top 8 and make All-American. Both of us knew what we had to do; now we just needed to execute our race plans and run smart.

With just a few minutes before the race, the group of 15 runners was led onto the track and permitted to run a few strides. The crowd immediately erupted into cheers once we stepped out, and I fought to keep back the nervous energy welling up inside. I tried not to think about my parents watching in the stands, or about Jordan watching the live feed at home, and just blocked everything out. I toed the starting line feeling unusually calm. For a moment everything was still, and then the gun went off.

Immediately it became apparent that no one wanted to lead the race. Within a few laps I could tell the pace was lagging, though I had no idea how much. Even if Simmons or Jenna were to read out splits there was no way I could hear them, as the crowd noise swallowed everything. At any rate, it felt like we were literally jogging. The first time I spied the clock was as we crossed the 1400-meter mark. It read 5:00. Later Jenna would tell me that the announcer described the pace as "pedestrian," and I couldn't agree more. We passed through the mile a lap later around 5:42, still bunched up in one solid group. I remember being surprised to look up and see Tanya directly in front of me; shouldn't she be at least half a lap ahead? For a moment I thought about passing her and then checked myself; in hindsight I wonder what that kind of move would've done to shake up the race. Instead, I stayed wedged inside the lead--and only--group, taking pains to avoid being spiked and elbowed with every step. Because of the painfully slow way that things were playing out, this ended up being an extremely physical race. I'm no stranger to jostling within the first few laps, but it's a bit unusual to be forced to jockey for position throughout the entire race. No one wanted to cede their positions, and I have no doubt it took a toll on everyone as things progressed.

The middle portion of the race is more or less a blur, as not much changed. I remained consistently in the back of the lead pack, never falling off but not really moving up either. I kept waiting for a big move to be made by Tanya or Neely up front but it never came--at least not until the last possible minute. With three laps to go I could sense the feeling of urgency overwhelming the group, and I knew that it was almost time to go. A quick head count told me I was in 10th place, two spots out of All-American. Something had to change, and quick. With two laps to go I heard Jenna's voice for the first and only time, as clearly as a bell: "Just go around the outside!" I didn't even think about how risky it was. I just went. Swinging wide, I gathered myself on the backstretch and prepared to kick at the bell. Tanya and Neely were just out of reach, but I saw everyone else as fair game. I sprinted with everything I had on the last lap, swinging wide into lane three to move around the group from which I'd sought shelter for most of the race. I had no idea who I was passing, or how many, but I knew I was digging as deep as I could in the final meters. I crossed the line breathless and exhausted, knowing I'd made All-American but unsure about the final standings. It wasn't until I saw Jenna at the rail that I learned I'd placed 5th, and that Tanya had been outkicked by Neely to earn 2nd.

Even as I type this two days later, the emotions I felt immediately after the race are almost tangible. I came into this indoor season without enough training or enough confidence, and totally lacking in expectations. To qualify for Nationals last month was, at the time, a huge surprise. Even as my training has progressed, even as I arrived in New Mexico last weekend, part of me still felt like it was a fluke. Like I didn't deserve to be here. After this championship race, I know that not only do I deserve to be here, but that I can run with anyone. Well not, say, Usain Bolt, but you know what I mean. When I crossed the finish line I became a different runner than I was when the race started. This new runner, the one I will be going forward, is ready to face new and exciting challenges.

Outdoor season, bring it on.

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Three Queens All-Americans

AM: 3 miles
PM: 2 mile w/u + strides
5k race @17:26; 5th place
(-27 sec. altitude conversion = 16:59)
2 mile c/d
Total: 7 miles

I'm stealing the title from Jordan but that's because it's late and I'm exhausted. I'll write more tomorrow. For now, let me share that Queens will be taking home three All-American honors from this weekend's meet: Nelson placed 2nd in the 800, Tanya was 2nd in the 5k and I placed 5th. Not a shabby day for our program, I'd say.


I'm stealing the photo from Jordan too. This is the top 8 accepting our
All-American awards after the race.

A full race update will be forthcoming. It was very slow, very tactical, very physical, very much unlike any other race I've run. Overall I'm satisfied with the race, but I'm sure I'll have more insight once I've had time to sleep and reflect. Good night!

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D2 Indoor Nationals: Day 1

AM: 45 mins. (6 miles) + strength
PM: Meet

And we're off to the races! Today was the first day of the national meet, and I was front and center for most of it. We started the day with a nice relaxed run along the river--it was as flat and sunny and perfect as yesterday, and I loved every minute of it. Tanya and I ran the first half of this run with Jenna, then parted ways with her at the turnaround as she had a tempo run planned for the second half. We ran into Coach Simmons and his friend Mike Hillyard, the coach at Southern Indiana, a few minutes later and joined up with Mike for the rest of the run. He joked that he was going to gradually work the pace down to wear us out before the race, as we will be competing against his best athlete tomorrow night (Mary Ballinger, the 2009 outdoor steeplechase champ). Fortunately Tanya and I were too smart to fall for his scheme, and refused to run faster than 7:20 pace for the rest of the run.

I headed over to the meet early in the afternoon, as my parents had arrived in town and were waiting for me at the convention center. Huge props to John and Sharon for not only flying out for my race, but also sitting through countless races they had absolutely no interest in just to spend some time with me. Oh, and for buying my dinner too. Thanks, Mom and Dad!


Simon on the starting line (far right)

Now back to the meet: Simon was the first Queens athlete up to the proverbial plate, and he took off just past 4:30pm for the second heat of the mile. Three athletes would automatically advance from each heat, plus the next three overall on time. This meant that only three athletes would be cut from the finals. Simon was stoked when he found out yesterday that he would be in the second heat, as the first heat is usually notoriously slow, but unfortunately things didn't go to plan today. Apparently Adams State wanted to make sure all six of their guys advanced automatically, because the three of them in the first heat shot out like cannonballs--on 4-minute pace through 600 meters--breaking the rest of the field and finishing in 4:10. The final runner in the first heat finished in 4:13--much faster than Simon wanted the race to go--and as a result he was forced to run for his life from the gun. He did his best but couldn't respond when the pace changed at halfway and struggled to a 4:16 finish. He would not go on to the finals.


Nelson preparing for his race

Next up was Nelson in the 800. Also in the second heat, he would have the advantage of seeing those before him. The first heat wasn't as slow as he'd hoped, but wasn't untouchable either, and I knew Nelson would have a chance to advance if he ran smart. Though he didn't end up running one of his fastest times, he competed well and hung on when the pack kicked the final lap. He nabbed the 9th and final spot for tomorrow's finals, which means he will claim All-American honors if he can beat one guy.



The rest of the meet was fairly predictable. Adams destroyed the field in the men's DMR, and Jessica Pixler ran down Neely Spence to earn Seattle Pacific the women's DMR title. Tanya and I watched this race with interest, as several of our competitors for tomorrow night were competing in tonight's DMR. Naturally, we're hoping they're all too exhausted from their efforts today to challenge for the top spots tomorrow. Could be wishful thinking, but I'm going to run with it. Pun intended.

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Rio Grande River Trail

PM: 51 mins. (7 miles)
4 laps on the track = 800m
Total: 7.5 miles



This morning we departed our home in Santa Fe and traveled down the mountain to Albuquerque. Our residence for the next few days will be the Holiday Inn Express--not quite as exotic as the Hotel St. Francis, but not as creepy either (and it has a bigger fridge and microwave). Though still incredibly windy, the temperatures in ABQ are noticeably warmer than in Santa Fe, and blue skies welcomed us into town.


Yup, it's this flat the entire way. Heaven.

Jenna and Tanya promised me a flat run this afternoon, and they did not disappoint. Just a few minutes' drive from our hotel is the Rio Grande River, and alongside it runs a pancake flat bike path and dirt/gravel trail. I was in heaven. Don't get me wrong; this would be boring if it became a daily run, but after all our mountainside shenanigans on this trip it was a much needed respite. Take a look at our run time too--we actually averaged 7:15s today as opposed to 7:45+ on other days with the same amount of effort. Obviously the drop in altitude factors into that, as does the change in terrain. Whatever the case, it makes me pretty happy.


Not quite dressed to compete just yet

After the run we took a quick trip to the convention center to do a few laps on the track. Stepping inside and seeing the venue was the first time I felt a wave of nervousness wash over me, but it quickly subsided once Tanya and I strapped on our spikes and stepped on the track. Simmons wanted us to do a few laps at race pace just to get a feel for the rhythm. It felt relaxed and easy, just as we'd hoped. Now there's not much to do between now and Saturday except to rest up, relax and cheer on our teammates.


QU at the pre-meet banquet. Not a bad looking group.


TZ + MN

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Cerrillos Adventure

AM: 62 mins. (8+ miles)
PM: 3 miles


Always nice to wake up to a snowstorm.

When we woke up to discover that six inches of snow had fallen overnight, we knew that running on the rail trail was not an option. Simmons' idea was basically to start driving in the direction of ABQ until there was no snow on the ground, pull over on a dirt road and have at it. So that's what we did. About 30 minutes after leaving the hotel we stumbled on the ghost town of Cerrillos, New Mexico, which looked as though it could double as a set for a horror movie (probably one with zombies). Despite the portent of danger, Simmons had no qualms about dropping us off and tasking us with running out and back along a deserted farm road. Okay so I'm kidding a bit; it wasn't at all dangerous (just slightly creepy), and zombies aside the run ended up being pretty fun.


Jenna, Tanya and me doing work at 5600 feet

It didn't start out that way, however. We embarked directly into a stiff headwind, at least 20mph, that chilled us to the bone. Normally we're a chatty bunch but the gusts literally took our breath away for the first few miles. Absent Simon due to an aching foot, it was up to me, Tanya, Nelson and Jenna to put one foot in front of the other in determined silence. The good news, of course, is that we eventually reached the turnaround point. What a relief. The second half of the run was infinitely more enjoyable than the first, and we were actually able to appreciate the stark beauty of our surroundings. I was also tremendously encouraged by how much more relaxed my breathing felt than on previous days. Today we were down at 5600 feet, as opposed to Santa Fe's 7000, which means (I hope) that I'll feel even more normal when we travel down to ABQ tomorrow.

.
I bet the zombies are up there in the fog somewhere.


Posing for a quick post-run photo with Coach and Sheepers

After the run we were equal parts tired, cold and in need of refreshment. We opted to drive a few miles to nearby Madrid in search of a place to change clothes and a warm beverage. Only slightly less of a ghost town than Cerrillos, Madrid's main drag consisted of a handful of quaint shops and not much else. Fortunately we lucked out and stumbled across Java Junction, a tiny coffee shop which turned out to be nothing short of awesome. Great drinks--I had a heavenly Mexican chocolate mocha--cool knick-knacks and a laid-back atmosphere completely fitting with its remote surroundings. (I also got a kick out of a variety of magnets for sale with slogans like "Clowns are people too...people who want to hurt you" and "I'm gay but I don't really like rainbows." Funny stuff.) Warm and content, our makeshift family piled back into the Tahoe with another successful run under our belts and, of course, another adventure in the books.


Best (and only) coffee shop in Madrid, NM

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Up In the Air

AM: 15 mins. core
4 miles
PM: 3 mile w/u
Target: 3x800 @2:45, 400 @75; 2x200 @fast; all w/full recovery
Actual: 2:43, 2:44, 2:44, 73, 32-low, 31-high
2 mile c/d
Total: ~7.5 miles

My second full day in Santa Fe proved to be just as much an adventure as my first. We started things off with an easy run designed to shake things out for this afternoon's pre-race workout. Though still laboring from the altitude, I already feel slightly better than yesterday, which is an encouraging sign. After the run, I set out with Tanya and Jenna to achieve our real mission for the morning: breakfast. We spied a promising brunch menu at a restaurant around the corner last night and decided to try it out today. I will let the photo below speak for itself, but suffice it to say that we couldn't move from our booth for several minutes after indulging ourselves in these treats.


All 3 of us joined the clean plate club. Respect it.

Once we were able to function normally again, we decided to grab Simon and Nelson and take a scenic drive up to the top of a nearby mountain in hopes of snapping some sweet photos. Somehow I missed the memo that we were going up into the snowy peaks and opted to wear flip flops on this outing...not too smart. At any rate, the climb up to 10,000 feet was totally worth the effort (even though Simon nearly got carsick from the hairpin turns on the way up), and even I was able to frolic about in the idyllic natural setting for a few minutes before my toes went completely numb.


Shenanigans


Snow angels?

Three o'clock rolled around soon enough, and it was time to pile into our rented Tahoe and journey to a nearby high school track. We actually lucked out and scored some decent weather for this outing; sunny and 44 meant it was warm enough to wear shorts, though the blustery winds kept us from standing around too long between intervals. As far as the workout itself, this was really just about getting the legs turning over while dealing with the altitude effects. In fact, the main objective was not to run too fast...wish I heard that more often in a workout! With that in mind, Tanya and I elected to wear trainers for the 800s, then spikes for the remainder. I wish I could say this felt easy and relaxed, but unfortunately I'm still not adjusted to being up in the clouds, which meant I was huffing and puffy pretty much the entire way. I didn't necessarily find this discouraging, just frustrating, especially since Tanya didn't seem to be struggling nearly as much as I was. I know everyone adapts to the altitude in different ways, and I know I'll start to feel better soon, but let's just hope it's before Saturday.



Naturally, a post-workout photo shoot ensued. It's not every day you have a postcard backdrop.


One of Nelson's never before seen talents


Jenna and Simmons, our fearless leaders

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Rail Trail Hell

AM: 55 mins. (7 miles)
PM: 32 mins. (4 miles) + strides, strength


Our starting point at the rail trail

Wow. The run this morning was absolutely ridiculous. For my initiation at 7000 feet, we ran at the rail trail, which is what it sounds like: a trail that runs beside train tracks. The group did their long runs out there yesterday morning and found it agreeable, although fairly hilly and somewhat technical the first few miles. What changed between then and now was the amount of rainfall the area experienced yesterday, rendering much of the trail a muddy mess. Naturally, we were already committed to the cause before realizing this, which meant portions of this run were spent slipping and sliding around as though on a muddy ice skating rink. The mud was so thick and gloopy (yes, I said gloopy) in some spots that it adhered to our feet not unlike snowshoes, which provided an overall effect of running with ankle weights. So between the mud, the altitude (palpable within the first few minutes) and the searing wind, I was audibly cursing Santa Fe (nay, the entire state of New Mexico) on the way back. Simply put, this run was awful.


One of the flatter sections of the rail trail. At least the view was nice.

Things didn't improve much for me over the course of the afternoon when it started snowing. In fact, I'm beginning to believe that the snow is following me across the entire country. Don't believe me? Let's consider the past few weeks. Two weekends ago I was in NYC, enveloped by the largest snowstorm to hit the city this winter. Today, it's 50 degrees there. I returned to Charlotte only for it to snow last Tuesday; this afternoon, Jordan ran shirtless. And now we have the snow here in New Mexico. I just can't win.

I'll be more positive tomorrow, promise. After all, it's spring break and I'm on an all-expenses paid runner's vacation. But a girl's gotta vent every once in a while.

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Westward Bound

AM: 74 mins. (10.5 miles)
PM: Travel

Welcome to the longest day of my life.

Not really, but it certainly felt that way. Fortunately things started off on the right foot with a solid long-ish run with Jordan at McAlpine. I was happy to see him crest the hour mark, a milestone in light of the past few weeks, and to see that he felt no pain on our two trips up the hill. It was even sunny and relatively warm outside and, dare I say it, felt just a little bit like spring. I'll take it.

The rest of the morning and early afternoon passed in a flurry of laundry, packing and otherwise preparing for the trip out West. Jenna and I left around 4pm for New Mexico--for various reasons, the rest of the team left last night--stopping for an hour layover in Phoenix. Once we arrived in Albuquerque around 11pm desert time--1pm to my tired, bedraggled body--we still had to shuttle over to the rental car center to pick up a sweet ride for our hourlong drive to the Hotel St. Francis in Santa Fe. That's right, we're spending the first half of our trip in Santa Fe. Simmons decided this would help us get acclimated to the altitude, seeing as Santa Fe sits at 7000 feet (ABQ is "only" 5000). All of this meant that Jenna and I didn't arrive at our hotel until past 1, exhausted and desperate for a good night's sleep. I hope our trip includes lots of rest, because I'm going to need it after this busy weekend.

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