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New PR in the Steeple!

March 27, 2010 (Morning)

Exercise Type: Run

Weather: 50s

Comments:
Entered at U of M college park meet as an unattached, under the auspices of "Georgetown Running Company." First time running the Steeple Chase in 2 years, and though I'd done one hurdle workout this season, I hadn't not nearly as much preparation as in college. I also hadn't jumped a water hazard in 2 years, though I'd done some practice on dry land a few days ago. The last time I set my PR (10:31) was sophomore year at NESCAC championships, which I was peaking for.

Warmed up a mile with plenty of drills and active stretches for a good 45 minutes. When I took off my socks, something I only do in this race (otherwise they'd get soaked), my mind just clicked and I got really excited. Race got out nice and smooth and I settled in toward the back of the pack (there were 16 of us, 2 with seed times similar to mine). First hurdles were crowded of course, and I deliberately put myself in last place to avoid tripping over anyone.

First water jump went smoothly, and after that I settled into a rhythm. Passed a panting runner from Salisbury University in lap 2 or 3, and hung onto the back of the now strung-out pack of the rest of the race. Each time I went over the water pit cleanly, I felt my confidence soar. It's just so satisfying to land with a splash and literally take it in stride, your second foot coming down nearly on dry land. My pace always seemed to naturally get faster on that subsequent 80m, either from momentum or boosted confidence. I cleared every barrier cleanly as well, almost always on the same foot. I think too much about it; it's like riding a bike - my body just remembered what to do. During the 2nd to last lap, the sound of the bell and prospect of getting lapped helped wake me up and get me turn on some speed and I ended bringing my split down significantly. As I entered the final lap, I realized another Salisbury guy was definitely in range and so I went for him, reeling him in the entire lap and silently rejoicing in his sloppy form over the hurdles (which meant he must be pretty tired). I should have made it my goal to catch up to him by the water hazard and pass him with superior landing like I did at Amherst 4 years ago, but instead I caught him on the last barrier, at which point he put up a hell of a fight, beating me by a second. Wish I had more kick, or had put more steam into it, or started earlier.

Regardless, I beat my old PR by 2 seconds, and broke through the 10:30 barrier, so I came away very pleased. I eager to run it more.

Laps:
41 (opening 220m with no hurdles)
81
84
83 (finally, my goal pace)
86
87
83
82